Matt's Fall, 2019 adventure with Club 33 and 21 Royal

[cruisehopeful]

Much like Napa Chef's counter, Preferences and allergies were taken into consideration... 8 months prior however in this case. My party had one person with tree nut allergy.

Did one person's request alter everyone's meal? I'm wondering if I said I didn't want a particular type of food, would that prevent the rest of my group from having it?

 

[StormyCA]

If we ever get to WDW, V&A's Chef's table is so on our list.

You really need to go! If you look at pricing, WDW can actually be cheaper than DL. It's just the flights that are a killer. Sounds like a ROAD TRIP to me! The girls would love it!

 

[whoever]

Did one person's request alter everyone's meal? I'm wondering if I said I didn't want a particular type of food, would that prevent the rest of my group from having it?

Yes, I think they alter the entire menu as keeping things separate wouldn't be logistically all that easy.

 

[whoever]

You really need to go! If you look at pricing, WDW can actually be cheaper than DL. It's just the flights that are a killer. Sounds like a ROAD TRIP to me! The girls would love it!

After 3+ days in the vehicle together, I might only have one child left... survival of the fittest and all...

 

[DizMe]

After 3+ days in the vehicle together, I might only have one child left... survival of the fittest and all...

With my group, it would be more like the gingham dog and the calico cat, where they ripped each other to shreds, https://www.mamalisa.com/?t=es&p=6151

 

[Jaina]

Enjoying all this fancy! It's so cool all the attention to detail in everything, and I'm wondering how everything tastes! I geeked out just a little at those beautiful gold wax seals. We don't drink, but my husband enjoys Martinelli's, so I'm definitely going to have to get my hands on some of that better sparkling cider you mentioned! We love that balcony, too. We were lucky enough to spend some time up there one trip (2006, I think) when it was still the gallery, and it was the best to just sit there and observe and soak in the atmosphere. I'm glad we took some pictures, since we had no idea it wouldn't always be available to the public! Same with the Court of Angels. It was always one of my favorite places at Disney, and I may or may not ever see it again. But it's all good. It just makes those places more special in retrospect.

@bethwc101 I think there are definitely tons of big Disney fans in Arizona. But I can't deny that sometimes I wish it was just 2-3 hours closer. I have my first AP this year, and I'm loving it, but that "commute" is killer, especially since I just go for 1-2.5 days at a time with our crazy schedule. I am also taking my child #3 (daughter) for a solo trip for her 10th birthday in June!

If you guys ever do an AZ meeetup, let me know. I would love to meet some fellow disers

Me too! What area do you live in? (We're in north Mesa near the 202)

After 3+ days in the vehicle together, I might only have one child left... survival of the fittest and all...

I feel this. We took a drive to Glendale yesterday afternoon with our 5 to do a little hiking in Thunderbird, and that 40 min drive was just about the death of me.

 

[franandaj]

Thank you for the story on Veuve Clicquot. I had no idea. I'm a big wine fan, and have been since before I was of age! My parents trained me well!
If you're interested in more about the Mdme Leota event you can click here. I was lucky enough to attend and just posted about it a couple days ago.

The whole Chardonnay experience sounds neat. I agree with you on the oaky Chards of times past. I didnt want to feel like I was chewing my wine, so I started switching to Sauvignon Blancs, Chenin Blanc, Sancerres, and Vouvrays.

 

[whoever]

Enjoying all this fancy! It's so cool all the attention to detail in everything, and I'm wondering how everything tastes! I geeked out just a little at those beautiful gold wax seals.

This was literally the best meal of my life. Previously held by Napa Chef's counter. I really need to have one of those wax stamps made up... just so happens I know a guy...

We don't drink, but my husband enjoys Martinelli's, so I'm definitely going to have to get my hands on some of that better sparkling cider you mentioned!

We do a few bottles of Martinelli's every holiday for the kids. I'll definitely be looking into sourcing this for next time.

We love that balcony, too. We were lucky enough to spend some time up there one trip (2006, I think) when it was still the gallery, and it was the best to just sit there and observe and soak in the atmosphere. I'm glad we took some pictures, since we had no idea it wouldn't always be available to the public! Same with the Court of Angels. It was always one of my favorite places at Disney, and I may or may not ever see it again. But it's all good. It just makes those places more special in retrospect.

COA was one of my favorite spots in the park. I feel blessed to still be able to see it from time to time when I can land a reservation.

@bethwc101 I think there are definitely tons of big Disney fans in Arizona. But I can't deny that sometimes I wish it was just 2-3 hours closer. I have my first AP this year, and I'm loving it, but that "commute" is killer, especially since I just go for 1-2.5 days at a time with our crazy schedule. I am also taking my child #3 (daughter) for a solo trip for her 10th birthday in June!

CONGRATS! I had an AP from 14-18 I think. We had family APs from 15-16. Sadly, that is no more.

Me too! What area do you live in? (We're in north Mesa near the 202)

We are central in a historic district. (16th St and Osborn by the Country Club). There's several Disney families I know down by you in Chandler.

I feel this. We took a drive to Glendale yesterday afternoon with our 5 to do a little hiking in Thunderbird, and that 40 min drive was just about the death of me.

Heck, if my kids could just NOT FIGHT ON THE DRIVE TO SCHOOL, I'd be happy.

 

[whoever]

Thank you for the story on Veuve Clicquot. I had no idea. I'm a big wine fan, and have been since before I was of age! My parents trained me well!
If you're interested in more about the Mdme Leota event you can click here. I was lucky enough to attend and just posted about it a couple days ago.

The whole Chardonnay experience sounds neat. I agree with you on the oaky Chards of times past. I didnt want to feel like I was chewing my wine, so I started switching to Sauvignon Blancs, Chenin Blanc, Sancerres, and Vouvrays.

Funny story, back in my early 20s, I would get off from my corporate job and go to work at the local fine wine and beer store (back when there were sole proprietorship vs. big box). I literally got paid to drink great beers and wines, get to go to all the tastings, have distributors plying me with their wares. I never took home a paycheck from that place, but instead picked over the stock and took it at cost. The owner did have to tell me to leave some for the regular customers... LOL.

I scanned your TR, and I can't wait to go back and read it in DETAIL. I really WISH I could have attended that, but schedules and cost just couldn't make it happen. I was VERY tempted though.

 

[StormyCA]

After 3+ days in the vehicle together, I might only have one child left... survival of the fittest and all...

Look into motorhome rentals so the kids can stretch out (of arm's reach). I know you're a good long-distance driver and you could make it in around 5 days, maybe even 4. Takes us 6 pulling a trailer from Nor Cal.

The plus is Fort Wilderness is cheaper than some of the other onsites and there is so much to do! It's our favorite RV park. I'm already counting the days until I can book for next year (June, come ON!).

Not that I'm trying to put ideas into your head or anything, heh heh.

 

[StormyCA]

Yes, I think they alter the entire menu as keeping things separate wouldn't be logistically all that easy.

This is what would sort of make me hesitate because I wouldn't want anyone to feel they were 'missing out' on something because of my dietary restrictions. But, then again, my meal at Club33 was every bit as delicious as my friend's. In fact, she said some of the dishes I had were actually better!

 

[kappyfamily]

Just want to jump in and say I’ve read MANY a trip reports and THIS is an example of how one is done right! Thank you!

 

[MonocularVision]

Count me and my wife in on any future R21 party! We are also in AZ, and thankfully in the far West Valley so we get a solid hour jump on the trip to DL over the East Valley folks.

 

[smercerdiemont]

DH is on board to go! Now to find 10 more people. Thank you for all the beautiful pictures and the details. It was the push I needed to get him to say yes, if the opportunity ever arises.

 

[whoever]

DH is on board to go! Now to find 10 more people. Thank you for all the beautiful pictures and the details. It was the push I needed to get him to say yes, if the opportunity ever arises.

When we get serious about going back, I'll revisit this thread and see who wanted to go.

Look into motorhome rentals so the kids can stretch out (of arm's reach). I know you're a good long-distance driver and you could make it in around 5 days, maybe even 4. Takes us 6 pulling a trailer from Nor Cal.

The plus is Fort Wilderness is cheaper than some of the other onsites and there is so much to do! It's our favorite RV park. I'm already counting the days until I can book for next year (June, come ON!).

Not that I'm trying to put ideas into your head or anything, heh heh.

Oh, I think we could do it in an RV.... as long as everybody had their space. The fuel bill on the other hand...

This is what would sort of make me hesitate because I wouldn't want anyone to feel they were 'missing out' on something because of my dietary restrictions. But, then again, my meal at Club33 was every bit as delicious as my friend's. In fact, she said some of the dishes I had were actually better!

Yeah, if someone had say a shellfish allergy, that might be a tough one to address. Even Gluten sensitivity could be an issue.

Just want to jump in and say I’ve read MANY a trip reports and THIS is an example of how one is done right! Thank you!

Thank you, but we are hardly done...

Count me and my wife in on any future R21 party! We are also in AZ, and thankfully in the far West Valley so we get a solid hour jump on the trip to DL over the East Valley folks.

I'll race ya!! I've been known to make it door to door in under 5 hours.

 

[Malcon10t]

Even Gluten sensitivity could be an issue.

I have a friend who is gluten free, and they always do great by her. (She dines there a couple times a year with various groups!) They don't change everyone's menu for her, but they do alter her dishes as needed.

 

[ten6mom]

Gosh we could get a whole group for this just from Arizona! (Gilbert here!)

 

[haileymarie92]

Another Arizonan who would be in for this!

 

[StormyCA]

I have a friend who is gluten free, and they always do great by her. (She dines there a couple times a year with various groups!) They don't change everyone's menu for her, but they do alter her dishes as needed.

That's me, too. It's good to know that they just alter her dishes. Makes me feel better about asking Whoever to add my name to the list for 2021!

 

[StormyCA]

When we get serious about going back, I'll revisit this thread and see who wanted to go.


Oh, I think we could do it in an RV.... as long as everybody had their space. The fuel bill on the other hand...

Well, when you compare it to airfare for 5, you might be surprised!

Our last trip would have cost us around $1500.00 in diesel to drive direct from Nor Cal to WDW and back. (It cost more because we went to the Smokies & Yellowstone afterwards). Round trip airfare (for TWO) to Orlando on SouthWest (from Sacramento) would have been around $1400.00. Airfare for 5??? Yikes!!! You'd be able to cover fuel and RV parks on the road (we boondock) for the cost of 5 plane tickets.

Heh heh, there I go again, trying to talk you into things! Our kids really enjoyed RVing and were good 'riders', but we just had the two. IMO three kids creates a whole new dynamic!