WDW Weekend
Friday, January 12, 2007

The Disney PhotoPass folks took our picture.
We awoke to a cool morning on the shores of the Boardwalk area of Walt Disney World. We took a boat across the lake to the Boardwalk Bakery. From there we went into EPCOT. We went straight to The Land and went through Soarin' -- twice! We then spent time in the Living Seas where Lyd communed with the manatees. We walked out to World Showcase and enjoyed the 360 movie in Canada. The wait at LeCellier was too long, so we walked to England and had a light lunch at the Rose and Crown. From there, we went back to the room to rest. Around 1630, we left the room headed for the California Grill. We chatted with Kate on the way. We took the boat from Yacht to MGM and then caught a bus to the Contemporary and the CG.  Matti visited with us as did Jenns, Takashi  and Dennis. Matti is now a sous chef and Takashi aspires to the same rank. Matti is engaged and will marry, in Ohio, in October of 2008. Dennis has traveled and seen parts of the county.

Breakfast at the Boardwalk Bakery

Lyd had a bran muffin and coffee
I had a croissant and Earl Grey tea.
Soarin' is in The Land pavilion. It is a simulation of a hang-glider ride through parts of California.  Although the "ride" doesn't actually "move" it is a pleasant assault on your senses. You wear a seatbelt so you won't fall out of your chair!

The Rose and Crown

EPCOT England resembles old Tudor London in its architecture. At Twinnings, Lyd found "tea" frogs.
At the Rose and Crown, one might find a "Black and Tan" if you are nice to Lucy.
Our travels from Yacht to the California Grill allowed Lyd the only opportunity that interests her to be "on top" of MGM's Tower of Terror.
<<< The California Grill >>>
Menu | Dessert |
Any visitor to this site knows that the California Grill (Jens Dahlman, Chef de Cuisine) is our favorite restaurant at Walt Disney World. The number of times we have been here is simple testimony.
As always, we started with drinks.  Dennis is our favorite mixologist in the Disney cast and, as always, he makes great drinks: Manhattan (7) for me and vodka martini (7) for Lyd.

Lyd's Order

Tom's Order
Sautéed Hudson Valley Duck Foie Gras with roasted pear, huckleberry compote and truffle vinaigrette (16)
Chilled Maine Lobster with California blood orange, celery root salad and citrus vinaigrette (17)
Oak-fired Filet of Beef with gruyere-potato pavè, broccolini and teriyaki barbecue sauce (35)

The bill always says the same thing: "maku no uchi" (32). I don't know what it means and really don't need to.
I have been telling servers for several years: "I don't know what I'm having.  I eat what Yoshie fixes for me." Since it ain't broke, I see no need to fix it.