Dis Friends are the best friends! A perfect trip in so many ways even without a ride on Dinosaur!12/7-12/11 Christmas Trip

[suse66]

How many cocktails are too many cocktails???


We were both happy to stretch out in the room and relax after all the fun in MK. We planned to meet Irene and Evan at Geyser Point at 6:00 so this gave us a bit of time to relax. After a while we decided to get ready....a quick shower and full costume change and we were on our way. We decided to grab a Lyft over to the Lodge and had no issues being admitted at the gate after telling the guard we were heading to Geyser Point. Of course we had to go through the main lobby to see the best tree at Disney!

We were happy to see there was a photopass photographer by the tree and had a fun impromptu photoshoot!


We had to do the classic ears shot!



We loved the classic "Joy" sign as well. After all what inspires joy more than being in Disney at Christmas!

We headed over to meet Irene and Evan who were waiting at Geyser Point. It was SO packed there this evening and we were told it would be at least an 1/2 hour wait. I guess the word is out about Geyser Point! So we bailed on Geyser and headed into the Territory Lounge. Evan scoped out a table for 4 and we nabbed it before anyone else did. I went for the Northwoods (Bulleit Rye Whiskey | House-made Rosemary Syrup | Citrus Juices | Maple).

I am afraid we were too busy chatting and having fun to take notes but I did manage to snag a picture of me and Irene thanks to Caroline.​

After finishing up our first round we decided to head off to the boat dock and take the launch over to the Contemporary. It is wonderful to have the blue flag launch back again! Steakhouse 71 Lounge was our destination and it was incredible. I went for the Last Concourse (Fords Gin, Lemon Juice, Raspberry, Sage) while Caroline had the French 71 (Courvoisier VS Cognac, Prosecco, Pear Nectar, Agave Syrup, Lemon Juice). She wasn't as keen on her choice so we traded.




We also went for appies here picking their top 4.
​

Lump Crab Cakes​

Old Bay Rémoulade, Corn Hash, House-made Saltine Crackers
$16.00​

Loaded Macaroni & Cheese​

Applewood-smoked Bacon and Jalapeño
$12.00
​

Steakhouse 71 Onion Rings​

Hand-breaded with Spicy "Ranch" Dipping Sauce (Plant-based)
$10.00​

PB&J Chicken Wings​

Sweet Peanut Glaze and Jelly Powder

No pictures as we dug right in but I can say that everything was absolutely delicious. The PB&J wings and the mac'n'cheese were my top two although everything was great!

We went upstairs to browse the gift shop and check out the Gingerbread display before heading on the monorail to the Polynesian!​

​

*continued in next post*





​

 

[suse66]

Ohana bread pudding must be had!!

Arriving at the Poly we headed directly to Tambu Lounge. A table was finishing up and we nabbed their table before it was even cleared. We put in our drink orders as well as two orders of bread pudding. Then the waitress tells us it's 10:06 pm and they stop serving food at 10:00 pm. Mind you, tables are still being seated for Ohana so you know bread pudding is available. I basically begged her to let us order but she would not budge! Not very magical.

Then I had a brainwave and told the others I would be right back as I was going on a mission. You know who else serves bread pudding....Kona!! So I scooted over there and asked if there was any way I could order 2 servings of bread pudding to go. They were so kind and said it would be no problem at all. Magic restored!

Coming back to the table I was all smiles with our dessert in hand. The waitress was giving us sour looks as we happily dug in and oohed and ahhed over the yumminess before us.

I went for my beloved Lapu Lapu which never disappoints.

Caroline went for the Backscratcher which went down very well!


Obviously this monorail crawl was going well! You can't waste a drop after all...


Finishing up at Tambu, we decided to head to Enchanted Rose to end the evening. So we piled on the monorail and arrived at the GF only to find they closed at 11 pm!!! Oh well, we got to see the Christmas decor at least.





So we decided to order a Lyft XL and head back to Gran Destino and hit up Dahlia Lounge. The view from here is spectacular!


Caroline went for the fabulous Sangría-Tini (Stolichnaya Vodka, Garnacha Old Vines, Combier Crème de Pêche De Vigne, Sweet-and-Sour).

I went for the Tequila Daisy (Don Julio Blanco Tequila, Torres Magdala Naranjas del Mediterráneo, Grapefruit, Lime, Hibiscus, Soda Water) which was delicious! I couldn't believe we were still drinking cocktails at almost midnight! We were all laughing and chatting as we closed the bar down.


Disney bar crawl success!​

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Disney bar crawl success

It certainly was!

 

[amazingact21]

That was a successful resort bar crawl! It sounds like it was so much fun. What an awesome way to spend the evening with friends.

Steakhouse 71 food...I love that place. But I've actually never tried any of their signature cocktails before. I'll have to rectify that in April.


Wow, I'm surprised by that waitress at Tambu Lounge. The irony of it all is that if she had just let you order the bread pudding there rather than going to Captain Cook's, it would have been added to the bill and increased her gratuity amount.

Man, onion rings, bread pudding, Lapu Lapus, and great company. What a wonderful night. I really like that photo of you both with the Joy sign!

 

[disneyAndi14]

I had the best time doing the monorail crawl with Susan, Irene, and Evan!

Evan was hilarious and he fit in so well with us mature women!

I was a little disappointed that the wait for GP was incredibly long. I think we had waited outside for quite awhile and when we asked, it was still going to be another 30-40 minutes!

This has happened twice now. Thank goodness, Territory Lounge was an option again. It was crazy busy in there. I had a traditional lime margarita and it was very good!

Steakhouse 71 Lounge was a winner and probably my favorite of all our stops! The bartenders are amazing here! We sat at the bar. I sat next to Evan so Susan and Irene could visit more and he had me in stitches. He is a very funny young man and not shy or embarrassed to spend time with us.

I totally agree with Susan, the appetizers here were all so delicious! My rankings for the food were wings, Mac and cheese, onion rings, crab cakes! The food was amazing! I was happy Susan switched drinks with me. I am not a gin fan but her drink was delicious! It was very nice of her!

I really enjoyed checking out the lobbies of the resorts we visited.

I love the gingerbread house at GF. It is very pretty. We were a little shocked that the lounge closed before midnight at GF.

Kudos to Susan for getting us the bread pudding! It was delicious! I found it better than the last time I had it! It redeemed itself!

The CM was a little snarky here! I guess she wanted the night to be done!

I’m so glad we decided on Dalia for the last drink of the night!

We have the same CM, who served me the night before. She was very lovely and didn’t mind us being last call at all! Irene ordered us all the churros for our last snack and I enjoyed them once again!

We had a wonderful evening, now Susan and I didn’t feel quite the same about our late night the next morning! Actually, it was fine but we wet slow going and our stomachs were not happy with us!

Stay tuned for another perfect day! Do we make our 4 park challenge? Do we call it quits and take a nap? All will be answered very soon!

 

[suse66]

It certainly was!

You bet!

Steakhouse 71 food...I love that place. But I've actually never tried any of their signature cocktails before. I'll have to rectify that in April.

So many good choices...you really can't go wrong!

That was a successful resort bar crawl! It sounds like it was so much fun. What an awesome way to spend the evening with friends.

It was such a great night!

Wow, I'm surprised by that waitress at Tambu Lounge. The irony of it all is that if she had just let you order the bread pudding there rather than going to Captain Cook's, it would have been added to the bill and increased her gratuity amount.

Right?? And we would have tipped very well if she had gone out of her way for us.

Man, onion rings, bread pudding, Lapu Lapus, and great company. What a wonderful night. I really like that photo of you both with the Joy sign!

Thank you!

Evan was hilarious and he fit in so well with us mature women!

He really did! He is an awesome young man.

This has happened twice now. Thank goodness, Territory Lounge was an option again. It was crazy busy in there. I had a traditional lime margarita and it was very good!

That's what you had!! I could not remember but I think I was having too much fun to pay attention.

Steakhouse 71 Lounge was a winner and probably my favorite of all our stops! The bartenders are amazing here! We sat at the bar. I sat next to Evan so Susan and Irene could visit more and he had me in stitches. He is a very funny young man and not shy or embarrassed to spend time with us.

Steakhouse 71 was so awesome!! Fodd, drinks, service and convo were all on point!

I totally agree with Susan, the appetizers here were all so delicious! My rankings for the food were wings, Mac and cheese, onion rings, crab cakes! The food was amazing! I was happy Susan switched drinks with me. I am not a gin fan but her drink was delicious! It was very nice of her!

I was happy to! I actually really liked the drink you chose and it was something I wouldn't typically pick.

Kudos to Susan for getting us the bread pudding! It was delicious! I found it better than the last time I had it! It redeemed itself!

I was determined,lol! Don't get between a girl and her bread pudding!

The CM was a little snarky here! I guess she wanted the night to be done!

She was a bit of a special friend for sure.

We have the same CM, who served me the night before. She was very lovely and didn’t mind us being last call at all! Irene ordered us all the churros for our last snack and I enjoyed them once again!

The CM at Dahlia was so lovely! And the churros were great!!

We had a wonderful evening, now Susan and I didn’t feel quite the same about our late night the next morning! Actually, it was fine but we wet slow going and our stomachs were not happy with us!

This is accurate!! We managed but eating all of the cheese danish was NOT a good idea.

 

[ThreeBoyMama]

What a fun night with good company and yummy drinks and food! Well done ladies

 

[pkondz]

After a while we decided to get ready....a quick shower and full costume change and we were on our way.

Costume change, huh? On to the next act!

Of course we had to go through the main lobby to see the best tree at Disney!

Stunning!

You both look great! And so happy!

It was SO packed there this evening and we were told it would be at least an 1/2 hour wait. I guess the word is out about Geyser Point!

Not surprised. I read about it on almost every TR now.

I went for the Northwoods (Bulleit Rye Whiskey | House-made Rosemary Syrup | Citrus Juices | Maple).

I'd try that.

Steakhouse 71 Lounge was our destination and it was incredible.

Really! Well, great!

went for the Last Concourse (Fords Gin, Lemon Juice, Raspberry, Sage)

Another I'd try...

Caroline had the French 71 (Courvoisier VS Cognac, Prosecco, Pear Nectar, Agave Syrup, Lemon Juice)

...and this one.

She wasn't as keen on her choice so we traded.

Nice you can do that. Good to have a friend along.

We also went for appies here picking their top 4.

Those sound good, except... I admit I'd have reservations about those wings. But since you said they were good... I'd like to try them now!

Ohana bread pudding must be had!!

<sigh>

Never have.

We put in our drink orders as well as two orders of bread pudding. Then the waitress tells us it's 10:06 pm and they stop serving food at 10:00 pm. Mind you, tables are still being seated for Ohana so you know bread pudding is available. I basically begged her to let us order but she would not budge! Not very magical.

Unfortunate

Then I had a brainwave and told the others I would be right back as I was going on a mission. You know who else serves bread pudding....Kona!! So I scooted over there and asked if there was any way I could order 2 servings of bread pudding to go. They were so kind and said it would be no problem at all. Magic restored!

Whoa! You is smart!

The waitress was giving us sour looks as we happily dug in and oohed and ahhed over the yumminess before us.

Heh. And too bad about your tip, lady.

Finishing up at Tambu, we decided to head to Enchanted Rose to end the evening. So we piled on the monorail and arrived at the GF only to find they closed at 11 pm!!!

Well, poop.

Caroline went for the fabulous Sangría-Tini (Stolichnaya Vodka, Garnacha Old Vines, Combier Crème de Pêche De Vigne, Sweet-and-Sour).

Another I'd try.

I went for the Tequila Daisy (Don Julio Blanco Tequila, Torres Magdala Naranjas del Mediterráneo, Grapefruit, Lime, Hibiscus, Soda Water) which was delicious!

I'd try that too.

Hmmm... We must have similar tastes...

I couldn't believe we were still drinking cocktails at almost midnight!

Not planning rope drop I take it.

 

[pkondz]

I had the best time doing the monorail crawl with Susan, Irene, and Evan!

Evan was hilarious and he fit in so well with us mature women!

Great! Glad he fit in so well.

I was a little disappointed that the wait for GP was incredibly long. I think we had waited outside for quite awhile and when we asked, it was still going to be another 30-40 minutes!

You had already waited a while?!?

Steakhouse 71 Lounge was a winner and probably my favorite of all our stops!

I'll need to remember this.

I sat next to Evan so Susan and Irene could visit more and he had me in stitches. He is a very funny young man and not shy or embarrassed to spend time with us.

Good!

My rankings for the food were wings, Mac and cheese, onion rings, crab cakes!

Another vote for those wings! Definitely gotta try them.

Kudos to Susan for getting us the bread pudding! It was delicious! I found it better than the last time I had it! It redeemed itself!

I'll get it... some day.

We had a wonderful evening, now Susan and I didn’t feel quite the same about our late night the next morning!

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

I was determined,lol! Don't get between a girl and her bread pudding!

I like your style! Way to go getting that pudding!

 

[disneyAndi14]

We were happy to see there was a photopass photographer by the tree and had a fun impromptu photoshoot!

This was a really nice spot for pictures and some of my favorites of the trip!

I am afraid we were too busy chatting and having fun to take notes but I did manage to snag a picture of me and Irene thanks to Caroline.

This is really nice of you two! I love it

Coming back to the table I was all smiles with our dessert in hand. The waitress was giving us sour looks as we happily dug in and oohed and ahhed over the yumminess before us.

I was very proud of you! Mostly for my own selfish reasons Heart set on bread pudding! Thank you

I went for the Tequila Daisy (Don Julio Blanco Tequila, Torres Magdala Naranjas del Mediterráneo, Grapefruit, Lime, Hibiscus, Soda Water) which was delicious!

I didn‘t know that was your drink, lol it sounds and looks delicious! May need to try this some day. I love Dahlia!

 

[disneyAndi14]

You had already waited a while?!?

Yes, it was ridiculously long! I do love GP but apparently so does everyone else

I'll need to remember this.

Go to Steakhouse 71 lounge don’t forget.

Another vote for those wings! Definitely gotta try them.

These wings are decadent and simple all in one with amazing flavors!

 

[franandaj]

The salad was fresh and crisp and they certainly didn't skimp on the chicken.

That was certainly a nice bit of chicken.

It was such a pleasure to see them all.

How nice to meet up with friends.

Luckily we pretty much walked right on!

Score!

Coming off the ride I was happy to find the pair of Tiki bird ears I had been coveting in the gift shop and treated myself to them.

That's very nice. I don't like ears, they're uncomfortable on my head.

We had also been texting with my friend Irene. She and I grew up in PEI together but I had not seen her in over 35 years as she lives in Texas. We reconnected through our mutual love of all things Disney and I was very happy to see her today.

Nice! Another meet up!

We were happy to see there was a photopass photographer by the tree and had a fun impromptu photoshoot!

Very cute photos!

We had to do the classic ears shot!

Looks Great!

We headed over to meet Irene and Evan who were waiting at Geyser Point. It was SO packed there this evening and we were told it would be at least an 1/2 hour wait. I guess the word is out about Geyser Point!

Well, let's hope its not that packed during my trip in April, over Spring Break, fat chance.

I went for the Northwoods (Bulleit Rye Whiskey | House-made Rosemary Syrup | Citrus Juices | Maple).

Hmmm, that sounds a bit strong for me....

Steakhouse 71 Lounge was our destination and it was incredible. I went for the Last Concourse (Fords Gin, Lemon Juice, Raspberry, Sage) while Caroline had the French 71 (Courvoisier VS Cognac, Prosecco, Pear Nectar, Agave Syrup, Lemon Juice). She wasn't as keen on her choice so we traded.

I think I'd prefer the gin drink here....

Arriving at the Poly we headed directly to Tambu Lounge. A table was finishing up and we nabbed their table before it was even cleared. We put in our drink orders as well as two orders of bread pudding. Then the waitress tells us it's 10:06 pm and they stop serving food at 10:00 pm. Mind you, tables are still being seated for Ohana so you know bread pudding is available. I basically begged her to let us order but she would not budge! Not very magical.

I'll remember this for April and be sure to get in there before 10PM

Then I had a brainwave and told the others I would be right back as I was going on a mission. You know who else serves bread pudding....Kona!! So I scooted over there and asked if there was any way I could order 2 servings of bread pudding to go. They were so kind and said it would be no problem at all. Magic restored!

Brilliant!

I went for my beloved Lapu Lapu which never disappoints.

I love that drink! I want one in April!

Obviously this monorail crawl was going well! You can't waste a drop after all...

Love it!

I couldn't believe we were still drinking cocktails at almost midnight! We were all laughing and chatting as we closed the bar down.

Not unbelievable, fun people, flowing cocktails, time gets away from you.

Steakhouse 71 Lounge was a winner and probably my favorite of all our stops! The bartenders are amazing here! We sat at the bar.

I'm thinking a monorail crawl is a perfect idea

We were a little shocked that the lounge closed before midnight at GF.

I would be too.

Kudos to Susan for getting us the bread pudding! It was delicious!

That was a brilliant idea!

The CM was a little snarky here! I guess she wanted the night to be done!

Yeah, I understand that, but she forgot about the magic.

Stay tuned for another perfect day! Do we make our 4 park challenge? Do we call it quits and take a nap?

 

[pkondz]

Yes, it was ridiculously long! I do love GP but apparently so does everyone else

So I see

Go to Steakhouse 71 lounge don’t forget.

I'll do my best.

 

[suse66]

Costume change, huh? On to the next act!

Exactly!

You both look great! And so happy!

Thank you! Pretty hard not be happy at the Wilderness Lodge during Christmas!

Not surprised. I read about it on almost every TR now.

I know.... I think afternoon is still ok but it is really getting busy at dinner time.

Those sound good, except... I admit I'd have reservations about those wings. But since you said they were good... I'd like to try them now!

They are fantastic!

Never have.

What???? How????

Not planning rope drop I take it.

Nah, just a 4 parks/1 day challenge. You know, taking it easy.

You had already waited a while?!?

I like your style! Way to go getting that pudding!

When I want something, I want it.

This was a really nice spot for pictures and some of my favorites of the trip!

Mine too!

I was very proud of you! Mostly for my own selfish reasons Heart set on bread pudding! Thank you

We needed that bread pudding. I would have been sad without it.

I didn‘t know that was your drink, lol it sounds and looks delicious! May need to try this some day. I love Dahlia!

Dahlia is one of my favourites!

Yes, it was ridiculously long! I do love GP but apparently so does everyone else

You bet! It is SO popular now!

These wings are decadent and simple all in one with amazing flavors!

They were amazing!

That's very nice. I don't like ears, they're uncomfortable on my head.

They can be uncomfortable but I'll suffer for the cuteness factor.

Very cute photos!

Thank you!

Well, let's hope its not that packed during my trip in April, over Spring Break, fat chance.

You'll be a hop, skip and a dance away in the cabin so will be able to easily keep an eye on the crowds.

I'll remember this for April and be sure to get in there before 10PM

Definitely!

Not unbelievable, fun people, flowing cocktails, time gets away from you.

It sure does!

I'm thinking a monorail crawl is a perfect idea

100%!

I'll do my best.

You won't regret it.

 

[pkondz]

Thank you! Pretty hard not be happy at the Wilderness Lodge during Christmas!

Definitely!!

What???? How????

I know… I know….

Some day.

Nah, just a 4 parks/1 day challenge. You know, taking it easy.

 

[Wood Nymph]

So we bailed on Geyser and headed into the Territory Lounge. Evan scoped out a table for 4 and we nabbed it before anyone else did.

We will be staying at the Wilderness Lodge next month and I have a feeling dinner at Geyser Point will still be crowded. Territory Lounge is a great choice and we used to spend quite a bit of time here before they opened Geyser Point.

After finishing up our first round we decided to head off to the boat dock and take the launch over to the Contemporary. It is wonderful to have the blue flag launch back again!

I'm thrilled to have a resort launch back again.

We also went for appies here picking their top 4.

Those appetizers look good. We might need to do a resort crawl next month, too.

Coming back to the table I was all smiles with our dessert in hand. The waitress was giving us sour looks as we happily dug in and oohed and ahhed over the yumminess before us.

That was very smart of you, and sneaky, too.

 

[disneyAndi14]

What a fun night with good company and yummy drinks and food! Well done ladies

Thank you, it really was a perfect evening!

 

[Stacybaeasm]

I might be a little tipsy just from reading about your cocktail evening. What a fun night!

 

[suse66]

We will be staying at the Wilderness Lodge next month and I have a feeling dinner at Geyser Point will still be crowded. Territory Lounge is a great choice and we used to spend quite a bit of time here before they opened Geyser Point.

Territory is a great spot too.Hopefully Geyser Point won't be as busy when you are there.

I'm thrilled to have a resort launch back again.

Same!

Those appetizers look good. We might need to do a resort crawl next month, too.

It's always a fun evening and the food was certainly great at Steakhouse 71.

That was very smart of you, and sneaky, too.

No one can get between me and my bread pudding.

I might be a little tipsy just from reading about your cocktail evening. What a fun night!

It was a very fun night for sure!