Flying 2 days for 3 days at WDW is a SNAP! Final Thoughts 01/02

[norybell]

Ha, I had issues with my MNSSHP wristband, too! Didn't occur to me to ask anyone to cut it off for me -- that was smart! I ended up somehow ripping mine with my tweezers, and pulling it off that way.

 

[ehsmum]

I love Finding Nemo too, it's definitely one of my favourites. Dory cracks me up! I've only seen UP once and that was at the movies where I had to take kids to the toilet a hundred times so I didn't get to watch it all. Must watch it again!

 

[skier_pete]

hmmmm. I just did the ole' twist 'n' pull and my wristband came right off! Or maybe I did cut it off and just don't remember...it was pretty late.

Sounds like a pretty good start to the day, though. When we did TT the line was so short they herded us right through the "pre-show" room without making us stop. No problem, seeing that once is enough!

We like The Seas a lot, mostly via DD. The first time on the new ride (and we were there for sneak previews so were one of the firsts to ride it) I didn't think much of it, because it is kind of slight - but after a while I realized that not all rides have to be big E-ticket attractions. It is what it is - a cute little dark ride set on a theme. It does, however, continue the policy at Epcot of jettisoning anything educational from their rides - which is sort of a shame.

 

[PrincessInOz]

I love Test Track, but for some reason, I am not at all keen on doing rides on my own.

I nearly felt the same way; but in the end, it was better to be there doing rides by myself than not there at all.

Ha, I had issues with my MNSSHP wristband, too! Didn't occur to me to ask anyone to cut it off for me -- that was smart! I ended up somehow ripping mine with my tweezers, and pulling it off that way.

I'm glad that I wasn't the only one!

I love Finding Nemo too, it's definitely one of my favourites. Dory cracks me up! I've only seen UP once and that was at the movies where I had to take kids to the toilet a hundred times so I didn't get to watch it all. Must watch it again!

Just keep swimmin'...just keep swimmin'. You know, it was the reason I finally "got" why everyone loved Ellen. Until then, I just couldn't see it. Strange how your perception of someone changes just like that!

hmmmm. I just did the ole' twist 'n' pull and my wristband came right off! Or maybe I did cut it off and just don't remember...it was pretty late.

Sounds like a pretty good start to the day, though. When we did TT the line was so short they herded us right through the "pre-show" room without making us stop. No problem, seeing that once is enough!

We like The Seas a lot, mostly via DD. The first time on the new ride (and we were there for sneak previews so were one of the firsts to ride it) I didn't think much of it, because it is kind of slight - but after a while I realized that not all rides have to be big E-ticket attractions. It is what it is - a cute little dark ride set on a theme. It does, however, continue the policy at Epcot of jettisoning anything educational from their rides - which is sort of a shame.

I think one of the reasons why I love Epcot so much is that there is still a lot of rides there that are educational. I think that the Living with the Land ride is one of the best educational rides in Epcot; even though it seem boring. I think that it is brilliant how the agriculturalists over there are showing that you can grow stuff in sand. It will be a shame if they jettison all the educational stuff - afterall, that's what Walt wished for Epcot!

 

[PrincessInOz]

The plan

The regrets that I do have seem to be around what I did NOT buy at WDW. So, here are the items that I did NOT buy in May but wished I had and will plan on getting them in October, if this ends up being a "NOT NOT going PTR"....

1. A Dooney and Bourke Mickey Bag. I did NOT originally like the design that was there; but have subsequently seen the D&B bag with Mickey on it that I do want from the Basin.

2. A Walt Disney World cookbook. Preferably one that covers entrees and desserts from the WDW restaurants. I looked at a couple of cookbooks in May and can NOT for the life of me work out why I did NOT get one or twenty books in the first instance. If anyone reading this and lurking would care to post your favourite cookbooks, please do so. I need to do the research on which cookbook to get before I get there in October.

3. Walt Disney World themepark music CD. I believe that there are websites that I can purchase the CDs from...but I'd like to have the shopping pleasure of picking up a CD from the themepark directly. If these CDs are NOT available at the parks, please let me know so that I do NOT waste any time or effort being disappointed and I will order them on-line (and get them delivered to the World).

4. I'm NOT sure if this is the correct term for it but it looks like a Mickey hand backscratcher. Firefly has reminded me either in this thread or in her PTR thread that I do NOT have an implement that I can use to prod DH to make up his mind about United or United. So I would like to correct this oversight. What better implement is there?

I'm pretty sure that the above list is NOT all-inclusive and that I will be adding additional items as we progress the countdown towards October. But it will do for a start!

And I will NOT be making the same mistake twice (in the same year)!


The reality

I knew Firefly was on her way and figured that there was no point being anywhere else in the park. So, I took the opportunity to address a couple of shopping oversights I had made in May. I headed for MouseGears.

I am happy to say that I picked up the following items there:

This D&B cost $60. It was not the bag that I had originally thought I would get. The original bag would set me back $220 and somehow, when I had the bag in hand, it just didn’t seem … mine.

I got the park CD, which SoonerGirl had advised I would find at MouseGears. Thanks!

I also picked up these votive candle holders. DH had admired them somewhere yesterday and had really wanted a set. So, it only seemed fair that I got to spend the money!


Thanks to AussieTravellers, I knew that I had wanted to purchase a 2010 F&W Cookbook. No sign of a cookbook at MouseGears.


More disturbingly, no sign of that backscratcher!

I used resort delivery service and got the items sent to CSR.

I also bought a mini Eeyore so that mini Pooh would not be lonely. This one I kept with me to give to Firefly when I caught up with her.

And then I got a text from Firefly saying that she was at the park; so we arranged to meet up at MouseGears. I think she loved mini Eeyore.


“What do you want to do?”
“I don’t know…what do you?”
“I don’t know…how about we head in this direction?”


This direction turned out to be for this attraction.

Turns out Firefly had not been on this ride before and she was keen to try it out. At just after 11 in the morning, stand-by was out to 45 minutes and she got a fast pass with a 3.30 return time.

I knew Firefly was keen to get on the ride so I offered to swap her fast pass for the one I had got first thing in the morning. This would mean that she would get on the ride now and we wouldn’t have to worry about coming back here in the afternoon from clear across the other side of the World. I also knew that I wouldn’t be using my fast passes until after 7 pm; so it worked out fine for me as well.

She got in line whilst I waited. Yes, she liked (but not necessarily loved) the ride.

We then decided it was time to head in the direction of World Showcase. When we got here, we both looked at each other and walked straight in.

I think I may have instigated the charge a little. I was a Johnny Come Lately fan of that little Figment and had only converted to fan status in May. And Firefly liked him.

He’s just such a slippery little figure!

And he makes you think outside of the square and upsidedown. I wondered if I were in Oz (looking at these signs) whether these signs would read the right way up.

Off to the wide orange yonder!

It was great to enjoy the attraction again. My new Park CD has a copy of the music from this ride. I was enjoying listening to it as I was writing this up!



On the way out, it seemed prudent to step in and check an oldie out. I think Firefly may have instigated the charge a little.

I had seen this movie way back in….19xx…ummm…
No point in advertising my age.


I remember the movie as reasonable, but not spectacular, despite having the big marquee names of Michael Jackson, Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas. I had forgotten that the movie was set in the B Grade version of Star Wars. It must have been made in the midst of a recession way back then, as I’m sure that George Lucas was recycling rejects from his A Grade movie cutting floor.

Despite updating the movie for 4-D effects, the best thing about it was still The End (I mean… Michael Jackson’s singing and dancing…..at The End). You really do realize what a great performer MJ was.


Up Next: Blissful Bites at Epcot

 

[shushh]

I just LOVE the D&B bag. Its hard to gauge the size from the photo. How big is it?

 

[PrincessInOz]

It's a great bag; but not very big. It measures about 20 cm long and about 18 cm high. It's canvas; not leather. I thought it was just a fun bag that I could use when I have coffee with the mums.

 

[Jade+3]

I love the bag! I have just about ditched the nappy bag after 6 years, so am in the market for a new bag.

 

[shushh]

It's a great bag; but not very big. It measures about 20 cm long and about 18 cm high. It's canvas; not leather. I thought it was just a fun bag that I could use when I have coffee with the mums.

A nice size actually. Not too big. I find the bigger the bag, the more I take!

I love the bag! I have just about ditched the nappy bag after 6 years, so am in the market for a new bag.

What do you thought about one of those trendy camera bags that look like a handbag eg Epiphanie or JillE? Wondering if I should buy one while in the states so i don't have to carry my bag with nappies/wipes/wallet/phone as well as the camera bag.

 

[shushh]

I forgot to mention earlier that I like your photos of the Epcot ball and Donald. I'm rather partial to the the duck!

 

[PrincessInOz]

What do you thought about one of those trendy camera bags that look like a handbag eg Epiphanie or JillE? Wondering if I should buy one while in the states so i don't have to carry my bag with nappies/wipes/wallet/phone as well as the camera bag.

I didn't have time to price the JillE - either here or in the US. I believe that they are about $300 - $400 here. Wonder how much the retail for over there?

 

[PrincessInOz]

I love the bag! I have just about ditched the nappy bag after 6 years, so am in the market for a new bag.

Depending on what you're after, designer bags are cheaper over in the US. Hopefully the dollar holds for your trip next year.

I forgot to mention earlier that I like your photos of the Epcot ball and Donald. I'm rather partial to the the duck!

Thanks! I LOVE Donald!

 

[Jade+3]

A nice size actually. Not too big. I find the bigger the bag, the more I take!

What do you thought about one of those trendy camera bags that look like a handbag eg Epiphanie or JillE? Wondering if I should buy one while in the states so i don't have to carry my bag with nappies/wipes/wallet/phone as well as the camera bag.

Oh, I do like the Epiphanie bags. I had not even thought of getting another camera bag.

Depending on what you're after, designer bags are cheaper over in the US. Hopefully the dollar holds for your trip next year.

I will admit to knowing nothing about designer labels handbags! Something else to research........

 

[skier_pete]

I got the park CD, which SoonerGirl had advised I would find at MouseGears. Thanks!

We have the four parks one world CD from back in 2007 - I think it has changed a little bit. They have been on heavy (and I mean HEAVY) rotation in our car for over two years - DD loves listening to the park music.

It was great to enjoy the attraction again. My new Park CD has a copy of the music from this ride. I was enjoying listening to it as I was writing this up!

DD and I always sing along with the song on the bus from the resort. The park CD has this one glued in our head. It drives DW crazy...it gets stuck in her head, but she doesn't like it. Aren't the Sherman brothers amazing. They wrote that AND it's a small world as well as many other songs throughout Disney history. That they were so good at writing songs that get stuck in your head...incredible.

"Immaaaaaaa-gin-ay-tion! Immaaaaaaa-gin-ay-tion!
A dream - can be - a dream come true - with just that spark - from me and you!"

I remember the movie as reasonable, but not spectacular, despite having the big marquee names of Michael Jackson, Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas. I had forgotten that the movie was set in the B Grade version of Star Wars. It must have been made in the midst of a recession way back then, as I’m sure that George Lucas was recycling rejects from his A Grade movie cutting floor.
n

Ugh - we hadn't seen EO before - and for now I'll just say we won't ever see it again. His dancing was definitely the highlight of the show - the rest was pretty much as you said B grades eighties Sci-Fi.

 

[HeatherBelle614]

I think you made a great bag choice! I have a bag story from our trip, too. (Hoping to actually start my TR this weekend!)

 

[hjd0411]

What do you thought about one of those trendy camera bags that look like a handbag eg Epiphanie or JillE? Wondering if I should buy one while in the states so i don't have to carry my bag with nappies/wipes/wallet/phone as well as the camera bag.

Thanks for those bags!!! Now I have more things to buy online!!! They all look great - one of each, please!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Oh, I do like the Epiphanie bags. I had not even thought of getting another camera bag.

I will admit to knowing nothing about designer labels handbags! Something else to research........

You're going to have a LOT of fun!!

"Immaaaaaaa-gin-ay-tion! Immaaaaaaa-gin-ay-tion!
A dream - can be - a dream come true - with just that spark - from me and you!"

I'm singing along with you....Can you hear me?

I think you made a great bag choice! I have a bag story from our trip, too. (Hoping to actually start my TR this weekend!)

Let me know when you do; just in case I miss seeing the TR.

Thanks for those bags!!! Now I have more things to buy online!!! They all look great - one of each, please!

I know. I really want a JillE...but now with the Epiphanies....I'm not so sure. One each (of each kind) might be the way to go.

 

[PrincessInOz]

The plan

My "not going" trip coincides with, not 1; but, 2 special events at WDW. The two events are the annual Food and Wine festival at Epcot and Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.

I've also just started to keep an eye on the F&W festival and will spend some time catching up on the posts in the Official DisBoard thread (posted as a sticky on the PTR subforum). From what I can gather, it would appear that the official schedule may come out soon (or early July) and bookings are rumoured to open on the 20th July.

Depending on the events, do I book myself in or do I just "wing it"? What am I saying?? I need to work out if I'm going first....but then if I don't book, I may miss out! I wonder if prepayment is required??
Major events that may be occurring around your World trip. In my (not) case, this means MNSSHP and F&W. People travelling around any major events would check out the schedule for any special interest items, concerts, seminars etc., book in for those and then plan their park visits around the bookings.

My Not Blissful Bites

By now, any serious DisBoard planner going to WDW from 1 October to 14 November 2010 will be able to tell you what Eat to the Beat Concerts they will be rockin’ to and what Blissful Bites they are salivating over and planning on buying from the Marketplaces and Promenade at Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival.

Despite my previous post on the danger of providing our taste buds and salivatory glands with too much advance preparation on the foods that we plan to eat at the World, it would seem that about 60 – 70% of Dis-ers have already posted their hit list or countdown list for their ETTB and BB.

Me? I think for this one time, I’m going to have to succumb to that tried and true adage of “if you can’t beat them, join ‘em”. So, in keeping with the NOT style of this PTR, here’s my NOT Blissful Bites list for your comment. I appreciate that what I might (NOT) eat and my preferences may not be to everyone's liking...I only add that I ask that you keep in mind that these are my PERSONAL preferences.

Appetizing Argentina
My NOT preference has to be Mollejas (made from the thymus gland of young calves and served with lemons).

Ambrosial Australia
My NOT preference is Witchetty Grubs (which is meant to be eaten live with a very high protein content).

Beautiful Belgium
My NOT preference is Rolmops (raw herring wrapped around a pickle).

Bountiful Brazil
My NOT preference has to be Dried Black Bananas (wrinkled, dried and sweet)!

Captivating Canada
My NOT preference is Cod Tongues (deep fried cod tongues, slippery).

Charming Chile
My NOT preference is El Nachi (coagulated blood with coriander)

Choice China
There are so many options but my NOT preference has to be Dog (served any way you like).

Fit for a King France
My NOT preference is Tete de Veau (Calf’s head boiled to a gelatinous glob with the brains served on the side).

Graceful Germany
My NOT preference is Bierkase (cheese made with beer yeast).

Gratifying Greece
My NOT preference is something that a lot of you may love – Retsina (white wine made with pine resin).

Inviting Ireland
My NOT preference is Blood Pudding (pork blood with oatmeal sausage).

Indescribable Italy
My NOT preference is Casu Marvu (sheep’s cheese with live insect larvae).

Juicy Japan
My NOT preference is Fugu (poisonous puffer fish).

Mouthwatering Mexico
My NOT preference is Gusano (tequila worms).

Moorish Morocco
My NOT prefence is Khlea (meat dried in the sun and then cooked in animal fat, water and oil).

Nectarous New Zealand
My NOT preference is Hu Hu (a beetle).

Palatable Poland
My NOT preference is Nozki (jellied cow’s feet).

Piquant Puerto Rico
My NOT preference is Iguana (at least it isn't Cuy or whole Fried Guinea Pig from Peru)

Spicy Singapore
My NOT preference is Petai (a bean that smells like methane gas).

Savoury South Africa
My NOT preference is Borewors (sheep, pig, cattle intestines stuffed with offals and spiced with herbs).

Scrumptious South Korea
My NOT preference is Sannakji (Live Octopus).

Succulent Spain
My NOT preference is Criadillas (Bull testicles).

Unctuous United States
My NOT preference is Texas Rattlesnake (skinned and deep fried or grilled!).

The Reality


It was close on noon when we finished with Captain Eo. Time to wander over to the World Showcase and check out the Blissful Bites.

I had decided that given the flying visit to the World that it was probably not worth me trying to book in with any of the scheduled events and also because my visit did not coincide with any of the Eat to the Beats, I did not have to think about what concert event was on to either highlight or spoil my eating pleasure.

Firefly and I hit on the strategy of sharing our bites very early in the game so that we could taste more and extend our palates across the various delights the World had to offer.


“What do you want to do?”
“I don’t know…what do you?”
“I don’t know…how about we head in this direction?”

“Oooh! Can I take a photo?”


We ended up strolling around in an anti-clockwise manner. Our first stop:

And my chosen bite was the Chicken Souvlaki and Tzatziki. A good choice.

I was not above taking a picture of someone else’s food from Greece; particularly when given permission to do so. This is the Spanakopita.

Firefly went here:

And her chosen bite was the Cheese Fondue and Croutons with roasted potatoes. Yum.

Next stop.

And there were things that took our fancy!

The Maple glazed Salmon and lentil salad was a must. The maple was a nice touch and not too overpowering for the Salmon. A little sweet for my tastes; but not unpleasantly so.

Firefly had a list of things that she had never tried and salmon was one of those items. I liked it and I hope she did too.

Firefly got the Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup. I now know why everyone RAVES about the Cheese soup at Le Cellier. It was really delicious!

Firefly had obviously done more research than me; either that or she paid far more attention to what franandaj might have mentioned in her PTR than I did.


She headed here next:

…to pick up one of these beauties! Warm Chocolate Lava Cake with Irish Cream Ganache. Mmmmmmmmm!

She was also feeling particularly adventurous and added Lobster and Scallops to her list of First gastronomic delights. This is the Loster and Scallop Fisherman’s pie. Good; but not outstanding. I think it was probably a little bit ‘wet’ on the inside.

By this stage, we had reached England and we stopped off for a visit into the shops.

F&W Blissful Bites was turning out to be a gastronomic delight. I was in foodie heaven.


Sadly, there was no sight of any one of my NOT Blissful Bites anywhere!


Up Next: My Favourite Country

 

[franandaj]

The reason she went to Ireland, (and if you've been paying close attention on my PTR) is that my FAVORITE savories and sweets were the Fisherman's Pie and the Lava Chocolate cake. I told her she HAD to try them! Ours were just perfect last year and I so hope they bring them back next year! I just loved those two. We got nice meaty chunks of lobster with the creamy mashed potatoes, I'm getting hungry just thinking about it, and I just finished a BBQ Beef Rib with Biscuit and some onion straws!

Must go to bed as things have been quite dicey over here with all that has been going on....watched Aristocats last night, Lady and the Tramp to drowse to tonight!

 

[PrincessInOz]

The reason she went to Ireland, (and if you've been paying close attention on my PTR) is that my FAVORITE savories and sweets were the Fisherman's Pie and the Lava Chocolate cake. I told her she HAD to try them! Ours were just perfect last year and I so hope they bring them back next year! I just loved those two. We got nice meaty chunks of lobster with the creamy mashed potatoes, I'm getting hungry just thinking about it, and I just finished a BBQ Beef Rib with Biscuit and some onion straws!

Must go to bed as things have been quite dicey over here with all that has been going on....watched Aristocats last night, Lady and the Tramp to drowse to tonight!

Are you still up?? I'm glad to catch you....but you seriously need to get some sleep and rest!!

Yeah - I figured she was taking much more attention of your recommendations than I was. My NOT NOT PTR made me NOT focus...