Running After the 'Rents - A Family Trip at the Polynesian Oct 2010

[Darkfirewolfe]

WELCOME everyone!

This is my first trip-report on the DISboards, so bare with me. I've been lurking, so hopefully I've learned a few things.

This trip report is for our October 2010 trip. It was to celebrate my 11th anniversary with my DH. As a BONUS, it was going to be a mini-family reunion - as my parents were coming along. It would be our first all-four person family vacation ever (the four of us had never traveled overnight together except to other family).

THE CAST:

Myself (Amanda) and my DH (Julious)
Don't let the black clothes fool you - we are total Disney fans! I'm finishing up my PhD and my DH works in retail. Our hobbies include gaming, sewing (me) and jewlery making (DH), and spending time outdoors. Our two most favorite things to do are to either spend a quiet evening on the couch with movies or to travel and we try to do both as much as possible. I'm very much a type-A, worrier, heavy-planner type, while DH is laid back and easy going and helps calm me down and enjoy.

Our favorites line up with each other (which is convenient for planning)
Favorite Park: Epcot
Favorite Resort: Polynesian
Favorite Dining: Ours - Garden View Tea Room; DH - Marrakesh; me - undecided (was Mexico until this trip)
Favorite Snack: Dole Whip
Favorite Hidden Gem: Fantasia Putt-Putt

My Mom and Dad

This would be their first trip to WDW in 15 years! Mom is a polio-survivor who has post-polio syndrome. Dad is a ride-focused person and Mom is a people-watching-focused person. Their favorite resort is the Polynesian.


THE STORY:
DH and I had been saving up for a trip for the 4 of us to go to WDW for several years. Then, in May 2009, I would be taking my doctoral comprehensive exams. I wanted to celebrate that with a trip somewhere. Mom suggested we use the money to go to Walt Disney World. I was surprised and touched that she wasn't disappointed that we would be going first.

While I had been to Disney several times as a child and teenager, the May 2009 trip was DH's first trip and we fell in love with the park. We quickly planned a side trip to Disneyland that October (we were already in San Diego for a professional conference). Then we were back in Disneyworld in January 2010 to celebrate my 30th birthday. We were HOOKED! Now every time we think or dream about vacations, it's how to get to DisneyWorld.

Then October 2010 came and it was time to get the parents to the park. We called it our family reunion trip but it also coincided with DH's and mine 11th anniversary. However, we picked our dates because it was also the Food & Wine festival and Mickey's Not So Scary. It sounded like the stars would align for this trip.

THE TRIP:
Dates: Oct. 19th - 24th (Tues-Sun)
Location: Polynesian Resort - Tahiti Longhouse; Theme Park Views
Transportation: Flying in and out

 

[Darkfirewolfe]

Space held for chapter links

1. Day 1 - Getting to the World
2. Day 1 - OMG It's Hot - but it's Hot & Magical!
3. Day 2 - My feet are throbbing, but my belly is full
4. Day 2 - Pearls, Pinots, and Pâté, Perfect!
5. Day 3 - Carousels and Tea Cups
6. Day 3 - An away team explores MNSSHP for signs of intelligent life
7. Day 4 -
8.

 

[Darkfirewolfe]

Day 1:

I woke up early and finished our last minute packing. Packing went MUCH smoother this trip as I called on my DH to help me with my tendency to over-pack. Then the 4 of us piled into the van in the wee hours of the morning. We ate breakfast in the car - DH had a croissant and I had some almonds.

I was really nervous. The last time we had tried to fly, it was mom & I and she had a major heart episode AT the gate. But I was trying to be calm for everyone.

We loaded onto the MARTA (our metro rail system) and got to the airport. We had decided to fly to Orlando for this trip. The flight from Atlanta is really short and my DH and I had grown to love flying. However, my Mom and Dad had not flown in several years. I was really worried about getting their suitcases packed for the new security rules, because airport security always makes me REALLY REALLY nervous. But everything when smoothly.

We got checked in at the AirTran counter, and went to go stand inline at security. While we were inline the counter agent from AirTran come over to me and asked me if I lost a wallet. I HAD LEFT MY WALLET ON THE COUNTER!! I hadn't even noticed yet. I was so grateful...but now I was really nervous again. Fortunately, we got through security without issue and found our gate.

We got more breakfast from Starbucks (DH - pastry; me - fruit cup), though Mom was refusing to eat or drink anything to try not to have a problem like last time. We barely had time to shove it in our mouths before it was time to board.

I was really angry with AirTran when we boarded. When I bought our tickets, I picked the flight because the seats were only 2 seats across (rather than 3). That way each couple could sit together. Well, when we got on the plane, it was now a 3 across plane Fortunately, no one had bought the middle seats and our couple seats remained intact.

The flight was smooth. Then it was time for the DME!

I love the DME, especially the video.

We were actually able to board our bus and head off fairly quickly. Mom & Dad were sold on how easy the DME was (they are use to driving everywhere themselves)

We unloaded at the Polynesian and immediately drank in the fragrance and the lush vegetation. Mom and I stood to the side while the luggage was unboarded - it was so magically. The shade, the waterfall, the smell of flowers and that unique smell the Poly has.

We were presented with our leis and welcome packets. The CM who checked us in wasn't the best - but as we are recent visitors, I reminded her about the buttons and some other things. Our rooms were not ready yet, so we changed over our purses and stored our luggage. While that was happening my DH was nervous and went back to the counter to ask a CM something. But he wouldn't tell me what :

Then we voted on where to eat. I voted Kona cafe, but everyone else wanted to go straight to EPCOT for Food & Wine - to the Monorail we went.

Just before we boarded, I asked a monorail CM about the transportation trading cards. My Dad loves to collect things and I thought this would be a good surprise. The CM was out, but confirmed the cards existence.

Then Mom surprised us all. Mom is a polio-survivor and doesn't walk well. I had suggested an ECV when we were planning the trip (and a GAC), but she refused - saying she would be okay with just her cane. After our Photopass at the Geodesic Sphere, she announced that she would rent a ECV for the day I don't know what changed her mind, but I was happy.

And then she was OFF!! Mom became Speed Racer for the rest of the tip. We spent the rest of the week running after them and our feet were never the same.

 

[mom of 3 (or 4) boys]

I'm along for the ride. Would love to stay at the Poly.....(sigh)
Looking forward to more.

 

[francis6306]

Ahh... MARTA... You speak of home! haha. I'm from North Georgia, but we're living in Southern Mississippi for my husband to complete his DMA. I don't blame you one bit for being worried about security and such at Hartsfield. That place is massive and it can take a while!

I would love to stay at the Poly. We did a little tour of the Monorail resorts on our trip in DEC (just started my TR!), and it was so beautiful. Although, I think my daughter would be ticked about having a beach, but not being able to swim in the water, so I'm sure we will have to wait until she is old enough to understand that concept!

Can't wait to hear about the F&W stuff!

 

[Darkfirewolfe]

I'm along for the ride. Would love to stay at the Poly.....(sigh) Looking forward to more.

Thanks for the Sub! The Poly is by far favorite - though I would like to see the new Bay Lake Towers maybe...

Ahh... MARTA... You speak of home! haha. I'm from North Georgia, but we're living in Southern Mississippi for my husband to complete his DMA. I don't blame you one bit for being worried about security and such at Hartsfield. That place is massive and it can take a while!

I would love to stay at the Poly. We did a little tour of the Monorail resorts on our trip in DEC (just started my TR!), and it was so beautiful. Although, I think my daughter would be ticked about having a beach, but not being able to swim in the water, so I'm sure we will have to wait until she is old enough to understand that concept!

Can't wait to hear about the F&W stuff!

Thanks for the Sub! Yes, Hartsfield can be a nightmare - though I'm glad its my homebase b/c I can go anywhere from it and can probably handle most airports. Which university is in Southern Miss?

I had never thought about the beach/no swimming issue before with little ones - that's a very good point. I bet that would be frustrating!

 

[Darkfirewolfe]

We picked up a Food & Wine guide and headed to the 1st booth - 15 beers for 15 years.

I had the Flordia lager and DH had the Smithwick's - both were okay. Nothing to head to the store for, but good. I wish I hadn't started with a beer as it tired me out for later. It was also about this time that I realized how INCREDIBLY hot it was!! I mean it was late October, but it was really hot and there were no clouds for shade. We were wearing our clothes from the plane, so I really felt the heat. I also had packed our sunscreen and forgot to put it in my purse. So I ducked into a gift shop and got us some - after we were lotioned up, it was time for more food.

New Zealand!! Our favorite booth of the trip!

Mom, Dad, & DH got the Lamb Slider - it was fantastic. The lamb was moist and tender and well seasoned and the tomato chutney was a perfect complement. I got the Sea Scallops which was cooked perfectly and the veggie slaw gave a good crunch. We shared a glass of the Villa Maria Private Bin Hawkes Bay Merlot/ Cabernet Sauvignon - it wasn't memorable either for being stellar or awful (but we are a little bit of wine snobs).

Across the way from New Zealand was Greece, which can only happen at EPCOT Mom & Dad shared a Chicken Souvlaki, which DH got as well. It was really tasty. I got the Greek Salad, which was really hard to eat with a fork, standing up, with a beer. We needed a table...

As it was only Tuesday, the Fest wasn't very crowded. There were more people than this - but Dad got the perfect no-person shot. We grabbed one of these tables as our base and continued to GORGE ourselves. We also noticed all the beautiful ducks. DH & I love to sit and watch the wildlife at the park.

We found a duck with a cataract in one eye. He was actually a very stealthy duck and followed us, as we were easy marks for a crust of bread or a bite of lentils. We named him Sneaky.

We then headed to Canada.

Mom & Dad took a break, but DH's & My goal was to try everything. DH got the Chicken Chipotle Sausage with some Icewine and I got the Maple-Glazed Salmon with Lentil Salad. Both were fantastic. We both love Icewine and had tried it before - it was good to have to cool the mouth from the sausage. DH accidentally dropped a piece of sausage while trying to cut it with a plastic fork. One of the ducks attacked it and swallowed it down We felt very sorry for the duck - I'm sure he regretted that sausage later - it was really spicy.


About that time, we got the message that our rooms were ready. DH & I were really tired by this point, but the 'Rent were not. We offered to go get the rooms set up and meet them back in the park later before our dinner ADR. DH & I needed a chance to change clothes too - we were sweltering in our Atlanta layers.


Day1-4a

ALL our room requests were filled ! We had 2 rooms, connecting, in our favorite longhouse - Tahiti. And we had 3rd floor rooms with Theme Park Views - 3020 & 3019. Complete with our Mickey of Leis

NOTE - the view of the castle from our window!! OMG magical!

We had picked up water from the Samoa Snacks and filled our mini-fridges with them. Our luggage had been delivered - but DH & My luggage were next door in my Mom & Dad's room and vice-versa. The bellmen arrived quickly and switched it for us (since we didn't have a key to the other room)

After a brief break and a change of clothes, we headed back out to EPCOT.

We rode Spaceship Earth (which we love - we didn't get stuck on it this time though). We also toured the World of the Body - I mean, the Food & Wine Welcome Center and picked up our Festival Passports for stamps.

We got our first stamps at BRAZIL. We shared the Grilled Pork Skewer with Farofa, which I really enjoyed (though it was dry) and DH dismissed.

Then we caught back up with the family in the China. They had spent the day shopping around the world. Mom said they had ordered champagne from the drink booth at France and felt very decadent sipping champagne on her ECV. After catching up, we checked out China's booth and tried the pork potstickers (they were good. I always love a good potsticker, but they weren't stellar) and the Black Pepper Shrimp with Sichuan Noodles - which I really enjoyed. I also insisted Julious & I get an eggroll since we were in China anyways. It was as good as usual, but with the Food & Wine booths - it really didn't stand out.

Dad wanted to see the Welcome Center himself, so the 4 of us walked from China back to The World of the Body. ((hence the name of the trip report)). DH and I sat on a bench and tried to catch our breath (our feet are throbbing).

Somehow we got to Mexico before time for our ADR. We were early for our reservation at the San Angel Inn - our reservations weren't until 8pm b/c I knew we would be eating lunch late with our flight. For appetizers, we stopped in at the new Tequila bar, La Cava del Tequila.

I got a beer and DH ordered a Tequila flight (I can't find which one on the menu as he swears it had Patron on it)

Mom ordered the San Angel Inn Premium

And Dad ordered something special that came with a shot

We also ordered the Tostadas de Camaron - DH & I got them last time and they were fantastic, so we wanted to share them with Mom & Dad. We also had some chips & salsa.

After drinks, we rode the River of Time - I mean the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros. I HATE the addition of Donald to that ride and I'm sad that I'm starting to forget the old version. We also did some shopping.

It had been a really long day, so we asked the hostess at the San Angel Inn if we could be seated early. And we were. I had voted for San Angel Inn, because I have fond childhood memories of it and DH & I had always had good service and good food.

That was not true this time. We had a table that was way too close to the others around us. Our waitress of friendly at first, but her attitude changed after we ordered - we were splitting 2 entries between the 4 of us (since we had eaten so much throughout the day). She was suddenly very short with us and ignore our drink refills.

DH & I shared the Tacos De Ribeye - they were good, but I was too stuffed to eat much. Mom & Dad shared the Sirloin con chile relleno, which was too spicy for them to eat. But we were too tired to complain to the waitress, who was absent for most of the meal anyways.

Also, I had told the restaurant that we were celebrating when I made the ADRs, but no one asked about it while we were there. The San Angel Inn use to be my #1 favorite and my #1 recommendation for EPCOT dining. This trip changed that - I don't think we'll try again next time and the rest of us agree. Maybe we'll try that new place outside that gets all the good reviews now.

With full bellies, we waddled back to the front of EPCOT. Dad wanted to stay all night, as it was Magic Hours, so we gave him the ECV and boarded the monorail home.

When we got back to the room, there was a surprise waiting for me

They are called Roses To Die For. DH had ordered them for me to celebrate our 11th anniversary (I had hinted I wanted them) - when our rooms weren't ready right away, he was nervous that they wouldn't be delivered and that's what he stopped back at the counter to check on. It was a wonderful surprise!

We watched the end of Hallo-Wishes from our balcony (and smelled pot smoke from below us, which I thought was a weird thing at Disney) and then collapsed in our beds and went start to sleep.

 

[phinz]

Myself (Amanda) and my DH (Julious)
Don't let the black clothes fool you - we are total Disney fans! I'm finishing up my PhD and my DH works in retail. Our hobbies include gaming, sewing (me) and jewlery making (DH), and spending time outdoors.

Something tells me I might see you guys around Labor Day at Dragon*Con... True?

Now that I'm subcribed, I can keep up with your TR. Looking forward to it from a different POV.

 

[Darkfirewolfe]

Something tells me I might see you guys around Labor Day at Dragon*Con... True?

Now that I'm subcribed, I can keep up with your TR. Looking forward to it from a different POV.

So, did you recognize the carpet of the Hyatt in the background of the photo, or just make an educated guess . We are committed DragonCon-ers - last year was my 15th year in fact.

Welcome aboard!

 

[trickortreater]

YaY! Love seeing some fellow Disney fans who live in mostly black Can't wait to read more!

(and DragonCon 15 times? Wow! I've been 3 times.. and hope we can go this year too)

 

[phinz]

So, did you recognize the carpet of the Hyatt in the background of the photo, or just make an educated guess . We are committed DragonCon-ers - last year was my 15th year in fact.

Recognized the carpet. Always do. That and the tiles when I see them. In fact, we recognized the same tile pattern at the Hyatt in San Francisco in Time After Time. LOL

We're Eternals, so we'll see you there! You can usually find me in Trader Vic's, Pulse Bar or on the main floor of the Marriott. Oftentimes you'll see me in Necromonger or Clonetrooper armor.

Can't wait to see the rest of your TR.

 

[Darkfirewolfe]

I edited day 1. I pulled out our recipes to confirm somethings.

Also, when you wear all black, sometimes it's hard to tell which day is which in photos. Turns out we didn't get all the way back around to France on Day 1, which is sort-of a relief!

 

[Darkfirewolfe]

Day 2:

Julious and I had already noticed that traveling with my parents was not the same was traveling just the two of us. Mom & Dad were FLYING through the park and we like to stroll, hit the most important things, and be leisurely. I also know that my parents get up at the crack of dawn, so we agreed to meet them in EPCOT later in the morning, so Julious could sleep in.

We woke up refreshed and headed to Captain Cook's for our usual Poly breakfast.

Our usual breakfast is yogurt, because we don't need a heavy breakfast with how much we snack in the parks and it is super quick. However, this trip, they only had sugar-free yogurt in the cold case, so we started a new tradition - BANANAS. We shared a yogurt parfait (which was mediocre) and a banana each while looking out the window in the Grand Ceremonial House (and a coke for Julious' caffeine addiction)

And it was off to the monorail - we decided to ride from the Poly to the TTC and then to EPCOT for a nice lazy start.

I was able to capture this nice shot of the Polynesian from the monorail - I love that bright orange in the trees.

We met up with Mom & Dad at Horizons - I mean Mission Space. That ride makes me nauseated, so Julious went to ride alone. Mom & I hung out in the cool gift shop until Dad got off. He was not doing so hot . He had ridden Test Track and Mission Space back-to-back. We joked "He went the orange side, so he came out green." We got him to sit in the cool and I got him a cold sprite. By the time Julious came out, he was doing better - but he was done with the thrill rides for the day.

After that, we headed over to The Living Seas (aka Nemo's new sea base alpha).

I like the new queue as opposed to the old diving gear and it loads incredibly fast with the clamshells as opposed to the old seacabs (and I LOVE the ending song). However, this was the first time Mom & Dad had seen it and Mom was very disappointed since her favorite part was just strolling through the aquarium for an hour. They did have some neat-o eels that we watched for a long time.

Then a quick photopass pic of the 4 of us in the heat. I was very hot again and the sun was very direct - no clouds to give us Goths a drop of shade.

Then it was time for one of my Top 5 picks for this trip - Seeing Captain EO in 3D! While I had been able to see Captain EO thanks to an unauthorized copy floating around, I was desperate to see it in 3D again. I can barely remember it from my childhood, but the parts I do remember, I adored.

We were first in line for the next showing. Then before you knew it, it was time for the pre-show. I lined up right next to a door. You can barely see Julious' nose in the dark.

IT WAS BETTER THAN I imagined! You could tell the 3D is old and we have new technologies now - but it was way better than the bad DVD copy I've made do with during the Honey I Shrunk The Whatever years.

What's that belly? Time for lunch? I think so!

We stopped for our first meal of the day at New Zealand - we just had to have more of the lamb sliders. This time we each got one and Mom & Dad split a slider and a sea scallop. This booth was so good I wanted them to replace Canada with New Zealand - think about it! It could be awesome - there could be Hobbit merchandise, and a petting zoo with lambs and kiwis, and a wine bar & restaurants with these sliders, and... well, that's all I can think of for New Zealand. anyways...

After that we tried the Charcuterie & Cheese/ booth. Julious & I shared a plate and Mom & Dad got one too. It was very good. I would have like to try the cheese fondue, but it was just too hot outside. However, I would also like this booth to be permanent booth to upgrade the snacking options before you start around the world.

We walked through Canada and headed to Ireland. It was still too hot for the seafood pie, but it's never too hot to start drinking! I got a Guinness and Julious got the Bunratty Honey Meade Wine. Both are staples in our house.

We drank and strolled around England. Then I saw her...ALICE! One of my most favorite characters. I guzzled the last of my Guinness and got in line. There is something odd about being the only child-free/child-less adult in line for characters. Everyone looks to you as if you've lost your child, but then quickly get over it and start polite conversations. I have no doubt that at 50, I'll be dressed in all black with too much eyeshadow and will still get in line to see Alice.

She was a fantastic Alice. We had a nice conversation about hats (as Julious was wearing one when he took this shot) and then she shared the gossip that the Mad Hatter had not sent her an un-invitation to this afternoon's tea party. I said, "How rude!" and she agreed. We giggled. It was nice.

On the way to EPCOT, we picked up a Kimmunicator and did the France mission. I really like this - and yes, I'm over 30, but it's a lot of fun to see objects in the pavilions move when all these years I've been going they've been static. Before this trip, I did England and Mexico. I wonder which mission I'll do next time.

France was the next Food & Wine booth - we had ADR's that night for France, so nobody wanted to get anything from the booth. I got the Braised Short Ribs in Cabernet with Mashed Potatoes, which was AWESOME! I would have eaten a whole bowl of it if they served it at Chefs de France. However, it did leave me a little parched, so Julious & I ducked into the Wine shop and shared two of the 2oz flights they were offering. Nicely buzzed - it was time to continue our walk around the world.

We skipped Belguim (too full for waffles; too hot for mussles) and from France we headed to Spain (EPCOT geography makes NO sense! ). Each couple shared the Taste of Spain plate (with Serrano Ham, Chorizo, Manchego, Olives, and Tomato Bread) -it was excellent. Even better than the Charcuterie & Cheese plate.

We skipped Morocco - but noted that we would need to come back for it. Wondering through Morocco gave us enough time to digest that we were able to stop at the Australia booth and share a Lamb Chop (which was great! Julious said they weren't as good as the ones I make at home - but I did not have to cook these, so they were pretty good in my book).

FINALLY, we had made it to my favorite pavilion - JAPAN

Before we entered the shopping fantasy that is the Mitsukoshi Department Store, I stopped at the Japan Booth. Julious and Mom were stuffed (as any normal human probably should have been), but Japanese is mine & Dad's favorite genre of food, so I tried the Wafu Ribettes (which were fine - nothing to write home about) and he got the California Roll (again, nothing special). There is much better stuff to eat in Japan. What? A Kirin? No thank you - I'll be getting sake inside.

 

[Darkfirewolfe]

YaY! Love seeing some fellow Disney fans who live in mostly black Can't wait to read more!

(and DragonCon 15 times? Wow! I've been 3 times.. and hope we can go this year too)

Yep - it's easy since I grew up a nerdy in Atlanta to rack up that many years. This year is starting to look pretty good already

 

[heidijanesmith]

Great TR! I love your pics, they bring back great memories of the Poly

Can't wait for more

 

[ocean134]

Day 2:

We drank and strolled around England. Then I saw her...ALICE! One of my most favorite characters. I guzzled the last of my Guinness and got in line. There is something odd about being the only child-free/child-less adult in line for characters. Everyone looks to you as if you've lost your child, but then quickly get over it and start polite conversations. I have no doubt that at 50, I'll be dressed in all black with too much eyeshadow and will still get in line to see Alice.

I totally agree with you! I am over 30 and do not have children but I like to get pictures with characters too. I always feel like people are staring at me thinking that I have lost my mind. Not everyone has kids, deal people. My mom and I went to the princess gathering on the DCL in Jan. '11 because my mom wanted a picture with Snow White. We were in a line of about 100 ppl all with children, and there we were. LOL

I am loving the trip report already and love your park style...EATING! One of my favorite things to do in WDW.

 

[aprilisis]

I'm subbing! I'm really enjoying your TR & your photos! Can't wait to read more.

 

[Darkfirewolfe]

Great TR! I love your pics, they bring back great memories of the Poly

Can't wait for more

Thanks &
And I see you are within 2 months of your next trip -

I totally agree with you! I am over 30 and do not have children but I like to get pictures with characters too. I always feel like people are staring at me thinking that I have lost my mind. Not everyone has kids, deal people. My mom and I went to the princess gathering on the DCL in Jan. '11 because my mom wanted a picture with Snow White. We were in a line of about 100 ppl all with children, and there we were. LOL

I am loving the trip report already and love your park style...EATING! One of my favorite things to do in WDW.

Thanks! &
Eating and drinking around Disney is my favorite park style!
It's nice to see another child-free adult who loves pictures with the characters.

I'm subbing! I'm really enjoying your TR & your photos! Can't wait to read more.

Thanks for the sub! &

 

[Darkfirewolfe]

When we last left our heroes, they were entering the fair gates of the Japan pavilion in EPCOT.

The Japan pavilion is probably my favorite. Good table-service, great counter-service, fantastic shopping, beautiful grounds. My mom and dad had spent Day 1 doing some shopping on their own, and they told me they had a gift waiting for me at Japan for my graduation.

BACK-STORY: So I'm currently finishing up my PhD in counseling, but that's not the graduation my parents' meant. When I enrolled in the PhD program, I also applied to, was accepted, and enrolled in a MA program in Religious Studies at the same school. Why? Because I think psychology and counseling needs to do a better job of working with spiritual and religious folks. So I was graduating with my 2nd Masters degree, that's the graduation they meant. (PS - if ever you are presented with the opportunity to work on two graduate degrees at once, do NOT do it! You will be exhausted and you will not sleep for several years )

When we entered the Mitsukoshi department store, they went to the Mikimoto booth

Mom & Dad had picked out a special pair of black pearl earrings the day before as a gift to celebrate my graduation.

They are perfect. I teared up a little and we checked out. The lady working the Mikimoto counter was extremely poliete and taught me everything I needed to know about how to take care of real black pearls = which by the way is exactly what a Goth girl needs

Also in Japan, we stocked up on cute chopsticks, incense, mugs, and little owl statues. Julious and I also shared a tasting of sake in cute little plastic sake cups with our names written in hirigana. After all that, we also picked up some canned green tea and some strawberry water to hydrate ourselves as we continued around EPCOT.

After Japan, sits the United States - which we know for it's bathrooms. You always take a potty break in the US. I stopped at the Hops & Barley Booth, and picked up a Lobster Roll, which was PERFECT - again, a great dish that could be added to the park.

The US was pretty busy as one of the F&W concerts was starting up - so, since I'm not a big fan of crowds, we made our way next door to Italy.

The lobster roll had made me parched, so Julious & I stopped in the Wine Shop and got a sample of the Pinot Grigio they were serving for me (it's the San Angelo Pinot Grigio - it's my favorite) and the red for Julious. We also took a look at the new pizza restaurant - wonderful smells were coming from the door, so it looks like something we'll have to stop in at next time.

As we sat on a bench in Italy waiting for my parents to finish shopping, the bartender at the wine shop came over to me to return my wallet, which I had left on the counter I can't believe that happened TWICE in one trip! It made me very paranoid the rest of the time.

There was a fantastic photopass setup in Italy which we took advantage of

We made it all the way around to Germany, which means miniature train set! We found the cutest lizard who was rampaging through the mini-city.

Isn't he adorable?!!
Back to Germany, which included a F&W booth for Germany. I got the Spätzle Gratin with Ham and Cheese - it was just mac&cheese with ham, which is always good.

After some light browsing, we boarded the Frienship boat and rode back to center so we could walk to France for dinner. We had made ADR's at Chefs De France - Julious & I had lunch there on our last trip and fell in love, so we were all trying dinner for the first time.

We ordered the Pate de Campagne and the Escargots for appetizers. The Pate is AMAZING at Chefs De France! In fact, my Dad & I made over it so much to the waiter, that the chef sent out extra to thank us! The escargots are also fantastic, buttery goodness

We ate every bite. Mom & I had the Plat de cote de boeuf au cabernet avee pates (aka Short Ribs) - which were BEYOND fabulous! Wonderfully tender, glorious taste - mop-it-up-with-bread-good. Dad had a salad with the Lobster Bisque and Julious had the Canard au miel, haricots vert et pommes de terre douce (aka Duck) - which was also SUPERIOR.

That is us - stuffed to the brim with delicious-ness. Now if only there was a cart to take me back to my room b/c otherwise, I'm going to waddle.

Here is Julious & I at the end of a wonderful evening.

We made a quick stop in MouseGears and loaded up on gifts - we totally over bought mugs this time (but we are TEA fanatics so we need a ton of mugs, right? right?)
Dad walked with us to the monorail and then he stayed in the park for Extra Magic Late Hours. Julious, Mom, & I made it back to the Polynesian and crashed in a full-belly sleep of wonder.

 

[Darkfirewolfe]

Sorry for the super late update to the trip report everyone! I've been slammed working on my dissertation.

I hope to get Day 3's update out a LOT faster! Oh, and I went back and updated a few of the first posts b/c I found new pictures on Julious' Iphone.