Jan
7
Back to normal?
Filed Under dinner, Disney magic, lunch, resort, Uncategorized, wish you were here!
The Shop Tart is finally feeling a little better (ie the cold sweats have sort of subsided). She was helped a great deal by soup. When a Twitter follower suggested it, she knew she needed wonton soup, and fast. Mr. Shop Tart obliged with a trip to Eggroll Chen, where the low prices belie the excellent food. She couldn’t decide if hot and sour or wonton was her jam, so she ordered both. That night, she enjoyed the heck out of that hot and sour.
In the morning, she sealed the deal with wonton soup she had stored in the fridge.
Not the best haiku, but the best the Shop Tart can do, until she gets more soup.
Eggroll Chen, so cheap,
yet so astoundingly good.
You cure what ails me.
Much like Eggroll Chen, Disney World was awesome.
And the Shop Tart knows she may have bored you with all her Disney-tastic Instagramming and Facebooking, so she will stop after one more recommendation or three.
Okay, three.
1. If it’s a possibility, please stay at the Polynesian Hotel. If it fits in your budget, try to stay club level. (The Shop Tart is not trying to be a jerk, and she hopes it does not come across that way, but this is her Disney Philosophy: La famille will not go more than once, so they go all out. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip, and that’s that.) The constant food provided in the lounge was really great, because the she never had to worry about the kids getting enough to eat and they didn’t have to rush out in the morning for an expensive, less than delicious breakfast, since it was included and located right down the hall. Wine and beer were also available in the lounge and that prevented the Shop Tart from spending in the bar. Transportation to the parks was easy and the pool was heated. Also? TRISTA AND RYAN WERE THERE. The Shop Tart did not spot them, but they were staying on her floor and Mr. Shop Tart and the Lady M saw them with their adorable children.
2. Relax. Enjoy plenty of table service meals, but be picky about them, because some are better than others. During a long lunch, la famille decided to check out Tutto Italia Ristorante in Epcot and they were not disappointed. Like most places at Disney, the place looks fantastic. (And it was on their meal plan!)
The Shop Tart looked at the menu and decided the cocktails would be worth it. She had a “Frizzante,” with Campari, prosecco, and a splash of mango juice. She will be making this at home. She also had a Diet Coke, and water, because it was lunch.
The shared antipasti plate was fantastic. Seriously, you could have a lovely meal sharing this and a few cocktails. The eggplant dish was perfectly seasoned and so delicious, as were the marinated mushrooms, barley salad, various meats, cheeses, and fresh mozzarella. The Shop Tart may try to recreate the whole thing at home.
She took the waiter’s recommendation and ordered the short rib with marinara (again, nicely seasoned, without too much salt). So tender!
Dessert was delightful — and it’s included in the meal plan, so they ordered it. The X-Man’s tiramisu was probably the best, and his mother’s pistachio panna cotta was a close second!
The pace of the meal was perfect, which may have had something to do with the fact that the waiters were actually Italian. Federico and his fellow waiters were absolutely charming, and the Shop Tart almost felt like she was back in Italy!
3. Do take a night without the children, if possible. Yes, this seems counter intuitive, but it may be a much-needed and very enjoyable break. The Shop Tart, her husband, and the Lady M and her husband headed to the Hollywood Brown Derby at Hollywood Studios (also on the meal plan!) for one evening, while the children hoovered up the buffet in the club level lounge back at the Polynesian. The cocktails were poured at the table, which the Shop Tart loves, because they are icy cold.
They started with blue lump crab spring rolls garnished with a snow crab claw, and Asian slaw with spicy miso aïoli. Yum. Fried.
They also had the famous Cobb salad, which is totally famous for a reason. It’s that good. They offered the recipe and the Shop Tart can see that it is not to be re-printed. Does this count? Dear Disney, she loves it so much, she had to share. If that isn’t okay, she will gladly take this photo down immediately.
The “Duck Two Ways” was fantastic, by any standards (not just “on vacation” or “in a park meant for children”). Tender slices of rare duck served over sautéed confit with Swiss chard and an herb and goat cheese polenta cake and finished with pan-seared maple bourbon and sun-dried cherry sauce. Yum.
The grapefruit cake for dessert was delightful.
4. Oops! One more: Deborah at Forest Lake Travel doesn’t just do Italy. She was a great help with Disney and really helped make the trip even more fabulous!
So…now it’s time for New Year’s resolutions. The Shop Tart is going to try — once and for all — to get to the gym regularly. That should be easy, considering Jamie Scott Fitness’ new location at Crosshill, where the Shop Tart can also grab groceries, new kitchen gadgets and beauty products, and check out sweet new styles at M Boutique! How hard can it be? She has also resolved to stalk Chloe when it goes on sale, because she loves Chloe, darnit, and needs more in her closet. You hear that, Coplon’s? Coming to see you soon!
Happy Monday and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
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4 Responses to “Back to normal?”
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The Shop Tart Loves…
How much does the club level cost on average per night?
Hi, Benjamin! I think it varies a lot depending on the season. And I’m wondering if it’s a better deal when you cram five people into one room, as we did? lol You can check on the Disney website — their rates are the same as Forest Lake Travel. When you put in your dates, you will get a better idea than I can give you, since the prices from season to season are so different. I recommend using a travel agent, because the prices are the same and you get a little extra help with planning.
Your blog is so helpful and fun!
I’m commenting on the beginning of this entry- Egg Roll Chen is the best! We just had it tonight. You know you eat somewhere too often when you have a special dish and Bobby (the owner) knows exactly what you are referring to when you say “you know, that special dish you make for me.”. And then he gives you free egg rolls…