A Salute to all things Disney, but mostly Magic Bars; a July 4th 2019 TR*update 11/28 new TR link!

[Jenny Sanders]

Those loaded fries are so good. I’ve had them a couple times now. You can never go wrong with a Plaza milkshake. Yum!

 

[MeghanEmily]

Oh my goodness, your picture with Minnie and Mickey from your work trip is so cute and well-coordinated! I can't wait to hear about that trip!

Lunch at the Plaza—what a good idea to satisfy that milkshake craving! Everything looked really good! I keep planning to eat here and then it never works out.

 

[Steppesister]

For the first time I noticed this hanging above me

THere are loads of them. I did a whole post on them in my last TR and found them so cute and charming!

I would love to share our ride photo but in a surprising turn of events, MDE is "unable to handle your request" at this time.

Let's just eat a late lunch AT THE PLAZA! So that's what we did, grabbed a 3:30 lunch so Ricky and I could have our milkshakes. One more reason I prefer not being 100% rigidly scheduled when we go to Disney!

That's great and all, but only if it works... I've tried same day ADRs and most turn up with nothing. I wish Disney would be the same it was 10 years ago when you could be more fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants and still could walk up or count on a same day.

 

[kastoney]

But here's one cool moment of our classroom training:

Is it really a classroom and training when you're wearing ears

❤❤❤

#disneyit
#nomoneytofixit

You really need to give them a break. They are a small company just trying to make it in the world. They'll get better as soon as they start to turn a profit

But then I got a WONDERFUL idea! Let's just eat a late lunch AT THE PLAZA! So that's what we did, grabbed a 3:30 lunch so Ricky and I could have our milkshakes. One more reason I prefer not being 100% rigidly scheduled when we go to Disney!

Amen sister!!!!!!!!!! Milkshakes and flexibility are king!

There were tons of lobster chunks in here and he declared it a "nsbns" winner.

Totally had to google NSBNS because other than being some twist on NKOTB I had no idea what it could be but it doesn't seem to be anything No Smoking Bones? Not Safe Before Noon Sister? No Salads Before New Snacks?

 

[Wood Nymph]

But here's one cool moment of our classroom training:

That is a really cute picture of you.

And I must share this picture I got while away of my granddaughter:

How adorable! She is really getting big.

The Plaza as always was a win and Ricky and I were able to appease our milkshake cravings.

All of the food, especially the milkshakes, look really good.

 

[ariane37]

Anxious to hear about your work trip, but I can definitely imagine how it's bittersweet to be there and not be able to do Disney how you want to and how you're used to. That's how I feel on non-solo trips

LOL! I understand, it's So different and weird and frustrating to tour/be in Disney and not be able to do what you normally do. I know it'll be a different kind of trip when we go with our granddaughter in Sept. but that's OUR choice and we do have a say in the plans, plus Steve and I can go on our own once in awhile if we want. This was.......just frustrating, period. To know there was delicious food out there but have to eat crap was the worst as stuck up as that sounds!

I live most of my life in a constant state of nsbns

Wow 100 people to keep together would be a chore!

Imagine waiting for 99 other people to scan bands to get in a park; or for 99 other people to finish eating; or for 99 other people to get somewhere via boat or monorail and you get the extent of that chore lol!

Disney is for vacation however I am still Jealous of your work trips, haha!

I get it and I shouldn't complain; it's still more fun than the conferences Steve has to go to for Starbucks. Although they've gotten to do brewery scavenger hunts and coffee tastings so..................but it was a LONG 6 days and while many of us often go sun up to sun down when in Disney it's still by our own clocks and level of comfort. My Universal work trip next month will be much more laid back!

That's a great picture of you with Mickey and Minnie!

Thank you It was a surprise, we all had no idea they were coming. You should have seen 100 of us lined up with ears on to meet them lol!

Perhaps they weren't there in July, but it looks like the Golden Oak Outpost in Frontierland has a few milkshake options. They appear to be more "specialty" options as they're Rocky Road and Dulce de Leche flavors rather than the usual chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry... but at least that's something?)

Yes they did have some at the Golden Outpost then but they were those 2 specialty ones and Ricky wanted straight chocolate I wouldn't have minded not getting mine but the Plaza was the only place that had it!

That sounds like a great lunch at The Plaza! Milkshakes and loaded fries sound amazing!

It's such a great little place! Small, and not always easy to get a reservation for that reason. The food isn't anything outrageous or different but it's really good tasty, somewhat "normal" options and the price is right.

One...AJ has a Forky plush. He got it before they recalled them. I thought they brought them back after the recall so maybe this was during the recall time?

Meghan actually told me she got one in Epcot on her last trip! And I did see some kids with them last week so I think they are selling them again. I meant to look last week but didn't really have a chance so it'll be a goal for January I saw one in Target yesterday but it wasn't a plush and I need plush

Also, I love the freaky Goosebumps-looking guys and Gabby Gabby!

Those guys remind me of Charlie McCarthy! He terrifies Ricky on Tower of Terror lol

BTW, did you see VAH is coming back (I'm sure you have). I am hoping to partake again!

I did! I don't think I'd pay the upcharge for Villians Ah though unless they add meet and greets. I also believe they were more crowded than regular AH in MK? Regular after hours was AWESOME in May; hoping for the same in January.. I think I'd be super disappointed if I did one there and it wasn't as casual.

We shall see how the family reacts in November, if we make it. LOL

It's fun to have something new to try!

So not something I need to hurry to experience.

I hate to say that because so many people still enjoy it and it may have been an off day...................if it's something you've wanted to do I say try it. Maybe on an adults only trip?

We enjoy it so much. We probably won't be at WL in June 2020 as I am trying for Beach Club or Boardwalk and I don't know that either of those have an option like this. We may have to make a trip over because it is like tradition for us!

I'm pretty sure they rent them from Yacht Club! But it's certainly a good excuse to visit the WL

 

[ariane37]

Those loaded fries are so good. I’ve had them a couple times now. You can never go wrong with a Plaza milkshake. Yum!

We've never had a bad meal or dish there!

Oh my goodness, your picture with Minnie and Mickey from your work trip is so cute and well-coordinated!

Thank you We originally were wearing our white bottoms and orange matching shirts that day but then our owner changed to have us wear the read shirts and black bottoms. When they walked in it made sense

I can't wait to hear about that trip!

I'm getting anxious to start it but I'll go nuts if I don't finish this first lol

Lunch at the Plaza—what a good idea to satisfy that milkshake craving! Everything looked really good! I keep planning to eat here and then it never works out.

Oh you should try to make it there! It's a great little place with what I think of as comfort food

THere are loads of them. I did a whole post on them in my last TR and found them so cute and charming!

I missed that post! And I have no doubt there are tons, goes to show how observant I am Like I said we seem to just always breeze through the beginning of the line and I must be focusing on getting inside!

I've tried same day ADRs and most turn up with nothing. I wish Disney would be the same it was 10 years ago when you could be more fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants and still could walk up or count on a same day.

That stinks and yes, it doesn't always work. I was surprised we got one but it was at 3:30 so not a real popular lunch or dinner time. It just happened to fit our schedule that day! Steve and I will often do day of or at least night before ADR booking but we also aren't usually set on a particular place. Or we're looking for a signature and unless you're looking for CG or Narcoossee's during fireworks time the sigs are fairly open.

I will add though that it's not as easy during Thanksgiving!

Is it really a classroom and training when you're wearing ears

Not until the ears are turned upside down and filled with booze!
That wasn't done. But it would have been if it was an EPIC classroom training

Amen sister!!!!!!!!!! Milkshakes and flexibility are king!

I honestly function so much better having unplanned time and the ability to change plans up!

otally had to google NSBNS because other than being some twist on NKOTB I had no idea what it could be but it doesn't seem to be anything No Smoking Bones? Not Safe Before Noon Sister? No Salads Before New Snacks?

I love the No Salads Before New Snacks because it's 100% true and should be a rule; however it stands for "Not Starving But Need Something" and since I made it up and the patent is still pending, it hasn't reached google yet

That is a really cute picture of you.

Thank you, I seem to get one good picture of myself a year these days lol

How adorable! She is really getting big.

I know it went fast with my boys but it's unreal how fast it also goes with grandkids I have to say I couldn't wait for her to be more "active" and aware though because I have so much fun playing with her now.

 

[Steppesister]

Like I said we seem to just always breeze through the beginning of the line and I must be focusing on getting inside!

I only noticed that time because the line was long and we were stuck in the outside part for quite a while. I noticed one, and then another and another... hey wait! There are like 15!

That stinks and yes, it doesn't always work. I was surprised we got one but it was at 3:30 so not a real popular lunch or dinner time. It just happened to fit our schedule that day! Steve and I will often do day of or at least night before ADR booking but we also aren't usually set on a particular place. Or we're looking for a signature and unless you're looking for CG or Narcoossee's during fireworks time the sigs are fairly open.

For sure... If you are willing (and you are and were) eating at an off time, it can often work. Glad you found one that worked for you.

 

[ArielSRL]

Yesterday we had a college open house at SUNY Albany for Ricky

Oh my. I bet that has you feeling some kind of way! I would be so torn with excitement for him and sadness for me.

This is Us (great show)

Yesss!

Steve and I in the ROY DISNEY SUITE

I still need to finish reading that report.

Here I'm guessing we'll be eating at DS for lunch possibly? I really hate not knowing!

Not knowing is making me nervous! I hope it all worked out for you!

Any guess as to which resort it is I will have NOT stayed at after CBR?

My guess is AoA but I am probably wrong.

On the other hand maybe it'll make the boys seriously miss me and listen a bit better when I get home???

Let me know if this worked because I have resorted to threatening to leave for a few days so that my 3 (yes, including Chad) boys start to appreciate me more!

 

[ArielSRL]

Let's just eat a late lunch AT THE PLAZA!

I really need to try this one day.

Plaza Loaded Fries
French Fries topped with Melted Cheese, Bacon, Lettuce, Tomatoes, and Ranch Dressing

Looks so yummy!

 

[ArielSRL]

I did! I don't think I'd pay the upcharge for Villians Ah though unless they add meet and greets. I also believe they were more crowded than regular AH in MK? Regular after hours was AWESOME in May; hoping for the same in January.. I think I'd be super disappointed if I did one there and it wasn't as casual.

I really liked the vibe of VAH and I get $30 off as a DVC member (does AP get discounts too?). But I can't compare it to regular AH because I haven't done it. Now, of course, they have announced both. However, only VAH falls on my next adults only trip so that will most likely be the winner because I am not ready t for over the money for two tickets for an 8 and 5 year old.

I'm pretty sure they rent them from Yacht Club! But it's certainly a good excuse to visit the WL

Good to know, though I think driving up close to MK would beat whatever we'd see renting from Yacht!

 

[ariane37]

Not knowing is making me nervous! I hope it all worked out for you!

Well....yes and no lol. I got to eat a little of what I wanted but overall it was a bit NOPE. I really really want to start that TR but I promised myself I'd finish this first!

Let me know if this worked because I have resorted to threatening to leave for a few days so that my 3 (yes, including Chad) boys start to appreciate me more!

in a way it did! Ricky started texting me by like day 3 for no reason so I think he missed me a little But here are other pluses: Steve painted the kitchen ceiling and got the boys to do their own laundry and start putting their dirty dishes in the dishwasher instead of just the sink. So I consider going away for 6 days a win!

I really need to try this one day.

I don't think I realized you'd never been there? You definitely need to go it's great.

I really liked the vibe of VAH and I get $30 off as a DVC member (does AP get discounts too?). But I can't compare it to regular AH because I haven't done it. Now, of course, they have announced both. However, only VAH falls on my next adults only trip so that will most likely be the winner because I am not ready t for over the money for two tickets for an 8 and 5 year old.

That makes sense. If it was the only one during one of our trips I might end up doing it; hopefully for you and for the regular AH in January the crowds are good.

 

[ariane37]

How was everyone's Halloween? We had kind of crappy weather so we had ZERO trick or treaters. We don't normally get a lot but a few so it wasn't a huge difference but I do have too much candy left now! Chris went out with a bunch of friends and had a blast; Ricky and his friends all sat home because apparently they are now too old to even go anywhere on Halloween

Then over the weekend I went to a local flea market. They have it a few times a year and I used to go all the time but now haven't been in ages. If you've ever watched the show "Flea Market Flip" they sometimes film from the Stormville Flea Market-that's right here I got some small stuff as did my friend; there's a few people selling their used stuff and then vendors with new products like homemade wooden signs for our homes:



Anyone want one?

So back to July! We had done some time in MK ending with milkshakes and more and were now going back to the Contemporary. Steve wanted to walk and I wouldn't have minded but Ricky's foot was pretty swollen and painful at this point so we took the monorail while the other 2 did walk. Yes you read that right, Chris agreed to walk with Steve! Stranger things have happened...........we were the lucky ones though because it started pouring about a third of the way through their walk.

Forgive the word-heavy first part of this post; I promise I have pictures! It was around 5 now and the plan tonight was to meet up with friends to see Illuminations, drink, eat. Ricky was out due to his foot and we didn't blame him and as many of you know if staying in bed is an option Chris picks it! I honestly can't remember exactly where we all were meeting up but I think possibly Tutto Gusto? Well, that rain from earlier had just intensified and was showing no sign of letting up so we changed plans around to meet at the Beach Club and hang here:



Not my picture! This would keep us near Epcot if the rain let up later.
Who is "us"?




Well Steve and I of course along with Melinda and Mr. @pepperandchips and Renee @ArielSRL and family! Sorry I don't have pics of the guys for some reason but I do have this which is even prettier:



Missing 2 as Renee hadn't arrived yet but believe me they jumped right in! This was our first time at this lounge and while it wasn't anything all that special look-wise it did get pretty busy and the drinks and food (and company ❤) were great. Renee and family had just had a TS dinner so they weren't starving but the pepperandchipses and Steve and I ordered enough for everyone and I want to share here what we got because really everything was delicious!

Loaded Tots
Crispy Tater Tots served with Sour Cream, Cheese, Green Onions, and Bacon



Notice they actually call them tater tots and not potato barrels like at Disney restaurants? But they were just as crisp and tasty as anywhere else on property, not sure how they do it but they make them taste better than eating them at home! Pretty sure we all partook of these

Buffalo-glazed Wings
Served with Celery Sticks and Blue Cheese Dip




I don't usually eat wings so didn't waste stomach space here; I believe Steve and R (Mr. P&C) did justice to these and deemed them very, very good. A few of us noshed on this:

Artisan Cheese Plate
Selection of Cheeses and Seasonal Accompaniments



And this:

Chips and Dip
House-made Chips served with a French Onion Dip



Soooo good. I spent most of my time with the chips and dip and tater totsWe love lounges and I wouldn't hesitate to hang here again! Especially if this guy is there:




That's Renee's son Will showing me his muscles by the way And see behind him? Around maybe 8ish there was a guy singing; he was pretty good!

As it approached 9:00 we realized the rain had let up and decided to go forth to Epcot for what was supposed to be Melinda's last viewing of Illuminations although I believe she was able to see it again in August? And I think it did end up being Renee's last time too? We got there right before it started and still got a great spot for our group near the U.K.

We'll finish saying our good-bye's in the next post which I'm doing right now!

 

[ariane37]

Hi! So we stood and watched and some who were not me may have cried. RIP Illuminations:



This guy made it both easy and hard for me to not be with my boys!



I know we had somebody take a shot of all of us but unfortunately I can't locate that. @pepperandchips or @ArielSRL do you have it?

None of us were quite ready to end the night so we now move over to the Crew's Cup at Yacht Club for more food and beverages. It did start raining on our way over and as you know Disney resorts will put out towels for guests to dry off with when coming in from the rain. Will took advantage of this to dry himself and his wheels off:



While his brother AJ and Melinda seriously contemplated what to order:



I know I had sangria and Melinda and Ryan got sliders to eat, but the only other thing I can remember is that myself and I believe Renee got this monster of a pretzel-hey fireworks make you hungry!!



That is a delicious "everything" pretzel with a mustard and cheese dip and spoiler alert if you're going to follow my Oct work trip TR - I had this again and will have it more

It was at least 9:30 when we arrived; I don't know how late we stayed but it was late and the little ones were getting tired. I also wanted to see how Ricky's foot was and assumed they were hungry but found out they'd walked to Contempo Cafe and gotten food. We finally dragged ourselves out of there and said our good-bye's as we wouldn't be seeing each other again this trip. What we didn't know at the time was that we'd see Melinda again the next month and will be seeing all of them again in January!!!!!!! It was a great night with good friends, the best kind of Disney night that lucky for us is happening more and more often

 

[ArielSRL]

How was everyone's Halloween? We had kind of crappy weather so we had ZERO trick or treaters. We don't normally get a lot but a few so it wasn't a huge difference but I do have too much candy left now!

OMG, it was s cold here! The temp dropped like 40 degrees from the day til the night! We are used to short sleeves in GA but our neighborhood was still nice and I took the boys, wearing my Vera Bradley Mickey blanket, while Chad manned the candy in the driveway!

vendors with new products like homemade wooden signs for our homes:

My boys would love this! LOL

Sorry I don't have pics of the guys for some reason but I do have this which is even prettier:

Yes, yes, it is pretty!

Loaded Tots
Crispy Tater Tots served with Sour Cream, Cheese, Green Onions, and Bacon

These look so good right now!

Especially if this guy is there:

My Willie P! He just loved you to death, Ariane!

And I think it did end up being Renee's last time too?

It wasn't supposed to be, but it was.

 

[ArielSRL]

This guy made it both easy and hard for me to not be with my boys!

So sweet!

I know we had somebody take a shot of all of us but unfortunately I can't locate that. @pepperandchips or @ArielSRL do you have it?

I think Melinda has it. I just looked and I did not have it. But I do remember it!

Will took advantage of this to dry himself and his wheels off:

While his brother AJ and Melinda seriously contemplated what to order:

Great photos of my boys!

myself and I believe Renee got this monster of a pretzel-hey fireworks make you hungry!!

OMG, I forgot about this! It was huge!

will be seeing all of them again in January!!!!!!!

Wahoo!

It was a great night with good friends, the best kind of Disney night that lucky for us is happening more and more often

Truth!

 

[buzzrelly]

How was everyone's Halloween? We had kind of crappy weather so we had ZERO trick or treaters. We don't normally get a lot but a few so it wasn't a huge difference but I do have too much candy left now! Chris went out with a bunch of friends and had a blast; Ricky and his friends all sat home because apparently they are now too old to even go anywhere on Halloween

Well, Nicholas worked and Allie went to her boyfriend's house to hand out candy I looked at MIke at around 5:30 and said, "this is what an empty nest feels like."

Luckily, my mom came over soon after and she stayed at my house handing out candy and Mike and I went trick or treating with my little niece The weather was bizzarro, it was super windy and kind of drizzly, but fortunately the real rain held off until we were about two houses from home.

Who is "us"?

Aw, great pic

This guy made it both easy and hard for me to not be with my boys!

Sweet, he's adorable

While his brother AJ and Melinda seriously contemplated what to order:

I believe Renee got this monster of a pretzel-hey fireworks make you hungry!!

That is a delicious "everything" pretzel with a mustard and cheese dip and spoiler alert if you're going to follow my Oct work trip TR - I had this again and will have it more

That looks AMAZING!

 

[disneyAndi14]

I can’t for the life of me picture a lounge in BC?? Where is it? The food looks good. I am starting to get into lounge visits. I think we are going to try more in January! The food is usually good and a little different than the usual Disney fare.
It looks like a very nice evening with friends!

 

[kittylady1972]

Ok so that pretzel looks pretty good. I have to say for my upcoming short trip I just learned none of these ladies have every been to the Boardwalk area. So I think we could easily spend some time walking around Boardwalk and over to Y&BC and maybe stopping at that lounge! Adding it to my list of things to do in 3 short Disney days!

Of course the food at the other place also looks good.

How fun that you were able to do a nice group meet up!

 

[Wood Nymph]

We had three inches of snow on Halloween. It looked like a blizzard out there with blowing snow. Luckily the snow stopped around the time the kids got out of school. And many of the kids, especially the little ones, were excited to play in the snow. But we only got about half the kids we usually do and have plenty of candy left.

Steve wanted to walk and I wouldn't have minded but Ricky's foot was pretty swollen and painful at this point so we took the monorail while the other 2 did walk.

How is Ricky doing now? Is he playing basketball this year?

Loaded Tots
Crispy Tater Tots served with Sour Cream, Cheese, Green Onions, and Bacon

We ordered these at Martha's Vineyard and they would have been better if the bartender wasn't so busy that he forgot about them and they sat under a warming light for awhile.

I can’t for the life of me picture a lounge in BC?? Where is it? The food looks good. I am starting to get into lounge visits. I think we are going to try more in January! The food is usually good and a little different than the usual Disney fare.
It looks like a very nice evening with friends!

It is located between Cape May and Ariel's. You walk right past it when going out the door that is closest to Storm Along Bay. It isn't a very exciting lounge and absolutely easy to miss.