Happy Halloween!

Alyssa, Brittany, Blaise, and I were all off tonight for Halloween.  We didn't want to do anything crazy, so we headed out to Joe's for some drinks and dinner.  It was a perfect chance to bust out the superhero shirts, and just what we needed.  Couldn't have asked for better plans!

Happy Halloween!

xoxo

Baers at The Boardwalk

     On their way back from their own vacation, my parents made another stop in Orlando, for a mini-vacation with me!  We checked into The Boardwalk Resort yesterday, and I headed straight there after work (in costume and all!).  We had a sweet room with a water view, right above the boardwalk, which is filled with places to grab a bite and little shops.  We were also given MagicBands for the first time, which was pretty sweet!
     We walked downstairs and got some dinner from The Boardwalk Bakery.  They had the best lobster roll sandwiches!  This time, we had purchased the Quick Service Dining Plan, which turned out to be a really great value.  Anything to help make dining in Disney cheaper can't be bad! We snagged a table outside, right by the water to eat, and strolled up and down the walkway a bit.  It's such a nice place, I'd definitely love to stay there again!

      In the morning, we got up pretty early, and grabbed breakfast at The Boardwalk Bakery.  Another good meal, props to you Bakery!  We then took advantage of possibly the best perk at The Boardwalk Resort, the walkway right into Epcot.  It took us about 10-15 minutes to walk right into the park, smack between the France and the UK pavilions, perfect for Food & Wine attendees like us!

     We made our way around again, tasting and collecting stamps from around the World Showcase.  This time however, I completed my passport!  I tried at least one thing from every country!  The best thing from today's venture was definitely the Warm Chocolate Pudding with Bailey's Cream from Ireland, pretty decadent!
     We didn't stay into the evening this time however, because my parents still had a drive home in front of them.  So, after stalling for as long as possible in the hotel lobby, I had to say goodbye to them yet again.  I don't know that it will ever get easier!

"It's not goodbye, it's see ya real soon!" - Mickey Mouse

xoxo

Scoop Team Saves City!

     This morning, after baking some fabulous Pumpkin Cinnamon Struesel Muffins, Brooke, Alyssa, Ashley and I headed to Universal Studios.  When we left this morning, I had to put on a sweater, because it was actually chilly!

 And sweaters of courser, equal Christmas. 

     We did the usual, rode some rodes, met some Dr. Seuss characters, got some less-than-disney-quality popcorn, and did some shopping.

 

 

      As we headed out from the park, we decided to head to Joe's Crab Shack to meet up with some of our friends for half-priced appetizers and drinks.  I love Joe's!

 

 A day ended by a bucket of garlicky mussels and the best of friends is okay in my book!

xoxo

Food & Wine Preview

     Tonight, Alyssa and I headed to Epcot to grab dinner at Nine Dragons in China.  Today was also the first official day of The International Food and Wine Festival.  We were not expected for the crowds of people packed in there, shoulder to shoulder.
     We made our way past the delicious-smelling booths, to the restaurant.  I wanted to wait to start sampling, until my parents get here tomorrow (yay!).
     On our way out, we made a quick pit stop into Character Spot, and headed home, since Guy and Seth were coming over to hang out.

I can't wait to see my parents tomorrow!!!

xoxo

La Finca, Deliciouso!

     Last night, Brooke, Bonnie, and I went out to a nearby Meaxican place, La Finca.  We've had our eye on it since we moved in, and finally got around to giving it a whirl!  When we walked in, we were the only other people in there.  It was a little bit awkward, and was pretty sad to see right at dinner time.  We were somewhat concerned as we ordered, thinking maybe there was a reason for the low attendance. 
     When the food arrived, we realized how very wrong we were.  The chips and salsa, and my plate of Chicken Enchiladas Mole, were absolutely fantastic.  It arrived quickly, was affordable, had two-for-one $5 margaritas, and was such a high-quality dinner.  We are already thinking about when we can go back!

 Ole!

xoxo

Be Our Guest!

     After a full 180 days of waiting, the day of our Be Our Guest finally arrived!  I rushed home from work, and got ready for the evening.  It was super rainy and humid, so I wasted a ton of time and energy doing my hair!  We headed to Magic Kingdom early, to stop in to see the Mouse in some nice clothes for once!

      As we walked down Main Street, back towards New Fantasyland and Be Our Guest, it started to drizzle, but there was no raining on our parade!

      We arrived at Beast's castle, early for our reservation.  However, we checked in anyway, and were able to sit down really quickly.  When we stepped into the castle, it quite literally took my breath away.  The detailing of the ballroom really hit the nail on the head, we felt like we were stepping into the movie.  Unlike anything I've ever experienced.

 

 

     All throughout dinner, I was constantly catching myself, just zoning out, staring at my surroundings.  However, the food was absolutely phenomenal.  I had pan-seared salmon, over leek fondue and saffron crushed potatoes.  Without a doubt, the best meal I've ever had at Disney.

     As we wrapped up our meal, our waiter brought us out the grey stuff!  Even if we did have to fib a little about birthdays, I'm so glad we got to try it, he even brought me my own little plate of it!  Really tasty, and the perfect little sample.  A very sweet way to top off a dinner at such a magical place!

     After dinner, we ventured into the West Wing, to see the other theming done in the restaurant.  It was very dark, with some thunder in the background, with plenty of touches tying in to the movie, yet another room where you feel like you've ventured into their world.

      As we made our way to the exit, we had one more pit stop.  What's a visit to a castle without stopping in for a moment with the master of the house?!

      I made my way out of the Magic Kingdom, (and made friends with a security guard, Jamie), I couldn't believe it was over!  I already feel like I need to be back in there, 180 days is far too long!  There may not have been this...

...but I've definitely found my favorite place in Disney!

xoxo

Unleash the Villains!

     Friday, the 13th, and Disney's Unleash the Villains event at Hollywood Studios was crazy.  Alyssa and I got decked out in our darkest, and left our apartment to meet Guy, Blaise, Will, Seth, and their coworker Johnette.  

     Between the crazy traffic, and swirling rumors about Hollywood Studios being at capacity, it took us forever to actually get to the park.  When we made our way through Epcot, and finally got into the park, it was evident how Disney grossly underestimated the amount of people that would turn up for this event.

     We all walked around a bit, looking for the villains that were advertaised to be roaming the parks.  All we found was one LONG line, leading up to meet Jafar, Shan Yu, and Cruella deVille.  While we did want to meet and have our pictures taken with them, the wait for the line was easily two hours.  We decided to grab a bite to eat instead, and headed over to Pizza Planet.
     After dinner, we made our way out to see the fireworks.  Disney put together a special fireworks show for the night of villainy, and it truly was spectacular.  It was all set to different soundtrack scores, all pieces of music from dramatic points of different Disney films.  It was really dark, and unlike any other Disney fireworks I've ever seen.  Definitely the highlight of the evening!

      The park emptied out a bit after the fireworks, and the line to meet the bad guys seemed to be a bit shorter, so we got in line, and met up with Brittany.  Cast members started coming by, offering us free bottles of water.  We knew something was up, because it's not often Disney offers up free beverages!  Somebody joked that they were doing it to pacify the crowds, as they were going to cut off the line for meeting the villains.  Not 2 minutes later, this very thing happened.  We were disappointed, but all got a good laugh out of it.  We decided to make our way to the dance party, "Hades' Hangout", hosted by Hades himself.  We danced and drank our free water, enjoying the rest of our evening.

      It wasn't the best event Disney has put on, there was not enough preparation for the huge turnout.  That being said, when you're with a fun group of people, every night is a good night!

xoxo