Why Is That Princess In MY Castle And Where's My Dole Whip? A Trip Report (TAKE TWO)

[Tinkerbellarella]

Hey everyone! No, you don't have deja vu, it really is me, we really are back here and it really is the same Sept. trip I started reporting on way back when! (So really you kind of just got present so we could get historical. That crazy doctor's Delorian ain't got nuthin' on me!)

Anywho.

I'm not a quitter. I'm not. I began my TR with the honest intention to finish it. And then LIFE got in the way and I was absent from the boards for a couple of months. And in that absence one of the mods combined my PTR and my TR and moved it to the Completed Boards (as was his/her duty). I thought it would be confusing for me to be writing on the combined thread and so I PM'd the ohsowise OhMari. And well, OhMari ohsopatiently answered my questions and unfortunately the combining cannot be undone.

So, instead, I'm starting a new thread.
(And apparently channeling Dr. Seuss.)

So, below, you're going to find all of the previously written chapters for my Sept. trip. And you won't be waiting too long for a new chapter either. Over the weekend I was able to upload ALL of my pictures to Photobucket for the trip, so there's no issue there. I just need to reread some of my notes and we will be back in the saddle with a new chappie folks!

Thanks to everyone for their patience. It's appreciated.

Now let's go back. Way back. Back into time...

-----------------

HI there!!!

:wave2:

Welcome to my trip report (TR)!

Apparently, in Georgia at least, ( ;) JACKIE!) I have legions of fans.
LEGIONS!
http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/Others/others-050.gif
And they are all waiting, with bated breath, for this TR.

Well.

I just looked up "bated" in the dictionary to double-check because I wanted to make sure my LEGIONS weren't passing out due to lack of oxygen and I'm disappointed to report I mustn't have any LEGIONS left. They're all unconscious due to holding their breath. For the past 3 days. Since I've arrived home from vacation. And done everything but start this TR. Sorry guys. Let's make a deal (NODoorNumberThree): I'll commence Trip(e) Report writing if you commence breathing.

::yes::

And so it begins...

At the beginning.
Naturally.
With my pre-trip report (PTR). I know a good number of you will have wandered over here from there so welcome back! Or here! Or...whatever. However, if you're the pre-trip-report-readin' type and were previously unacquainted with said report, it can be found here (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1757296).

Otherwise, here are the essentials before we get on to the meat* of this report:

Cast of Characters:

Me a.k.a. Tinkerbellarella a.k.a. Tink a.k.a. Nik a.k.a. TarzanKat's (TK's) long-lost-sister a.k.a. the Travel Agent of this trip:
I'll keep the summary of "who" I am short and sweet. If you want something more indepth, I refer you back to the PTR. I'm a Disney addict and have been since the ripe old age of 7. This marked my 10th trip to the World and this was a MUCH needed vacation. Work had 126% burnt me out, I was suffering from the "Fifth Year Without A Disney Trip" disease, and I'm turning 29 in 12 very short days and not happy about it (however for the duration of this trip, except when purchasing adult beverages, I was about 9 years old). One other thing that you should know since it rears it's head fairly often during the trip is that my boyfriend (BF) -who was not on this trip by choice, by the way, Mr. "I Don't Like Disney" - was moving us from our old apartment into a new (to us, considering it was built in 1868) house while I was away.

Missy a.k.a. "Jennifer" (I'll explain the Jennifer thing later in the report):
Missy and I have been bestest friends since the early years of high school. So, you know, 4-EVA (or so my Algebra notebook says). She's been to Disney a few different times, the most recent being about two years ago, though we'd never been together. She'd had a VERY rough year and was probably in need of relaxation even more than me. Which is saying something. Believe me! She's sweet and funny and sassy and was just as excited about eating on this trip as I was. Suffice it to say we would get along famously. At least at dinner. ;)

What:
7 day Park Hopper Passes
Free Dinning!!! (Standard not Deluxe)
MNSSHP tickets for 9/23/08

When:
Saturday, 9/20/08 thru Friday, 9/26/08 (Disney) and Friday, 9/26/08 thru 9/28/08 (Tampa)

Where:
Guam.
Kidding.
Walt Disney World, of course! Staying for 6 glorious nights at the Polynesian. We then stayed for another two nights with Missy's sister and family in Tampa.

Why:
It's Disney.
And if you need a better explanation than that then apparently you got lost on the Internet.
Welcome to the DISboards. We like Disney. Here's your obligatory refillable mug.

UP NEXT: Dream Squad? Pssht. The secret to the being treated like royalty for your WHOLE Disney vacation. (And it's not what you think.)

*Please note, vegetarians are still welcome.

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As the Chapters pile up, you'll find individual links for each one here. See, I like you people! I like that you want to read my report! I want to make it easy for you!
Intro - well...you just read it, silly!!!
Chp. 1: No. We Don't Get To Disney In This Chapter. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31466002&postcount=2)
Chp. 2: How to Have the Most Magical Disney Vacation Ever: Just Add Vomit (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31466024&postcount=3)
Chp. 3: Neverending Halllwayyyyyy. Ohoh-ohoh-ohoh. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31466030&postcount=4)
Chp. 4: This is the dinner that never ends...yes it goes on and on my frieeeends... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31466050&postcount=5)
Chp. 5: I'll Have A Grande Decaf Non-Fat Coffee Walk, with a Side of 1,300 Pictures (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31466072&postcount=6)
Chp. 6: The Key to Epcot (is the Key to the World) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31466083&postcount=7)
A Brief Pictorial Interruption Brought To You By Today's Playoff Game: GO EAGLES! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31466102&postcount=8)
Chp 7: No Canadian Bathrooms Were Harmed in the Making of this Chapter! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31466124&postcount=9)
Chp. 8: Drinkin’ ‘Round the World (Showcase) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31466136&postcount=10)
Chp 9: Breakfast, How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count the Ways... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31576872&postcount=24)
Chp. 10: How To Ruin A Perfectly Good Day in Just 13 Steps, er, Stories (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31594470&postcount=34)
Chp. 11: Clean-up, Aisle 5! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31909760&postcount=50)
Chp. 12: Signs, Signs, Everywhere Are Signs (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32082564&postcount=60)
Chp. 13 (How Appropriate!): Epically Huge MK Day Mega Update Numero Uno (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32616604&postcount=80)
Chp. 14: Looking for Adventure in the Great Wide...Wait, Why Can't I Feel My Butt? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33387134&postcount=103)

[Tinkerbellarella]

The first two chapters don’t deal a whole lot with Disney. But they’re important. Because they set the tone, the luck and some of the themes and jokes of the week ahead. I promise, by Chapter 3, we’ll be arriving at the Poly. And, by Chapter 2, they’ll be some pictures.

I won't bore you with the details of "Disney Eve" because, frankly, nothing went down like I'd hoped. I'd wanted to spend a quiet, romantic evening with BF before being without him for 9 days. Instead it was more about being overwhelmed by the amount of work we were going to have to do in the new place.

The overwhelming amount of work we STILL need to do in the new place.
IF we stay in the new place.
::sigh::
ANYWAY.

So, the romantic evening was out. Thankfully, no packing needed to be done since I'd been packed for, like, 6 weeks.
HAHAHAHAHA.
Not kidding.

Instead, I woke up on "Disney Morning", after a restless night's sleep, to our alarm going off at it's normal time: 4:50 a.m. BF works on Saturdays and it was actually a good time for me to get up and get ready as well. My plan was to be out of the house by 5:30 a.m. to grab coffees and to be at my mom's for 6:00 a.m. I'd leave my car at her house for easier transport home and then we pick up Missy for 6:15 a.m. to be at the airport by 7:00 a.m. in plenty of time for our 8:25 a.m. flight.

Best laid plans and all that.

You know where this is going, right?

I showered and dressed and then cuddled on the couch with BF to watch SportsCenter for a bit.
Yes.
SportsCenter.
Football season is in full swing, folks. There a REASON for me to watch SportsCenter now.
Also, it was cuddling.

So, around 5:30 a.m., I announced it was time for me to go and BF offered to carry my 42.2 lb (ahem) suitcase down to the car for me, "if I want". I'm no fool.

"Yes, please, honey." :: plink,plink :: <--- those were my eyelashes batting

I shouldered my backpack and headed down, remembering a couple of things I needed BF to take up from my trunk for the move anyway. So it was a good thing he was, in fact, coming down with me. Carrying my 7.8 lbs-less-than-50lb. suitcase behind him. I got to the car and unloaded my stuff and popped the trunk to get what he needed. I started the car to warm it up (it was a chilly mid-40's morning in the Northeast) and took my suitcase from him and popped it in the car. I walked over for a final good-bye kiss and as my lips were about to reach his...

the car shuddered and konked out.

I wish I had a picture of me, still in perfect fish-lips pucker face, turning with knitted brow to look at my car.

BF says, "Huh."

I walked back over to Baby (yes, that's her name and no, I never park Baby in a corner) and started her up again. She turned over. Grudgingly. I shrug, blaming the stupid cool autumn morning and headed back to give BF that kiss he so rightly deserveed for lugging, I mean, easily lifting, my rather heftily packed suitcase down three flights of stairs.

The car stalled out. Again.
I wish I was kidding.
I'm not.

This time she will NOT turn over. And I happened to notice that me "Feed Me Gas Or Die" light is on.

:headache:

Now. In my defense, I've had Baby for 5+ years and know what her limits are in terms of her appetite. Just as we were heading home the night before, the light came on. I've driven 30 mi. (stupidly) with that light on. It was NOT 30 mi. home. I’d figured I'd get gas between getting coffees and getting to my mom's in the a.m. - no biggee.

Unless you're Baby.

The beginnings of a hissy were quickly bubbling to the surface. All of the morning's plans were unraveling quicker than the Patriots offense after Tom Brady's season-ending injury. BF could see that. And he has NO PATIENCE for hissies. At 5:45 a.m. or any other time. He stomped upstairs grumbling something about getting ready for work and that he'll be right down.

In my head it meant he was going to bring me to my mom's (which is on his way to work...if by "on his way" you mean driving through two other towns and back), so I unloaded my stuff from the car, locked it up, and waited for him by our front walk to go to his car with him. Apparently HIS plan was that he was going to get in my car and Baby would magically start up for him. When he saw me by the walkway, I got THE LOOK.

But I wasn't going to budge on my version of THE PLAN as I was becoming painfully aware of THE TIME.

I quietly informed him of my plan, ending with, "Please, lovey?" :: plinkplinkplinkplinkplink ::

He sighed and stomped to his car. This was my cue to follow and put my bags into the backseat and not say a word until the obligatory 3.45 minutes of angry-couple-silence had passed. After which I called my mom and Missy to advise them of the burp (NOZZUB) in the plans and the current 15 minute delay we were running on. Then it was all happy convo in the car. He dropped me at my mom's, we FINALLY had that good-bye kiss and I was able to convince my dad to go and check out my car while I was on vacation. BF headed to work and me, my mom and Cody headed out to gather Missy.

Cody. Cody is my mom's black Lab. He's 3. He needs Prozac. I'm not kidding. Makes for an interesting ride. This dog needs to visit my therapist more than I need to visit my therapist.

Missy's eyes were mostly shut as she dragged her also-almost-50lb suitcase to the car. I handed her her gift bag (complete with the tank I made her, which will debut in another chapter, Vacation Mad Libs and Princess Playing Cards) and she got in the backseat with Cody. We chitted and chatted some, since it had been a couple of months since my mom had last seen Missy. We also lamented the lack of caffeine. There was no traffic on the highway and we pulled up to the Southwest section of the Passenger Drop-Off area at T.F. Green (Providence, RI) at about 7:10 a.m. Not too far off schedule. After lots of "thank you's", "I love you's" and "Have funs!" we lugged or luggage (hmph) towards the doors and to the airline desk.

UP NEXT: Vomit: The Disney Secret. And No. I'm REALLY Not Kidding

[Tinkerbellarella]

***WARNING: This one is a bit lengthy. ***

We pulled our collective 100-ish pounds of vacation luggage to the Southwest Airlines desks. See, yours truly didn’t check us in online. Because yours truly isn’t experienced with the whole check in online at home and still check the luggage in at the airport process. I figured you MUST be able to do that…something to do with curb-side check-in and all that…but then Missy mentioned something about how the last time she’d done that they’d lost her luggage and, well, my decision was made.

We were checking in at the desk.

Which, by the way, was decidedly different from the LAST time I’d checked in with Southwest at the desk.
Five years ago.
When you could still check in with an actual living, human being.

The whole check in on the self-help screens had me feeling decidedly OLD.
And decidedly impatient. For the 10 or so open self-help kiosks, there were only two Southwest employees behind the desk helping out with tagging luggage and directing people to open kiosks. Which resulted in a line of people about 15 deep only populating 3 of those 10 available kiosks. No one would venture over to the ones that were empty.
Lonely.
WAITING for the “next available guest”.

Not even yours truly. Or Missy.
We’re sheep. Baaaa.

Finally we received our boarding passes and our luggage was tagged and we brought it over to have it cleared through security. I don’t think this is standard at most airports, but at T.F. Green you have the “luxury” of bringing your own luggage over to the FAA security scanners, waiting for the 2,569 minutes it takes while it’s in the “oven” and then getting the thumbs up from the Security guy whose sole job it is to give me the thumbs up and then pull out his back putting my bag on the magic belt to the plane’s luggage hold.

We headed through security ourselves. The line was pretty much non-existent. And thankfully, I didn’t need to get the Security-pat-down-that-should-come-with-dinner-and-a-movie.

After that it was a quick jaunt over to Gate 15.

To meet up with the 40 other families with children under 5 all waiting for the same flight to Disney.

Missy and I exchanged looks and I began scanning the seats to identify which children I DIDN’T want to sit next to.

Unfortunately because we were the ONLY people that DIDN’T participate in online check-in, we were in Boarding Group C. Also known as “Boarding Group: You Get To Sit On The Flight Attendants Lap”. (a.k.a.No seat for you!) We settled into by the window to wait and began to discuss breakfast. Missy gets a little nervous the night before she flies, so she hadn’t slept much the night before so she decided to pass on the caffeine. “I don’t want to be kept awake and coffee? I don’t want to have to spend any time in that tiny little airplane bathroom.”

Remember that.

So, we decided to do muffins and juice for breakfast and we were nomming down in short order. Time passed pretty quickly.

We were excited.
Missy was tired.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x102/ndgaspar/DSCN0472.jpg

I was wired on that “I’m Going to Disney!” caffeine.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x102/ndgaspar/DSCN0473.jpg

But we were both excited.
The plane arrived. See! Wave at the plane! :wave2:
Flight 1318:
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x102/ndgaspar/DSCN0471.jpg

After all of humanity and your grandma got on the plane before us, it was finally our turn to board. We headed back…back…are those seats, oh never mind, screaming-kicking-child…back...back to a row that was probably 4 or 5 up from the last on the plane. Missy settled into the window seat.

Remember that.

I settled into the aisle and confirmed with Missy that she didn’t want to be woken for beverage service and then we buckled in. I flipped through the Sky Mall magazine, looking for that combo hot dog/bun cooker (ever try to explain what that looks like to someone? Missy needed a visual) while we taxied out (early!) and were cleared for take-off.

Once at cruising altitude, Missy shoved her earbuds in and turned up her iPod, sunglasses on, eyes closed, ready for a nap. I unpacked my own iPod and dropped it on the seat next to me. I also took out my laptop and got myself a cranberry juice and spread myself out.

Remember that.

About a third of the way into the flight, out of the corner of my eye, I saw Missy sit up straight-er. I could see her eyes blink a few times behind her shades and then she pushed them up onto her head. She had a look on her face. A look I recognized but couldn’t quite place. I pulled my earbuds out as she did and said, “What’s up?”

She stared at me.

For a full ten seconds.

A LONG ten seconds.

Then, she spoke.

“I think I’m going to throw up.”

I blinked once. Twice. “Are you sure?”

Three more seconds. “Yes. I’m going to throw up.”

I bolted into action. Picture this, if you will – I gathered up my iPod, laptop, put up the tray all while balancing my cranberry juice in my right hand, determined not to spill it on the balding head in front of me (ZZUB – was that you? ;) )

Missy quickly but calmly made it out and headed the few short rows towards the rear lav, before getting stuck behind the flight attendant with the drink tray. I watched her, feeling her agony. Finally she leaned forward and said, “Um, ma’am? I need to get to that bathroom RIGHT. NOW.” The attendant recognized “the look” and deftly stepped into a row, letting Missy pass.

While she was gone, I swapped our seats, putting Missy on the aisle in case this ultimately wasn’t the only visit. I knew Missy; she wouldn’t be using those handy-dandy seatback bags. When she returned, I didn’t have to ask if she’d been sick, her face said it all. Instead she said, “Do you know how difficult it is to throw up in four square inches of space? I need to start doing yoga.”

After Missy’s second visit to the loo to yell at the pretty metal toilet, the flight attendant stopped by with ginger ale, crackers and a Glad trashbag. I wish I was kidding about that last part. Thankfully, we never needed it. Instead, I put all of my stuff away and chatted Missy up for the rest of the flight to Orlando, providing much-needed distraction.

Our flight arrived early and we made a non-vomit pitstop in the ladies room before heading to the non-monorail monorail. Well non-vomit EXCEPT for the poor lady in the stall RIGHT NEXT TO Missy. I was beginning to wonder exactly what kind of trip this was going to be.

One trip on the non-monorail monorail later, we were gathering our luggage and I was calling Happy Limo for our ride. See, I hadn’t told Missy exactly how we were getting to the Poly. I wanted us to ride in style, so I’d secretly reserved and paid for a stretch limo. We headed to the assigned parking spot, Missy still none the wiser, and wait for our driver, Gary. The spot was used for a few other companies, so we watched some other parties head out first. Finally, as a black, stretch Lincoln Navigator pulled up I said, “Ok, so the surprise is that I booked us a limo, but unfortunately NOT one this nice.” I laughed. She laughed. Then the driver got out and said, “Miss NotSharingMyLastNameOnTheInternet? I’m Gary.”

Our mouths dropped open. (While Gary’s back was turned anyway, rolling our luggage to the trunk. Which, by the way is bigger than my bedroom.)

I couldn’t believe this. I also couldn’t decide if something had gotten screwed up – was this a free upgrade or would I log in to see my card had been charged $500 and not the $122 I’d agreed to pay?

It was like a club back there.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x102/ndgaspar/DSCN0474.jpg

We had a ball, goofing on the people gawking at us on the highway.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x102/ndgaspar/DSCN0476.jpg

We finally arrived at the Poly.

::cue choir of angels:: :angel: :angel: :angel:

The slip I signed for Gary confirmed I had in fact been charged the right price and that the upgrade gods were smiling upon us. I headed, hopefully, towards the front desk. After getting leid, we proceeded directly over to Jim, the next available CM.

Jim was, no IS, THE BOMB. He pulled up our reservation and said, “So, Miss StillNotSharingMyLastName, how’s Fall River treating you?”
Me: You know Fall River? (NO one knows Fall River, MA. Fall River is my dinky hometown – I looked at his nametag and saw he was from Needham, MA) Oh! You’re from Needham!
Jim: New York originally, but my adopted family is from Mass.
Me: So, does that make you a Red Sox or a Yankees fan? (A crucial question for a fan of either team.)
Jim: Sox all the way, baby!
Missy: (sporting a Jason Varitek Sox tee and before I could get his take on the Brady/Cassell Pats situation) So, we’re Sox fans too. Does that get us any special perks?
Jim: (glancing down casually and then, in a tone as if he were merely telling me it’s hot in Florida) Well, you were upgraded to the concierge level this morning. How’s that?
My mouth dropped open.
I looked at Missy.
We high-fived.

That'll do, pig.
Er, JIM.
Sorry, end of Babe flashbacks.

Jim went through the rest of the welcome spiel, gave us our Keys to the World (KTTW) and sent us on our merry way, map in hand, to the Hawaii building. As we strolled (maybe skipped) in, the people at the concierge desks looked up at us and said, “Aloha Miss WantToStartGuessingMyLastName! Welcome to the Polynesian!”
Missy turned to me, the absolute picture of seriousness, and said,

“Nik, if all I have to do to get all this for us is throw up, I’ll do it all week long.”

Up Next: The Room! My Toes! The Four Cheese Potatoes!

[Tinkerbellarella]

After being greeted as if we were long, lost ohana by the concierge team staffing the desks in the Hawaii lobby, we headed down the hallway to our room.

And further down the hallway.

And a little bit further down the hallway.

Somewhere around the middle of the hallway I passed an excessively hairy balding guy in big boy shorts with massive guns napping in a chair in an alcove formed by the room doors.

I hushed Missy so she wouldn't wake ZZUB.

Finally, sometime around February 2009, we reached our room.

Ok, so maybe the hallway wasn't THAT long. It wasn't Princess V Boardwalk hallway long, but truthfully, our room was the second-to-last one from the end of the hallway. And right next to a different door that led out to the resort's pathways. Which we'd use whenever we were heading out anywhere except the Great Ceremonial House (GCH) because it was MUCH closer than walking that neverendingly straight, long hallway (NOTheShining) (NOREDRUM).

Missy and I actually paused and glanced at each other as I pulled out my KTTW and moved it towards the lock. We were about to enter a room we'd anticipated for months on end. A room that we'd named our "sanctuary" during the long weeks of late work hours, personal stress and packing up our houses (well, that last one was just me, but you get it). And then to have arrived and been upgraded. We were giddy. I was actually trembling a little. My "dream" stay was just a key-card slide away.

*click*
*green light*
*whoosh*

If you're a pretty big TR reader, you've probably already read ZZUB's latest chapter(s) describing his love for his room at the Contemporary and for the resort itself. I'm a HUGE fan of his and in many ways feel my description of the room (and later the resort after many early morning pictorial tours) will fall short of his novel-esque essays on the topic. However, I shall try.

Dude. The room ROCKED.

::ahem::

How's that? ;)

No really. It rocked. I'd seen just about every online pic of the Poly rooms I could get my little fingers on prior to arrival so when we walked in, it kind of felt like...well...coming home. It was everything I expected and yet better than I could've imagined, if that makes any sense.

As it would for the rest of the week, the A/C popped on as the door opened and we wheeled our collective 100-ish pounds of luggage inside. I'm not sure our vocabulary consisted of much more than:
"Oh. My. GOD."
"Thank you."
"Dude."
"I can't believe this."
"Dude."
and
"I'm so throwing up everytime we go somewhere."

Really I just kept repeating the first one over and over. Out loud and in my head. I hid it from Missy, but there was a point where I was a little choked up. My thoughts were moving so fast but walking into that room was so many things at once to me: excitement, relief, magic, disbelief, homecoming and a little bit of sadness. I thanked God for the blessings of the day, I told my gramma I missed her and thanked her for any strings she might've pulled with the Big Guy in my favor for this room and I thanked Disney for issuing the VISA that made it all possible.

I'm kidding about that last one.

Mostly.

I asked Missy to not unpack anything so I could get pictures of the room before we decimated it with our girlie things (read: SHOES and MAKE-UP). Here's the room, much like any other of the millions of pictures you've seen before, but so much more like a little slice of heaven to me:

This one came out pretty dark and a little crooked. Not sure why I didn’t think to take another:
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x102/ndgaspar/DSCN0478.jpg

The fold out couch, which only served as a sleeping place for everything we unloaded on it at the end of the day, so I’m not sure how it is for sleeping, but it is comfy for sitting:
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x102/ndgaspar/DSCN0479-1.jpg

I tried to figure out how I could collapse this whole unit to bring home to my dad, who would’ve been drooling over the TV:
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x102/ndgaspar/DSCN0480.jpg

Towel aminals!!!:
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x102/ndgaspar/DSCN0484.jpg

I was in love with the bathroom counter set-up, especially the lights (NOLL) and the mirror:
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x102/ndgaspar/DSCN0482.jpg

Missy was in love with the shower:
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x102/ndgaspar/DSCN0483.jpg

This is the view from our room from left, center and right and then, the patio itself and our room number:
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x102/ndgaspar/DSCN0489.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x102/ndgaspar/DSCN0488.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x102/ndgaspar/DSCN0490.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x102/ndgaspar/DSCN0491.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x102/ndgaspar/DSCN0492.jpg

And finally, the first and second in a series I call "An Ode to LL's Light Fixture Fetish":
Bed lights
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x102/ndgaspar/DSCN0487.jpg

Bottom of bathroom light fixture (doesn’t it look like he’s holding a little Lapu Lapu?!)
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x102/ndgaspar/DSCN0495.jpg

Once the pictures were taken, Missy called a friend of hers to gush about all of the luck that had befallen us and I may or may not have jumped on the bed.

::ahem:: YOU decide. ;)

We checked the time real quick and decided we would be able to unpack and then run up to check out the concierge lounge before heading over to the Grand Floridian (GF) for our pedi's at the spa at 2 p.m. In terms of storage space, we had no issues. We each had three drawers in the bureau/TV stand and a full closet. I used the safe in my closet for my laptop and other valuables during the week. Worked out great. There was also plenty of room in the closets to stow the luggage. The bathroom had plenty of counter space and storage underneath as well and was very roomy.

Once we were unpacked and refreshed, we headed up to check out the concierge lounge. It's located on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the Hawaii building. The second floor level is where most of the seating is and is where the beverages and snacks are served. The third floor has kind of a loft seating area. The whole back wall, facing the Lagoon, is made up of windows. I spent at least some time each morning gazing out at that view. While we were up there we peeked over at the snacks, just cookies at the time, and decided to head out and maybe stop in again later on. I’ll post pics in a later update.

I wasn't sure exactly how to get to the walkway to the GF so we meandered around the resort, oohing and aahing over how lush it was and trying to catch little lizards (cut us a break, we're from New England, land of snow and ice and the football team that's currently breaking my heart). Once we found the path, it was about a 5-7 minute walk and was super-pleasant. The path winds by Luau Cove, in front of the water along the Lagoon, by the wedding pavilion and finally by the Spa.

The GF spa is a separate building from the main cluster of GF buildings that houses both the spa itself and the fitness center. We browsed around in the outrageously priced spa gift shop for a bit (want to know what an $88 fleece looks like? A WHOLE LOT like a $15 fleece from Old Navy) and then were led "in the back". It was weird. The door into the spa proper looked more like a closet door with a sign that said “No admittance without a Cast Member”. I felt like we were being led into the bowls of a government operative lab.

Instead, we were led into a very dim hallway. We were shown into the lounge area which was a little bit brighter and was full of cushy couches and chairs. We didn't explore it much, but there was also an area with a sauna and a locker room/shower/changing area. They had complimentary water and teas as well. The soothing music they were pumping in was at a volume that just begged, "Sit back, relax, let me rub your feet." We only waited a few short minutes and then were called in for our pedicures. I can't remember Missy's pedicurist's name, but I had Flor and Flor has wonderful, magic hands that soothed away the weeks worth of stress I didn't even realize I was keeping in my poor, battered tootsies. THANK YOU FLOR!

Initially I'd worried that the hour would fly by, but it truly felt like the full 60 minutes it was, and maybe even then some. The ladies kept up great conversation with us, asking us about home, telling us about themselves and the fact that at the Home Show at the Orlando Convention Center they were selling Sugar Gliders as housepets.

Random? Maybe, but we struck up quite the conversation around how one would keep a sugar glider as pets (Missy's pedicurist's friend had one) – how we might get it home, how I might convince BF we really do need it and how to keep our cats from eating it.

This is a sugar glider and I'd decided I couldn't leave Orlando without one:

http://www.gotpetsonline.com/pictures-gallery/exotic-pictures-breeders-babies/sugar-glider-pictures-breeders-babies/pictures/sugar-glider-0019.jpg

Alas, I'm still sugar glider-less. (And no, that's not my hand that small fluffball of gliding cuteness is holding onto.)

Anywho, the conversation died down and for the last 10 minutes both Missy and I nodded off a bit. When we were done and our freshly painted and prettied piggies were dry, we hashed out our plans for the rest of the afternoon: we'd quickly check out the GF (and BASIN) and then take the monorail back to the Poly, followed by a nap and a shower for Missy and then getting purdied up for our dinner with the TK clan at Citricos back at the GF.

And that is precisely what we did. No diversions. No crazy stories really. We both napped until about 4:30 when we were awoken by a Mousekeeper wondering if we'd like turndown service. When we said yes, she came in and did a quick job of the beds and then did a complex dance on the telephone keypad with her fingers and advised us that we wouldn't need to request turndown service again - that it would be taken care of for the week.

Missy's shower ran...well...long as she'd fallen head over heels in love with the rain showerhead in the the bathroom. So, we were almost running to the monorail so that we wouldn't be late for our very important date. As we stepped out onto the monorail platform a monsoon commenced. The rain. Just. Came. Down. I mean it was hitting the pavement like it was being paid to do so. I gave TK a call to let her know we were on our way just as the monorail was pulling up.

Next update. Next Post.

[Tinkerbellarella]

As our monorail purred into the GF, I was giddy with anticipation of my first-ever DISmeet and even more to the point, that it was with my sweetest of sweet (and only) long lost sis, TarzansKat, or, as we shall call her ever onward, TK. I'd seen pics of her and her DH and her sweet little prince of a boy before leaving so I was on the lookout as we approached Citricos. I spotted her DH pushing the stroller around just outside the entrance to the restaurant and went over to introduce myself.

He didn't shake my hand.

HOW RUDE! (NOStephanieTanner)

Kidding.

He's actually a peach. The poor TK clan was well into the throes of a Disney cold at that point and as much as they wanted to share dinner with us, they didn't want to share their germs. So nice.

Just as I was introducing myself to her DS (who a.) was playing shy and b.) is possibly the cutest little man born to this planet), two things happened at once, TK rounded the corner, ready to tell us our table was available and BF called me. I excused myself for a second to quickly take his call and then FINALLY got to meet TK.

If you missed my PTR, all you need to know is this - TK and I share 98% of the same genes (including likes, dislikes and pirate obsessions) but none of the same parents. The number of things we have in common is scary. The number of things we don't have in common is perfect - enough alike to take over the world, enough different to not kill each other in the process. ;) I knew this would be one of the biggest and best highlights of our trip.

We were seated at a large round table set in from the windows. Our server's name was Tiffany. She was wonderful, though had no idea what she was in for with our group! LOL She brought us water and bread to start while we looked over the menus. I think Missy was the only one who was 100% POSITIVE about what she was having for dinner. She'd known for weeks since I’d forwarded her the menu in advance. The rest of us...well...suffice it to say we were a tad indecisive. I think we made it through most of the basket of bread (which is FANTASTIC, it has tiny pieces of olive in it) before the rest of us decided what we wanted.

Six and a half weeks later, we ordered dinner.

God bless you, Tiffany, and your infinite patience.

Missy ordered the swordfish. The "I've waited six weeks for this swordfish" swordfish. The fish itself is grilled and served over papparadelle pasta al olio with crushed olives, black olive oil, and basil coulis. Missy assures me that what all that means in English is that heaven tastes like swordfish.

(Sorry, no food porn just yet. We DID remember to get the desserts, but that's it. We were MUCH better about it the rest of the week.)

The rest of us had the Filet Jardiniere: an oak-grilled filet of beef with house-cured vegetables, quattro formaggi crushed potatoes, and veal glace de viande.

I'd like to draw your attention to four words in that last sentence: quattro formaggi crushed potoatoes. Do you know what they mean? They mean "you can and will want to eat these potatoes for the rest of your life". I mean, the filet was divine (I had mine medium rare, TK and her DH had theirs medium) and the cured veggies were good - tangy and not what I expected, in a pleasant way. But the potatoes.

OH the PO-TA-TOES.

If these potatoes were a dessert they'd be Butter Grilled Pound Cake. (R.I.P.)
If these potatoes were a resort stay, they'd be a complimentary upgrade to the Concierge level at the Poly.
If these potatoes were a presidential candidate, well, I know they would NOT be Sarah Palin. If you asked my mom they would be eight more years of Bill Clinton.

Unfortunately, since returning home, I have yet to find a recipe for these wonderous of wondered spuds. I'm getting desperate.

So yes, the potatoes were divine, and dinner was great, but really spending time with our new friends was the best part. I discovered that not only are TK and I like two peas in a pod (snowpeas, preferably; we're classy like that), but her DH is so much like my BF that if they ever got together and started teasing us as a combined spousal unit, I think the earth's rotation would stop. Then they'd spend about 70 hours playing MarioKart on the WII followed by watching a Naruto marathon. And yes, these are men. But aren't all men boys at heart?

TK's lil' man is just. Well. He's the bees' knees. Missy and I immediately fell in love with him. He's just so sweet. I've never in my life heard a three and a half year old with a vocabulary like he has. He's equal parts shy, mischievous, brilliant and sweet. Oh. And he really likes grapes. And his cars. And C-A-N-D-Y. He and Tiffany were so sweet when they interacted. She'd talk right to him and ask him what he wanted and if he got shy, she'd talk to TK or her DH and then all of a sudden he'd come right out with what he wanted and took to shyly flirting with her. At one point towards the end of our meal, he started playing with a little girl at a table near us. The little girl called him a "pretty boy". And that he is folks. He's simply darlin'. Missy is currently drafting plans to kidnap him, never to return him.

And TK. I could say so much. But really, I don't need to. She was everything I knew her to be. But in 3-D. And sitting across the table, talking about our first day and her whole trip, I knew I'd found a lifelong friend.

At some point Tiffany brought up the subject of dessert. We were amenable. As were our pockets (WOOHOO FREE DINNING!) TK and I chose the trio of sorbets.

A rather crummy picture:
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x102/ndgaspar/DSCN0501.jpg

The flavors were raspberry (my favorite - so tangy and fresh), cappucino (good - strong) and almond (delightful - tasted a bit like vanilla but was also distinctly almond, nice coupled with the raspberry). The red line of “stuff” in front of the sorbet was a strawberry sauce which was so good with all three flavors.

TK's DH had the Seasonal Berry Gratin with a champagne-Grand Marnier sabayon. Wow. It looked good. The berries looked plump and sweet. TK's lil' man made his own sundae and had a grand ole' time doing it.

Missy's dessert is what happens when sin is plated. Oh. MY. She had the Warm Chocolate Banana Torte. It was. OHMIGOD. All I could have was a single bite. It was so delicious and dark chocolatey and nannery.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x102/ndgaspar/DSCN0502.jpg

And the chocolate crown wasn't too bad either. It was both nomable and a cute accessory.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x102/ndgaspar/DSCN0503.jpg

One would think dessert would be the end of the meal. Nay. We sat and chitted and chatted until someone looked at the time. Our ADR had been for 5:40 p.m. It was now 8:45 p.m. Three hours say you?!?!

Three FANTASTIC hours, say I.

We discussed maybe moving our par-tay to a location with more drinks or to the MK for the Spectro showing but when it came down to it, we all agreed we were beat. Missy and I had our first full park day ahead of us and TK and her clan had their departure day looming and their colds o-pressing. However, we did decide to take the monorail together - the TK clan back to the MK for the launch to WL and Missy and I to the Poly.

We first partook of a mini-photo session out on the couches near the elevators and I have to say, one of my favorite photos from the trip is from that night. I just look so darned happy. So does TK. However, because I know that TK likes her privacy, I've opted NOT to include them here. Just know that in the pics we're grinning like women on Christmas morning who just woke up to find Jack Sparrow under their tree. (We had also exchanged gift bags earlier in the evening, but I’ll include pics of those in the Souvenir chapter, which will likely take 76 days to post.) We headed out to the monorail and it seemed like only seconds later we were at the MK saying goodbye. :( Oh how I wished our trips had overlapped more. We bid our new friends adios and safe travels and waved as the monorail took off towards the Contemporary.

You know, people may tease me about my “Disney obsession” or for posting to these boards. I’ve just stopped listening. Posting here has brought so many new and wonderful people into my life, including the TK family. And for that I am thankful.

When we arrived back at the Poly, we made a pit stop at the Concierge lounge just to see what their nighttime offerings included. They had a fantastic drink (I believe it was orange-guava (a.k.a. Lilikoi juice) with rum) and some cookies and popcorn and such. A movie was playing on the TV and the lounge was more crowded than I’d expected it to be. We headed back down to the room and as we were undressing, IT began.

“I think they’re blowing up Disney World.”

Missy wasn’t kidding. We could hear fireworks from our room. But this wasn’t just Wishes! folks. Oh no. The American Fireworks Association (which is what we’ll pretend they’re called because I can’t think of the proper name at the moment) was putting on a display over the Lagoon. I’d heard a rumor this would be happening and we’d agreed that if we weren’t too tired we’d go check it out, since it was kind of a once in a lifetime Disney thing. The biggest fireworks display ever put on at Disney World (I think in terms of number of shells used).

I looked at Missy. She looked at me. We were both in our PJs. She yawned. I said, “I’d go out there if I still had a bra on.”

And that’s how we missed a once in a lifetime Disney thing. We listened to it though. It must’ve gone on for over 30 minutes, some of the explosions so loud the room vibrated. I imagine it was pretty fantastic. Just as it was ending, when Missy turned out the lights and I said g’night, she said,

“Disney World better still be here in the morning.”

Up Next: The Tower of Vomit and Why Toy Story Mania Should Have Those Fun Little Barf Bags. ::sigh::

[Tinkerbellarella]

And so our first full day of Disney Magic dawned.
Early.
Though not bright, not that I knew that yet.
Because when you pull those room drapes aaaallll the way shut, it's 2 a.m. 24 hours a day in there! It's a migraine sufferer's dream come true, as we would find out later in the week...or would we?

My internal alarm clock went off at 5 a.m. on the button, though I refused to get out of bed. Instead, I laid there drifting in and out of a light sleep and just being lazy until about 7 a.m. When my BF sent me a message that said, "Wake up, lazy."

There he was again, doing his little Vulcan Mind Meld thing, somehow just KNOWING I was being lazy. Jerk.

I got up and felt my way around the room for the clothes I'd left out the night before (yes, it was THAT dark) and spent a ridiculous amount of time enjoying the rain showerhead. Once I was clean and dressed, I grabbed my wristlet with camera in hand and slipped out of the room to let Missy enjoy a sleep in.

I stepped out to the warm and bright Florida sun.
Well.
It was warm. But it was not really bright and the sun was MIA.
Oh, and was it muggy.

I headed down to the beach to get a better look at the sky and decide if this was a "Hey, it's going to be 80 today and humidity is going to be 135%" kind of day or if the sky was truly ominous. Thankfully (kind of) it was the former. I had a great picture of exactly HOW gray it was but apparently Photobucket ate it. And belched. And didn't even cover it's mouth or say "Excuse me."

Satisfied that the weather gods weren't going to completely ruin our first day, I set off to do some exploring.

I was so very impressed with the landscaping at the resort. The flowers and plants were so beautiful and most of them "felt" Polynesian.

http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq153/tinkerbellarellaspics/DSCN0517.jpg

http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq153/tinkerbellarellaspics/DSCN0524.jpg

http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq153/tinkerbellarellaspics/DSCN0525.jpg

The architecture was pretty amazing as well, even down to the structures around the pool area.

Quiet Pool
http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq153/tinkerbellarellaspics/DSCN0526.jpg

Quiet Pool Cabana
http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq153/tinkerbellarellaspics/DSCN0528.jpg

Pool Tiki
http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq153/tinkerbellarellaspics/DSCN0529.jpg

The flora was amazing but the fauna wasn't lacking either. There were lots of bunnies out and about munching on the Disney grass that looks gorgeous but is about as comfortable to walk across in bare feet as hot coals. The lizards were out and about racing back and forth across the sidewalks doing whatever it is that lizards do when they aren't standing stock still in the middle of the walkway as if to say, "You CAN'T see me but DUDE DON'T step on me".

And the birds. Oh the birds.

Z, the Poly ducks told me to tell you the WL ducks said, "What up homey? Roll Tide."

There was one duck, floating around in the stream that runs from the GCH to the Volcano Pool that had something on his mind and wanted EVERYONE to know about it. And he was spot on for the voice of Donald Duck. Now, I know how ridiculous that might sound but have you ever listened to Donald and then listened to a real duck? There's quite a range of difference there. Not this little dude. Oh no. He sounded so much like that dear, pants-less, rage blinded friend of Mickey that I actually stopped and listened to him for quite some time.

He's not in the picture, but here was where he was doing all of his enraged quacking:
http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq153/tinkerbellarellaspics/DSCN0535.jpg

http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq153/tinkerbellarellaspics/DSCN0536.jpg

As I headed closer to the GCH, Mr. Mighty Mad Water Fowl's yapping was eclipsed by all of these little dudes:
http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq153/tinkerbellarellaspics/DSCN0519.jpg

See 'em up there? I'm not sure what type of birds they are but they reminded me of the Starlings that take over my parents' lawn in the Spring. They were all the way across the top of the GCH and they had a ton to say. I was actually thankful that we weren't staying in a building closer to the GCH because I imagine you'd have been able to hear them in the room!

It was quiet inside the GCH.
http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq153/tinkerbellarellaspics/DSCN0541.jpg

I was still trying to get a handle on the settings on my camera (more on that later) and so didn't take too many pictures, though I did LOVE this guy.
http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq153/tinkerbellarellaspics/DSCN0544.jpg

And of course a gratuitous light shot for LL:
http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq153/tinkerbellarellaspics/DSCN0548.jpg

The center waterfall area:
http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq153/tinkerbellarellaspics/DSCN0552.jpg

And I decided I want these wall sculptures for our house:
http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq153/tinkerbellarellaspics/DSCN0553.jpg

Once I'd done enough wandering, I headed back to Hawaii and up to the Concierge Lounge to take some notes. The breakfast spread was great - 3 or 4 different kinds of cereals, bagels, croissants, cheese danish and a very light bread that reminded me very much of Portuguese sweetbread, which is simply NOMtastic. There were also a couple of different kinds of juices to choose from, including "Orange Guava" which, I found out later on, tastes exactly like the Lilikoi juice in Kona and O'hana. Only, it tastes better because it's free! I sat and relaxed for a bit and finally headed back to the room with a plate of breakfast goodies for Missy to choose from. It was about 9 a.m. and my inner commando was having it's first flippy fit of the day that it was 9 a.m. and we weren't yet in a park.

As I entered the room where it was perpetually 2 a.m., Missy said to me, "Good morning honey! Are we really in Disney World?!"

Up Next: You mean I need my room key to get INTO the park? Really? Hmm.

[Tinkerbellarella]

Chapter 6. Also known as the "Mammoth Epicot Update #1".

Once I assured Missy that not only were we still in Disney World, but that they had not, in fact, blown up Disney the night before, she conceded to get out of bed and get dressed for our first big park day.

Epicot day.

I lounged around on the bed and watched, in full, about 11 times, the new informational "7 Things" with Stacy.
Ok.
Um.
Seriously.
Exactly WHO on Disney staff thought those pigtail braids were a good idea?
I felt an IMMEDIATE longing to hear, "It's your zip-a-dee-do-dah tip for the day!"

Stacy. Seriously honey. Speak to your stylist. STAT.

After Missy had spent enough quality time with the showerhead and was dressed and ready, we decided it would be a most excellent idea to walk to the TTC and board the Epicot monorail there, rather than wait at the GCH and do the whole switcheroo thing. Save ourselves a few minutes and all.
Now, one would think that after my extensive walk of the grounds that morning that I would know the Poly like the back of my hand.
Raise your hand if you know where this is going.
After getting turned around twice, we finally found the path to the TTC. And by this time we were definitely feeling the heat. And a bit of humidity too. We were both happy to settle into the air conditioned bliss of the Epicot monorail. We chatted each other up and I'm sure I spewed out some random Epicot facts as we approached. I got a couple of shots of "the ball". This one was my favorite.

http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq153/tinkerbellarellaspics/DSCN0560.jpg

We were delayed for a minute or two and somehow got on the topic of the Key to the World cards.
And how they made everything so convenient.
And were oh so vital.

Missy: "So, it's our room key?"
Me: "Yup."
Missy: "And we can charge to it?"
Me: "Sure can."
Missy: "And they store our meals on here?"
Me: "And our park tickets."
Missy: "Mm. And our park tickets."
Me: "Yeah."
Missy: "Well, um, we have to go back. Mine is in the room."

I won't lie. My wee little inner commando sat down and cried. But only on the inside. It was as much as my fault as it was Missy's since I hadn't ever mentioned that the card was, quite literally, the "key" to everything. So, the monorail pulled into the station and we watched everyone else get off. And then all new people get on. 'Cept for us. We joked around on the way back, pretending like we hadn't seen all this scenery before and Missy remarked on how "old" the signage at the entrance gates to Epicot looked. Funny, I don't think I ever looked at it as "old". To me it just seems, I dunno, Epicot-y.

We trekked back up the path to the Poly. One would think that after my extensive walk of the grounds that morning and the explicit instructions given to us to find the path (twice) earlier that we would've known, yours truly especially, the Poly like the back of our hands.
Raise your hand if you know where this is going.
I got us so turned around that we were about ready to just walk across that hurtful Disney grass to the room (seriously, Disney hasn't mastered the art of growing soft grass their guests can walk barefoot on!?...wait a tic, perhaps they don't want us on the grass...hmmm, mental note). I also advised Missy that despite 9 other trips to the World, perhaps I shouldn't be our Navigator.

We finally reached the Hawaii building. It was about 4:30 in the afternoon sometime in 2076.

We used the nifty little side entrance near our room and Missy ran in to get her room/credit/meal/park key.

I'd like to say that I'm happy to report we made it back to the TTC using the paths like pros.
But we didn't.
Because instead of doing more walking, we decided to hop on the monorail at the GCH and do the switcheroo thing. And save the walking for Epicot.
Not because we're lazy (much).
More because Missy also remembered she needed cash.

I really thought that we'd be royally, er, inconvenienced by the ATM fee but it was only $2. A lot? Yes. Less than I expected? Yes. See, the Bank of America ATMs in the lobby of the building I work in charge a $3 fee. I have no DISboard-fit language for that. Instead, we move on.

A monorail pulled up shortly after we stepped out onto the platform. Despite the setback, my inner commando was eerily quiet. I think it's because I was acutely aware that the sky was that perfect "Disney" blue. And it was going to be a good day. I looked at the time on my phone and was surprised to find that despite what I thought the whole excursion to and fro and to and fro had taken, from the very start to finish, it was only 35ish minutes. So either our luck was still right on or the monorails are really Delorians.

We FINALLY walked into Epicot.

Aaaaah. I still remember that moment to this day. I close my eyes and I remember stepping out from under the awning over the turnstiles into the sun. The Epicot background music stirred up such emotion in my chest. I looked around at the place I'd been to so many times before but felt like I was seeing it for the first time again. I turned to Missy and smiled and we took some pictures. It was just after 11 a.m. and the parks had been open for hours at that point and we were just getting there. But in that moment I realized that I didn't care. I didn't care if we even rode rides. I can honestly say that now. I was just so happy to be THERE. Feeling Disney. And forgetting most everything else. And there wasn't a castle in sight.

Best. Feeling. Ever.

http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq153/tinkerbellarellaspics/missydisney2.jpg

We decided to head over to The Land to see what we could score for Soarin' FPs. It was about 11:20 a.m. The wait was about 40 minutes, which we decided didn't want to do but the FPs were only for 1:15p.m.-2:15p.m. Score! (Bodes well for things to come.) I suggested checking out the wait for Living with the Land.
Cinco minutos.
Dude. We could totally wait 5 minutes.

Missy in line for our first (non-monorail) ride.
http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq153/tinkerbellarellaspics/DSCN0566.jpg

My favorite saying from the queue:
http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq153/tinkerbellarellaspics/DSCN0567.jpg

We got the first row of the boat all to ourselves. Score! Again!
I have to say that I do miss the actual LIVE Cast Member on this ride. I get the fact that the spiel is exactly the same and that it's an easy money-saver but still. I don't know. Nostalgia, I guess.

My favorite tree:
http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq153/tinkerbellarellaspics/DSCN0581.jpg

I always worry about exactly WHY they are farming these guys. NO pocketbooks/boots!!!!
http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq153/tinkerbellarellaspics/DSCN0588.jpg

Lemonade anyone?
http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq153/tinkerbellarellaspics/DSCN0592.jpg

And what TR would be complete without the requisite "Earning My Ears" photo?
http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq153/tinkerbellarellaspics/DSCN0597.jpg

We oohed and aahed over the future of growing veggies. I wish this future would get here faster. Yet again I told myself that next time I WILL take the Behind the Seeds tour.

When we'd first gotten on the ride, we'd remarked that we could probably wait a bit to eat. I think we were both just hoping to get more done before taking a time out to eat. Our bellies, however, betrayed us. I had been curious about the new Sunshine Seasons since I'd read about all the changes. We decided that we'd make our inaugural food purchase there. We both decided to eat from the rotisserie place, though agreed the Asian noodle spot also looked good. I got the pork, mashed potatoes and carrots. I think the girl felt bad that they were low on mashed because she gave me enough carrots to last three weeks. Missy got the pork with rice and carrots. For dessert I got the Butterfinger Brownie and Missy got the creme brulee. Normally I wouldn't comment on what we got to drink unless it was something not of the norm, since it was usually water or soda, but I have to say that I got lemonade. And this was the ONLY time on the trip I would do that.
UGH.
I think it was just the fountain machine itself because my lemonade was slightly carbonated and just, HO-RIB-BLE, but I was turned off by the thought of it the rest of the trip.

My meal:
http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq153/tinkerbellarellaspics/DSCN0602.jpg

Missy's:
http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq153/tinkerbellarellaspics/DSCN0601.jpg

I was a little nervous about using the Dining Plan since I'd never before had it.
Easy. As. Pie. And the girl we had at the checkout counter was a peach too. She explained it to us in terms of using it for counter service and wished us a magical day, turning us out to find a table among the noon masses.
Of which there were none. At noon. At HIGH NOON in the Sunshine Seasons at Epicot. We had many choices of tables.
Score! Again!!
We settled in and I have to say we were both very happy with this meal. The pork was tender and so moist! The potatoes were nummy (but NO Citricos potatoes) and the carrots were firm. And I'm really picky with cooked carrots but these were good. The brownie was a bit much and I only ate a few bites. I also tried Missy's creme brulee, as I've never had it before. Num-MY! I was now really excited to try the maple creme brulee at our Le Cellier ADR later in the week.

Lunch was lovely though this was where we first really observed something that we'd see all week. RUDE children and oblivious parents. And I'm not talking about the "I'm going to ignore what my child's doing so as not to condone it with my attention" routine. I'm talking about the "Wait, I have children?" routine. That and just blatantly disrespectful children. Kids hitting their siblings. Kids hitting their parents. Kids stepping on other people, almost causing them to drop their trays of food. Children cussing like truck drivers. I was actually pretty appalled. After that, we were kind of anxious to move on.

We still had time before our Soarin' FPs so we decided to head over to The Living Seas. I can't tell you how long we stood outside watching the seagulls, but it was a while. I LOVE the seagulls. LOVE THEM. And if you haven't ever noticed, they actually have a varying "routine" in terms of screaming, "MINE!" and interacting with each other. I believe Missy took video, but unfortunately I don't have that.

http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq153/tinkerbellarellaspics/DSCN0603.jpg

As much as I love the Nemo theming, as it's one of my favorite Disney movies, as we made our way through the winding (and empty...and FREEZING) queue, I was mourning the loss of the original. Again. Perhaps this should be chalked up to nostalgia too, and maybe I was the only one, but I didn't mind waiting in the round room, watching the countdown come and go with the "wash" of a wave. There was something about the music they played in there. BF and I go to a movie theatre where, for a while, the music they played sound just like that. No joke, I'd close my eyes and for 10 seconds or so be transported to that attraction. And I ALWAYS went to see the movie ("BWOOM! The deluge." - That's for you, V!). And the hydrolators. Even at 12, when I knew we weren't going up or down because I'd see that same piece of gum stuck to the "coral" over and over again. Didn't matter. I still loved it.

That's not to say I didn't enjoy the Nemo ride. Because I really did. It's certainly no super-headliner attraction but I thought it was well-done. I loved the jellies and the end where the incorporate the live tank with the effects. Actually, as we went by a big sea turtle was gracing us with his/her presence and it looked fantastic. I give the new ride a thumbs up.

The first thing we did was head over to the shark area. I thought it fitting to take a picture with Bruce since that's BF's name. Unfortunately we weren't able to do that because of the aforementioned rude children and oblivious parents. Missy and I just stood and watched, disbelieving. There were kids actually squishing smaller children (that they weren't related to) to get to the front of the mouth where there parents would pretend it was nothing out of the ordinary that their child just stepped on a preschooler and snap about 647 pictures. Most of the parents with little ones just gave up. We did too and got these pics instead.

http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq153/tinkerbellarellaspics/DSCN0611.jpg

I was trying to give him a kiss because he looks so bashful!
http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq153/tinkerbellarellaspics/DSCN0612.jpg

Oh and just so you know, I found Nemo:
http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq153/tinkerbellarellaspics/DSCN0618.jpg

And my Dory at home has fur and whiskers. Somehow I think she'd find this Dory to be her favorite snack, er, friend!
http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq153/tinkerbellarellaspics/DSCN0624.jpg

We visited the manatees next. I don't like the new splash guard below the railing. It makes getting a good picture nearly impossible since the manatees tend to surface most often at that side of the tank. I love these big sea cows, though I'm always saddened to learn why they're there. Today's big guys were hurt by a propellor and orphaned, respectively. After watching their peacefulness for a bit, we headed to the main tank where the rude children ran rampant. It was starting to ruin my day a bit. I got pushed out of the way, twice and a little boy pushed between me and the glass where I was crouched trying to get a picture of the turtles so that all I ended up with was a picture of the back of his head.

Now I'm going to stop here for a minute and say something so y'all don't think I'm the Wicked Witch of the Northeast. I might not have any kids, but I love them. ADORE them. Usually even the misbehaved ones (probably because I'm not a parent). But this was borderline ridiculous. I have never before been shoved by a child at a Disney attraction. Or anywhere else for that matter. And unfortunately, this was a persistent theme throughout the week. Though, to be fair, the week had its shining stars to, like TKs son and the brother and sister we sat next to for the Boo to You parade.

K. Back to the fishes.

A rare sight for me there were FOUR! dolphins out and about and playing like nobody's business. They were zooming all over the tank in pairs and had quite the crowd around them. Including a boy and a girl who were in their early teens. I was standing pretty close to them and heard him say, "We should find Mom and Dad." She said, "Yeah, Mom is probably looking for us." Then I happened to turned my had and saw that he was holding her in anything but something I would call a sibling-type way. And he kissed her. And I saw them call the same person "mom". Just....seemed....off.

MOVING ON.

We'd just missed a showing of Turtle Talk with Crush as we headed away from the main tank and we were nearing our FP time, so we decided to head out. But not without playing in the gift shop for a bit.

"I think we need a bigger boat."
http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq153/tinkerbellarellaspics/DSCN0648.jpg

"Look, I'm all the way in Florida and I'm kissing Bruce!" Awwwww.
http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq153/tinkerbellarellaspics/DSCN0649.jpg

On our way back to The Land we were ::ahem:: somehow detoured into Club Cool.
And Missy ::ahem:: somehow found herself faced by her smiling friend holding out a little dixie cup of a certain soda saying, "Here, try THIS one."
And then SOMEONE WE DIDN'T EVEN KNOW RUINED IT!!!! Some random "helpful" person said to Missy, "Don't do it! That's the Beverly! It's AWFUL."
Thanks dude.
Missy looked at me and my dejected face. I really had wanted a "Beverly" picture for this TR. And she took the cup from me and said to Mr. Helpful Complete Stranger, "That's ok. My friend planned this entire trip around making sure we're spoiled the whole time. I didn't have to lift a finger. The least I can do is try this soda if she wants me to."

That's what friends are for. (NODionneWarwick)

And really, is there any other kind of picture than a genuine "Beverly face"?

http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq153/tinkerbellarellaspics/DSCN0655.jpg

Oh, and I'm not a complete jerk. I tried it myself. Though, conveniently, there is no picture.
Sweet Jesus. That stuff is just. I don't even know.
I think we agreed that the VegitaBeta was our favorite, though.
I also considered buying one of those big Coke bottle banks for home (BF and I collect our change - for what, we haven't figured out) until I realized and I wouldn't know how to pack it and get it home.

Even though it was time for our FPs, we decided to stop into the Imagination pavilion and Journey Into Some Imagineer's Warped Sense of "Fun", for which there was no wait (big surprise).
Now I KNOW this isn't nostalgia. What the Imagineers need to do is just bring back the very first incarnation of this ride. And leave it that way. Because it was the only one that didn't suck as hard as a Hoover. We also attempted to play with the photo-morphers in the Image Lab but out of 3 we tried, 2 were broken. And when we found one that worked, two older ladies stood behind us the whole time "helping" us. They were practically IN our picture. Rather irritating. They were actually just trying to hurry us through so they could have the machine. We weren't having any of it. We actually ended up taking a really cute picture. And I e-mailed it to both of us.

I got the e-mail about 2 weeks after we returned home. And it wasn't our picture. It was someone else's. I deleted it before I could think of saving it and posting it here to see if someone reading this would say, "HEY! That's US!"

After we both decided we could live without seeing Honey I Shrunk the Audience, we headed directly back to The Land to use our Soarin's FPs. I'd ridden the ride in California Adventure, but not yet in FL. We only waited about 10 minutes in line; the standby line was still at 40 minutes. Though it was long as we were next to a party of people who came from the "Land Without Deodorant" and then were directed to Row A1.
This meant nothing to me, at the time, though those of you who herald Soarin' as your favorite ride know exactly what this meant.
Score! Again!!!
Front and center baby! And we hadn't even asked for it! It was INCREDIBLE! With bare (and non-smelly) feet! The effects are so amazing. The only thing I wish is that they would pump in more smells - the ocean maybe, the smell of fresh grass. All in all an outstanding ride.

One question: am I the only person in the world (and the World) who doesn't know who Puddy is? Because that's what everyone murmured when the preshow started and I was just kind of like, "who?"

After that we decided it was high time to head over to the other side of Future World, by way of a stop in Mousegears to try on ridiculous hats.
http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq153/tinkerbellarellaspics/DSCN0661.jpg

http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq153/tinkerbellarellaspics/missydisney.jpg
(Actually, that one might have been in the Imagination pavilion, but it fits better here.)

http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq153/tinkerbellarellaspics/DSCN0664.jpg

http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq153/tinkerbellarellaspics/missydisney3.jpg

This is also where I'd been directed to find the Mouse Ear tea ball for steeping loose tea. I did find it but decided to hold off while we headed to Test Track and such. There were also some great piratey/Capt. Jack shirts that I regret not getting.

When we arrived at Test Track, the stand-by wait was 80 minutes and single rider line at 40 minutes but none of the lines were outside of the building. I wondered if maybe they were wrong but we decided not to risk it and got FPs for 4:05p.m.-5:05p.m. instead. I was particularly hopeful for a short wait at Mission:Space either, but we were surprised to find a 15min. wait posted for the Green Side (a.k.a. the "I'd like NOT to revisit my lunch" side). It WASN'T 15 minutes. It was a walk-on. We walked right through the queue and into line to watch Sinise-vision.
http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq153/tinkerbellarellaspics/DSCN0669.jpg
What is up with his hair?
Missy and I were directed to our spots and discovered we were to be the only ones in our spaceship to Mars. We discussed that perhaps I shouldn't be the Navigator since I got us so lost that morning, so instead I believe I was to be the Pilot and the Commander. Just before the doors opened to board, from around the bend of the hall, we heard an adult say, in a very small voice, "Woohoo!"

Only, typed it should be, Woohoo!.

Missy called a Woohoo! back but we got no answer. This would become a joke the rest of the trip. Whenever something awesome happened, one or both of us would give a rather anticlimactic Woohoo!.

After safely blasting off from the planet, hyper-sleeping and crash-landing on Mars, we were dumped into, appropriately, the dump shot.
Where Missy took this picture of me and sent it to just about everyone we know. I'm posting it on here specifically so that at least one person will ruin their monitor with a fine spray of the beverage of their choice.
http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq153/tinkerbellarellaspics/missydisney4.jpg
It's blurry, but you get the gist. You can all thank Missy.

We also bought our first souvenirs. I have a Stitch Yoda who now sits on my desk. Missy bought a Goofy Darth Vadar for her friend. I don't have a picture of my Stitch but I will for my "Souvenir" chapter.

We still had plenty of time before our Test Track FPs, so we wandered into the pre-show for Universe of Energy after I walked by and mourned the now completely dufunct Wonders of Life pavilion. Buzzy, Cranium Command, I mourn thee. Body Wars, I can't say that either me or my digestive tract miss you.

As is always the case, I enjoyed (and mouthed word-for-word) the preshow. I love me some Ellen. We then took and almost 40 minute nap with the exception of the dinosaur part where I actually noticed a TON of speakers not very well hidden that I'd never seen before AND had to coment for the umpteenth time that the Audioanimatronic Ellen couldn't look LESS like her real-life counterpart. I don't get it. They can get a spot-on Jack Sparrow but they can't take five minutes and make Ellen look less like she has typhoid? I also noticed that some of the patterns on the dinos looked like they're tattoos and not like their just skin patterns. I don't know, as much as Universe of Energy reminds me of old trips to the World with my grandparents, I think I'm willing to admit that this one is in desperate need of some TLC. The four boys that we shared our (FRONT) row with who slept for the entire ride would agree, I think.

Once we were finally released from the deathgrip of UoE, it was time for our FPs for Test Track. The wait was about 10 minutes and, as always, the ride was a blast. Am I the only one that wants the last part to last, oh, I dunno, about 30 minutes longer? We car-gazed on our way out, but not for too long. We wanted to get a trip on the newly revamped Spaceship Earth in before we had to head over to Mexico for our ADRs. I made a quick pit stop in Mousegears to get my ear-bedecked tea ball (pic in the souvie chapter) and then we headed to the ball.

No wait for SE. Score! Again!!!! or is it !!!!! at this point. I'm not sure. We chose our language and smiled for our pictures and then settled back for the ride. Now it's my turn to weigh in on the Cronkite v. Irons v. Dench debate. Love the Dame but I miss Irons. The End. What I didn't miss was the chariot dude that used to appear over and over and over in the Roman scene before the burning of Rome. And the smoke smell. Which has never smelled much like true smoke to me.
And I would just like all you nonbelievers to know ONE thing that has been cited as a blatant discrepancy in the revamp.
I TOTALLY wear my GoGo boots, miniskirt and yellow tights to work every day. The firm's Senior Partners do too. Well, the female ones anyway.
Missy and I were completely hysterical when it came time for the new ending. My favorites were seeing us in the Jetsons-ish car and in our scuba suits with bubble heads (we obviously chose the water-related ending). It was so funny, in fact, I was almost able to completely ignore the fact that if the screens weren't interactive that I'd have been bored out of my skull on the return to Earth. Almost.
C'mon, guys, you couldn't pull at least ONE more idea out of your hats for the end of the ride? Whatsa matter? The lemon leotards completely wiped your idea-banks dry?

We didn't do too much exploring in the post-show area but I have to say that I'm much happier with it than with what was there before (i.e. nothing) and even before that. I always kind of felt like I got out of the ride and then walked into a cave. And then when I left the post-show like I was coming into (a very bright) world for the first time (NOFlashbacktoBirth).

At this point it was time to head towards the World Showcase for our dinner ADR at San Angel Inn in Mexico. I was pleased with the way the day had panned out thus far. If it's any testament to the crowd level, we sat exactly where we wanted to with just about no wait on every ride. We'd essentially seen, in a leisurely manner, including a non-rushed lunch, everything we'd wanted to see in Future World in about 5 hours. And now we were headed over to what we hoped would be a fantabulous dinner followed by some drinkin' 'round the World (Showcase).

Up Next: Dinner at San Angel Inn. Would Montezuma get his revenge?

P.S. Just an FYI that there will likely be additional pictorial updates from the first two days before I post the next part of this chappie as I'm now 100% certain not all of my pics made it onto Photobucket.

[Tinkerbellarella]

So, the next chapter is just about done, but before I post it, I wanted to share with you some pictures that I'd wanted to post from my morning walk on Day 2 and earlier in the day in Epicot.

Enjoy!

This is how foggy it was when I stepped out for my morning walk. But don't let the gray fool you. Hu.Mid.
http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0508.jpg

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0511.jpg

These dudes weren't phased.
http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0509.jpg

Moisture forming on the camera lens.
http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0510.jpg

One of my favorite pics from that morning's walk.
http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0512.jpg

Home Sweet Home.
http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0554.jpg

Won't you be my neighbor?
http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0557.jpg

The Living Seas.
http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0613.jpg

These eels were freaky, breathing in time and acting like they were 3 heads on one body.
http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0616.jpg

We didn't realize this was a fish until it moved and we both yelped and pointed. Then we giggled and clapped. Nope. Doesn't take much.
http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0621.jpg

Ooooooh. Poison-y.
http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0622.jpg

Journey Into Some Wacked-Out, Un-Fun Imagineer's Imagination.
http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0656.jpg

Down is up.
http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0660.jpg

Look! It's TK's favoritest soda ever!
http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0654.jpg

Just a heads up. Missy's bringin' sexy back. But she forgot her receipt.
http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0662.jpg

[Tinkerbellarella]

After smelling the burning of Rome, watching the Sistine Chapel being painted and cat calling the chickypoo in the yellow leggings and miniskirt, we departed Spaceship Earth and headed out into the World. Showcase, that is.

It was a pretty hot day and as we walked down that main sidewalk, with the defunct Odyssey on our left (I ate there on my first trip!), kids were screaming and running around in the fountain play area on our right. It looked SO inviting. I lamented being 20 years too old to join in the fun.

We reached the Lagoon.
http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0673.jpg

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0671.jpg

And turned left.
http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0675.jpg

The hardly elusive "Nacho Birds". If you've ever ordered ANYTHING from the Cantina and sat at their tables, you know what I mean.
http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0674.jpg

We were a bit early for dinner but it didn't matter. The longer we were on the trip, the longer we realized some of the time inbetween "doing stuff" was really fun. Funner. The funnest.

Missy's got a thing for Mayans.
http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0678.jpg

And frogs.
http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0680.jpg

I simply love these little wooden creatures. Just about everyone I talk to tells me how overpriced they are here and how I could buy them for so much less IN Mexico, but really, I'll be in Disney again before I'm in Mexico. And I just want one. Particularly this one:
http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0681.jpg

And I like the jaguar as well:
http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0683.jpg

Someday. ::sigh::

Please. No stories about all of the people who tried these hats on before us. At this point I've 100% convinced myself that not only did they all wash their hair but that they then sanitized the insides of the hats with Purell.

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0685.jpg

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0686.jpg

And yes, I agree, Missy took the better picture.

We wandered around the marketplace and contemplated buying some pretty silver jewelry. I glanced at the time, we were still too early to check in for our ADR at the San Angel Inn. So, we did the inevitable when standing in a replica of a nighttime Mexican marketplace.

We rode the Gran Fiesta Tour.
a.k.a. El Rio de Tiempo
a.k.a. El Rio de Sucko

I prefer the second one, myself. Much like the PeopleMover.

Anywho. If you've ridden the previous incarnation and have since ridden the, er, improved version, you know that...well, not much changed. In my opinon, the Three Caballeros haven't really added any...thing to the ride. And regardless of my undying love for a certain foul-tempered duck, nothing much there either. Truthfully, I think I would've rather have ridden the original. Much like Journey Into Your Imagination. That's just my two cents, which is worth exactly as much as you paid for it.

At that point we went to check in for our ADR. We were about 15 minutes early and they let us know at the podium that they were pretty much running on time and weren't seating early and gave us a pager.

Has anyone else noticed how the pagers look like tasers? I'm just sayin'.

I was the most nervous about this ADR after reading a fair share of poor reviews of this place. But it was a Must Do thing from my ultimate 'Must Be Done' Disney list that was done. Did.

It was here, while we were waiting, that we noticed another thing for the first time that would be a continued theme while in Epicot. At least 10 different parties approached the podium without an ADR. They were all promptly turned away. The CMs politely informed them that they were booked up for lunch and dinner for the entire week and that they could try Morocco, which was the only restaurant in Epicot that still had availability.

Finally our taser buzzed and we were brought in. We were led to the back left corner of the restaurant. We were one table in from the water. The volcano was smoking, people were enjoying the best part of their Gran Fiesta Tour (the beginning), and the atmosphere was just perfect. I'd expected that the restaurant would be noisy, but it actually wasn't overwhelming. Right next to us was a bussing station, which while I thought might be distracting, ended up serving us well. Never an empty soda cup. Also near another table of two girls from Massachusetts with whom we struck up conversation.

Mostly about the kids at the table behind them who kept slamming the backs of their chairs into the back of one of the girls' chairs. It was a table of about 37 and all the parents were clueless. Matter of fact, when they finally got up to leave, one of the fathers had his rear end practically in the girl's face as he moved to leave the table.

Our server brought us water and nachos with salsa while we perused the menus.
Mexican hidden Mickey?
http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0691.jpg

We'd thought about starting our Drinkin' 'Round the World (Showcase) here in Mejico with a couple of Margaritas. But we passed. The Margaritas are made with Sauza tequila, which Missy doesn't like and honestly, the last time I drank tequila I got up close and personal with some cold bathroom tile.

On to the entrees.

I was looking for the one thing on the menu I'd seen prior to the trip that I knew I wanted. I believe it was called the Plato Mexicano. It was your typical Mexican fare - an enchilado, burrito, etc.

And it wasn't there.
I was kind of at a loss.
Which ultimately served me well, as I chose a different dish, we both did, in fact, which was probably one of the best of the whole trip.

Filete Motuleno - Grilled beef tenderloin with beans, Oaxaco melted cheese, Ranchero sauce, Pablano peppers, and fried plaintain.

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0693.jpg

I had been worried about the peppers, but figured I could pick them off.
I had been worried about the fried plaintain, it's a uber-mushy consistency thing.

An anticipatory bite.

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0694.jpg

O.
M.
G.

This dish was A-MAZING. The filet was so very good. I could practically cut it with the fork. The cut of meat was actually better than what I'd had at Citricos the night before. The melted cheese on top was mild and just enough. The sauce was spicy but not overpowering. And the plaintains were fried just right -still firm.

Missy enjoyed as well, and, with the exception of the peppers, I practically licked my plate clean. And Missy's. But we're professionals. We left room for dessert.

Missy got the flan (sorry for the blur).
http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0695.jpg

I had Heaven on a Plate.
a.k.a. Can I have more of this?
a.k.a. Capirotada de Chocolate Blanco (white chocolate golden raisin bread pudding served with Mexican milk caramel).

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0696.jpg

At the risk of repeating myself,

O.
M.
G.

I didn't want this dessert to end. While I usually find bread pudding to be a little to mushy for my tastes, it was just moist enough and firm and delicioso.

Our meal ended far too soon (thankfully without destroying any Canadian bathrooms, coughcough) and we headed out into the early evening to drink our way from Norway to Canada.

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0700.jpg
(This picture is dedicated to Z. O Canada. You will never be the same.)

Up Next: Drinkin' 'Round the World (Showcase)!

[Tinkerbellarella]

With our bellies filled with nomtacular food, we were ready to conquer the World (not the world) and all its libations. The plan had been to start in Mexico with margaritas, but as I had previously mentioned, Missy isn’t fond of Sauza tequila and I, well, any kind of tequila could have possibly caused issues of Number Three proportions. Instead we were content to keep moving to the left (NOBeyonce).

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0701.jpg

Though we were sure that Norway had some fantastic alcohol to go along with its impressive architecture and craftsmanship:

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0703.jpg

we were instead irreversibly drawn to the Number One, Most Incredible, MUST RIDE ATTRACTION IN DISNEY WORLD:

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0705.jpg

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0706.jpg

And it’s a Fastpass.
I KNOW! It’s incredible!

Despite the fact that we were certain that all of the Fastpasses would’ve been distributed for the day, given the ride’s obvious popularity and fan-following, we were still able to get on in two shakes of a lamb’s tail. And were even directed to Row Number:

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0708.jpg

We were left heady and tipsy by the ride through Norway’s rather disjointed history. Though sorely tempted to stop and watch the movie, unfortunately it was standing room only.

::cough::

Since we didn’t sample any of Norway’s beverages, we decided that we should at least try on one of Norway’s more refined and famous careers.
Vikings (NOMinnesota) we be.

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0709.jpg

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0712.jpg

And no, I can’t believe that we weren’t drunk either.

At this point having had enough fun thoroughly making fools of ourselves to the delight of other Epicot visitors, we decided to head on, to:

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0723.jpg

China.

Where we realized there was really nothing we wanted to imbibe there either. But we WERE able to stumble across our very first Photopass photographer (who reminded me a week after returning home how ickysweatygrossunpretty (yes, it’s a word, not my fault you can’t find it in the dictionary) I was that rather humid evening).

And we were happy and wanted so very much to commemorate our trip together with the very first picture we would BOTH appear in, in China. Which is Where the Magic Lives. Tinkerbell even says so.

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/image009.jpg

And might I remind you that we had not yet consumed anything alcoholic, so we were, in fact, standing up straight, and if the palace in the background is leaning, perhaps YOU should lay off the after dinner glass of red.

;)

Well, that or the Photopass photographer had had a couple of margaritas on his way to his post in China.

We wandered about a bit, through the shop and then decided to continue on to Germany to finally attempt to even up the Epicot Alcohol Offering score, which was currently Us: 0 Epicot: 3.

Only, it wasn’t quite evened up since I’m simply not a beer drinker. Missy, however, enjoyed a Beck’s for the both of us.

Us: 0.5
Epicot: 3.5

I DID however purchase myself a bag of Haribo Alphabet gummies. Because Haribo is the ONLY gummy. It is THE gummy. The SUPERIOR gummy. So, take that, Epicot.

From Germany, we headed over to Italy. Mmmm. Italy.

Did you know that one of the first things you encounter as the German landscape slowly morphs into the gardens outside Doge’s Palace is a kiosk? It sells drinks. Adult drinks. And maybe other stuff, but we aren’t sure, to this day.

Missy eyed her beer and then eyed the kiosk drink menu.
Beer.
Menu.
Beer.
Menu.

(I’d already decided what I was having.)

Now, Missy and I have done our fair share of drinking in our short, ahem, legal, lifetime, but I’m always amazed to see Missy chug down a half cup of beer.

We were ready.

Missy ordered the Italian Margarita: traditional margarita mix, Limoncello and grappa.

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0728.jpg

While it did sound tasty, the grappa scared me a little. I knew how potent it could be. I opted for the safe and rather delicious Peach Bellini: champagne and peach puree.

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/DSCN0729.jpg

Both were absolutely wonderful. And I had a sip of Missy’s margarita and it is now on my ‘Must Do’ list for my next trip to the World. Folks, the Italian Margarita is NOTHING to be afraid of. Think Lemonade. With a kick.

With drinks in hand, we slowly strolled through America.
Home of fried chicken and apple pie.
General Motors and Spongebob Squarepants.
Britney Spears.

We kept on walking. I mean we LIVE there for Pete’s sake. (Who’s Pete? By the by.) Besides, I had no idea when the next showing of the American Adventure was or when and if the Voices of Liberty would be performing next.

Japan. Ah, Japan. My all-time favorite pavilion in the World.

I wasn’t sure that I was up for some sake, so while Missy perused the sake and wine selection in Mitsukoshi, I perused, well, everything else. Mitsukoshi is a little piece of shopping heaven for me. Knowing that we would be back again, I didn’t buy anything. Eventually I wandered back to Missy, who’d just put down the tiniest cup and was holding out to me what looked like a rather large Italian olive. It was not (wrong country), it was a plum, which had been marinating for some time in some Japanese plum wine.

Whhooooooey! That little sucker was potent. And nommy.

We headed out of Japan, purses intact, and wandered past Morocco. The drinks were catching up with us and despite having wanted to try a Tangerine Daiquiri there, knew that we were planning on toasting each other at least once more in France. Mental note to return to Morocco for further exploration later in the week.

We wandered with rather slow purpose to the wine/champagne kiosk in France. Here we met a couple of pleasant French boys with rather French accents. Missy asked them over and again to say her name, to say their own names, to say whatever phrase first came to their minds, all in French. We finally ordered, before the small line behind us formed a mob and passed out pitchforks and torches. We both picked out champagnes and moved away towards the bridge to the UK to toast each other, where we found our second Photopass photographer.

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%202/image016.jpg

In a word, the evening had been, perfect.

Looking at the time, we realized that Illuminations was fast-approaching. We weren’t obsessed with finding the perfect spot, just with finding a spot where we could mostly see it. We ended up somewhere in the UK, close to the railing by the lagoon, and had a decent view. We finished our drinks during the performance and I did my best to keep from tearing up as we turned and headed towards the front of the park to the tune of ‘Promise’.

Dude.
Tears. Every. Time.
Is it just me?

We both needed to use a Tinkletorium at that point and while I wasn’t brave enough to venture into Canada, SORRY the OUTPOST area ;) , we didn’t think we could make it back to the room. We stopped near The Odyssey instead and then headed along that walkway to the front of the park. I pointed out the lighted sidewalk to Missy and got a spectacular picture of SE on my phone as we reached the Leave A Legacy graveyard and the end of our night.

Once at the top of the monorail platform, and having completed our cardio for the day by making it up that darn ramp, we thought about asking to ride at the front, but there was a family already waiting. Mental note, try again during the week. We were satisfied, then, to simply have seats, and headed back to the resort and the room without event. We turned in for the evening and as I drifted off, I smiled at the day at DHS we had ahead of us.

Toy Story Mania!
Fantasmic!
Nausea!

Ok, maybe I didn't know yet about that last part...

UP NEXT: Thirteen Stories, Toy Story Mania and a Barf Bag, Oh My!

[pooh'smate]

I am here and looking forward to the next update. popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::

[Born 2B a Princess]

Love this -- you're a great writer! I'm in!

[Jagdcarcajou]

Lurker saying :wave2:

Love your writing - good times.

[If U Had Wings]

Now let's go back. Way back. Back into time...


Ha! This just made me think of normal Lindsey Lohan in The Parent Trap. Not quite as good for me as the Haley Mills version, but still one of those movies I have to watch when I catch it flipping through the stations.

Can't wait to hear about the rest of the trip!

[GreatBiscuit]

Yeah You're Back! :cool1: :thumbsup2 :banana: :woohoo: :yay:

Cant' wait for more updates!

[Donald is #1]

Great report so far! I can't believe that you got upgraded to CL. :woohoo:

[Pollito916]

Yay! You're back! :woohoo:

[TarzansKat]

Happy to be here! On the new...old...new...trip report! ;)

And just to sweeten the pot a little...

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/jack13-1.jpg

we're waiting...:rolleyes1

[Tinkerbellarella]

I am here and looking forward to the next update. popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::

Hello, my friend! Welcome back!

Love this -- you're a great writer! I'm in!

Well thanks! And welcome!

Lurker saying :wave2:

Love your writing - good times.

That's my side job - drawing lurkers out of lurkdom. Another job well done! Thanks for saying hi!

Ha! This just made me think of normal Lindsey Lohan in The Parent Trap.

Normal Lindsay Lohan.
Okay, first, that made me snortlaugh.
And second, poor Normal Lindsay Lohan is apparently stranded on the same deserted island with Sane Britney Spears and Sober and Straight Amy Winehouse. What a waste of talent.

Yeah You're Back! :cool1: :thumbsup2 :banana: :woohoo: :yay:

Cant' wait for more updates!

DUDE. EVERY TIME I see your avatar I want to go home and pull out the makings of some nommy biscuits.

Great report so far! I can't believe that you got upgraded to CL. :woohoo:

Neither could we, hence the bed-jumping. ;)

Yay! You're back! :woohoo:

I am! Back! I'm excited too!

Happy to be here! On the new...old...new...trip report! ;)

Reminds me of:

Make it pink!
Make it blue!
Make it pink!
Make it blue!

And just to sweeten the pot a little...

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/jack13-1.jpg

Where IS that salivating smiley???

we're waiting...:rolleyes1

And, in response to TK's oh-so-veiled-prompting LOL...I'm hoping to have the chapter drafted by tomorrow and possibly up tomorrow night. If not, definitely on Saturday. I have to drop the car off for service in the morning and so will be home ALL day and I'm sure I'll have PLENTY of time then.

(For future reference, updates will likely be late in the week or over the weekend as while my life has "lightened up" enough to allow me back on the DIS, work is still extremely busy. I'm thinking of instituting an update schedule, but I have to figure out what works best.)

Happy Thursday folks!

[PrincessV]

Hey everyone! No, you don't have deja vu, it really is me, we really are back here and it really is the same Sept. trip I started reporting on way back when!
Wooo hooo - I'm so ready for more Tink reporting! :banana:

[Tinkerbellarella]

No worries my friends! I know I promised this weekend, but it's actually been the FIRST gorgeous weekend in a loooong time. 82 yesterday and 85 today so I've been trying to enjoy it. I haven't forgotten y'all. Your update is in process. :goodvibes

[Jagdcarcajou]

Your update is in process. :goodvibes


"And there was much rejoicing. Yay." ;)

[If U Had Wings]

Hope you had a great weekend! The weather has been beautiful.

[Tinkerbellarella]

As would be my habit for the remainder of the week, I woke up early on our second full day ready to take on the World. Missy...not so much. I set out for my Morning Non-Coffee Walk, noting the time and reminding myself to be back in plenty of time for our 9:00 a.m. breakfast ADR.

We had a date.
With destiny.
And some bananas.
In the form of Tonga Toast.

But I'm getting ahead of myself.

I stepped out onto the Poly paths just as the sun was coming up.

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0739.jpg

It was partly cloudy, but looked like it was going to clear. It was still pretty muggy though. I thought to myself, "Self? It feels like rain." My Self answered, "Yet not a rain cloud in the sky. It's going to be a beautiful day."

Mhmm. Remember that later.

I decided that I'd head in the opposite direction this morning and see what I could see.

Like the Contemporary:

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0735.jpg

Like the castle:

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0737.jpg

Like a hammock, some palm trees and the Grand Flo:

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0742.jpg

And as I walked it was reinforced for me that you truly do learn something new every day. For example, did you know that the Poly is an equal opportunity resort for humans and water fowl alike? I LOVED watching these guys enjoying the children's play fountains by the main pool:

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0731.jpg

Speaking of the main pool...all was quiet by the zero entry zone and the slide.

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0741.jpg

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0750.jpg

I also learned that only in Disney does one fall in love with a trash can. I mean really! This little tiki type dude looks positively PSYCHED to take my trash! And he’s so polite!

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0743.jpg

As I wandered around the marina, checking out the Water Mice and other watercraft that we wouldn’t really be using, I got this really pretty shot.

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0747.jpg

As I reviewed it on my camera I thought to myself, ‘Self, today is a GREAT day. It’s beautiful out! You’re in Disney! You feel FANTASTIC!’ and my Self answered, ‘Dude. You’re so smaht.’

Remember that later. (And yes, my Self is a true New Englander. Pahk the cah in Hahvahd Yahd and all that.)

More tropical foliage. Seriously, their landscape theming is just so right on:

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0744.jpg

Having circled around the pool and the marina, I decided to check out what Capt. Cooks is all about. For those of you who don’t know, Capt. Cooks is the Poly’s CS restaurant. It was still early, so it was pretty quiet. I wandered around, checking out the contents of the coolers and the menu. They have a pretty neat self-order kiosk where, using a touchscreen, you order your meal. If I remember correctly, you can make some special requests but if, for example you don’t want mayo on your sammich, it’s no big deal, the kiosk is right in front of the kitchen and you can just let them know what’s going on.

As I stood, checking out the menu and the kiosk, I felt something gently pulling at me from slightly behind me and to the left. It felt like gravity had somehow switched itself around and was trying to pull me back into its grasp, righting all in the World.

As I turned in the general direction of the ever-so-subtle pull, I saw it.

::cue choir of angels::

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0752.jpg

I showed BF this picture when I returned. I then asked him to figure out how to get one installed in our kitchen. To date, he’s still working on that.

Though I’d yet to taste the magnificence that is the Dole Whip, my body just knew that it’s deliciousness was an addiction it looked forward to. Alas, today was not that day.

I waved good-bye to the Dole Whip machine (and the lady behind the register so that she didn’t feel left out) and headed back to the room. Although our ADR wasn’t until 9:00 a.m., it was nearing 8:00 a.m. and I wanted Missy to have plenty of time to slowly wake up and get herself ready for the day.

She was awake when I returned to the room and we chit chatted a bit and then she proceeded to get herself going. With little ado, we headed to the GCH for our ADR at Kona. When we arrived, the stand was buzzing with activity and the restaurant was already pretty busy. We were given a pager and while we waited to be called, I wandered around the top floor and took note of the following:
*the monorail starts running at 7:00 a.m.
*the Poly penny press machine is located on the wall that runs between Kona and the Tambu Lounge
*the Kona Island coffee bar turns to a sushi stand in the afternoon (though I wouldn’t be brave enough on this trip to try it)
It was at about this point that our pager went off. We headed in and were seated in the back left-hand side of the restaurant against the wall. We were handed menus and our waitress appeared immediately.

I didn’t even open the menu. Nor did Missy.
The time had arrived.
TONGA TOAST WOULD BE MINE!!!! MWAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!

Um.

OURS.

I meant Tonga Toast would be ours.

We both ordered the Tonga Toast with bacon, a glass of Lilikoi juice each and a pressed pot of Kona coffee to share.

Waiting for breakfast:

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0759.jpg

I took this picture of Missy, put my camera away, put my napkin in my lap and the waitress returned with our Tonga Toast.

No, you didn’t read wrong. Less than 2 minutes passed between ordering our Tonga Toast and it’s delivery to our table. It had arrived before even our juice and coffee (though that was delivered about 30 seconds later.) I actually looked around, thinking I’d received someone else’s order. Nope. It was ours.

The Tonga, in all it’s untouched glory:

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0760.jpg

Missy and I gave each other an anticipatory smile before cutting in. And OF COURSE I took a picture for you of the heaven that is the inside of that fluffy, sugar-dusted, stuffed French toast:

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0761.jpg

It also comes with a strawberry compote which is the perfect complement:

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0763.jpg

Lilikoi juice and the pressed pot of Kona coffee. The pot is suggested as serving two, but you can see it’s more like 2 and a half as that is what was left after we both filled our mugs. Now, I’m not a HUGE coffee lover, like Missy is, but this cup of coffee blew me away. It was bold but not overpowering. Fantastic with a splash of milk and a little sugar.

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0762.jpg

We took our time with breakfast and, I speak for the both of us when saying, he finished every last crumb on the plate. It was everything I’d heard and then some. NOM! Honestly, I can't really properly put into words how much I loved this dish. The sugar isn't overpowering, the toast itself is MUCH lighter than I anticipated and the stuffed bananas were a firm, warm consistency. Not mushy like I were worried they'd be. I'm not a huge nanner fan but this really won me over. With a little bit of the compote on every bit, it was....Mmmmmmmmmm.

Tinkerbellarella can has Tonga Toast?

We paid for this particular meal OOP and with tax and tip I think it came to about $25 each. Our server was great. The food was great. The atmosphere in the restaurant was great – busy but not rushed. It was a little on the loud side, but that’s also compounded by the fact that the O’hana character breakfast is also going on just down the hall. You could tell they were trying to move people in and out as efficiently as possible but they weren’t rude or obvious about it. An older couple was seated next to us and their breakfast looked to last well beyond after we left. I would eat here again without batting an eyelash.

Done with breakfast, it was time to hit up MGM.

Fine.

FINE.

You win, Disney Marketing Machine.

DHS.

We went to wait for the bus to DHS. We tend to play with the camera when we’re waiting:

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0767.jpg
(Yes the flower is in my hair and no I'm not nekkid. Another strapless top.)

I was ALL SMILES. It was going to be another awesome, perfect, vomit-free Disney day. Or was it?

Remember that for later.

UP NEXT: Wait. What do you MEAN there are no barf-bag-holding seatback pockets on this elevator???

[If U Had Wings]

Love, love, love the pics of the Poly in the morning. I've always loved that place. So beautiful and immersive.

The tonga toast looks fantastic. I can't wait to try it on my next trip. :cool1:

[TarzansKat]

It was partly cloudy, but looked like it was going to clear. It was still pretty muggy though. I thought to myself, "Self? It feels like rain." My Self answered, "Yet not a rain cloud in the sky. It's going to be a beautiful day."

As I reviewed it on my camera I thought to myself, ‘Self, today is a GREAT day. It’s beautiful out! You’re in Disney! You feel FANTASTIC!’ and my Self answered, ‘Dude. You’re so smaht.’

You talk to yourself a lot.

You know what they say about that?

Oddly like Jack Sparrow in POTC 3, that's what they say. ;)

Well, minus the accent. Just insert a different more rum-slurred one.:thumbsup2


Like a hammock, some palm trees and the Grand Flo:

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0742.jpg

:::SIGH::::

TK's mothership.

It will be mine.

Oh, yes. Someday...it will be mine.

Although I do have to say, your pics of the Poly have me jonesin' for a stay there! It's so pretty in the quiet of the morning. :goodvibes


::cue choir of angels::

Or Handel's Messiah, whichever works for you.


http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0752.jpg

:worship::worship::worship::worship: Throw in a little Jack Sparrow, a Dole Whip, and a deserted island...:::SIGH:::


TONGA TOAST WOULD BE MINE!!!! MWAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!

OMG, I just had this image in my head of Plankton from Spongebob.

Are you after the Tonga Toast secret formula? :lmao:


The Tonga, in all it’s untouched glory:

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0760.jpg

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0761.jpg

Salivating all over your computer keyboard, thereby needing a new one? $25

Pictures of Tonga Toast? Pricless.


http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0767.jpg
(Yes the flower is in my hair and no I'm not nekkid. Another strapless top.)


You are both so stinkin' cute. Love the flower. :thumbsup2


UP NEXT: Wait. What do you MEAN there are no barf-bag-holding seatback pockets on this elevator???

Ruh roh, George. :lmao:

[Jagdcarcajou]

TONGA TOAST WOULD BE MINE!!!! MWAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!

Cue seagulls "Mine. Mine. Mine."

Tinkerbellarella can has Tonga Toast?

:lmao: Only if you give some to ceiling cat as well. He is watching you.

Really loved the pictures from the early morning stroll. The sunrise shot made me want to pack up and leave work right now. Oh yeah, work... Hmmm guess I should get back to that.

[AshClan]

Yay! She's Back! I, myself, am just back too. Back from the World, that is. 8 Glorious nights at the AKL and an obscenely huge two bedroom villa at the Boardwalk (poolside, no less). Well, not 8 nights in both. 3 in one, 5 in the other ;)

Enough about me......Yay! you're back! I am jealous of the Kona b-fast. For the first time in many a trip, we skipped Kona this go-round. Dinner just ain't the same since they ditched the filet. But I could've gone for some macadamia nut pancakes! I am NOT a naner girl, at all, so I've never done the Tonga Toast. My friend tried it last year without the bananas (yep, they let you do that), but she said it was too sweet that way. Glad you loved it, though!

Mmmmm dole whips. That built-in machine of goodness is the best thing about staying at the Poly, IMHO.:thumbsup2 I always manage to get one at the MK regardless, but the opportunity always seems to present itself when I'm not particularly hungry. The Capt. Cook "on-call" machine is perfect for those back-at-the-room munchies!!

Please don't tell me one of you barfed on TOT. Did you at least have a fanny pack?

Can't wait to read more! (I think)

[Tinkerbellarella]

The tonga toast looks fantastic. I can't wait to try it on my next trip. :cool1:

It is SO not to be missed. I think I remember from your PTR that you just have the room booked, no package right? Well, if you don't want to sacrifice paying OOP for the whole breakfast experience at Kona at least do yourself the favor of partaking at Capt. Cooks. SO WORTH IT.

You talk to yourself a lot.

I'm a pretty interesting gal. LOL

Although I do have to say, your pics of the Poly have me jonesin' for a stay there! It's so pretty in the quiet of the morning. :goodvibes

Do I see a TK/TINK Poly stay in my crystal ball???

:worship::worship::worship::worship: Throw in a little Jack Sparrow, a Dole Whip, and a deserted island...:::SIGH:::

SOOOOOO much to say (NODMB). Family board! Family board! Family board!

Salivating all over your computer keyboard, thereby needing a new one? $25

Pictures of Tonga Toast? Pricless.

Eh. It's work's keyboard. LOL

You are both so stinkin' cute. Love the flower. :thumbsup2

I know, huh? :rotfl:

Only if you give some to ceiling cat as well. He is watching you.

Aaaaaahhhh, another fellow funneh kitteh fan. You do know there is an LOLcat thread on the boards, right?

Yay! She's Back! I, myself, am just back too. Back from the World, that is. 8 Glorious nights at the AKL and an obscenely huge two bedroom villa at the Boardwalk (poolside, no less). Well, not 8 nights in both. 3 in one, 5 in the other ;)[/qquote]

SHUT UP!!!! WOW. I need to start vacationing with the AshClan! Seriously, dude, that sounds like an AWESOME trip!

[QUOTE=AshClan;31580540]I am jealous of the Kona b-fast. For the first time in many a trip, we skipped Kona this go-round. Dinner just ain't the same since they ditched the filet. But I could've gone for some macadamia nut pancakes! I am NOT a naner girl, at all, so I've never done the Tonga Toast. My friend tried it last year without the bananas (yep, they let you do that), but she said it was too sweet that way.

Honestly, the only time I'll eat a nanner is out of the peel just after it has turned yellow. Can't be turning brown, can't still be green-ish. It's all about this consistency. But between the TT and the plantains from our San Angel Inn dinner, this was a nannerific trip!

Mmmmm dole whips. That built-in machine of goodness is the best thing about staying at the Poly, IMHO.

A friend found a Dole Whip recipe online and I about smothered her I hugged her so hard...
BUT
Alas, it's not the same. The recipe has dairy and doesn't sound quite right.
SO, that just means Tinkerbellarella MUST have the machine installed in her kitchen. That simple.

Please don't tell me one of you barfed on TOT. Did you at least have a fanny pack?

Poor La. AND her DH. (She still around? I'm subscribed to so few threads I don't see lots of those peeps anymore.) I'm not telling you I did barf on TOT. But I'm not telling you I didn't either. You'll just have to wait and see...

A barf cliffhanger. Really, is there any other kind?

[PrincessV]

I stepped out onto the Poly paths just as the sun was coming up.

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0739.jpg
Gorgeous! :cloud9:

This little tiki type dude looks positively PSYCHED to take my trash!
http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0743.jpg
:rotfl2: He does!

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0752.jpg
What's better than a Dole Whip?

A SELF-SERVE Dole Whip!!! :banana:


FINE.

You win, Disney Marketing Machine.

DHS.
Quitter. ;)

[Tinkerbellarella]

Quitter. ;)

I know, right? Next thing you know I'll be buying into DVC AND moving to Orlando and those Disney Financial Execs will be high-fiving each other and celebrating with spiked Dole Whip floats.

::ahem::

Now.

On to more IMPORTANT things.

You're going to MY Polynesian in a mere 24 days??? Really??? Color me envious.

[TarzansKat]

I'm a pretty interesting gal. LOL

I had no idea.;)


Do I see a TK/TINK Poly stay in my crystal ball???

Am I that transparent? :lmao:


SOOOOOO much to say (NODMB). Family board! Family board! Family board!


I can think of quite a few DMB songs that would suit me just fine in this situation.

Did I just say that? :blush: :lmao:

[PrincessV]

I know, right? Next thing you know I'll be buying into DVC AND moving to Orlando and those Disney Financial Execs will be high-fiving each other and celebrating with spiked Dole Whip floats.
:lmao: C'mon down! ;)
You're going to MY Polynesian in a mere 24 days??? Really??? Color me envious.
Sure am! And... it's a surprise for Leo. :goodvibes

[Tinkerbellarella]

When we last left our heroines they were sitting and patiently awaiting the DHS bus. Thankfully we didn't wait long.

Ever.

The bus service at the Poly was great. Granted, we were only using it for two parks and DTD but really, it was never more than a 7 or 8 minute wait.

We arrived at the Studios ready to take on all it had to offer. Namely, the crowds of people swarming for Toy Story Mania FPs. We arrived around 10 a.m. I was convinced the FP return time would be 12/18/2009 between 3:15 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. If we were lucky. But I was actually ok with that. I knew that if we couldn't get a FP we'd decide about whether or not we felt it was worth waiting in the Stand-By line (we both figured yes on this one) and what our wait tolerance was (Mine was about 60 min. Missy's varied depending on a variety of factors including concentration of obnoxious teenage boys in her immediate vicinity, how long we'd have to wait outside the building, and the current dew point.)

After having our bags checked by the super-vigilant Disney Security team (I think her head tilted in the general direction of my bag before she waved me through), we headed for the turnstiles. Missy, thankfully, with her KTTW in hand.

::cue ominous and foreboding music::

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0768.jpg

After a short line, we were in! And Missy immediately started making friends:

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0772.jpg

Meet BO. He enjoys long walks on the beach, dogs, true crime novels and, go figure, Pepsi floats. I think Missy got his number.

While we weren't scampering (who scampers, really, other than rodents? I just really wanted to use that word!) to TSMM, we weren't completely without that heading either. We conferred and decided we'd test our luck and see if it held and see if there were still FPs available for a decent our. We headed first for the hat:

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0779.jpg

And then for Pixar Place:

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0780.jpg

It was like cattle being led to...well...wherever that happy place is that my beef comes from. EVERYONE was moving in this direction. We bobbed and weaved with the skill and agility of Randy Moss (or not) and I finally caught a glimpse of the FP machines and the return time: 3: 25 p.m.! SCORE! The lines for the FP machines weren't too bad and we got our passes in pretty short order.

May I just say how much I love the theming of this area? Granted, I'm sure I'll love it more when the newness wears off and you can visit it without the added benefit of the crush of humanity but still, it's so cool.

Speak n' Spell (or, for any of you Dane Cook fans out there 'Speak like the devil.'). I so had one of these but mine was orange.

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0781.jpg

Barrel of Monkeys

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0782.jpg

Playin' SCRABBLE with the other little green men.

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0784.jpg

Ride entrance - This one was taken on our way back through. If I remember correctly the Stand-by line was around 120 min.

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0858.jpg

Since we were in the area, we decided to hit up the Backlot Tour. (Unfortunately, LMA!, which had opened after my last visit, was closed during our trip as they were repaving the lot.) We stopped by the big, spittin' Coke bottle before heading into the line for the Tour. It was HOT.

The Tour was...exactly as it was the last time I visited. There were some new props and costumes I previously hadn't had the chance to see but for the most part, Harbor Attack! and the tour itself remain exactly the same. Does anyone else miss Residential Street and the Golden Girls house (R.I.P. Bea Arthur) and such? I used to really enjoy that part.

One thing I still enjoy every time, though:

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0842.jpg

Aaah. To be cruising up there with Walt, surveying what would truly become a Magical Kingdom.

Oh, and so funny! We were transported to this canyon in the desert where we experienced a freak rainstorm, then an earthquake, followed by an oil tanker explosion and a flash flood! Crazy huh? It was like that canyon was a complete catastrophe!

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0834.jpg

I know I sound sarcastic but I do actually enjoy this still. I just think that the end part of the Disaster! attraction at US is a little bit neater (depending on where you have the pleasure of sitting) and the Twister attraction is MUCH better. I know, it's like I just cursed and spit on the Mouse but really, you can't be perfect at everything.

After the tour we figured we were done with what we wanted to do in that area and since, while on the tour, we noticed that NY Street had been invaded with Power Rangers, we decided to head back in the direction from whence we came and hit up The Great Movie Ride.

We played around outside for a bit with the footprints and handprints but it didn't last long. The heat was actually bordering on unbearable. The air was physically heavy. So we headed inside.

Gratuitous Mary Poppins shot for LL:

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0865.jpg

TGMR totally needs an update, I agree. But it doesn't stop me from loving it in its current form either.

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0870.jpg

While our tour driver was great, our "Mobster" left a lot to be desired. He so overdid the NY accent that he was actually difficult to understand. Or, maybe that meant he was right on? LOL Regardless, though, I love the Alien and Wizard of Oz scene. Sigourney Weaver has looked like she needs a serious dose of Prozac for what, like the last 15 years? And the Munchkins are still battling with the Wicked Witch of the West. :)

When we walked back out into the heat we both decided to have a snack. Not that we were hungry. I just think, at this point, every time we were exposed to the sun and the humidity we had no idea what to do with ourselves. Since, on my last trip, I'd had a GREAT pretzel as a treat, we headed over to Min and Bill's Dockside Diner. But alas, the "filled" pretzels weren't ready yet so we each settled for a plain one and a water. If I thought the Mobster was overdone, he was obviously just emulating my pretzel. Bleh. It was stale and just icky. Not worthy of a picture, that's for sure! I ate maybe a quarter of mine and then tossed the rest. But we sat anyway, enjoying being out of the sun on a shaded bench and sipping our water.

After a brief discussion we decided to head over to the Muppets and be back in time for the next Indy stunt show. We both chose to bypass Star Tours since simulators make my stomach angry and I didn't want to chance being sick for the day.

Remember that for later.

BUT! TK! I did run into Dad. Said hi for you.

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0878.jpg

We arrived at our destination...

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0881.jpg
(See all those dark clouds? Mhmmm...)

and got in another non-existent queue. We grabbed our 3-D glasses and caught the very end of the pre-show. If by pre-show you mean ingenious Muppet intro completely drowned out by the positively SCREAMING child whose father would not leave with him. I mean this kid was screaming like hot coals were being poured down his back. I felt bad for him. Before we headed inside, I let Missy know that despite this child's incredible fear, it would be a Muppet-y good time and we were a GO.

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0885.jpg

I wish I could tell you the screaming child had as good of a time as we did. Or that his father removed him from the theatre. I can't. Because that would be called lying. I did notice the dad receive some pretty nasty looks on his way out, however. Rightly deserved, in my opinion. We took a quick detour into the Muppet shop but it was fairly short-lived as we didn't want to miss Indy.

We ended up sitting on the faaaaaar left of the stadium, less than 10 rows up. Our hostess’ name was Barbie. (And she looked like she could play the part.) While neither of us volunteered for the show, they did pick a gentleman from our row as one of the extras. He was pretty funny. The show was predictable, but in that comforting sort of way, with the laughter in all the right places.

Hey! CP! I have to tell you, this was the HOTTEST Indy I've ever seen in the bajillion times I've seen this show. He took his hat off and about half of the females in the audience fainted. The other half IMMEDIATELY bought their husbands an Indy hat in the dump shop. ;) Unfortunately, this is the best pic I got of him:

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0900.jpg

After Indy we thought it was time to get some action ourselves (minds out of the gutter people), so we headed over to Sunset Blvd. and TOT. When we got there, the wait was posted as 40 min., which I was NOT down for.

One would think that one should take that as a sign.

Sometimes one is an oblivious idiot.

We got ourselves FPs for 3:10 (a little more than 30 min. away at that point) and then headed over to the Rock n' Roller coaster. The wait time was posted as 10 min. so we were psyched to get our ride on in pretty short order. Unfortunately, this was the one time when the posted wait was wrong. We probably waited more like 20 min., so still not a huge deal.

As we headed up the ramp before heading into the building, cue more foreboding music:

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0929.jpg

What you (obviously) can't see in this shot is the ridiculously ominous rainclouds that had moved in.

Once inside we decided we wanted to wait for the first car. MAN! I LOVE THIS RIDE! What a rush. I'm a roller coaster junky and this one is SO at the top of my list. It was, in a word, AWESOME. We loved our picture and we bought it. Unfortunately my scanner is broken so I can't share it (I haven't yet done the picture of a picture thing either) but it's great.

When we headed back out, it had rained a little but had stopped. We were about 10 min. away from our TOT window, so we headed up the hill to wait. I talked to BF for a short time and assured him that we were having a great time, and no, no one else had gotten sick.

Mhmmm.
What is it they say about jinxing yourself?

I said good-bye as our FP window opened and we headed in to visit the 13th floor.

Pledge, anyone?

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0937.jpg

The line inside the hotel was short and we didn't wait long. We were seated in the middle of the middle row. Surrounded by people. I strapped in and smiled at Missy. I was so excited to be riding it again. I have always loved this ride.

UNTIL NOW.

Our elevator began to ascend and I didn't notice anything wrong. We made it to the area where you move forward through the ride, ultimately to the shaft where the drop sequence occurs. This is actually my favorite part of the ride. I could live without the drop sequence. Particularly this time, though I didn't know it yet.

A quick preface before I explain to you what happened in said elevator shaft. I LOVE rides. I have never had a problem with any kind of ride with two exceptions:
1.) Anything that spins, a la the Teacups
and
2.) Simulators - I actually used to be fine. Until Body Wars. Ever since then ANY simulator ride leaves me with a headache and rushing for the Ladies' Loo. I got brave on my recent vaca with BF and we tried the new Simpsons' ride at US. BAD BUSINESS. BF has the same simulator issue I do. We lasted about 5 seconds and then both had to close our eyes for the remainder of the ride. I can tell you, it sounded hysterical. LOL

In addition, I've ridden TOT I don't know how many other times in my lifetime. Never. Had. An. Issue. Ever.

Famous. Last. Words.

I wish I could tell you what the drop sequence we experienced was, but I can’t. I CAN tell you that it started with us flying UP the shaft, dropping a bit, and moving back up the shaft to where the doors open to the park. And that, my friends, is all I can remember. I screamed on the initial ascent and then clamped my mouth shut. The effect of the movement was immediate. My head started to pound and my stomach cried out in terror. I didn't make a peep after that first scream. I was afraid that instead of thrilling other riders with my scaredexcitedfunrideshriek I'd instead show them, firsthand, how bad that pretzel really was.

Gross. I know.

When we reached the doors and they opened onto the park, I vaguely remember observing how AWESOME of a picture it would be at that moment from inside the car. The sky was positively ANGRY.

And that was the end of all rational thought.

The next few seconds of up and down and up and down and up and down was consumed with one thought only: "PLEASEGODGETMEOFF." Over and over and over and over again. I thought if I could just hold out until the sequence ended, I'd sit still, settle my belly and we'd be all good. I think it was towards the end of the sequence that Missy noticed I was not sharing in her "good time" scream.

Again, that would be me being wrong. Once we reached the end of the upping and downing, the REAL problem set in, in the form of the beating in my head. I suffer from migraines and while this wasn’t that, it was dangerously close. It was all I could do not to just die right there. Matter of fact, I considered the pros and cons of doing just that. I was trying to concentrate on breathing rather than vomiting and was trying to remember how close the nearest Ladies’ room was. I was also praying that there was no CM waiting on the other side of the elevator doors to scare the bejesus out of us when the doors opened, like they are sometimes wont to do. I was worried that it would be more than the bejesus that would come flying out if I were startled.

Thankfully, we had a kind…or bored…or lazy CM who simply opened the gate to let us out. I can’t recall but I think I was one of the first people off. I realized there was a bathroom close by but by that time had determined that what I need was AIR. I flew past the picture area (too bad I didn’t see it, I’d bet my expression was downright comical), through the dump shop and into the air.

The wet air.

It was raining.

Honestly, I didn’t think anything could feel any better.

I sat my butt down on a bench and tried to wait it out. Missy, sweet as pie, sat with me, doing what she could to help me feel better. When I was finally positive nothing inside would be coming out, I suggested we walk. I was sure that movement (the NON up-and-down kind) would help me feel better.

And I was right about the movement. Mostly.

Remember that for later.

UP NEXT: Toy Story Midway Mania – We rode! We laughed! We threw up!

[If U Had Wings]

I'm so sorry that you had such an awful ride on ToT. Maybe that pretzel was worse than you realized. I get like that whenever I ride one of those chitzy octupus type rides at carnivals. I'm always praying for the end of the ride to come asap.

[If U Had Wings]

After a short line, we were in! And Missy immediately started making friends:

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0772.jpg

Meet BO. He enjoys long walks on the beach, dogs, true crime novels and, go figure, Pepsi floats. I think Missy got his number.


Better warn Missy she has some competition for Bo. I'm pretty sure that CP's Chelsea has claimed him already. :)

[Jagdcarcajou]

The next few seconds of up and down and up and down and up and down was consumed with one thought only: "PLEASEGODGETMEOFF." Over and over and over and over again. I thought if I could just hold out until the sequence ended, I'd sit still, settle my belly and we'd be all good. I think it was towards the end of the sequence that Missy noticed I was not sharing in her "good time" scream.


Blech. Sorry to hear that. I have been unfortunate in that I had back surgery before I ever got to ride any of the various Towers of Terror, and now the violent up-down is a definite no-no if I want to enjoy the rest of my trip. I can ride pretty much anything else, but straight up and down is the kind of spinal pressure that makes me a sad panda. However, as much as I have a legitimate reason for not riding it, I always sorta wondered if I wouldn't have ended up feeling exactly how you just described anyway. Sudden drop does not rank high on my list of "must experience."

Hope things turn around soon. Sounds like some delightful weather on the way! ;)

[tink1957]

:thumbsup2Great pics, I especially like the Indy one:love:

Sorry you were sick. I rode TOT once & that was one too many times. I hate drops, but my DD talked me into it, never again.

[Charleston Princess]

Um, Tink, let Missy know that Bo is a taken man. He only has eyes for Chelsea! ;)

I like those hot Indys! :thumbsup2:rotfl:

[2xcited2sleep]

Oh dear! Your ToT ride does not sound like fun at all! :eek: And your teaser for the next chapter and TSM doesn't sound too good either! :scared:

I haven't seen Indy in years. But a hottie may be enough to convince me. ;)

Hope you were able to recover from the tummy troubles quickly! Looking forward to more!

[GreatBiscuit]

Yowsers. Digestive instability and migraines! Talk about a joykill! Having dealt with both, I feel your pain. Hope it all works out!

The pictures were great.

I'm with you on the plane. Wouldn't you LOVE to get a peek inside that thing?

I'm really looking forward to my first rides on RNR and TOT...I'll remember to avoid any pre-ride pretzels.

Can't wait to see where this goes!

[AshClan]

Oh my.......

So sorry on the TOT nausea-fest. That sounds horrifying. And I hate to think that it may have ruined the ride for you. It's one of my faves, though I can't do it when I'm with the family. NONE of them will ride it :sad2: I did, however, ride it a time or two shortly after you did, when I was there with my Maelstrommin' friends. Thanks for not leaving behind any barf smells for us :rolleyes1

I think that was the same Indy we got a couple of weeks ago! I hadn't done that show in ages, but we really enjoyed it this go-round.

I am a little concerned about the next chapter. I am POSITIVE there are no barf bags at TSM......:scared:

[TarzansKat]

I feel very Wayne's World right now, but I just have to say, I'm so glad you didn't spew.

And if you were gonna spew, spew into this. :lmao:

Sorry. Couldn't resist.

Anyway, wow. I remember going on TOT in the early days, back when there was one fake out. That was nice. Scary, but nice for me. I can't do roller coasters, and you'll be hard pressed to get me on any kind of thrill ride, so it looks like this would be a big no no for me now. Which is a bummer, because we all know how beautiful that theming is. I hope this day turns around for you.

NoSpewOnTSM.

[PrincessV]

We arrived at the Studios ready to take on all it had to offer. Namely, the crowds of people swarming for Toy Story Mania FPs.
:rotfl2: Ain't that the truth?! HOW long till the new factor wears off and things get back to normal, I wonder?
Does anyone else miss Residential Street and the Golden Girls house (R.I.P. Bea Arthur) and such?
YES! I hate that they tore that down. Though Leo much prefers LMA. :crazy2:

Since, on my last trip, I'd had a GREAT pretzel as a treat, we headed over to Min and Bill's Dockside Diner. But alas, the "filled" pretzels weren't ready yet so we each settled for a plain one and a water. If I thought the Mobster was overdone, he was obviously just emulating my pretzel. Bleh. It was stale and just icky.
I just don't get it. I, too, have experienced the delectable filled pretzel there, only to be let down by the horrid non-filled variety at the same place. How can they possibly be so different?!

The line inside the hotel was short and we didn't wait long. We were seated in the middle of the middle row. Surrounded by people. I strapped in and smiled at Missy. I was so excited to be riding it again. I have always loved this ride.

UNTIL NOW.
Oh no!!! :hug: I'm sorry -was it the pretzel?!

[Tinkerbellarella]

Am I that transparent? :lmao:

::yes::

I get like that whenever I ride one of those chitzy octupus type rides at carnivals.

I used to ride that at Rocky Point, an amusement park we used to visit every summer in RI (now defunct and torn down). I very specifically remember when I could no longer ride it anymore. It involved a large Sprite, a ride with my dad, and then a date with the trash barrel outside of the Ladies' Room. Utterly. Humiliating.

Better warn Missy she has some competition for Bo. I'm pretty sure that CP's Chelsea has claimed him already. :)

You know what's really funny? I was thinking about Chelsea when I took that photo. :goodvibes

that makes me a sad panda

I must use this phrase at least once a day, henceforth. I love it!

Sudden drop does not rank high on my list of "must experience."

I'm a huge lover of thrill rides. This ride is always on my 'Must Do' list, so, if it needs to be removed, I will be so very sad.

That said. I understand that you can't ride but you should take the trip through the line and then duck out at the "chicken" exit so that you can see, at the very least, the theming through the queue. It's outstanding.

Great pics, I especially like the Indy one:love:


I know, right? Hottie!

Um, Tink, let Missy know that Bo is a taken man. He only has eyes for Chelsea! ;)

Pardon me. I'm going to go let her down lightly. ;)

I haven't seen Indy in years. But a hottie may be enough to convince me. ;)

DO IT! If you get this Indy, you'll be glad you did.

Yowsers. Digestive instability and migraines! Talk about a joykill!

No joke. I was so unprepared. I never get ride-sick.
Never say never, huh?

I'm with you on the plane. Wouldn't you LOVE to get a peek inside that thing?

I would SO love to peek inside. Maybe a pic of Walt's seat. :goodvibes

Thanks for not leaving behind any barf smells for us :rolleyes1

Any time! :thumbsup2

I think that was the same Indy we got a couple of weeks ago! I hadn't done that show in ages, but we really enjoyed it this go-round.

Coincidence? Methinks not.

I am a little concerned about the next chapter. I am POSITIVE there are no barf bags at TSM......:scared:

About that, m'dear, you are correct. Trust me. I know that for sure.

I feel very Wayne's World right now, but I just have to say, I'm so glad you didn't spew.

And if you were gonna spew, spew into this. :lmao:

Game on!

NoSpewOnTSM.

Yeah, that would really ruin that theming, huh?

I just don't get it. I, too, have experienced the delectable filled pretzel there, only to be let down by the horrid non-filled variety at the same place. How can they possibly be so different?!

It's something that can neither be explained by reason nor science, my friend.

Oh no!!! :hug: I'm sorry -was it the pretzel?!

You know, after that day I gave this some thought and I'm pretty sure I can confirm that my sickness was not caused by the pretzel. The pretzel was bad in that it was stale and not soft and salty the way a good soft pretzel should be, but it wasn't BAD as in it had turned into a penicillin factory or anything.

I actually just think that in my oldER age I'm more sensitive to certain motions or series of motions. I absolutely cannot ride in a simulator above the level of, say, Star Tours (Soarin' not included). I do fine on pretty much any roller coaster.

However, I'm a screamer, and I've also noticed that the likelihood of my developing even a minor headache after a thrill ride seems equally proportional to the volume and length of my screaming. LOL

I will try TOT again. I will go prepared, though. If it has the same results than I'm afraid I'll have to add TOT to the Teacup ride list. :sad1: If not I'll simply write this off as a freak circumstance.

I'm hoping to get some work done on the next chapter so that I can have it done by the weekend. I won't say yet whether or not I walked away from TSM vomit-free (did you know part of the design of the MS 'capsules' included ease of clean-up after gastrointestinal accidents?) but the chapter will answer that question. It will also answer other burning questions like:

~Exactly how cold do they keep those Disney clothing stores, particularly when it's raining? (I have a theory.)
~Did we forego our 50's PTC ADR in favor or some TUMS and a nap?
~Fantasmic. Do we stay or do we go? (NOTheClash)
~How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop?

Ok.

I might leave out the answer to that last one.

The world (and the World) may never know.

[Charleston Princess]

You know what's really funny? I was thinking about Chelsea when I took that photo. :goodvibes

Pardon me. I'm going to go let her down lightly. ;)

:rotfl: We can't let Bo know though -- if he knows there are girls arguing over him, his ego might become too big for his own good. ;)

[jelloarms]

Just letting you know I was a reader of your old report and was so happy to find this back on the boards. That toast looks delicious!

[Tinkerbellarella]

Hey peeps!

I have not forgotten you. Life has ran away from me as of late and I'm trying to catch up! Perhaps the next chap will get up today! I'll do my best!

I know you're all dying to know the end of Pukefest 2008: Tink's DHS Edition.

[jmamom]

:surfweb: Patiently waiting for more...no pressure...:flower3:

[Tinkerbellarella]

As we walked back up Sunset Blvd. and towards Pixar Place, I set the pace.

Slow.

We stopped in the Villains candy store, home of TK's original junky apple, and browsed a bit. I really didn't want to let my belly ruin our very first experience on Toy Story Mania, so I figured if we didn't arrive right on time for our FastPass window, that would be ok. We had the whole hour to get there and let my belly settle down and forget the ToT trauma.

Am I the only one who wants to figure out how to work the two of these, er, statues, into her home decor?

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0921.jpg

We headed back out into the rain, which seemed a tad more persistent at this point and it quickened our steps towards Pixar Place. Upon our arrival, we both noticed that despite the weather and the later hour PP was as crowded as it was in the morning when we'd arrived. As we handed over our FPs, I glanced up and noticed that the Stand-By line was at an 80 min. wait. God. Bless. Them.

I told Missy that if she caused any trouble while we waited in line, they had a place for people like her:

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0943.jpg

While I certainly enjoyed the minimal 5 minute wait that the FP line offered, I was kind of sad to miss out on the excellent theming of the rest of the queue. Just as we were nearing the end of our wait (climbing the stairs and then descending the stairs, for those of you who have ridden) we were in front of a rather large family. With sweet, yet unruly children. They children, per se, weren't misbehaving, but the parents were in that they weren't really paying one shred of attention to their 6 and under crowd and only to the 3 year old in the mother's arms. So, imagine my surprise when in the middle of a conversation with Missy my mouth formed a small O, my eyebrows went up and I looked down at the small child, not of my womb, who was now holding my hand.

Now.

This actually happens to me pretty often. Apparently I'm a small-child-magnet and children I'm not responsible for are constantly taking my hand and then looking up in surprise, shock and sometimes tears when they realize I'm not their mommy. I always deal with them gently as their responses often range from a fit of giggles to a monster meltdown.

So, as I looked down, my mental arsenal was prepared for anything.

"Hi. I'm (insert child's name here). Are you going on the ride?"

Except that. I wasn't prepared for that.

I explained to him that I was and then exchanged glances with Missy. If I hadn't seen him with the small herd of children in the family behind us, I might have worried he was lost. I turned to look for his mom and she smiled at me and said, "Aw (insert child's name here) you made a friend!"

Ok.

I'm not judging.

But.

I'm not a parent and STILL I don't think I'm ok with another parent being ok with letting their child hold a stranger's hand. Now, I was obviously harmless, as was he, but still it just sat in my belly (which was already filled with all sorts of WRONG) and felt WRONG.

I retracted my hand from his at an inconspicuous moment. He continued his rather random conversation with me. I didn't want to be rude, nor did Missy, so we talked to him. And tried to include his parents. Who mostly didn't partake and paid more attention to the 3 year old. A few more times the boy took my hand. I bit my tongue from telling him (and his parents) that, while he wasn't in any danger with me, that was a very dangerous thing to do with a stranger, even in sight of his parents.

Finally, as we were in the last few yards of the queue, the mother called him over and said, "Stop pestering those nice girls."

Now, he wasn't pestering. He was actually rather funny. But, so nice of you to finally take notice of your child's whereabouts and whatados.

I took the few minutes before being directed to our vehicle to really enjoy the theming of the boarding area - the big board games, the plug and Christmas lights, and most of all, the BIG Little Golden Book. I had a library of those as a child. I was enamored.

For all of six seconds.

Until I saw the rather agressive motion with which the vehicles moved.

My belly made a small grumble of terror.

I'm not really sure how long this ride is. It might be, what, 5 minutes? It FELT like five HOURS. I really tried to make the best of it. I did. I aimed my cannon. And shot. Mostly with my eyes closed. I numbly registered at one point that something was wrong with our cannons. They weren't registering everything we shot. By the end of the second game, my cannon was no longer aimed and I barely shot while my stomach roiled. Every time the car spun I was so sure I would lose everything in my stomach that I was close to tears.

And then we stopped.

Normally I don't mind the brief pauses for those who need special assistance boarding the ride. Today, though, the pause was making me wonder if I was going to need special assistance OFF the ride.

I looked at Missy. Desperately. She looked back. Like she would rather be in the middle of a street fish market in Jamaica on a 110 degree day than have to be stuck on this ride with me.

The ride resumed and, to this day, I can honestly say I have no idea how I didn't throw up. To say I was miserable would be the understatement of the century. It was so very horrible. So, so very.

We walked out and the rain was just coming down, down, down. I didn't care. I hardly felt it. All I cared about was that my feet were back on terra firma and that I simply would not throw up. We made our way towards the Great Movie Ride and I sat for a bit on a bench that was somehow still a bit dry. While the rain had felt therapeutic at first, I was now downright freezing. When I couldn't stand the gooseflesh any more and finally felt ok enough to move I headed right to one of the clothing shops on Hollywood Blvd. and bought this little beauty:

(photos courtesy of TK's Dec. TR since my sweatshirt was in the laundry at the time of this update)

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DSCI0635.jpg

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DSCI0636.jpg

Appropriate, methinks, for this particular trip reporter.

Once I was a little drier and a little warmer (and $49 happily poorer) I decided that we should try a different approach to settle my belly. We still had some time before our ADR at 50'sPTC, so we headed over to the ABC Commissary and purchased a meal to split. I figured this would either be the kiss of death and decide the rest of our evening or it would help and I'd feel better and we'd be able to finish out the night with some more park touring, dinner and Fantasmic!

We split a cheeseburger meal with fries and fruit.

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0947.jpg

I eat here on almost every trip and I'm always so surprised and pleased with the quality of the food. The cheeseburger was one of the better CS ones I'd had in recent memory, the fries were fresh and that fruit was AMAZING! The food gods were smiling down on us. And my belly, which, after half the meal and a good deal of just sitting, watching the ABC show spots on the monitors was FINALLY feeling fine.

When we were done, we just decided to walk and not get on a single thing that conveyed motion in any fashion except our feet. I may have actually pointed and laughed at Star Tours. We took our time, as the rain had lightened a bit while we were inside, and explored NY Street. We went back through Pixar Place again and watched some of the kiddies enjoying having their pictures with the characters.

We were about to walk by the Narnia exhibit for the umpteenth time that day when I randomly suggested we try it. There were two lines. One with a 10 minute wait without the benefit of a photo with Prince Caspian. The Prince Caspian line bore a 30 min. wait. We shrugged and got into the 10 min. line. As we passed by Caspian, I rued that decision. Hello! Hottie!
This "attraction", if one could call it that, was a total of about 20-25 min. with the wait. That's 20-25 min. of my life I will never get back. Honestly, it was a glorified movie trailer (albeit shown in a cool room, though with no seats and everyone breathing down each other's necks) with a few cases of props to look at afterwards.

We moved on.

By the time we'd made a full loop, it was almost time for our ADR. I figured we'd give it a shot and check in early.

They gave us a taser and advised they were seating right about on schedule, so we had about a 20 min. wait before us. We sat in the "living room" right by the bar. And we didn't say a word to each other. Not because we'd fought or were tired of each other or anything like that but because it was so LOUD we would've been saying "What?" after every sentence.

Waiting our turn.

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0951.jpg

Missy wanted to bring her home:

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0955.jpg

She was such a good dog. Very good at "Sit." And "Stay." And what a shiny coat!

Our taser finally went off and we were brought over to Cousin Byron's table.

We. Hit. The. Jackpot.

I was really hoping for some great interaction at this restaurant and was not disappointed. Cousin Byron was awesome. He had us set the table. And gave us crayons. (No, I'm not kidding.) And because we were being so good, he let me order a milkshake as my drink. At this point I was really starting to feel normal again so I thought it was not only a delicious but also a safe option.

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0960.jpg

Close-up - this puppy was THICK and could not be sucked down through the straw. It was a spoon all the way...

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0959.jpg

We decided to forego appetizers and were ready to order when Byron came back. We had made him a present in the meantime:

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0963.jpg

He didn't see the likeness. We thought it was a spitting image.
Because I said my please's and thank you's, Byron let me order the fried chicken with mashed potatoes and swap out the greens for corn. Missy ordered the pot roast. I don't think I realized, until our food showed up, how hungry I was.

Mine
http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0962.jpg

Missy's
http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0961.jpg

Now, I'm not going to lie. The food wasn't spectacular. The fried chicken was ok, the mashed with gravy was ok and the corn was probably the frozen kind.
It'll do, pig. (NOBABE)
Missy enjoyed the pot roast but did mention that there was some ingredient, she wasn't sure what, that was a little too strong or that there was just too much of. All in all the food was ok, but Byron's service 110% made up for it. At one point someone at a nearby table dropped a glass onto the floor and it broke and while every inch of him was in "CM mode" making sure it was completely cleaned up and there was no glass left on the floor and that it wasn't slippery, you should've heard his "family" spiel. Simply AWESOME. If you ever have the pleasure of dining here, I'd recommend asking for his section. Sadly, during our visit we only noticed one other waitress living up to the restaurant's reputation. Every other server was giving your run of the mill service.

Thank you Disney Dining gods!

When we'd sufficiently cleaned our plates to Byron's standards, he allowed us to order dessert. We both opted for the S'Mores.

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0964.jpg

De.Lic.Ious.

But VERY tough to eat with a fork. I recommend digging right in and nomming down with your fingers.

Before we left (a handsome tip for Byron on the table) I asked if Byron would take a picture with me.
See? Like family already:

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0965.jpg

We had been hoping through our meal that the rain would subside so that we could head over to Fantasmic! While they hadn't canceled it yet, it wasn't looking good. As we headed, full I might add, out of the restaurant, we were disappointed to find that the rain was still persisting. After a brief discussion, we decided maybe we should just head back to the room. We could rest up and then later, belly-status dependent, head over to the Tambu Lounge for a Lapu Lapu.

We headed to the busses. We got in line. We looked to the West. We saw the sun.

UP NEXT: Do our intrepid travelers keep their course and head back to the Poly for some rest and rum? Or do they reverse course and stake claim of a (rather wet) bench for Fantasmic! ?

[If U Had Wings]

I explained to him that I was and then exchanged glances with Missy. If I hadn't seen him with the small herd of children in the family behind us, I might have worried he was lost. I turned to look for his mom and she smiled at me and said, "Aw (insert child's name here) you made a friend!"

That is just weird. What in the world was that mother thinking?????

I'm not really sure how long this ride is. It might be, what, 5 minutes? It FELT like five HOURS. I really tried to make the best of it. I did. I aimed my cannon. And shot. Mostly with my eyes closed. I numbly registered at one point that something was wrong with our cannons. They weren't registering everything we shot. By the end of the second game, my cannon was no longer aimed and I barely shot while my stomach roiled. Every time the car spun I was so sure I would lose everything in my stomach that I was close to tears.

I feel so terrible your ride on TSM was ruined. I get that feeling everytime I let someone drag me on one of those octopus carnival rides. I'm always one second away from hysterical crying because I feel so horrible and the ride never ends.

This "attraction", if one could call it that, was a total of about 20-25 min. with the wait. That's 20-25 min. of my life I will never get back. Honestly, it was a glorified movie trailer (albeit shown in a cool room, though with no seats and everyone breathing down each other's necks) with a few cases of props to look at afterwards.

I've lost those same 20 minutes.
I was really hoping for some great interaction at this restaurant and was not disappointed. Cousin Byron was awesome. He had us set the table. And gave us crayons. (No, I'm not kidding.) And because we were being so good, he let me order a milkshake as my drink.
All in all the food was ok, but Byron's service 110% made up for it. At one point someone at a nearby table dropped a glass onto the floor and it broke and while every inch of him was in "CM mode" making sure it was completely cleaned up and there was no glass left on the floor and that it wasn't slippery, you should've heard his "family" spiel. Simply AWESOME. If you ever have the pleasure of dining here, I'd recommend asking for his section. Sadly, during our visit we only noticed one other waitress living up to the restaurant's reputation. Every other server was giving your run of the mill service.

I love 50's Prime Time just for the cm interaction. I've been pretty lucky so far with my cousins. The best cousin we ever had there was a hoot. There was a man at a table across the room from ours who wasn't "behaving" properly. She dragged him clear across the room and made him sit in time out with us for awhile before letting him go back. His family was hysterical, and everyone really played along. Lots of fun!

We headed to the busses. We got in line. We looked to the West. We saw the sun.

UP NEXT: Do our intrepid travelers keep their course and head back to the Poly for some rest and rum? Or do they reverse course and stake claim of a (rather wet) bench for Fantasmic! ?


Sounds like one of those tag lines from the old Batman tv show.

Will our travelers get some rest and rum? Will they stake a spot for Fantasmic. Stay tuned ... same bat time same bat station!

[Pollito916]

We saw Cousin Byron at 50s in December! He wasn't our server, but he passed by our table quite a few times and told my mom to take her elbows off the table. Our server (can't remember his name) was pretty good too, and so were most of the others we saw around. :thumbsup2

My sister is kind of sassy (and by "sassy" I really mean rude), and when she ordered the angel food cake for desert, our cousin said, "Oh, angel food for the devil, how ironic." I thought it was pretty funny, but my sister ruined the moment and said, "Just remember who pays your tip." So he left and we didn't have much interaction after that. :sad2: You can always count on little sisters to ruin a good time!

[Tinkerbellarella]

I feel so terrible your ride on TSM was ruined.

I will leak this lil' tidbit.
It has since been redeemed.

I've lost those same 20 minutes.

I mean SERIOUSLY. Disney should be ashamed.
After the first minute or two inside I blinked and was all like, "Who am I and how did I get here."

However.

Had I stood in line to have my picture taken with that delicious, er, handsome little Caspian boy-man, well, perhaps it would've made that 25 minutes all the more pleasant. ;)

The best cousin we ever had there was a hoot. There was a man at a table across the room from ours who wasn't "behaving" properly. She dragged him clear across the room and made him sit in time out with us for awhile before letting him go back. His family was hysterical, and everyone really played along.

THAT is hysterical!

Sounds like one of those tag lines from the old Batman tv show.

Will our travelers get some rest and rum? Will they stake a spot for Fantasmic. Stay tuned ... same bat time same bat station!

TK's DH would be pleased.

We saw Cousin Byron at 50s in December! He wasn't our server, but he passed by our table quite a few times and told my mom to take her elbows off the table.

Awwww! I'm glad you got to 'experience' him even a little. He was just so awesome. :goodvibes

My sister is kind of sassy (and by "sassy" I really mean rude), and when she ordered the angel food cake for desert, our cousin said, "Oh, angel food for the devil, how ironic." I thought it was pretty funny, but my sister ruined the moment and said, "Just remember who pays your tip." So he left and we didn't have much interaction after that. :sad2:

Oh, well that's kind of rotten. :scared:

[tink1957]

:cool1:I have to have one of those Tink jackets, do they come in colors other than white, white & I do not get along?

So sorry you were sick on TSM, but I'm glad you got to enjoy it later.

[2xcited2sleep]

Making a mental note to request Cousin Byron! What fun!!

SO glad you were finally feeling better. And also really glad you didn't actually toss your cookies. Because that would be yucky. :sad2:

I don't have a tink hoodie but have a similarly priced Disney hoodie and LOVE it. Wear it all the time. Definitely worth the investment!

What a cliffhanger! I think you go for the rum!! :confused3

[jelloarms]

I LoLed in real life when I read the part about that random kid grabbed your hand. Last time we were there, I was standing in line for food and this little kid behind me kept hugging my leg and calling me mom. His mom was actually standing right there and she even tried to direct his attention away from me but as soon as she wasnt looking, he proceeded to hug my leg again.

I agree with you about 50s Primetime Cafe not having that great food but excellent service. When we were there in 2001 I remember eating a chicken salad sandwich that was just....eh but the service really made up for it.

Can't wait to read more!

[Tinkerbellarella]

:cool1:I have to have one of those Tink jackets, do they come in colors other than white, white & I do not get along?

Nope, just white, but it washes pretty well. I've had some accidents with mine.

And also really glad you didn't actually toss your cookies. Because that would be yucky. :sad2:

Believe me, I did a whole lot of thanking the good Lord for sparing me from the embarrassment.

I LoLed in real life when I read the part about that random kid grabbed your hand. Last time we were there, I was standing in line for food and this little kid behind me kept hugging my leg and calling me mom. His mom was actually standing right there and she even tried to direct his attention away from me but as soon as she wasnt looking, he proceeded to hug my leg again.

:rotfl:

I always feel horrid when they look up at me, come to the realization and then scream.



So, the next update won't be until sometime next week/weekend. I have a FULL long weekend ahead. Enjoy everyone!

[If U Had Wings]

:cool1:I have to have one of those Tink jackets, do they come in colors other than white, white & I do not get along?


I was in the World of Disney New York today, and thought of this post. They had those Tink jackets in pink there. If they have them there, I would guess they have them in FL and CA too. Don't know if pink works better for you, but there is another color. They actually had a ton of Tink stuff at the NY store. They have these great madras patch tink shorts I'm just dying to have. I was tempted, but was good and just added money onto my gift card instead.

[Tinkerbellarella]

So, I AM in fact working on the next installment, but, in the mean time, you may want to CLICK HERE (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32063725&postcount=1) to see why there was such a delay on this next update. I simply couldn't find the time Memorial Day weekend and shortly thereafter to update this here TR.

;)

A sneaky one, am I.

But honestly, you should have another update shortly.

[Tinkerbellarella]

This will be a rather short chapter as I realize now what an awkward place I ended last time.
It will also be a chapter with very few pictures.
::sigh::

But I promise, I'll make up for it with future chapters!

After dinner we were disappointed to see the rain rain rain was still coming down down down. We were both looking forward to seeing Fantasmic. Although I prefer Wishes and Illuminations in that order out of the three, a trip to the Studios just doesn't feel like a trip to the Studios without Fantasmic. Not to mention that, for a number of reasons, it's my favorite "nighttime" park.

But we were NOT into being wet.
And we were NOT into being cold.
And I was NOT into challenging my body any more than I had already physically challenged (NOMarcSummers) it that day.

So we had back toward the front of the park. We weren't rushing, just getting there. With what seemed like a lot of other people. We made idle chatter on over to our bus stop. When we arrived, we noticed there were a fair number of people waiting. None of them were speaking English. And for some reason the all looked like they wanted to ask us a question. As I know minimal Spanish and not much else, I hoped this wasn't going to become some epic Candid-Camera-worthy attempt at bridging a linguistical gap.

At that moment Missy commented on the rain. Or, the current lack of it.

Hmm, we mused. A sign?

I commented on the bus. Or, the current lack of it. For the past 10 minutes.

Hmmm, we mused. Another sign?

When we both turned and saw the rainbow we agreed.

Totally a sign.

We weren't meant to be standing in this line. Nope. Not at all. We were meant to be heading down Sunset Blvd. towards Fantasmic.

We left the poor foreign people without a single episode of linguistic gymnastics.

Upon heading back into the park and for the Fantasmic theatre, there was one detour that simply HAD to be made.
It's also called the "Ode to TK's Junky Apple" detour.

Into the Villians candy shop we went and out I came with a caramel and peanut coated Granny Smith apple.

NOM!

I was either about to make my belleh very happy or very upset. It's amazing how often those two things coincide, no?

Missy may have gotten a treat too, but I honestly can't remember and don't seem to have written it in my notes. I do have a picture of said junky apple cut kindly cut by the happy candy lady into four ginormous pieces, but by the time we got seats and I sat down to take a picture, oxidation had commenced and despite it being ridiculously good to the taste, it looked rather depressing and old. I won't share. Use your imaginations.

We made it into the theatre and into some pretty decent center-ish seats to sit.

And wait.

And play with the camera.

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0968.jpg

And wait.

And listen to the "You might see Fantasmic and you might not but we're not going to really let you know until about 16 seconds before showtime. Enjoy your wait!"

And watch them squeejee the benches. THAT was rather interesting. They were doing a pretty good job but Missy and I had utitlized some empty bags to keep our tushies dry. No offense, Squeejee dudes.

Fantasmic FINALLY started. Was it worth waiting for? Well, yes and no. Yes because it's a fantastic (fantasmic even!) example of Disney magic. No, because the air was still wet. It was really difficult for the fog and smoke to clear from the different scenes, making the next scene tough to see. Some things were completely eclipsed by the stubborn, stagnant smoke. The "snake" that chases Mickey was not in motion, likely due to the slippery conditions, so there was a whole lot lost in translation there. I mean really, how long would you stand there staring a a giant snake with an open mouth. Especially being a mouse? The images on the water "screens" were also affected by the extra water in the air and the screens really weren't welcome when they blew onto us. By the very end, though, the air was noticeably drier and we were able to enjoy the steamboat of characters.

Glad to have seen it but glad to be heading back, we waited until most of the theatre had emptied before heading out.

Am I the only one who is completely annoyed by the people walking up on top of the benches despite the 60,001 announcements to not do so? Especially the ones encouraging their KIDS to do it??? I'm waiting for the time when I (unfortunately) see someone come tumbling back down.

We had a very short wait for the bus. I believe we got on the second one that arrived, possibly the first. I can't remember. We also started making a game of finding the bricks on the Walkway Around the World or whatever their calling it (which happens to run right from the TTC to the Poly, if you didn't know) belonging to people that generally lived in and around our homes:

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0980.jpg

I hope she said yes!

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0981.jpg

We were revived by Fantasmic and the lack of rain and so once we made it back to the room we decided it was time. THE time.

Lapu Lapu time. (I know! I was just DYING to vomit, huh? Seriously, by then it was like I'd completely forgotten that morning's gastrointestinal miseries.)

We dried up a bit and headed up to the Tambu Lounge, which was FULL of people watching one of the football games. All of the bar seats were taken as I was rudely informed by a rather tipsy female patron. I thanked her and stuck my tongue out at the back of her head. Sometimes my inner 8 year-old finds her way out. Sorry.

Missy scored the drink and I finally scored us seats.

What can I say about the much-awaited Lapu Lapu?

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0983.jpg

1. Oh. My. God. SO worth the wait and anticipation.
2. H.U.G.E. We shared one.
3. Worth every penny - I hear a lot of people talk about how strong it is. I'm about to maintain all of those people are pretty much wrong. I actually am not a big drinker and it's mostly because I don't care for the actual taste of alcohol. If it's well covered (a la Italian margaritas from Italy), I'm game but if not (a la Mexican margaritas from Mexico as I discovered on my recently-made-un-secret trip), I'm all set. I couldn't taste much of the alcohol in this at all. It was sweet, juice-y goodness. NOM!

Perhaps my taste buds were on hiatus after the day my digestive system had but really, I didn't find it to be that strong. That being said, I don't know if I could ever finish a whole one by myself but you know what? If I'm ever (God-willing) back at the Tambu Lounge I'll try!

I was surprised by how busy the area was. The bar was kicking. Kona was still kicking. O'hana was like Toys R' Us on Black Friday! It was crazy. It was loud. And after a while we were just craving our beds. So, once we'd sucked that pineapple dry...

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0984.jpg

(really, how often do you get to say THAT in your lifetime???) we headed back to the room.

Back to the beds.

Back to the chocolates on our pillows.

Back to...this?

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%203/DSCN0982.jpg

Who the heck is Jennifer?

Mousekeeping had decorated our beds with towel animals of sorts - really just Mickey heads filled with leis. And on one of the leis was a birthday pin.

Who the heck is Jennifer? Happy birthday Jennifer!

UP NEXT: Off to the Magic Kingdom. With Jennifer.

[GreatBiscuit]

And I was NOT into challenging my body any more than I had already physically challenged (NOMarcSummers) it that day. Excellent Double Dare throwback! :happytv:

Totally a sign. :woohoo:

And listen to the "You might see Fantasmic and you might not but we're not going to really let you know until about 16 seconds before showtime. Enjoy your wait!"

And watch them squeejee the benches. THAT was rather interesting. They were doing a pretty good job but Missy and I had utitlized some empty bags to keep our tushies dry. No offense, Squeejee dudes.Obscure Public Service Announcements + Squeejee dudes = happy times...only at Disney!


(really, how often do you get to say THAT in your lifetime???) :lmao: :rotfl: :rotfl2:

Who the heck is Jennifer? Happy birthday Jennifer! and even more :lmao:

[TarzansKat]

Okay, first off, happy that your belleh seemed to be doing better.

That's an adorable picture of you and Missy, but WOMAN!!!!

WHERE IS A PICTURE OF MY JUNKY APPLE??????? :lmao:

I'm disappointed, my friend. :confused3

Sounds like you got a sign from the Gods with that rainbow. I'm glad you got to see Fantasmic even if it wasn't up to par. And the Lapu Lapu...trust me, hon, they're strong. Perhaps your taste buds were desensitized by the junky apple. Or maybe you're just one of those weird people who doesn't like Beverly. ;)

Either way, I'm glad you had a nice drink at the Tambu Lounge...which would really hit the spot for me right now, and is making me a little nostalgic, quite frankly. :goodvibes

[Tinkerbellarella]

Excellent Double Dare throwback! :happytv:

:woohoo:

I so miss Double Dare. I think of it every time I see Marc Summer on Unwrapped.

Obscure Public Service Announcements + Squeejee dudes = happy times...only at Disney!

No kidding, huh? "Disney - where it doesn't take much to keep me entertained."

LOL!

WHERE IS A PICTURE OF MY JUNKY APPLE??????? :lmao:

Believe me my friend, it wasn't worth of the picture at that point. It actually looked positively UNappetizing. But here is an idea of what it generally looked like before it was sliced and started to brown:

http://www.wisconsinmade.com/assets/item/large/2768-caramel-apple-peanut-XL.jpg

And the Lapu Lapu...trust me, hon, they're strong. Perhaps your taste buds were desensitized by the junky apple.

Even Missy commented that it didn't taste strong. Hm. Maybe we ended up with one that was made a tad weak. Oh well, just a reason to try another one!

Or maybe you're just one of those weird people who doesn't like Beverly. ;)

Oh, you mean unlike those truly BIZARRE people who would like to have a Beverly-dispensing machine in their kitchen??? LOL

[PrincessV]

I was either about to make my belleh very happy or very upset. It's amazing how often those two things coincide, no?
What - like when I washed down a Main St. Bakery cinnamon roll with a Pina Colava last week? :crazy2:

We were revived by Fantasmic and the lack of rain and so once we made it back to the room we decided it was time. THE time.
:banana::banana::banana:

Why in heck don't we have a dancing pineapple on this board? :mad:

Perhaps my taste buds were on hiatus after the day my digestive system had but really, I didn't find it to be that strong.
I've never thought they were all that strong tasting, either. Mostly I jsut taste an abundance of JUICE. (I've actually asked them to cut the juice with seltzer - much better for my taste!)

Mousekeeping had decorated our beds with towel animals of sorts - really just Mickey heads filled with leis. And on one of the leis was a birthday pin.

Who the heck is Jennifer? Happy birthday Jennifer!
OMG! :lmao::rotfl2::rotfl:

[If U Had Wings]

Have to love the obscure Fantasmic announcements. I got those my last trip. We were begining to think we needed our heads examined for waiting.

I need to try one of those Lapu Lapu's next trip!

[Tinkerbellarella]

What - like when I washed down a Main St. Bakery cinnamon roll with a Pina Colava last week? :crazy2:

Ha! A Pina Colava will be making an appearance fairly shortly in my joint TR with TK.

But for now that's all I'm saying about that!

Why in heck don't we have a dancing pineapple on this board? :mad:

RIGHT?!

I've never thought they were all that strong tasting, either. Mostly I jsut taste an abundance of JUICE.

At least I don't feel crazy any more. Because all I tasted was the juice too.

I need to try one of those Lapu Lapu's next trip!

Seriously, add it to your MUST DO list!

[TarzansKat]

Believe me my friend, it wasn't worth of the picture at that point. It actually looked positively UNappetizing. But here is an idea of what it generally looked like before it was sliced and started to brown:

http://www.wisconsinmade.com/assets/item/large/2768-caramel-apple-peanut-XL.jpg

Hmph. This picture redeems you. ;)


Even Missy commented that it didn't taste strong. Hm. Maybe we ended up with one that was made a tad weak. Oh well, just a reason to try another one!

It's possible. Now you'll just have to go back and get another one.


Oh, you mean unlike those truly BIZARRE people who would like to have a Beverly-dispensing machine in their kitchen??? LOL

Listen. It's an apertif. It's meant to cleanse the palette. And I'll go on record, dagnabit, it TASTE GOOD!!! :rotfl2:

Pina Colava

One word.

NOM.

[2xcited2sleep]

Glad you got to see Fantasmic. Rainbow was totally a sign! :thumbsup2 And very happy neither the apple nor the pineapple made your tummy hurt! I cannot wait to try the Lapu Lapu!!

[tink1957]

:lmao:Great update! I'm glad you got to see Fantasmic & I know what you mean about a sub-par Fantasmic being better than none. On our Sept trip we went to Fantasmic & sat about 12 rows up to(or so we thought) avoid the spray. Unfortunately, the wind was blowing so hard that we got showered like it was a rainstorm. Not only was the picture distorted because of the wind, the spray must have some kind of chemical that eats metal because while I was cleaning the spray off of my glasses, they broke in half:scared1:& I had to use my contacts for the rest of the trip. But what I could see of the rest of the show was good anyway.

[AshClan]

Once again, I was way behind.

And I leave this last chapter just feeling badly for Jennifer, who got a big fat nothin' on her birthday.:sad2:

I have to admit that I have never tried the Lapu Lapu, for just the reason you cited. I'd always been told it's really strong. I bet, like so many drinks (the Lemon Drops at Cali Grill, for example), it's all about the bartender. Some have a heavier hand than others.....

Your long weekend trip - how exciting!! Must get over to that TR now to read the deets. I must admit, I really thought it was going to be the OTHER kind of proposal ;)

Happy you got your Fantasmic fix. As for me? For the moment, I'm done with it. I'm a Wishes girl, and like to catch Illuminations once a trip, but am now fine with skipping Fantasmic. That and the Lion King show at AK. They are both great, but I feel that I've been there/done that enough. Makes the new reduced Fantasmic schedule easier to deal with. But if they EVER try to cut back on the Illuminations or Wishes showings? That's a whole different ballgame.... (Speaking of which, are you pumped up for the Sox vs. Yankees series this week?!? DH will be there on Weds. night. Assuming it doesn't get rained out...)

[Tinkerbellarella]

So can I tell y'all that I was going to post the ENTIRE MK/Le Cellier/MNSSHP day in a massive post.

This week.

Whilst vacationing?

Mhmm.

Funny, where did I leave my trip notes?

At work.

Argh.

Next week my friends.

I need to wrap this puppy up.

[TarzansKat]

Dang it, woman! ;)

popcorn::

[If U Had Wings]

I'll be waiting patiently.

More or less.

:)

[PrincessV]

popcorn::

[tink1957]

popcorn:::surfweb:Patiently waiting.......

[Tinkerbellarella]

I do not heart Photobucket today.
Or, more accurately, Photobucket does not heart my computer.
The chappie is about ready but currently pictureless. Stay tuned. I'm going to re-upload tonight from home and try to get everything posted tomorrow a.m.

Sorry for the tease. Thank you for being patient.
If I could, I'd give you all cupcakes for being so sweet.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3405/3629544538_40fc18b0f5.jpg

[If U Had Wings]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3405/3629544538_40fc18b0f5.jpg

Yumm cuppycakes!!!

I can wait if cupcakes are involved. :)

[TarzansKat]

Those cupcakes look fantastic. Now I want one. :confused3

[wishspirit]

Wow! Great Trip report!

Can't wait for the next instalment!

[Tinkerbellarella]

(FYI - I still don't like Photobucket. It let me upload the pics for this update but not the pics for my update for the TR with TK. STILL not a happy camper. ::sigh:: Oh well, one down one to go, right?)

How else would I start a day in Disney but with a morning walk??? Good Lord if I skipped that it might be a sign of the apocolypse.

Although, something was off this morning.

For example, there is exactly ONE picture from my morning walk.
ONE.
UNO.
A. SINGLE. PICTURE.

And, in case you haven't caught on, this is the only picture from my solo wandering that morning that you will see:

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%204/DSCN0986.jpg

So, as you can see by this glorious food "art" shot, I wandered my way into Capt. Cook's. Because we had no breakfast plans for the day and because I wanted something more substantial than what the lounge had to offer, I decided to splurge a CS credit on an egg and cheese croissant sandwich. I also got a tea and the juice. By the by, there are two size juices in the cooler at the Poly (not sure about the other resorts). One is slim and small. The other is substantial. BOTH count the same towards the juice in your breakfast CS credit (I confirmed this with the CM). Don't cheat yourself. Get the biggie.

I sat in the relative peace of CC's and updated my trip notes while eating. The sandwich was very good. The tea was tea. And I'm partial to OJ, so that was good too. I was full by the time I was done and I didn't finish the whole sammie. I sat for a bit longer before heading back to the room. We weren't in a rush to get started today since we had a FULL day: MK, dinner at Le Cellier, back to the room to change, MNSSHP. I can't recall exactly what time I made it back to the room but Missy was just waking up. It was probably just after 8 a.m.

While she got dressed, I watched a bit of TV.
And felt strange.
I put on my sunblock.
And felt strange.
I decided to do a "live update" on the DIS (which I'd been woefully neglecting) so I booted up my laptop.
And felt strange.
I successfully connected to the net and started reading through the responses on my PTR.
Yup. Still feeling strange.

Then, IT happened. If there was one thing that I could name that could literally blow apart the vacation IT was THIS.
No, not a hurricane.
No, not a mass of non-deodorant-wearing-horrible-BO-having humanity.
No, my friends, the one thing that strikes fear (and pain) in my heart, head, and body with just it's threat...

A MIGRAINE.

Now, some brief history here because I can't remember if I've related this story before - pre-Massive Complex Migraine of February 2006, I use to scoff at people saying they had migraines. I'd thought I'd experienced them myself and said, "Bad headache? Yeah. Debilitating? Come on. Don't be a drama queen."

Yeah. You know what they say about karma.

Then I had my first real complex migraine. For non-migraine sufferers (lucky ducks) or for people that don't know much about migraines, there are migraine headaches and then there are complex migraines. The latter come with all sorts of "fun" add-ons not experienced with a "regular" migraine. You know, like searing pain in your skull is not enough. Some of that fun stuff - light sensitivity, odor sensitivity, don't-freaking-touch-me sensitivity, nausea, spasms, numbness and this little disco ball that floats around your field of vision called a scintillating scleroma. Some are so intense they cause temporary blindness. That February I experienced ALL of these. My whole body alternated going numb on each side. And it happened at work. I wasn't just debilitated. I was a vegetable. I was sent to the hospital where I survived time in triage (they were having trouble ruling out a stroke), hours of laying in a dark ER trauma room, morphine, a CT scan, 2 MRI's, and overnight stay and a spinal tap (I won't even divulge how horrible of an experience I had with that last one). They sent me home with a much milder headache and a scrip for Imitrex.

I promised myself to never again breathe a word about migraine sufferers. Ever. I also live(d) with a little fear in the back of my head of when the next one might strike.

September 23, 2008. Apparently.

As I sat there, looking at the screen, I noticed I was having trouble reading what I was typing. It seemed like I started losing the first letter of every word. My heart sped up a little. Then I noticed that my fingertips were going numb. Cue serious heart palpitations. I think I literally THREW the laptop from my lap and vaulted for the bathroom where my pills were. If you let a migraine take hold there is NO going back.

As soon as I entered the bathroom Missy knew something was up. I explained to her as calmly as I could (not very) what was happening and stood wondering if I should take an Imitrex (which would put me out of commission for most of the day) or try two Advil Migraine and hope for the best.

I REALLY didn't want to lose a whole day. A whole MK day. I took a gamble. I took the Advil Migraine.

Missy reassured me that we would take this in stride and came to keep me company while I laid down in bed, hoping to fend off impending doom. We shut off the lights and drew the curtains and waited. I knew from the last migraine and from plenty of research that the visual symptoms come on, almost like clockwork, 30 minutes before the pain and nausea hit.

So we waited.

That was another Disney first - laying in bed and wishing I actually wasn't in Disney.

I was so worried I'd ruin the day.
I was so worried I'd spend the next 8 hours on the floor of a Disney bathroom (no matter how deluxe, still not on my "Must Do" list).
I was so worried that the Advil wouldn't work.

Whether it was God or Disney Magic, the Advil did it. To this day I'm still thankful for that.

After about 40 minutes I realized the symptoms had dissipated and there was only a minor thudding in the back of my head. Barely there. But there. Missy and I reassessed and decided we'd give it a go. My worry was transportation. I was afraid that if we took the monorail, I'd get motion sick (my belly was ok, but definitely sensitive) and be stuck in the car with, well, nowhere to go. The only other option was the boat, which, given a history of sea sickness on a whale watch, didn't seem like the best option either. BUT, it did offer fresh air and, well, not to be gross but the ability to, er, vacate my stomach over the side rather than in a closed vehicle. (Sorry.)

The boat it was.

We took our time getting to the dock. I have to stop here and say that today was a gorgeous day - sunny, hot but not too much so, and breezy. I remember thinking that maybe it was Mother Nature's way of coddling me despite the "trauma" of the morning. We didn't wait too long on the dock for the boat to arrive. And I knew it was a straight shot from the Poly to the MK and I felt like I could do it. I felt brave. I felt I should sit in an "outside" seat, just in case. I held Missy's hand.

I'm proud to announce that my egg and cheese croissant was NOT acquainted with the shores of Bay Lake. Or is it the Seven Seas Lagoon? Why do I always confuse the two??? BAD DISER, Tink!

Despite all the fear that the headache would sneak up on me, I couldn't help but beam as we walked to the entrance. I mean really, doesn't this make EVERYONE smile (NOTE: the picture is actually not from our arrival, as it's obviously from the monorail and the park is NEVER that empty on a beautiful day at 10 a.m., but it serves the purpose for a visual):

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%204/DSCN0989.jpg

We made our way in and, I'm not kidding you here, a sense of peace came over me upon coming out from under the railroad station. Was the headache still there? Yes. But it was as if with every breath, in went soothing Disney Magic and out went fear and pain. Or it could've been the Advil Migraine doing it's job. I like to think it was the former.

And, as if a sign, I realized that perhaps a spoonful of sugar might help...

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%204/DSCN0997.jpg

See that smile on my face? It's pretty big. I love this pic. And while I had a million things still milling in my head (including how I was standing with Bert and LL's gal), I was just thinking HAPPY. You're HAPPY. It's all going to be fine. Show the world (and the camera) your HAPPINESS.

And I made Missy that tank. :thumbsup2

Aslo, how RED am I??? Funny, but I wasn't sunburned at ALL on the trip!

Before walking right down the middle of Main Street USA, we had one stop to make. I needed me a pair o' ears. ::yes::

After picking out a set of the "classic" black ears and waiting to have them embroidered, Missy and I had some fun with the hats:

Happy Birthday "Jennifer"!

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%204/DSCN1001.jpg

Just after I took this shot, one of the CM's called Missy over and said she had a phone call. It was from Mickey Mouse. Wishing "Jennifer" a happy birthday.
She took the pin off after that. We hadn't realized the attention would be so immediate. And neither of us wanted to abuse the "pin thing".

Feeling like something's eating my brain...

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%204/DSCN1000.jpg

"Grrr. Argh."

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%204/DSCN0999.jpg

Once my ears were bobby-pinned in place, we were on our way.

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%204/DSCN1006.jpg

Outside Casey's I made a mental nod to TK. And then we got in on the "action":

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%204/DSCN1008.jpg

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%204/DSCN1009.jpg

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%204/DSCN1011.jpg

But once at the Hub, where to?

Funny, I think we were feeling a little Adventure in our bones...

UP NEXT: Epically Huge MK Day Mega Update Numero Dos

[PrincessV]

A MIGRAINE.
OMG, no!!!! Quick, do something to fix it...
If you let a migraine take hold there is NO going back.
Exactly. :sad2: :hug: I know. 'Nuff said.

Whether it was God or Disney Magic, the Advil did it. To this day I'm still thankful for that.
PHEW! I'm so glad! :goodvibes
It was from Mickey Mouse. Wishing "Jennifer" a happy birthday.
:lmao:

[pooh'smate]

I love the update. I am sorry about your migrane. I get them and just changed dr's because of them. The dr I had kept trying to tell me I was depressed and that is what is wrong with me. I am sorry but I am not depressed. After telling him twice that I am not depressed I switched dr's so now I am just wainting until my new dr can see me.

[If U Had Wings]

So glad that the migraine didn't ruin your MK day! Love the ears!!

[tink1957]

Sorry about the migraine, my mom used to have them until she discovered that they were triggered by eating cheese, I think it was something in either the dye or aged cheese as she could eat white cheese but not yellow.

Great update, love the pirate mouse ears!

[jmamom]

Ooh, I hate to hear of anyone who gets migraines! :sick: My college roommate used to get them and they totally put her out of commission - she would get the blindness thing, and that was it for her for hours! So glad you recovered quickly. Missy looks really mad at the Casey's guy - doesn't she like hot dogs? Looking forward to more!

[2xcited2sleep]

Thank goodness Advil did the trick! I have headaches but nothing like what you describe! :scared: Can't wait for more of your mega day! :woohoo:

[TarzansKat]

I knew someone in college who got migraines, so I'm fully aware of how not fun they are. I remember distinctly that she would miss classes, and that all she could do was lie in a dark room and basically pray they'd go away. And she had meds as well, but oh, I felt so badly for her.

So, I'm glad yours didn't last long as well.

Weird thing in common #1,000,0009 - Seasickness on a whale watch. Ask me about that some time. :lmao:

I'm glad you were able to enjoy that lovely first glance of the MK. And that your breakfast did not become acquainted with any of the fine waterways around said kingdom.

'Cause that's just gross. And the good Captain would be disappointed. Seriously. Well, unless there was rum involved. Then he'd just shake his head, and say, "Walk it off...savvy?" ;)

By the by, thanks for the mental nod.

[Pollito916]

Owww, I am so sorry to hear about your migraine. Your description was so accurate it made me want to bury my head in a pillow in a dark room. :headache:

At least the Advil managed to fend it off - I've never tried that before, just the Excedrin migraine, which works, but makes my tummy hurt. :sick: Just can't win with migraines. :sad2:

[AshClan]

Oooh, that was scary!! My boss gets migraines. Ironically, often without the headache part. But the disco ball eyesight, nausea (and what goes with it), dizziness, etc. I am thankful that I have not ever had one, but I have learned over the years to NEVER assume to know what a migraine victim experiences. Soooooo glad the Advil worked so you could move on to your fun and exciting MK day!

Of course, foodie that I am, my biggest concern is this.......Were you feeling all better in time for Le Cell???!!???!?

[Tinkerbellarella]

OMG, no!!!! Quick, do something to fix it...


Seriously. Never have I wanted to cry and die all in the same second.

I love the update. I am sorry about your migrane. I get them and just changed dr's because of them. The dr I had kept trying to tell me I was depressed and that is what is wrong with me. I am sorry but I am not depressed. After telling him twice that I am not depressed I switched dr's so now I am just wainting until my new dr can see me.

In the meantime, research on the internet. There are a TON of reputable sites. And seeing if you can figure out your trigger is important too. Mine isn't at all food-related. Extreme stress is my trigger. What's ironic, though, is that the migraine doesn't come on until sometimes up until a week after the stress is relieved.

Love the ears!!

I do too.

I have an old set of ears but really wanted new ones.

Oh! And a point of interest - I had wanted Tinkerbellarella stitched on the ears (if it could fit) and the CM advised me they can't do things like that because of possibly copyright infringement. I'm not sure if all the CMs follow the rule but this one was.

Sorry about the migraine, my mom used to have them until she discovered that they were triggered by eating cheese, I think it was something in either the dye or aged cheese as she could eat white cheese but not yellow.

All of the good (read: rich) foods can be potential migraine triggers - cheese, chocolate, wine. It's like a horribly cruel joke.

But thankfully (knock on wood), food's never been my trigger.

Missy looks really mad at the Casey's guy - doesn't she like hot dogs?

I think she was imagining he was a Yankees player. She's a stout Red Sox fan. LOL

I have headaches but nothing like what you describe! :scared:

They can be scary. And I wouldnt' wish them on my worst enemy.

Weird thing in common #1,000,0009 - Seasickness on a whale watch. Ask me about that some time. :lmao:

LOL Apparently having a "hardy" stomach is not governed by The Force.

I'm glad you were able to enjoy that lovely first glance of the MK. And that your breakfast did not become acquainted with any of the fine waterways around said kingdom.

So felt me, you, Missy and everyone on that boat.

By the by, thanks for the mental nod.

What are you kidding? I actually think of you now whenever I see a hot dog.

I don't know how I feel about that.

I don't know how you should feel about that.

Owww, I am so sorry to hear about your migraine. Your description was so accurate it made me want to bury my head in a pillow in a dark room. :headache:

They. Suck.
The End.
UGH

At least the Advil managed to fend it off - I've never tried that before, just the Excedrin migraine, which works, but makes my tummy hurt. :sick: Just can't win with migraines. :sad2:

I can't take aspirin products, they upset my belly too much. Try the Advil. maybe it'll work for you too.

My boss gets migraines. Ironically, often without the headache part. But the disco ball eyesight, nausea (and what goes with it), dizziness, etc.

That's even scarier!

Of course, foodie that I am, my biggest concern is this.......Were you feeling all better in time for Le Cell???!!???!?

Or how about - was I feeling better in time for my very first Dole Whip???
(Enjoying the ONE day of summer we're having to day in Beantown, by the way?)

More to come, hopefully tomorrow. Thanks for all of the replies and well wishes guys and gals!

:flower3:

[GreatBiscuit]

How in the world did I miss an update?

The Cap'n Cook's breakfast looked really good.

Sorry to hear about the migraine. Those are a bummer. I get the light sensitivity / nausea brand. Fortunately they are few and far bewteen. Haven't tried Advil Migraine, but I do use Excedrin Migraine and it works well for me.

Glad you improved! That had to be a mondo sucketh moment in time.

The ears are a nice touch! Can't wait to see how the day goes from here!

[Sleepingbooty]

Wow, I caught up! I'm loving your TR, such a fun read:goodvibes What luck you were able to catch that migraine in time - I hope its gone for good and you get that Dole Whip!

[Tinkerbellarella]

Just a note to my readers and to the mods, I have not abandoned you/this TR. I've been dealing with some fairly serious medical issues as of late and haven't been able to get on to the DIS very often at all. Things are on the mend and I'm hoping to be back on track ASAP. Good Lord! I'd love to have this finished before the trip's one year anniversary!!!

Thanks for sticking around. :goodvibes

[jmamom]

Take your time, hope you are feeling better soon!:goodvibes

[TarzansKat]

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

[AshClan]

So sorry you have not been feeling well, Tink!

Take care of yourself, and don't worry about us! Well, until you are better. Then, of course, come back and finish this puppy!!;)

[If U Had Wings]

Take care of yourself, and don't worry about the report. :goodvibes We'll all be here whenever you return. Hope your feeling better soon.

[Pollito916]

Take care of yourself girlie!!:grouphug:

[GreatBiscuit]

Hope you get well soon! Don't feel bad...I'm WAY behind in my reading and posting as well!.

[Tinkerbellarella]

Well now...thanks for all the well wishes. Guess who's finally gotten herself together?! :goodvibes

Next update: This Week!!

[jmamom]

Yay, Tink's back! So glad to hear you are doing better!!!!:goodvibes

[TarzansKat]

WOO HOO!!!!! :yay:

[Tinkerbellarella]

After moseying down Main Street, thankfully still sans migraine, we felt the pull, the pull of ADVENTURE! Or maybe it was just a slight pull to the left. Or maybe I tripped over my feet, bumped into Missy and we just stumbled in the general direction towards the Crystal Palace.

Actually, all that's a lie. A big fat fib.
We went left and I know why.
Because I ALWAYS go left on my first day in the MK. Something I did when I visited with my grandparents and a little private tribute I continue to this day. So, thus was our heading:

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%204/DSCN1015.jpg

Unbeknownst to us we were both in the need of some terrible humor because we headed STRAIGHT for the Jungle Cruise. Weird. I never head right for that ride. I'm of the opinion that it was two universal forces pulling us. They were this:

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%204/DSCN1021.jpg

The wait for that puppy is NEVER under 6 years!!!

and this:

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%204/DSCN1028.jpg

THAT, my friends, is Taylor and Taylor is freakin' hilarious.
We all know that it takes an appreciation of a certain type of humor (ahem, the bad kind) to get and enjoy the Jungle Cruise spiel, and moreso, the shall we say, artistic liberties some of the captains take with said spiel. Taylor was right on, and, we agreed, not bad on the eye. His humor was dry and cynical and right up our alley.

What was NOT up my alley was my seat. Missy and I were two of the last-ish people on the boat and I have a note in my trip notebook (which, by the way, is the only reason I can write such a detailed report almost 11 MONTHS after the trip - I know, sorry) that simply says, "Lady WOULD NOT SHARE." Missy was in an outside seat and I was sitting on one of the "crates" that serves as a middle seat, if be sitting you mean I had approximately 6 centimeters of my behind on a painful corner of said "crate". The woman seated next to me was close enough that I felt like maybe I should get her number. And take her out to dinner. And introduce her to my parents. She had no idea what personal space meant. Nor "excuse me" as she blatantly ignored me when I tried to politely shimmy for more room. Have you ever done the polite shimmy? It's awkward and embarrassing and even moreso when it doesn't work. Add to the fact that the person sitting at my back on the opposite side of the crate felt it necessary to keep their backpack on for the WHOLE ride and I actually would've preferred to just ride on Missy's lap, being jibed by Taylor and his arid humor the whole way.

This is the face of "Seat Enjoyment" on Missy's part:

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%204/DSCN1050.jpg

As it was, Taylor happened to pick on my friend, the crate hogger, and she didn't get it. Just clueless. When everyone laughed, she raised an eyebrow and stared at the backside of water. I gave Taylor a look that he might have read as "Ooo! Pick me! Pick me! Throw me overboard!" but alas he didn't and about 12 minutes later I was trying to nonchalantly massage feeling into a small corner of my right cheek.

After traversing the Nile and the Amazon and the, is it the Meekong? ...

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%204/DSCN1046edited.jpg

(The Cambodian temples are my favorite part and probably one of my favorite pieces of Disney architecture ever!)

We were still wanting to get our "boat" on, only in a decidedly different fashion. We headed further into the Land of Adventure and straight over to Pirates of the Caribbean. I actually think that as we passed the Enchanted Tiki Room, Missy and I had a convo that went something like this:
Missy: What's that?
Me: The Enchanted Tiki Room.
Missy: Oh yeah? What's it got?
Me: Enchanted birds and flowers and a really ticked off Tiki Goddess.
Missy: No Johnny Depp?
Me: Nope.
Missy: Done and done.

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%204/DSCN1051.jpg

We headed into PotC, which is the ride that, in my mind always either has a 0 minute wait or a 90 minute wait and wended our way through the never ending cue. (NOFalcor). So, random factoid about me - I have a hard time with a change from bright light to dim/dark lighting, particularly since my first complex migraine. And given the morning's events, my light sensitivity was a little heightened...but regardless...am I the only darned person who feels like they're going to walk smack into a wall during parts of that queue???!!! Seriously. I held Missy's hands.

She loves me. Thank GOD.

When we got to the ramp I witnessed another phenomenon which is no stranger to me and yet I've never understood - we walked down a ramp where NO ONE was waiting for a boat (and ended up in the front row, WOOHOO!) and on the other side, on the other ramp, there was probably a line of 50 people waiting. I blame the heat and the disorienting darkness on people's deductive reasoning skills for such flagrantly bad line choices.

This would be my first time riding PotC with the new effects/anamatronics.
Yeah, only Davy Jones was out of commission.
I was disappointed. I had really been looking forward to seeing that effect as it had been highly praised by most who'd reviewed it.
Our boats actually got a little stopped up just before the small plunge at the begnning and I have two passing observances:
1.) It's really quite chilly right there! and
2.) It's a little nerve-wracking being stuck there and praying to God there is no boat at the bottom and that the boat behind you doesn't follow to soon.
Anywho...
Thankfully, Jack Sparrow was exactly where he was supposed to be in all cases and we both thoroughly enjoyed his presence and rather rum-soaked rantings.

After pillaging with the pirates we both heard a rumble...but not of thunder...of our bellies. After trekking around like an explorer/pirate I was feeling a little brave and was willing to entrust my sensitive belly with food. And not just any food, Pecos Bill's food. Given how sick I was feeling, it sounds crazy, I know, but I'm an all or nothing kind of gal, you know? So in we went and here's what we ended up with:

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%204/DSCN1059.jpg

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%204/DSCN1060.jpg

So, cheeseburgers and fries and a cookie and pudding. And the electric yellow stuff is the cheese sauce from the toppings bar, which was, in fact, fantastic.
While some people report Bill's to be hit or miss, I've never had an issue, this visit included. We were pretty easily able to find a seat in the center room and were soon joined by a family of 2 adults and about 76 children under 5. God bless them. That being said, while lunch was relaxing and satisfying, it was anything but quiet.

UP NEXT: What do you do after eating lunch? Why hurtle down a few drenching stories and ride a runaway mine train. DUH!

(To be posted this week, by the way. The girl is on a roll!...you know, after this one being a couple days...late...cough...)

[Charleston Princess]

Huzzah for a Tink update!!! What a wonderful way to end my evening and in my favorite land no less!

I, too, always veer towards the left when entering the MK on any trip for the first time! I can hear those jungle drums now!

Campy Jungle Cruise humor! How droll and delightful it is! :thumbsup2 I am so sorry to hear about the crate experience though! Yikes! :eek:

We :lovestruc Pecos Bill's in our family and have never had a bad experience there either!

All around great update, and I am so looking forward to the next foray into Frontierland!

[Tinkerbellarella]

All around great update, and I am so looking forward to the next foray into Frontierland!

Seriously...we did the WHOLE counterclockwise loop...the WHOLE thing...because if you do the WHOLE thing, you know where you end up?

...

Waaaiit for ittt...

...

At Aloha Isle, Dole Whip Float in hand. ::yes::

[Charleston Princess]

Seriously...we did the WHOLE counterclockwise loop...the WHOLE thing...because if you do the WHOLE thing, you know where you end up?

...

Waaaiit for ittt...

...

At Aloha Isle, Dole Whip Float in hand. ::yes::

Oh, I like your thinking on that -- making a note for future visits to Adventureland! :thumbsup2

[If U Had Wings]

Actually, all that's a lie. A big fat fib.
We went left and I know why.
Because I ALWAYS go left on my first day in the MK. Something I did when I visited with my grandparents and a little private tribute I continue to this day.

I always head to the left if my first day is a 1/2 day too, but to the right if it's a full day. Usually heading to Pirates and the mansion first thing.

Unbeknownst to us we were both in the need of some terrible humor because we headed STRAIGHT for the Jungle Cruise. Weird. I never head right for that ride. I'm of the opinion that it was two universal forces pulling us. They were this:

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%204/DSCN1021.jpg

That I think is a first! I thought it was always a minimum 2 year wait.

What was NOT up my alley was my seat. Missy and I were two of the last-ish people on the boat and I have a note in my trip notebook (which, by the way, is the only reason I can write such a detailed report almost 11 MONTHS after the trip - I know, sorry) that simply says, "Lady WOULD NOT SHARE." Missy was in an outside seat and I was sitting on one of the "crates" that serves as a middle seat, if be sitting you mean I had approximately 6 centimeters of my behind on a painful corner of said "crate". The woman seated next to me was close enough that I felt like maybe I should get her number. And take her out to dinner. And introduce her to my parents. She had no idea what personal space meant. Nor "excuse me" as she blatantly ignored me when I tried to politely shimmy for more room. Have you ever done the polite shimmy? It's awkward and embarrassing and even moreso when it doesn't work. Add to the fact that the person sitting at my back on the opposite side of the crate felt it necessary to keep their backpack on for the WHOLE ride and I actually would've preferred to just ride on Missy's lap, being jibed by Taylor and his arid humor the whole way.

I think that woman was sitting next to me on the train yesterday on my way home. :lmao:

So, random factoid about me - I have a hard time with a change from bright light to dim/dark lighting, particularly since my first complex migraine. And given the morning's events, my light sensitivity was a little heightened...but regardless...am I the only darned person who feels like they're going to walk smack into a wall during parts of that queue???!!! Seriously. I held Missy's hands.

That has to be the one of the darkest queues. I'm always convinced that I'm going to walk into some random other guest who is lurking in the shadows.

When we got to the ramp I witnessed another phenomenon which is no stranger to me and yet I've never understood - we walked down a ramp where NO ONE was waiting for a boat (and ended up in the front row, WOOHOO!) and on the other side, on the other ramp, there was probably a line of 50 people waiting. I blame the heat and the disorienting darkness on people's deductive reasoning skills for such flagrantly bad line choices.

I ended up in the short line a few times my last trip. Love it! I think it's usually the one on the left, since most people go to the right. (Whenever there are two entrances always use the one to the left). Love the short line!


While some people report Bill's to be hit or miss, I've never had an issue, this visit included. We were pretty easily able to find a seat in the center room and were soon joined by a family of 2 adults and about 76 children under 5. God bless them. That being said, while lunch was relaxing and satisfying, it was anything but quiet.

I love Pecos Bills. It's usually a must on every trip. I love the mushrooms at the fixins bar. Yummm!

UP NEXT: What do you do after eating lunch? Why hurtle down a few drenching stories and ride a runaway mine train. DUH!


:scared1: Interesting way to digest your burgers! :)

[GreatBiscuit]

... and about 12 minutes later I was trying to nonchalantly massage feeling into a small corner of my right cheek.Yikes! Sounds like a memorable cruise. :sad2:


Missy: What's that?
Me: The Enchanted Tiki Room.
Missy: Oh yeah? What's it got?
Me: Enchanted birds and flowers and a really ticked off Tiki Goddess.
Missy: No Johnny Depp?
Me: Nope.
Missy: Done and done.
:lmao:


Yeah, only Davy Jones was out of commission.
I was disappointed. I had really been looking forward to seeing that effect as it had been highly praised by most who'd reviewed it. That is a bummer. I beheld the effect and saw that it was good.


So, cheeseburgers and fries and a cookie and pudding. And the electric yellow stuff is the cheese sauce from the toppings bar, which was, in fact, fantastic.You know you can put cheese sauce on just about anything and it's good. Mmmmmmmmmmm......cheese sauce.


UP NEXT: What do you do after eating lunch? Why hurtle down a few drenching stories and ride a runaway mine train. DUH!

(To be posted this week, by the way. The girl is on a roll!...you know, after this one being a couple days...late...cough...)popcorn:: :surfweb: