Disney Moonlight Magic 2017

Disney DVC Moonlight Magic
February 2017

This is a short trip report. I was heading down to Orlando to attend another Smart Coatings Conference and as luck would have it; DVC was offering Moonlight Magic for members while I was down there. I will visit Disney Springs, try the referbished Flying Fish restaurant at the Boardwalk Resort and spend an evening at the Magic Kingdom.

Tuesday, Feb 21, 2017

I arrived midday and headed to Disney Springs for a late light lunch and first had some delicious Morimoto's Ribs from Morimoto Street Foods. A Tricolored Heron was found on the Lego serpent on the lake. For dessert I picked up a lemon square at the Marketplace Starbucks, then headed to the nearby Hilton Garden Inn to check in.

Later, I drove to Boardwalk for dinner at the Flying Fish. It was early, so I sat on the boardwalk and enjoyed some sun and people watching.

Diner consisted of a Blood Orange Margarita and two appetizers; Corn-encrusted Shrimp with spiced hearts of palm, oranges, and piquant aioli; and A Tour of the Coast - grouper cheek, local clams, mile zero shrimp, icy blue mussels, celeriac puree.

For dessert I walked to Dolphin to The Fountain for a hot fudge sundae. It was dark as I left and discovered that the walkway between the Swam and Dolphin has lights that dance to music. Very entertaining.

I took the boat and visited the Beach then Yacht Clubs for some shopping. As I was waiting for the boat to cross the lake again; the Star Wars fireworks from Hollywood Studios could be seen over the Dance Hall.

I finished the night watching two street performers, a juggler and a magician in front of Boardwalk.

Wednesday, Feb 22, 2017

The conference talks ended at 5 PM and I headed for an evening at Disney Springs.

I stopped for a Spicy Tuna Roll (pre-made) at Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe Express followed by Bongos Cuban Cafe Express for a Guava Pastry.

I checked out Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar (named after the pilot from the first Indiana Jones movie). I tried a drink named after his pet snake called Reggie’s Revenge. It’s a mixture of orange vodka, Midori melon liqueur, white cranberry and lime juices. For food I had the seasonal Matterhorn Rosti: sweet potato and cheese rosti topped with spiced lamb, yogurt and apple-cranberry slaw. The placed is well themed. Above the bar I noticed the Voodoo dolls from the Temple of Doom movie.

Afterwards I shopped the World of Disney and picked up a night shirt for Kelli and a Mickey umbrella. On the way out for dessert I walked over to Sprinkles for one of their $5 cupcakes. Good but not as good as in Ava's cupcakes New Jersey.

Thursday, Feb 23, 2017

It was another evening in Disney Springs with dinner starting with the Classic Fries at The Daily Poutine Gourmet Frites; French Fries with Beef Poutine Gravy and Cheddar Curds.

I boated over to Saratoga Springs to shop for DVC items but bought nothing. It was a relaxing ride back.

I stopped at the B.B. Wolf's Sausage Co. kiosk and didn't realize its whimsical name till I ordered the 3 Little Pigs Trio - Three mini hotdog sliders; a Reuben, a bacon-wrapped dog with black bean salsa, and chili-cheese mini-dog.

I spent the rest of the night walking and shopping the Marketplace. As I walked the bridge over towards the Rainforest Cafe I noticed some of the flags from the marathons were up on display.

I ended the evening with a Mickey Ice-cream bar from Marketplace Snacks.

Friday, Feb 24,2017

The conference ended at noon.

I did some birding at Lake Tohopekaliga in Kissimmee

After freshening up back at the hotel I headed to the Monorail resorts, first photographing the famous wall murals at the Contemporary, done by Mary Blair, one of Walt Disney's favorite artists and Walt Disney Animator. I hopped on a monorail and headed for Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at the Polynesian and sat outside.

I ordered the Nautilus drink- Barbancourt Pango Rhum, Appleton Estate Reserve Tum, Combier Creme de Peche de Vigne Liqueur, Tropical Juices and Falernum. It was served in a souvenir Nautilus for $55. Later I tried their roasted Chicken Pork Pate Banh Mi Sliders and a Polynesian Pearl - RumChata Cream Liqueur, Grand Marnier, and Cinnamon with Tropical Juices.

On my way out I stopped at Capt. Cook's for a Chicken and Pineapple Skewer and headed to the Magic Kingdom.

Moonlight Magic at Magic Kingdom Park started at 8 pm for DVC members. Half the park remained open for us as everyone left the park at 9pm.

I tried out a new super-wide angle lens for my camera by taking pictures of Main Street from train station.

At 8:30 I enjoyed the Castle projection show followed by Wishes at 9.

I headed over to Tomorrowland. Mr and Mrs Incredible were hosting a dance party. I Facetimed Kelli and when Mrs Incredible realized what I was doing she waved hello to Kelli back home.