Nov17: Shhh…Don’t Tell the Kids , Husband or Podiatrist

[lovingeire]

It might take that...I have really gone into a shell since all those once yummy Disney cupcakes gave me indigestion and I swore off cupcakes in any form.

I understand, but I'll still drag you! Jan and I will be there! It will be fun! And there will be drinks!

 

[ashw100]

Loving all your choices for F&W. I think your goal to finish the race is good, no reason to push yourself if you're still recovering. Less then four weeks to go!

 

[momabaarjo]

Monday, November 6
Hakuna Matata Day

FP: Buzz Light Year, Haunted Mansion & 7DMT
ADR: Be Our Guest with @lovingeire & Jan

​

After burning both ends of the Disney candle I am going attempt to sleep in just a little bit and have a Hakuna Matata Day…no worries, no real solid plans (well sort of) because I do have that new experience bucket list going on and have dinner planned in the Magic Kingdom with runDisney friends Jan & Gretchen at BOG and a few nighttime FP. But I am just compiling a list of things I MIGHT like to do, then live in the moment and go with WHAT I WANT TO DO that morning.

​

So what is on my Hakuna Matata List?
1. Expedition Everest Challenge-My personal challenge on how many times I can ride EE before tapping out due an almost 50 tummy! My record is 6. Can I do 7?
2. Window Shop at Disney Springs
3. Eat at Homecoming/Shine Bar
4. Relax in the pool at CSR.
5. Eat lunch at the Brown Derby Lounge.
6. Take an Uber over to the Disney Outlet Store
7. Take the tour “Behind the Seeds” at Living with the Land


I need to be in at Magic Kingdom around 5:30 as I have a few FP scheduled before meeting up with runDisney & DIS friends Gretchen & Jan for dinner at BOG, 7DMT and Happily Ever After. I am finishing off the day with the Kiss Goodnight.

​

What is on my definite New Experience List?
1. Happily Ever After
2. Kiss Goodnight

 

[momabaarjo]

I am so sorry...I am a week behind on my countdown. Too many crazy things happening in my life right now!

28-27-26-25-24-23-22-21-20-19-18 Days till Disney,
18 Food & Wine Booths to Go
​

In my PTR reports (and sometimes in my TR) I like to do some type of countdown. For this trip I am going to take a closer look at the menus of the 35 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booths (Why 35? To Celebrate Epcot’s 35 Years) and tell you what I am planning to sample and sip. My goal is to attempt to sample (but not sip, because I am not a beer or dry wine gal) something at each booth, which for some booths is way too easy because I want the entire menu and others I just want to bypass!

#28 Canada

Food:
· Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup served with a Pretzel Roll
· “Le Cellier” Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle-Butter Sauce (GF)

Beverages:
· Moosehead Radler: Lager infused with Grapefruit, Grape and Lemon Juices
· Neige Premiere “Apple Ice Wine”, Québec
· Fielding Estate Red Conception, Niagara Peninsula

​

The menu still has not changed nor should it because it’s the most popular menu/booth at F&W. Basically I will take it all minus the beer!

#27 The Cheese Studio

Food:
· Braised Beef “Stroganoff” with Tiny Egg Noodles, Wild Mushroom, and Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs Cheese Sauce
· Savory Caramelized Onion Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs Cheese Tart with Cold Arugula Salad and Aged Balsamic
· Cheese Trio: Profiterole topped with Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs Cheese and Orange Apricot Jam, Smoked Salmon Pinwheel with Boursin Shallot and Chive Cheese and Everything Seasoning and Strawberry Macaroon with Boursin Pepper Cheese

Beverages:
· Leth Steinagrund Gruner Veltliner, Austria
· Liberated Pinot Noir, California

​

I thought I would go with the cheese trio until I saw the picture for the “stroganoff”…wish I could get that strawberry macaroon with pepper cheese on its own!

​

#26 China

Food:
· Beijing Roasted Duck Bao Bun with Hoisin Sauce
· Spicy Chicken Bao Bun
· Black Pepper Shrimp with Garlic Noodles
· Chicken Potstickers

Beverages:
· Tsingtao Lager
· Ritzy Lychee with Courvoisier Cognac VS and Smirnoff Vodka
· Happy Peach with DeKuyper Peach Liqueur and Myers’s Dark Rum
· Kung Fu Punch with Smirnoff Vodka and Bols Triple Sec
· BaiJoe Punch with Chinese Bai Jui Spirit, Lychee, Coconut and Pineapple Juice
· Mango Bubble Tea with Assam Black Tea and Milk (Non-Alcoholic)

​

Holding my head high with no shame as I break my rule of trying new things…one of my top 5 favorites from last year was the Duck Bao Bun. In fact we kept saying we were going back to get another one over and over again, but never made it so this year I am having another one! I might go for the Happy Peach, too!

#25: Chocolate Studio

Food:
· Liquid Nitro Chocolate-Almond Truffle with Warm Whiskey-Caramel (GF)
· Sweet Dark Chocolate Raspberry Torte with Whipped Cream and Raspberry Dust

Beverages:
· Justin Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles
· Banfi Rosa Regale, Piedmont
· Lenotti Recioto della Valpolicella, Italy
· RL Buller Fine Muscat

​

Here I go again being a rule breaker…but that truffle is SINFUL and along with a glass of muscat I will be one happy girl!



#24 Coastal Eats

Food:
· Lump Crab Cake with Napa Cabbage Slaw and Avocado Lemongrass Cream –
· Baked Shrimp Scampi Dip with Sourdough Baguette
· Seared Scallops with Roasted Corn and Butterbean Succotash and Chili-Chipotle Butter Sauce

Beverages:
· Erath Pinot Gris, Oregon
· Soter Planet Oregon Pinot Noir

​

I love this NEW booth and it is getting really good reviews. I am having a really hard time deciding between the crab cake or the shrimp scampi dip. This will probably be one of those decisions in line calls…or maybe both, lol!

 

[momabaarjo]

#23 Craft Beer

Food:
· Chilled Scotch Egg wrapped in Sausage with Mustard Sauce
· Zesty Cheeseburger and Cheddar Cheese Macaroni Handwich
· L’Orange Cotton Candy: A mixture of Lime and Orange Cotton Candy

Beverages:
· M.I.A Beer Company 305 Golden Ale, Doral, FL
· JDub’s Passion Wheat, Sarasota, FL
· Central 28 Trekkerbier Farmhouse Ale, DeBary, FL
· Playalinda Brewing Company Blonde Ale, Titusville, FL
· Florida Beer Company Passport 35 Triple Chocolate Milk Stout, Cape Canaveral, FL
· Cigar City Guayabera Citra Pale Ale, Tampa, FL
· Bright Horizons: Sprite® with Multi-flavored Boba Pearls (Non-Alcoholic)
· Eastern Florida Flight
· Western Florida Flight

​

Well I know that I will NOT be having at this booth, the beer! LOL…although that chocolate milk stout has my interest peaked. I think the Scotch Eff or the Mac & Cheese Handwich looks good!

#22 Earth Eats

Food:
· Ricotta and Zucchini Ravioli with Rustic Tomato Sauce
· Grilled Beef Skewer with Romaine, Apricots, and Feta Cheese
· Peanut Butter and White Chocolate Mousse with a Caramel Drizzle (GF)

Beverages:
· Kurt Russell’s Gogi Wines Chardonnay Gogi “Goldie”, California
· Kurt Russell’s Gogi Wines Pinot Noir, California
· 15 Redstone Meadery Black Raspberry Mead

​

I never made to the Chew last year…so this year I am making sure that I try that Peanut Butter Mousse…and you know I love me a little Kurt Russell (too bad it is the not real thing)

#21 Farm Fresh

Food:
· Crispy Chicken with Griddled Cornbread and Red Eye Gravy
· Roasted Beet Salad with Green Beans, Feta Cheese, Minus 8 Vinaigrette and Toasted Walnuts

Beverages:
· Gumption Citrus Freak Hard Cider, Middlebury, VT
· Woodchuck Raspberry Hard Cider, Middlebury, VT
· Two Henrys Elderberry Cream Hard Cider, Plant City, FL
· Florida Orange Groves Mango Mama Wine
· Cider Flight Also Available

​

Sorry not a beet person, so looks like I will have the crispy chicken with the hard cider flight to wash it down!

#20 Flavors from Fire

Food:
· Piggy Wings: Roasted Pork Wings with Korean BBQ Sauce and Sesame Seeds
· Smoked Corned Beef with Warm Crispy Potatoes, Pickled Onions and Blonde Ale Beer Fondue featuring BelGioioso Romano and America Grana Cheeses Sweet Pancake with Spicy Chipotle Chicken Sausage, Onion Jam and Maple Butter Syrup
· Chocolate Picante: Dark Chocolate Mousse with Cayenne Pepper, Chili Powder and Raspberry Dust

Beverages:
· Orlando Brewery Smokin’ Blackwater Porter
· Ravenswood Zinfandel, Napa Valley
· Swine Brine featuring Evan Williams Bourbon

​

I MUST have some more Piggy Wings and I love the idea of a spicy dessert!

 

[momabaarjo]

#19 France

Food:
· Moelleux au Fromage de Chèvre et Épinards: Warm Goat Cheese Pudding with Spinach (
· Croissant aux Escargots: Escargot Croissant with Garlic and Parsley Boeuf Bourguignon, Purée de Pommes de Terre: Cabernet Sauvignon Braised Beef with Mashed Potatoes
· Crème Brûlée à la Confiture de Framboises: Crème Brûlée with Housemade Rasberry Jam

Beverages:
· La Passion Martini Slush: Vodka, Grey Goose Le Citron, Cranberry and Passion Fruit Juice
· Chardonnay, Bouchard Ainé & Fils
· Château les Graves de Barrau: Merlot and Cabernet Blend, Bordeaux
· St-Germain Sparkling Kir: Sparkling Wine and St-Germain Elderflower liqueur
· Kronenbourg Blanc 1664 Pale Lager

​

I think I will go with the sweet in France. Since they changed the Escargot into a huge sandwich it has lost its appeal!

#18 Germany

Food:
· Schinkennudeln: Pasta Gratin with Ham and Cheese
· Roast Bratwurst in a Pretzel Roll
· Apple Strudel with Vanilla Sauce
· Lebkuchenherz: Decorated Gingerbread Heart

Beverages:
· Radeberger Zwickel Pilsner (Unfiltered)
· Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling Kabinett,
· Dr. Heyden Oppenheimer Sacträger Riesling Spätlese, Rheinhessen
· Selbach Riesling Classic Dry, Mosel

​

I think I have had everything on the menu except for the Brat! And I love me some German wine!

 

[momabaarjo]

17-16-15 Days till Disney, 15 Food & Wine Booths to Go:
Greece, Hawaii, Hops&Barley​

In my PTR reports (and sometimes in my TR) I like to do some type of countdown. For this trip I am going to take a closer look at the menus of the 35 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booths (Why 35? To Celebrate Epcot’s 35 Years) and tell you what I am planning to sample and sip. My goal is to attempt to sample (but not sip, because I am not a beer or dry wine gal) something at each booth, which for some booths is way too easy because I want the entire menu and others I just want to bypass!

Greece

Food:
· Loaded Greek “Nachos”: Pita Chips, Meatless Sausage Crumbles, and Vegan Tzatziki
· Taste of Greece: Stuffed Grape Leaves with Lemon Dill Sauce, Grilled Octopus and Feta Cheese Dip with Warm Pita
· Spanakopita — $4.25, DDP Snack Eligible
· Bougatsa: Warm Phyllo Dough Strudel with Sweet Vanilla Custard, Lemon Honey Syrup and Cinnamon

Beverages:
· Domaine Skouras Moscofilero, Peloponnese
· Domaine Sigalas Assyrtiko, Santorini
· Argyros Atlantis Red Blend, Santorini

​

I loved the Greek nachos last year, and might even have to try them again…but for planning purposes I am going with the Bougatsa!

Hawaii

Food:
· Kalua Pork Slider with Sweet and Sour DOLE® Pineapple Chutney and Spicy Mayonnaise
· Grilled Tuna Tataki with Seaweed Salad and Pickled Cucumbers and Wasabi Cream
· Teriyaki-glazed SPAM® Hash with Potatoes, Peppers and Onions and Spicy Mayonnaise
· Passion Fruit Cheesecake with Toasted Macadamia Nuts

Beverages:
· Maui Brewing Company Bikini Blonde Lager
· Florida Orange Groves Sparkling Pineapple Wine
· Mai Tai featuring Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum

​

This is another one of those menus that could use a refresher. I have not had the Spam, so why not! And oh that Mai Tai was awesome last year!


Hops & Barley

Food:
· New England Lobster Roll
· Smoked Beef Brisket and Pimento Cheese served on Griddled Garlic Toast
· Freshly Baked Carrot Cake and Cream Cheese Icing

Beverages:
· New Belgium Brewing Fat Tire White Ale, Fort Collins, CO
· Anchor Brewing Liberty Ale, San Francisco, CA
· Orange Blossom Brewing Foxtail Cold Brew Coffee Pilsner, Orlando
· Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands
· Atalon Pauline’s Cuvée Red Blend, Napa Valley
· Beer Flight

​

No Hops & No Barley for me…but I do love this menu every year! Lobster Roll & Carrot Cake…match made in Food & Wine Heaven!

 

[lovingeire]

I love this NEW booth and it is getting really good reviews. I am having a really hard time deciding between the crab cake or the shrimp scampi dip.

Ooooo, that crab cake looks good! With a glass of Pinot Gris it sounds splendid! I need to add that to my list!

I think I have had everything on the menu except for the Brat!

Jan and I split the brat last year. The brat was good, but the roll was a little too...something. Not bad, just too much bread almost?

 

[momabaarjo]

14 Days till Disney, 14 Food & Wine Booths to Go: India

In my PTR reports (and sometimes in my TR) I like to do some type of countdown. For this trip I am going to take a closer look at the menus of the 35 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booths (Why 35? To Celebrate Epcot’s 35 Years) and tell you what I am planning to sample and sip. My goal is to attempt to sample (but not sip, because I am not a beer or dry wine gal) something at each booth, which for some booths is way too easy because I want the entire menu and others I just want to bypass!

Food:
· Warm Indian Bread with Pickled Garlic, Mango Salsa and Coriander Pesto Dips
· Madras Red Curry with Roasted Cauliflower, Baby Carrots, Chickpeas and Basmati Rice
· Korma Chicken with Cucumber Tomato Salad, Almonds, Cashews and Warm Naan Bread
· Pistachio Cardamom Bundt Cake with Chocolate Coconut Mousse

Beverages:
· Sula Chenin Blanc, Nashik
· Sula Shiraz, Nashik
· Kingfisher Lager
· Mango Lassi (Non-Alcoholic)




I must say that I am pretty much loving this entire menu and having a hard time deciding what to pick! I have heard really good things about the Korma Chicken, so that is top of my list. I have tried in the past to make a cardamom cake and I think I used too much cardamom…might try that just to see what the actual flavor is.

 

[momabaarjo]

Ooooo, that crab cake looks good! With a glass of Pinot Gris it sounds splendid! I need to add that to my list!

Jan and I split the brat last year. The brat was good, but the roll was a little too...something. Not bad, just too much bread almost?

The crab roll has never disappointed, but I feel like I need to branch out, lol. TOO MUCH BREAD? Can one have too much bread? Actually, I am really working on cutting that out of my normal everyday life (and I feel so much better) but all diets are out the window when I am at Food & Wine!

I am pretty picky with my brats...probably why I have never tried Epcot's!

 

[momabaarjo]

13-12-11 Days till Disney, 13-12-11 Food & Wine Booths to Go:
Ireland, Caribbean & Italy
​

In my PTR reports (and sometimes in my TR) I like to do some type of countdown. For this trip I am going to take a closer look at the menus of the 35 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booths (Why 35? To Celebrate Epcot’s 35 Years) and tell you what I am planning to sample and sip. My goal is to attempt to sample (but not sip, because I am not a beer or dry wine gal) something at each booth, which for some booths is way too easy because I want the entire menu and others I just want to bypass!

Ireland

Food:
· Roasted Irish Sausage with Colcannon Potatoes and Onion Gravy
· Warm Irish Cheddar Cheese and Stout Dip with Irish Brown Bread
· Warm Chocolate Pudding with Irish Cream Liqueur Custard

Beverages:
· Bunratty Meade Honey Wine
· Guinness Blonde American Lager
· Twinings® Pumpkin Chai Tea Frozen Cocktail with Caramel Vodka
· Twinings Pumpkin Chai Tea and Caramel Shake (Non-Alcoholic)

​

Oh Ireland, many of my favorites from last year! Must go with the Stout Dip and the Irish Brown Bread. But oh that chocolate pudding (AKA cake for us Americans) was to die for! Any my favorite drink last year…Spiked Pumpkin Chai is a must! I also want to try the meade wine…missed it last year. Sigh. So much to try…

Islands of the Caribbean

Food:
· Jamaican Beef Patty with Mango Salsa
· Mojo Pork with Black Beans, Cilantro Rice, and Pickled Red Onions (GF)
· Quesito: Puff Pastry with Sweetened Cream Cheese and Guava Sauce

Beverages:
· Carib Lager
· Caribbean White Sangria
· Frozen Mojito

​

I was really disappointed with the Mojo Pork. I was expecting more spicy flavor, but it was quite bland. Not a mango fan so I am going to with the Quesito. But I loved the Mojito last year…a must for this year!


Italy

Food:
· Crispy Calamari with Spicy Pomodoro Sauce
· Spezzatino con Polenta: Beef Stew with Parmesan Creamy Polenta
· Absolut Penne with Vodka Sauce with Shrimp
· Cannoli al Cioccolato: Chocolate-covered Cannoli filled with Sweet Ricotta, Chocolate and Candied Fruit

Beverages:
· Pinot Grigio
· Chianti
· Prosecco
· Corbinello
· Moscato
· Frozen Margarita with Limoncello and Tequila
· Moretti Lager Beer

​

Certainly going for the Calamari on this stop. The cannoli has always been a disappointment for me and I think I have finally learned that I just don’t like them and I need to quit trying. Of course there has to be a glass of Prosecco or moscato in Italy!

 

[momabaarjo]

Tuesday, November 7th Plans
AEP Conference at the Boardwalk Conference Center

​

This morning the “vacation ends” and the “working vacation” begins, but not before I get in another new experience…

​

I am having breakfast with @ashw100 , Rapunzel, Flynn, Prince Erik & Ariel! I am so excited about this breakfast and so glad that Ashley is joining me…as I really did not want to do a character breakfast alone.

​

The conference does not begin until 11 am, so I am sure we will need to find a little something to do…Ashely had a great idea of her Tower of Terror Challenge, so maybe if we have time we can slip over to DHS and to that.

​

I have to admit that I am EXTREMELY underwhelmed with the conference agenda. After seeing what they did last year I could not wait to sign up this year…huge let down but I am going with it and looking forward to making new friends and contacts.

​

We finish the day at Disney Springs and have the evening on our own. I have already decided that I will head back to Epcot to work on my Food & Wine Booth Mission for my evening meal (and more).

 

[momabaarjo]

10-9-8-7 Days till Disney, 7 Food & Wine Booths to Go:
Japan, Light Lab, Mexico & Morocco​

In my PTR reports (and sometimes in my TR) I like to do some type of countdown. For this trip I am going to take a closer look at the menus of the 35 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booths (Why 35? To Celebrate Epcot’s 35 Years) and tell you what I am planning to sample and sip. My goal is to attempt to sample (but not sip, because I am not a beer or dry wine gal) something at each booth, which for some booths is way too easy because I want the entire menu and others I just want to bypass!

Japan

Food:
· Wasabi Shumai Steamed Pork Dumplings
· Salmon BLT Sushi Roll
· Teriyaki Ginger Pork

Beverages:
· Pom Pineapple Sake Cocktail
· Kara Tamba Tarekuchi Dry Sake
· Yukikage “Snow Shadow” Junmai Sake
· Sapporo Lager

​

Nothing in Japan is screaming at me to try. I am a little scared of the Wasabi Dumplings, although I love the taste of Wasabi in very small quantities. The Ginger pork looks good…not a sushi fan! I never did get around to try the sake cocktail last year, so maybe this will be the year!

Light Lab

Food:
· Limited Time Offer: The Glownut

Beverages:
· T=CC2: Vanilla Tonic Water and Cotton Candy (Non-Alcoholic)
· RGB: Citrus Apple Freeze (Non-Alcoholic)
· Bleu Spectrum: Blanc de Bleu Cuvée Mousseux with Boba Pearls
· Founders Brewing Company Green Zebra Watermelon Gose Ale, Grand Rapids, MI
· Elysian Brewing Space Dust IPA, Seattle, WA
· Blue Point Brewing Company Hoptical Illusion IPA, Patchogue, NY
· Sixpoint Brewery Mad Scientist Radian Flux, Brooklyn, NY
· Playalinda Brewing Company Robonaut Red Ale, Titusville, FL
· Left Hand Brewing Company Polestar Pilsner, Longmont, Colorado
· Space Flight -Left Hand Brewing Company Polestar Pilsner, Longmont, CO-Playalinda Brewing Company Robonaut Red Ale, Titusville, FL-Elysian Brewing Space Dust IPA, Seattle, WA
· Light Flight -Sixpoint Brewery Mad Scientist Radiant Flux, Brooklyn, NY-Founders Brewing Company Green Zebra Watermelon Gose Ale, Grand Rapids, MI-Blue Point Brewing Company Hoptical Illusion IPA, Patchogue, NY



The Light Lab looks like so much fun! I am a not a donut person so I will stick to the drinks and knowing that I am not a beer person either…Bleu Spectrum lookslike the winner!

Mexico

Food:
· Rib Eye Taco: Marinated Rib Eye, Roasted Chipotle Sauce and Grilled Scallions on a Corn Tortilla
· Tequila Chipotle Shrimp: Served on a Black Bean Huarache garnished with Red and Green Cabbage, Queso Fresco and Crema Mexicana
· Cajeta Mousse served with Cajeta Sauce and White Chocolate Flakes

Beverages:
· Spicy Apple Margarita
· Classic Lime Margarita
· Mexican-style Sangria
· Corona Draft Beer with Floater
· Mexican Mule

​

I am a Mexican food snob…and tend to stay as far away from Epcot’s version as I can simply because I can get the street style at home. The ribeye taco does look yummy and the mousee is on the top 5 dessert list. I am also curious about the Mexican Mule.

Morocco

Food:
· Kefta Pocket: Seasoned Ground Beef in a Pita Pocket
· Spicy Hummus Fries with Cucumber, Tomato, Onions and Tzatziki Sauce
· Chocolate Baklava: Rolled Phyllo Dough with Toasted Almonds and Dark Chocolate Sauce

Beverages:
· Moroccan Sangria
· Casa Pale Lager
· Les Trois Domaines Guerrouane White Wine, Meknes
· Mimosa Royale: Sparkling Wine and Orange Juice topped with Orange Liqueur

​

No question as to what I am eating in Morocco…must get some more of those hummus fries. They were in my personal top 5 eats last year!​

 

[lovingeire]

That taco does look surprisingly good, even though I too stay away from the Mexican food normally. Although I do think we need to find a time for La Cava! I need another Blood Orange margarita!

Also, that Pom Pineapple Sake Cocktail looks pretty. I nromally stay away from sake, but I might have to try it! Almost time!!!!

 

[ashw100]

This morning the “vacation ends” and the “working vacation” begins, but not before I get in another new experience…

Isn't our "work" awesome??

I am having breakfast with @ashw100 , Rapunzel, Flynn, Prince Erik & Ariel! I am so excited about this breakfast and so glad that Ashley is joining me…as I really did not want to do a character breakfast alone.

Literally one of my top things I am looking forward too

The conference does not begin until 11 am, so I am sure we will need to find a little something to do…Ashely had a great idea of her Tower of Terror Challenge, so maybe if we have time we can slip over to DHS and to that.

I hope we have the time, it will be fun.

I have to admit that I am EXTREMELY underwhelmed with the conference agenda. After seeing what they did last year I could not wait to sign up this year…huge let down but I am going with it and looking forward to making new friends and contacts.

I know right

We finish the day at Disney Springs and have the evening on our own. I have already decided that I will head back to Epcot to work on my Food & Wine Booth Mission for my evening meal (and more).

Good choice

 

[momabaarjo]

Wednesday, November 8
Conference Day 2

My conference begins early (8 am) and I am doing my final resort switch of the trip. I am moving from the Coronado Springs Resort to the Boardwalk Inn.



I initially booked this reservation because Mr. Grumpy loves the Boardwalk and I thought this would be a fun place for us as a couple, but since plans had to change, I am going to enjoy the BWI myself. I will drop off my luggage at CSR Bell Services to be moved for me and then make my way to a full day of seminars. From 5-7 pm we have a private reception at the Boardwalk Dance Hall and the rest of the evening is on our own.



I think I might just explore the Inn and try out AbracadaBar. I do need to sleep over to AKL and pick up some of these yummies… to take home of my runDisney partner in crime Cammy who is expecting baby #2 this spring.

 

[momabaarjo]

6-5-4-3 Days till Disney, 6-5-4-3 Food & Wine Booths to Go:
New Zealand, Patagonia, Scotland, & Spain​

In my PTR reports (and sometimes in my TR) I like to do some type of countdown. For this trip I am going to take a closer look at the menus of the 35 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booths (Why 35? To Celebrate Epcot’s 35 Years) and tell you what I am planning to sample and sip. My goal is to attempt to sample (but not sip, because I am not a beer or dry wine gal) something at each booth, which for some booths is way too easy because I want the entire menu and others I just want to bypass!

New Zealand

Food:
· Lamb Meatball with Spicy Tomato Chutney
· Steamed Green Lip Mussels with Garlic Butter and Toasted Breadcrumbs*
· Seared Venison Loin with Wild Mushroom Marsala Sauce and Kumara Purée

Beverages:
· Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough
· Nobilo Icon Pinot Noir, Marlborough
· Frozen Wine Cocktail featuring Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc

The mussels were okay last year, a little strong. This year I am going to try the venison. Most importantly, I tried day after day to get a glass of Kim Crawford but they were out…I am hoping this year will be better!​

Patgonia

Food:
· Beef Empanada
· Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce and Boniato Purée

Beverages:
· Verum Pinot Noir, Rio Negro
· Bodega Noemía de Patagonia “A Lisa” Malbec, Rio Negro

​

Oh Patagonia why am I never interested in your menu? Maybe the beef skewer (have you figured out I love my beef?).​

Scotland

Food:
· Traditional Scottish Lamb Stew with Neeps and Tatties
· Fresh Potato Pancake with Scottish Smoked Salmon and Herbed Sour Cream
· The Tipsy Laird: Whiskey-soaked Cake with Lemon Cream and Toasted Oats

Beverages:
· Citrus Thistle featuring Hendrick’s Gin
· Belhaven Brewery Scottish Ale

Went for the savory in Scotland last year, so this year I am going with the Tipsy Lard!​

Spain

Food:
· Charcuterie in a Cone with a selection of imported Spanish Meats, Cheeses, Olives and an Herb Vinaigrette
· Traditional Spanish Paella with Shrimp, Mussels, Chicken and Crispy Chorizo (GF)
· Seafood Salad with Shrimp, Bay Scallops and Mussels, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, White Balsamic Vinegar and Smoked Paprika (GF)
· Sweet Olive Oil Cake with Powdered Sugar and Lemon Curd

Beverages:
· Rafael Palacios Bolo Godello, Valdeorras
· Bodegas y Viñedos Artazu Garnacha Rosado, Navarra
· Casa Castillo Monastrell, Jumilla
· Wine Flight

​

Certainly the Paella is top on my list along with the wine flight! And who can pass up that yummy looking cake.​

 

[lovingeire]

Maybe the beef skewer (have you figured out I love my beef?).

This was probably my favorite dish last year! I can't wait to have it again!

Most importantly, I tried day after day to get a glass of Kim Crawford but they were out…I am hoping this year will be better!

I LOVE Kim Crawford wines!

 

[momabaarjo]

Isn't our "work" awesome??

If only I could make it a full time job!

Literally one of my top things I am looking forward too

Again, I am so glad you are joining me. A couple of other conference attendees are going to be there the same time. We might see about joining our tables. Always more fun with friends. One of them is from Lubbock...
I hope we have the time, it will be fun.

I know right

Good choice

@ashw100 I will be wearing a black "home" shirt and red pants on Friday nights flight.

This was probably my favorite dish last year! I can't wait to have it again!

I LOVE Kim Crawford wines!

Well that is certainly good to know that I picked right with the skewer! I love Kim Crawford too, hoping to get the slush! They better not be out this year.

 

[momabaarjo]

Thursday, November 9
4 Parks in 1 Day Challenge, Plus MVMCP

My last full day of my “working vacation trip” is going to be spent doing a 4 park in 1 Day Challenge. I tried this a few trips ago and I actually made it to all 4 parks, although I did not complete the challenge I had set for in each park. So this is going to be redemption.

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I have my own set of rules for this challenge so at each park I have to do the following (and be documented with a picture/video or it did not happen):

1. Selfie in front of Park Icon or Entrance
2. 1 Coaster Ride & 1 Other Ride
3. 1 Hidden Mickey
4. Picture with a character in each park or Stop for a Show (Either of these will be a huge challenge for me)
5. Eat & Drink Something Unique to that Park

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My late afternoon and evening will be filled with MVMCP, plus lots of Christmas cookies and snow on Main Street. I pretty much plan just to roam around and let the moment lead me. I am going to stake out a good viewing spot for the parade and wishes…waiting with something peppermint in my hand. And of course this is my last night, I can sleep tomorrow on the plane so I fully intend to be the last one out of the Magic Kingdom!