Experiment-627: A Caribbean Double with a Wilderness Chaser

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

I very glad to have you along.
If you’ve read this far… you might be just about as loopy as I am.

Either that, or you just a true Disney fan.


(It’s probably better to admit to the second on there… the first one will get folks talkin’ about you.)

Why can't I admit to both?

As evidence I present my facebook profile pick taken at Disneyland

 

[afwdwfan]

Wow, that's a familiar sight. Taking me back to when I was there.

You can easily fill up an entire forum with the opinions folks have about the refillable mugs at WDW (and some folks have gone and done it too).

Really? I've never heard of such a controversy before.

OK, back to the grub situation. Here’s a look at the basic offerings…

Just chiming in with my personal opinion in your TR (because you're my nemesis). I really thought the food quality was great and serving sizes generous at Roaring Forks, but I was disappointed by the lack of selection available...

There is a nice dining area right beside the Fork, but we decided to sit outside and start taking in some heavy doses of pretty.

Excellent choice.

I for one find that just the sound of running water calms my spirit, but walking around this resort with all its combined visual, auditory and even olfactory diversions is both intoxicating and addictive.

Wow, that's very descriptive. I'd just say the sound of running water makes me have to pee.

Don’t know about y’all… but I sure see the face of one rather riled up critter roaring back at me there.

I noticed that when we were there too. I really like that picture.

We noticed it, but didn't get a picture from that vantage point. Your 999,999,999,001 photographs of WL are making me think of "little" things we observed, but didn't photograph.

 

[mickeystoontown]

I ran across your trip report and, thanks to your handy dandy links, I am all caught up. You are a fantastic, funny writer and in my mind I imagine your voice to be something like Bill Engval or Tom Bodett so as I read along, I read it in their voices. (Yes, I'm crazy like that. )

We are going on our first cruise in May and your report helped answer several questions I had. Especially those related to checking in on the cruise and the whole process in general.

I'm looking forward to reading about your Disney stay. The pictures of the Wilderness Lodge are beautiful. We haven't stayed there but have visited it several times for dinner and to have a look around.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

So why am I bothering y’all with this little dissertation? Well, generally because I like bothering ya’ with unnecessary things, but also because it’s just a way to lead into what I’m going to be on about in this installment.

And hey, reading these is still better than working.

but being relatively new to the club I’ll start off with something a might smaller then the Delaware and Pennsylvania boarders. Something like… say…

the grounds of the Wilderness Lodge.

I thought the Wilderness Lodge was bigger than the state of Delaware (Not sure if/when Mark will be around to read that, but I had to put it out there)

You can easily fill up an entire forum with the opinions folks have about the refillable mugs at WDW (and some folks have gone and done it too).

Ah, nuts. I left my refillable mug from 2003 over at the Poly when I was pool hopping.

This is actually the end of the first water system. Silver creek flows under the stone bridge that I’m standing on and then the Imagineers perform a bit of their magic. Under the bridge and hidden from prying eyes, the water from above is collected and pumped back up to the spring. At the same time water from the pool below has been pumped to this point and it then released from under the bridge and sent back down the hill and directly into the pool.

Fascinating! I had often wondered how they could get away with bubbling up water in the lobby that would eventually end up in the pool or the lake.


But! This brings up and interesting conundrum. Since this water never makes it to the pool, swimming in it would not be considered pool-hopping, thus - it's OK for off site guests to do it! Loophole!

Many of you will argue with my assertion, but… I say I found me a Hidden Mickey in Silver Creek (and being as I am admittedly delusional, your cries of “foul” and “no way” will be falling on deaf ears, so accept my assessment and move on.

My vote: Hidden Mickey. Nice work.

This is actually the third part of our seamless river illusion. Again, and for the same reasons, there is a hidden transition point where the pool water is collected and sent back up the hill and lake water of drawn and sent on down.

Reminds me of a very old, white stone & brick building down on Milwaukee's lakeshore. It's now an Alterra Coffee shop (I don't drink coffee, but the bakery items and hot chocolate are awesome) Anyway, the inside, is still very "industrial" but with really cool little seating/eating areas spread around the few levels of the building. I did some research, and found that it was an old pump house. Back in the day dumping your raw sewage and what not into the river was still A-O-K. However, as more and more people dumped into the Milwaukee river, the smell (and you know, disease and what not) got a bit ripe in the hot summer months. So this pump station was built to pump water from Lake Michigan, up along a series of pipes upstream of downtown Milwaukee, where it was released into the river, improving the flow rate and flushing the pooh out to sea.

Can y’all see it? How about you folks over there in the back of the theater?

I can see it!

OK, well how about now

I can still see it.

Still no?

No, I was good the first time, really.

Then how about now?

Wait, now I'm not sure anymore. I think I still see it. Maybe not.

Truth is it’s even more apparent when you look at it from a good spot inside the lodge. Like this one…

Nope. Now I lost it. Is it like one of those odd 3D posters that you have to stare at for like 15 minutes before you see the dinosaur?

 

[KatMark]

Rob, what a great update. The pictures of the WL are beautiful. Although I know we won't stay there, it truly is a beautiful resort and you brought out that beauty in your pictures.

And for anyone who gives you grief...that was DEFINITELY a hidden Mickey.

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Why can't I admit to both?

As evidence I present my facebook profile pick taken at Disneyland

Hummmmm… yah, you can clam both.
Good... the world need much larger doses of loopy anyway.
Welcome again sir.

Wow, that's a familiar sight. Taking me back to when I was there.

Just another service we offer

Really? I've never heard of such a controversy before.

Now I trying to remember who it was that told me that the best catfights can be found on the Park Planning and Strategy forum…. Hummmmmmm…. Now who was that?

Just chiming in with my personal opinion in your TR (because you're my nemesis). I really thought the food quality was great and serving sizes generous at Roaring Forks, but I was disappointed by the lack of selection available...

I’ll actually agree with this. We were always able to find something, but the list from which to choose was surprisingly small given the size of the resort.

Wow, that's very descriptive. I'd just say the sound of running water makes me have to pee.

TMI…

I noticed that when we were there too. I really like that picture.

We noticed it, but didn't get a picture from that vantage point. Your 999,999,999,001 photographs of WL are making me think of "little" things we observed, but didn't photograph.

I’ve been known to take a few. I work on the tsunami principal. If I take overwhelming amounts of pictures of every wacky thing I see… one or two will accidentally turnout to be worth looking at (the rest of them I just throw in to compensate for the atrocious slop that I’m attempting to pass off as writing.

Feel free to “borrow” (like I’d even know).

I ran across your trip report and, thanks to your handy dandy links, I am all caught up. You are a fantastic, funny writer and in my mind I imagine your voice to be something like Bill Engval or Tom Bodett so as I read along, I read it in their voices. (Yes, I'm crazy like that. )

Well Gawarsh…
That there is some mighty high praise.
My English teachers are collectively turning in their graves, I’m sure.

Welcome to my little hayride and I’m very glad to have you here.
By the way… I thought I was the only person that had to assign a voice to every thing I read

We are going on our first cruise in May and your report helped answer several questions I had. Especially those related to checking in on the cruise and the whole process in general.

That’s what I was hopping for. I set out to try and write a Cruising TR for folks that are thinking about cruising, but weren’t sure about it. It seems that just maybe I’m on the right course.

I'm looking forward to reading about your Disney stay. The pictures of the Wilderness Lodge are beautiful. We haven't stayed there but have visited it several times for dinner and to have a look around.

Thanks again… I’ll try to put up another update by the end of the week. I’m actually trying to write two TRs at once; so keeping up can be a little tough at times.

If you’re interested in learning entirely too much about High School Marching Bands, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade… you’ll find a link to that "other" TR as well down there in my signature.

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

And hey, reading these is still better than working.

Yes… yes it is.

I thought the Wilderness Lodge was bigger than the state of Delaware (Not sure if/when Mark will be around to read that, but I had to put it out there)

Aaaaaannnd again Barry horks up an ungodly goober and lobs a thoroughly rank spitball toward home plate.

Mark sizes up the pitch… goes into his wind up… takes a mighty cut at the deceptive toss, and…

(to be continued)

Ah, nuts. I left my refillable mug from 2003 over at the Poly when I was pool hopping.

Well then by all rights you deserve to be able to use fast passes from yesterday and jump over the rails in the queue. That should just about make up for it. (oh yah… and when y’all jump in front of folks at the last minute to get a good spot for the parade… make sure that it’s Andy that you jump in front of).

Fascinating! I had often wondered how they could get away with bubbling up water in the lobby that would eventually end up in the pool or the lake.

But! This brings up and interesting conundrum. Since this water never makes it to the pool, swimming in it would not be considered pool-hopping, thus - it's OK for off site guests to do it! Loophole!

And while they’re frolicking around in that part of the creek…
you can confiscate theses handy 2002 refillable mugs that they so kindly left sitting on the bridge railings there to replace the ones you lost a little wile back.

My vote: Hidden Mickey. Nice work.

Agreed and thanks.

Reminds me of a very old, white stone & brick building down on Milwaukee's lakeshore. It's now an Alterra Coffee shop (I don't drink coffee, but the bakery items and hot chocolate are awesome) Anyway, the inside, is still very "industrial" but with really cool little seating/eating areas spread around the few levels of the building. I did some research, and found that it was an old pump house. Back in the day dumping your raw sewage and what not into the river was still A-O-K. However, as more and more people dumped into the Milwaukee river, the smell (and you know, disease and what not) got a bit ripe in the hot summer months. So this pump station was built to pump water from Lake Michigan, up along a series of pipes upstream of downtown Milwaukee, where it was released into the river, improving the flow rate and flushing the pooh out to sea.

+1 for adding more obscure history to my TR (can never have too much of that )
+1 more for adding pooh related obscure history to my TR (you’re on a roll )

You may actually know more non sequitur bits of history then I do
(and I know more random “pooh” then that pump station ever thought about flushing out to sea).

I can see it!


I can still see it.


No, I was good the first time, really.


Wait, now I'm not sure anymore. I think I still see it. Maybe not.


Nope. Now I lost it. Is it like one of those odd 3D posters that you have to stare at for like 15 minutes before you see the dinosaur?

Complete obfuscation resulting in abject confusion…

My work here is done.

Rob, what a great update. The pictures of the WL are beautiful. Although I know we won't stay there, it truly is a beautiful resort and you brought out that beauty in your pictures.

And for anyone who gives you grief...that was DEFINITELY a hidden Mickey.

Thanks. With out the excitement of the parks to fill the void I had to come up with something to entertain the masses. Luckily, when you take 1000 pictures… three or four will be worth looking at.

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Chapter 9: The Shutout (Day 6 -Friday)

Part 5: Decisions, Decisions…
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Going out to dinner can be a problem in my house. It’s not the going out part (we all like to get out into the world), or even the dinner part (Lord knows I enjoy a good meal… entirely too much to be sure, but I enjoy it). No, the problem comes in deciding where to go. You see I absolutely h-a-t-e picking a restaurant. The fact of the matter is that my single favorite place to sit-down and have a meal is any good dining establishment “that I did not pick”. Literally anything will do just so long and someone else picks it, or pulls the name out of a hat, or a book or as a suggestion box, or in an attempt to spite me… I really don’t care. I’ll find something on just about any menu; I just hate picking the spot.

Now most of the folks that I’ve explained this situation to will say back to me something like: “So, your wife gets to choose any place and you’ll take her there? I’ll bet she’s rather pleased with that arrangement.” Well… you’d be wrong. Nearly twenty-two yeas I’ve been re-explaining to her that I really don’t care… she still doesn’t believe me. While she could pick anything at anytime, she worries that it may be something that I won’t like (which is virtually imposable). This is because she spends the better part of her time trying to spoil me rotten (while I’m attempting to do exactly the same thing back to her… yah, I know… we’re pretty sickening). Net result… we have such a hard time deciding where to go that were my Southern Bell more hot tempered, she’d likely be threatening me with bodily harm on a regular bases…

Given our more sedated temperaments though, we’ll either end up somewhere very familiar, or we often just give up and stay in.


Except…





…at Disney World.

Here we normally have no trouble at all picking a place. If there’s an issue here, it’s just figuring out whether or not we can afford it (this time). I did say normally back there didn’t I? Well good, because this day we actually didn’t have a plan, and that’s usually where the trouble begins. Oddly though, not having any ADRs would help the process, because we’d be limited in our options and would need to find something where walk-ups were feasible. And if you can’t go to one of the parks (and we couldn’t), then you’re left with only the choices of a resort QS, or Downtown Disney.

We chose option two and decided to head on over to this sot on the map…

…and, we’d start off over on the West Side with the intention of just wandering around until something struck our fancy.

Well the first decision had been made at least.



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The Three States of Water



At the end of the last episode, our Wilderness Explorers were exploring the “Wilderness” (go figure). Specifically, the lower edge of the property near the shores of Bay Lake. Well, even more correctly near the local watering hole. This place right here…

The Trout Pass Pool Bar is the place to be if you’re enjoying the water but are in need of something a bit more icy to quench your thirst. Now, since we’ve got time, we might as well take a peek at something else that can be found down here; water in a somewhat more volatile form…

Firerock Geyser


Not much to look at just now, but give it some time and you’ll end up with something more like this…

This particular geyser is more faithful then Ol’ Faithful, and puts on a rather “thermo” dynamic display near the top of every hour. You gott’a love Imagineering. I took a number of pictures of this five or six-minute tantrum, but they all look rather similar. That’s not to say that these aqueous eruptions aren’t worth bothering with, no sir… more rather it’s to say that photographs really don’t do it justice. I should have taken a video, or better yet, you need to go see it for yourself.


From here we decided to walk down to the beach for a quick look-see. On the way there is a spot for renting bikes, surrey bikes and other such paraphernalia.

And one of these here first days I need to rent me one of these new fangled contraptions…

Had I been thinking, one of them might have come in handy later on in the trip, but that’s a story for latter on. Just beyond this hut is water in its more natural form…
the actual “beach”

OK… it the man made shore line of a man made lake (and you can’t swim in it), but still…

Obviously there’s also a nice little playground down here (and most guests are blissfully unaware of this fact, so keep it in mind if you got young’ens that are needin’ to burn off a little bit of energy. The Disney folks also set up an outdoor theater down here in the evenings showing family oriented movies (Disney properties of course). Quite often they are even films that were only recently in the theaters. Just check with the desk and they’ll let you know what’s playing. Lastly you’ll find plenty of seating for just whiling away the afternoon and watching the goings on about the lake…

These are also useful for another evening spectacle, but I’ll save that for a little later on as well. Needless to say… we’ll be back.



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Going Downtown



It was getting about time to start off toward our next adventure for the day. Of course where we needed to be (that being the bus stop) was clear across the grounds and up the hill. Time to start making a move in that direction. We headed up the path between the Lodge and a more recent addition to the area…

The Villas at the Wilderness Lodge


As the CMs like to say: “Welcome Home!”

We didn’t take any time to explore the building, but I know from my reading that the folks, who chose to spend their DVC points here, are pretty much satisfied with their decision. I did take a quick moment to grab a picture of the Villa’s pool (since it was on our way up to the bus pavilion).

Looks quite relaxing if I do say so… considerably less hustle and bustle then at the main water feature. But then again, calmness is one of the driving forces behind DVC in the first place (and one reason why I hope at some time in the future to be able to acquire a contract or two).


Once we made the top of the hill a bus was along to scoop us up in no time at all. After a pleasant enough ride the three of use hopped off at the far end of DTD right near Planet Hollywood. On the way past this attraction, we noticed this little bit of film memorabilia…

If perchance you don’t recognize this humble vessel (which played a small part in generating my Dis-Name), I’m sure there are several of my regulars who can enlighten you.

The plan was to wander around this far end of Downtown (which we generally don’t get over to that often) and see what was available. There were plenty of places to grab a bite, knock back a drink, and drop a buck or fifty on a garment or some other type of doo-lolly. It’s pretty much the way I remember it (but with fewer “Disney touches” then you’d find at the other end of the venue). Another aspect of this area that makes it different is the generous smattering of live performers. Like this fell’a…

I’ve seen living statue performers a number of times (usually at Epcot and usually around the Italy pavilion), but I hadn’t encountered one in a good while (I’m not certain they still do this in the WS actually). These cats are fun to watch as they surprise, embarrass and outright startle the passers by and those brave enough to stop for a picture.


A little farther along, I saw this gent setting up his gear.

The presence of a didgeridoo certainly caught my eye, but not knowing exactly when he’d be getting started, we didn’t stay. I later learned that as decisions go, this one was a mistake (and that is why I’m telling you about this bloke in the first place). His name is Dominic Gaudious and he’s a regular performer at DTD. As guitar players go, he’s very, very good and someone worth listening to (or at least googleing) if you get the chance. Here, I’ll even give you a link to one short performance that somebody thought to put up on the web (there are plenty others as well).





If I see this picker anywhere on property the next time we’re down that way, I’ll be buying a drink from somewhere and finding a spot to grab a seat so that I can stay and listen for a while.



From here we crossed over into the “Pleasure Island” part of Downtown and encountered this sad site…

A moment of silence if you please while we pass by the memorial for one of the most missed and revered of the lost attractions in DTD (or anywhere else within WDW). May someone in Imaginering find some why to resurrect this little gem.



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Thirty-Seven


Well we’d done a good bit of exploring and general walking around thus far today and the dinner hour had crept up upon us. Of course, and as I said earlier, that was actually a problem. Now we had to make a decision. Not wanting to have to think about it, we decided let fate make the call (‘cause we just weren’t in the mood). We’d stop at the next restaurant we came to and if the wait was under thirty minutes… that was where we’d be dinning, otherwise we’d move on down to the next one and so on.

Well the next thing we encountered along the way did happen to be a restaurant and it also happened to be one that we’d not heard of: “Paradiso 37”…

It was open… we were there… we gave it a shot. At the door the word was that it’d be a while before a table would open up, but… if we didn’t mind sitting outside on the porch, they’d seat us right now. That option didn’t take much effort to weigh.

Dining al fresco it is; lead on garcon.

Dining on the porch turned out to be a very pleasant experience. It was starting to cool down, there was a nice breeze, and the view from our table was excellent

Better yet… there was more live music out here (and live music is almost always a win).

We had no idea what the specialty of the house was, but considering the chosen name of the establishment our suspicions were that there would be some type of Latin influence. As it turns out, their shtick is to celebrate all the nations of the American continents. All thirty-seven of them. Given this info, you’d expect the menu to be rather broad, and you’d be right. Here’s what it looked like while we were down there…




Paradiso 37


Starters


Caribbean Crab and Fish Fritters
Crab Meat, Shrimp & Fish Combined with Bell Peppers & Cilantro.
Coconut Lime Dipping Sauce

North American Corn Dogs
Bite-sized Corn Dogs Fried to a Golden Brown.
Served with Honey Dijon Mustard Dipping Sauce

Chorizo & Beef Skewers (serves 2)
Spicy Chorizo & Marinated Beef Skewers. Served with Chimichurri Pita Bread,
Marinated Mushrooms & Citrus Yogurt Sauce

Quesadillas
Flour Tortillas Stuffed with your Choice of Steak or Chicken.
Topped with Imported Cheeses and Served with Sour Cream and Pico de Gallo

Shrimp Ceviche
lime juice, tangy tomato sauce, fresh chilies, cucumber and Avocado

Mac & Cheese Bites
crisp on the outside, creamy on the inside,
served with a jalapeno and cilantro dipping sauce

Chili Con Carne
slow cooked ground beef with onions, peppers and Chiles.
Topped with Imported Cheeses and served with corn tortilla chips

P-37 Nachos (serves 2)
corn tortilla chips, queso fundido, chili, queso fresco, sour cream,
pico de gallo, jalapenos

Central American Crazy Corn
Fire roasted corn on the cob topped with a
spicy yellow pepper sauce and importedl cheeses




P-37 Salads, Sandwiches and Burgers


Skewered Shrimp & Jicama Orange Salad
Three Jumbo Skewered Shrimp with Mixed Greens Tossed with Orange Segments,
Jicama, Dried Apricots, Raisins, Toasted Almond and Pumpkin Seeds
in a Prickly Pear Vinaigrette

Grilled Chicken Tortilla Salad
mixed greens tossed with roasted corn, diced tomatoes, crispy tortilla chips
and Queso fresco in a citrus vinaigrette $13.99; side salad without chicken

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
a crispy romaine lettuce tossed with toasted croutons, parmesan cheese and
homemade Caesar dressing. Topped with seasoned grilled chicken breast

Bacon and Pineapple Burger
8 ounce grilled and topped with smoked gouda, grilled pineapple, honey glazed bacon,
borracho beans, serrano slaw . Served on toasted bun with P-37 fries

Grilled Chicken Sandwich
grilled chicken breast, bacon, P-37 guacamole, queso fresco, Borracho beans,
serrano slaw, toasted bun, with P-37 fries

Jalapeno Burger
8-oz. Burger Grilled & Topped with Cheddar Cheese, Guacamole,
Marinated Jalapenos & Pico de Gallo. Served on a Toasted Bun with P-37 Fries

Blackened Mahi Mahi Sliders
Lettuce & Tomato, Aji Amarillo, toasted Brioche Buns with P-37 Fries

Paradiso 37 Cheeseburger
8-oz. Burger Grilled & Topped with Cheddar Cheese, Onions, Lettuce & Tomato,
Borracho beans, serrano slaw, toasted bun, with P-37 fries.



Platters from the Americas


Enchiladas
chicken or beef, corn tortillas with your choice of guajillo or mole verde sauces.
Served with cilantro rice and black beans.

Baja Fish Tacos
crispy seasonal fish, roasted corn salsa, lime crema, spicy slaw, tortilla salad

Burritos
Choice of Grilled Chicken or Beef, flour tortilla, Sauteed Peppers, Squash, Red Onions,
Imported Cheeses, Sweet Chipotle BBQ Sauce, Cilantro Rice and Black Beans

Chilean Style Salmon
Fire Roasted Salmon Served with Roasted Potatoes and Seasonal Vegetables

Colombian Style Crispy Hen
marinated with onions, garlic, lemon and cilantro, fresh Citrus Marmalade and
Served with Grilled Corn Cakes and Roasted Seasonal Vegetables

Char Broiled Filet Mignon
roasted seasonal vegetables, grilled corn cakes

Seared Seasonal Fish
lemon vinaigrette, shaved garden vegetables, grilled corn cakes

Citrus BBQ Pork Ribs
Slow Roasted, Fall-Off-the-Bone Ribs Topped P-37 Tangy BBQ Sauce.
Served with Serrano Slaw

Argentinean Skirt Steak
grilled skirt steak topped with caramelized onions and Chimichurri sauce
served with P-37 fries



Combo Plates


Surf & Turf Paradiso 37 Style
grilled BBQ shrimp and Argentinean skirt steak, corn on the cob,
roasted seasonal vegetables, grilled Corn Cakes

From the Sea Platter
ire roasted salmon, baja fish taco, shrimp ceviche, tortilla salad

From the Land Platter
Grilled Skirt steak, spicy chorizo skewers, chicken flauas, black beans,
and cilantro rice




Chips, Dips and Queso


Mexican Dipping Trio
Chunky Guacamole, Chili con Carne & Spinach Queso Dips.
Served with Corn Tortilla Chips

Guacamole
homemade, chunky fresh avocado with Fresh Tomato, Lime & Cilantro.
Served with Corn Tortilla Chips.

Chips and Salsa
crn torilla chips with housemade fire roasted tomato salsa

[/u]Salsa Trio[/u]
pineapple salsa, tomatillo salsa Verde, and fire roasted salsa diablo.
Served with corn tortilla chips

Paradiso 37 Queso
Imported Cheeses Flavored with Spinach, Cilantro, Peppers, Chiles & Onions.
Served with Corn Tortilla Chips



Street Bites for Little Tykes


PB & J Triple Stack
built with layers of creamy peanut butter and grape jelly on crustless bread.
Served with applesauce

Double Dog
grilled hot dog and corn dog bites served with creamy mac & cheese
and fresh carrot & celery sticks

Mexican Crispy Corn Shell Tacos
Stuffed with Chicken or Beef with Lettuce, Tomatoes & Cheeses.
Served with Black Beans and Cilantro Rice

Kids Mini Cheeseburgers
Served on a Fresh Baked Buns and Topped with Cheddar Cheese.
Served with Fresh Carrot and Celery Sticks

Chicken Fingers
Lightly Breaded and Fried to Golden Brown.
Served with Applesauce and Fresh Carrot & Celery Sticks

Grilled Fish
Served with Creamy Mac & Cheese and Roasted Carrots

[/u]Grilled Chicken[/u]
Served with Creamy Mac & Cheese Roasted Carrots



Sweets from the Americas


Paradiso 37 Chocolate Stack
Layers of Decadent Chocolate Cake and Creamy Chocolate Mousse
Served on a Bed of Warm Caramel Sauce.
Topped with Vanilla Ice Cream and Rainbow Sprinkled Whipped Cream

Churros & Sopapillas Combo
Dusted with Cinnamon Sugar and Served with Caramel & Chocolate Sauces

Mini Ice Cream Cones
four waffle cones of vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and cookies &
cream ice creams, topped with sprinkles

Tres Leches
Layers of White Cake Soaked in Sweet Milks and Layered with
Fresh Strawberry Mousse. Topped with Meringue and
Served with Fresh Seasonal Fruit

Seasonal Fruit Empanadas
Housemade Bite Size Empanadas Filled with Seasonal Fruit and
Dusted in Powdered Sugar. Served Warm and Crispy with Caramel
and Fresh Fruit Marmalade Dipping Sauces





Now y’all have been reading along with me for a good while now, so you might be able to figure out what I would normally have chosen. But this evening I was in an odd mood and decided to try something a bit different from my normal beef tendencies: the Baja Fish Tacos, and they were right good I might add. Tamara went lighter with the Mexican Dipping Trio which she then shared with the rest of us while trying little bites of the other goodies that Max and I had ordered. As for the boy… he is far more consistent: Paradiso 37 Cheeseburger, without the “rabbit food”. The “Borracho beans” and “serrano slaw” that came along for the ride were used to round out his parent’s dinners.

All in all… an excellent meal.

Since we were there I have read some mixed reviews on this these folks. The worst ones called it mediocre (although nearly all of them praised the bar), but I’ve not yet read where anyone flat out hated it. We were pleasantly surprised and will certainly keep it in mind for a future visit. Paradiso 37 turned out to be an excellent decision. That’s a good thing seeing as when you just randomly chose an unknown place for dinner, you can never really be sure just what you’re getting yourself into.

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[afwdwfan]

(Lord knows I enjoy a good meal… entirely too much to be sure, but I enjoy it)

Me too.

Literally anything will do just so long and someone else picks it, or pulls the name out of a hat, or a book or as a suggestion box, or in an attempt to spite me… I really don’t care. I’ll find something on just about any menu; I just hate picking the spot.

Pretty much my attitude as well... only with the caveat that I don't want to go to a Chinese restaurant or a sushi place. Tried it, don't like it, end up at McDonald's later that night every time.

Needless to say… we’ll be back.

For some reason, I knew that would be the case.

(and one reason why I hope at some time in the future to be able to acquire a contract or two).

If perchance you don’t recognize this humble vessel (which played a small part in generating my Dis-Name), I’m sure there are several of my regulars who can enlighten you.

You and your boats...

A moment of silence if you please while we pass by the memorial for one of the most missed and revered of the lost attractions in DTD (or anywhere else within WDW).

I don't miss it, although I never had the pleasure of experiencing this attraction.

We’d stop at the next restaurant we came to and if the wait was under thirty minutes… that was where we’d be dinning, otherwise we’d move on down to the next one and so on.

Good plan.

Well the next thing we encountered along the way did happen to be a restaurant and it also happened to be one that we’d not heard of: “Paradiso 37”…

Probably not a place I'd pick to try out, aside from the little game you guys played to pick a place.

DW and I aren't DTD fans. She likes shopping, so I assumed she'd want to go there on our last trip. I hadn't said anything about DTD to her when we were planning our trip, but she brought it up and asked if we had to go there... I guess not!

I'm glad you liked 37 though. Might be worth checking out sometime if we're looking for a walk up and have a couple of hours to kill.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

No, the problem comes in deciding where to go. You see I absolutely h-a-t-e picking a restaurant. The fact of the matter is that my single favorite place to sit-down and have a meal is any good dining establishment “that I did not pick”.

Interesting. Do you at least ask if they have steak?

Net result… we have such a hard time deciding where to go that were my Southern Bell more hot tempered, she’d likely be threatening me with bodily harm on a regular bases…

Sounds like a lot of trips end up at McDonald's.

The Trout Pass Pool Bar is the place to be if you’re enjoying the water but are in need of something a bit more icy to quench your thirst.

The drinks there taste better than chlorine, too.

I took a number of pictures of this five or six-minute tantrum, but they all look rather similar. That’s not to say that these aqueous eruptions aren’t worth bothering with, no sir… more rather it’s to say that photographs really don’t do it justice.

Yeah, our pictures of the geyser are underwhelming, too.

These are also useful for another evening spectacle, but I’ll save that for a little later on as well. Needless to say… we’ll be back.

Good plan.

We didn’t take any time to explore the building, but I know from my reading that the folks, who chose to spend their DVC points here, are pretty much satisfied with their decision. I did take a quick moment to grab a picture of the Villa’s pool (since it was on our way up to the bus pavilion).

You didn't duck in to see the Carolwood Pacific Room?

I’ve seen living statue performers a number of times (usually at Epcot and usually around the Italy pavilion), but I hadn’t encountered one in a good while (I’m not certain they still do this in the WS actually). These cats are fun to watch as they surprise, embarrass and outright startle the passers by and those brave enough to stop for a picture.

Those guys are a lot of fun. I wonder what their chiropractor bills are like. And I hope the bathroom is close by as well.

If I see this picker anywhere on property the next time we’re down that way, I’ll be buying a drink from somewhere and finding a spot to grab a seat so that I can stay and listen for a while.

I remember hearing him perform before. It's definitely an interesting sound. Anything with a didgeridoo is ok in my book. As the creator of Phineas & Ferb says, "You know, a lot of people are down on the didgeridoo because it only plays one note. However, I would like to point out that every song contains at least one note."

As it turns out, their shtick is to celebrate all the nations of the American continents.

Sort of like the Muppet 3D movie!

As for the boy… he is far more consistent: Paradiso 37 Cheeseburger, without the “rabbit food”.

Good man.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

No, the problem comes in deciding where to go. You see I absolutely h-a-t-e picking a restaurant.

Sounds like my family. Bambi is the picky eater, and her tastes can swing wildly, especially now while she is "with child." I will eat just about anything, anywhere. So, I ask her to pick. She tells me to pick. She smartly waits until we're in the car - with me behind the wheel - to do this, knowing that since I'm ultimately in control of the vehicle, we have to go where I decided to go. She's a shrewd one, that's for sure.

This particular geyser is more faithful then Ol’ Faithful, and puts on a rather “thermo” dynamic display near the top of every hour. You gott’a love Imagineering. I took a number of pictures of this five or six-minute tantrum, but they all look rather similar. That’s not to say that these aqueous eruptions aren’t worth bothering with, no sir… more rather it’s to say that photographs really don’t do it justice. I should have taken a video, or better yet, you need to go see it for yourself.

I remember seeing it a few years back. We waited 10-15 minutes, then it started shooting water about 20 feet in the air. It was one of the few things that Disney that I was underwhelmed with.

If perchance you don’t recognize this humble vessel (which played a small part in generating my Dis-Name), I’m sure there are several of my regulars who can enlighten you.

It's a boat.

I’ve seen living statue performers a number of times (usually at Epcot and usually around the Italy pavilion), but I hadn’t encountered one in a good while (I’m not certain they still do this in the WS actually). These cats are fun to watch as they surprise, embarrass and outright startle the passers by and those brave enough to stop for a picture.

Waaaaaay back in 2004 we stopped by the statue in Italy. Clearly, she took a fancy to me.

Interesting write up on Paridiso 37. I was under the impression that it was merely a bar with a limited appetizer menu. You have awakened me to a whole new world! I'll have to stop by and try it out sometime.

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Me too.

I think it’s a DDC requirement… ain’t it?

Pretty much my attitude as well... only with the caveat that I don't want to go to a Chinese restaurant or a sushi place. Tried it, don't like it, end up at McDonald's later that night every time.

Chinese I kind’a like.
Sushi on the other hand… not so much.

For some reason, I knew that would be the case.

And for some reason, I knew that you’d know that would be the case.

You and your boats...

I screwed up and got into a landlocked profession nearly two hundred miles away from my ocean. I regret this fact daily, so I punish those around me regularly for it.

You’re just standing in the line of fire.

I don't miss it, although I never had the pleasure of experiencing this attraction.

It’s had it’s detractors, but I thought the concept was rather interesting and entertaining.

Good plan.

Some times fate will do good by you.
Other times…

Probably not a place I'd pick to try out, aside from the little game you guys played to pick a place.

Exactly. I suspect I’d never have even considered it. Now I think I may have to try the same method of picking a spot for dinner in the future. It got us out of the box of always heading for the familiar.

DW and I aren't DTD fans. She likes shopping, so I assumed she'd want to go there on our last trip. I hadn't said anything about DTD to her when we were planning our trip, but she brought it up and asked if we had to go there... I guess not!

DTD is best for killing time either very early or late in a trip. But I did like the live entertainment at the West End. I’ll have to remember to return there more often.

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Interesting. Do you at least ask if they have steak?

I probably should, and I do generally gravitate toward the dinning elements offer up by the beef-critter, but I’m pretty much an “omni-carnivore”. All meat is good (especially if I didn’t have to pick the venue).

Sounds like a lot of trips end up at McDonald's.

Oddly… there is not a McDs handy to us (and their food ain’t worth a fifteen mile drive). We end up making our fast-food-runs to places like Quiznos, China East and Wendy’s (‘cause that’s what’s handy).

I actually do have several places I like to go on occasion… but nearly all of them are a thirty to forty mile drive (and often rather expensive).

Seafood and BBQ are the exceptions, but we need to have the funds available to justify them (but I’m feeling a BBQ run coming up this evening )

The drinks there taste better than chlorine, too.

You could say that, but you do know that you’re not supposed to drink the pool water, right?

Yeah, our pictures of the geyser are underwhelming, too.

It was more fun to see it. Granted it’s not the most amazing thing visually on property, but it is a nice touch given the theme of the resort in general.

Good plan.

Yes it was… errrr… will be… errr… well y’all get the picture.

You didn't duck in to see the Carolwood Pacific Room?

CRUD!

I was unaware of this offering until now.
As a heavy planner and details person… I should be ashamed (and I am)

Those guys are a lot of fun. I wonder what their chiropractor bills are like. And I hope the bathroom is close by as well.

Two other things I was also blissfully not even considering before now.

I remember hearing him perform before. It's definitely an interesting sound. Anything with a didgeridoo is ok in my book. As the creator of Phineas & Ferb says, "You know, a lot of people are down on the didgeridoo because it only plays one note. However, I would like to point out that every song contains at least one note."

Bravo!

+1 for the P&F reference and…
+2 for the musical tie in.

Sort of like the Muppet 3D movie!

Yah… we can go with that analogy

Good man.

Yes he is. Still as picky as a toddler at times…
but he’s getting to be a rather good man.

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Sounds like my family. Bambi is the picky eater, and her tastes can swing wildly, especially now while she is "with child." I will eat just about anything, anywhere. So, I ask her to pick. She tells me to pick. She smartly waits until we're in the car - with me behind the wheel - to do this, knowing that since I'm ultimately in control of the vehicle, we have to go where I decided to go. She's a shrewd one, that's for sure.

They’re all shrewd, which leads me to wonder why exactly mine chooses to keep me around in the first place.
That seems to be her only blind spot.

I remember seeing it a few years back. We waited 10-15 minutes, then it started shooting water about 20 feet in the air. It was one of the few things that Disney that I was underwhelmed with.

It’s cool once. I’m sure the real thing is better, but it will be a while before I get to see such. The thing did come in handy as a tool for keeping track of time while chilling out in the pool though.

It's a boat.

Waaaaaay back in 2004 we stopped by the statue in Italy. Clearly, she took a fancy to me.

Clearly


Like I said, I hadn’t seen this act in the WS in a long time, which is a shame, because it was always one of the more entertaining diversions.

Interesting write up on Paridiso 37. I was under the impression that it was merely a bar with a limited appetizer menu. You have awakened me to a whole new world! I'll have to stop by and try it out sometime.

We had no idea what to expect and were pleasantly surprised (which is why I went out of my way to include the menu). I figure that the folks at Disney won’t allow something into the area that isn’t at least decent, so we felt safe in giving it a shot. I have since seen mixed reviews (but unhappy people are more likely to actually write a criticism, then satisfied folks are to write in praise… it’s a human nature thing). The items we tried that day were actually very good, so we’ll keep it in mind in the future.

 

[KatMark]

All caught up (AGAIN!)...my kids have to stop proposing and me visiting them.

My husband is the same way as you...he 99.9% of the time tells me to pick. And since we both like basically the same type of food and have our favorite places, we usually find a place to go.

Love the added pictures of the geyers, pool, etc. at the WL.

I have a friend on another Disney website who LOVES the restaurant you chose at DTD and has gone numerous times. One of these days, I'd like to give it a try.

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

All caught up (AGAIN!)...my kids have to stop proposing and me visiting them.

My husband is the same way as you...he 99.9% of the time tells me to pick. And since we both like basically the same type of food and have our favorite places, we usually find a place to go.

Love the added pictures of the geyers, pool, etc. at the WL.

I have a friend on another Disney website who LOVES the restaurant you chose at DTD and has gone numerous times. One of these days, I'd like to give it a try.

And thanks for stopping by! Congrats again on you boy’s engagement and pending nuptials.


I saw that you finally had a chance to update your TR, so I’ll head over there and read it more toughly this evening. But since you all caught up, I figure it must be time to post another update of my own.

I’m just ornery that way.

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Chapter 9: The Shutout (Day 6 -Friday)

Part 6: Rapid Oxidation
​

​

​

Good day class and welcome to Sub-Basic Chemistry for the Disney Traveler. This will be one extremely short and utterly useless foray into the world of physical change at the atomic level. As this is an optional course you are free to bypass the introduction and just proceed on to ignoring the blurry photos and pointless narration below.

We’ll start off with a definition:

ox•i•da•tion - n.
1. The combination of a substance with oxygen.
2. A reaction in which the atoms in an element lose electrons and the valence of the element is correspondingly increased.

That second definition is the more correct explanation of the process, but the first one, in extremely basic terms, is what science originally thought was going on during this metamorphosis. Since I like extremely basic things… that’s the one we’re going to go with here.
​

So… oxygen combines with one thing and creates a new thing. In doing so, energy in the form of light and/or heat is released, and that’s the point that I’m trying to get to here. There are many examples of this in nature. Heck… that’s a monumental understatement. There’d be no nature were this not the case, but it’s the speed at which these reactions takes place that determines the results.

For example, if it’s very slow (say geologically slow) then it takes the form of something like rust or tarnish. Iron combines with oxygen and creates iron oxide or more commonly: “rust”.

Heat is also being produced, but the amounts are so spread out across the time spectrum that it is realistically immeasurable. If the reaction is extremely fast, say in the example of rapidly combining carbon and oxygen to form carbon dioxide, the heat and light produced is rather apparent and the common name for that energy production would be: “fire”.

Given this comparison you could either see rust and being extremely slow fire, or say that fire is just really, really fast rust. If you speed up the reaction to even more minute time increments then the resulting release of heat and light takes on the common form of an “explosion”.




{Go on… give it a click. Ya’ know you wan’a.}



If you’d like to see some fine examples of this rather exciting rapid oxidation process, just click on the link in my signature that leads to my other active TR (about NYC and the Macy’s Parade) and then find the link (in post #2) to the bonus feature titled “Jamie Wants Big Boom”

(it’s worth the price of admission… really).

So now just exactly why have I wasted sooooo much of you valuable time on this totally pointless explanation about something you’re likely already aware of? We’ll first I’m trying desperately to increase the traffic flow in my other TR (I’ve not yet resorted to begging, but it’s on the horizon and you really don’t want to see that now do ya’)? Secondly, the concept of rapid oxidation (in one form or another, including hypothetically) will be the driving force behind much of the rest of the day’s events.

So now I guess it time to actually get started.



= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Fire in Effigy



After dinner we decided to wander around DTD for just a little bit before heading back to the WL to partake of the rest of the culmination of the evening’s entertainment offerings. As we were heading east from the Pleasure Island side of the complex, the first real bit of visual entertainment encountered was the Lego store. Many folks (myself included) consider this non-Disney location to be a must see stop while roaming “The World”. Not necessarily to fight the crowd in the shop per say, but rather to gander at the often amazing displays. Like this one…

The pivotal climax of Toy Story as rendered in hundreds or thousands of Lego blocks. It’s also a static representation of explosive forces being harnessed for a specific purpose before the reaction reached the unstoppable point of detonation. This is also a fine bit of foreshadowing, but we didn’t know it at the time.

One of the other major pieces on display this trip included another spectacular representation of fire being harnessed for a purpose.

An evil purpose, but a purpose none the less. Another pivotal moment form a Disney classic (Sleeping Beauty in this instance) and another static depiction of a very chaotic moment of conflagration. A different angle better shows the details that the artists were able to bring to life with nothing more then plastic cubes and rectangles.

Of course there are always more whimsical offerings as well…

From here we ended up in the ultimate "dump shop": “World of Disney”. I don’t believe we bought a thing (at least I don’t remember such), but it’s always fun to look around and see what strikes your fancy. As a for instance: if were I to actually buy a set of Mickey Ears for myself, the geek in me would demand that it be this set…

And I can immediately think on one DisDad in particular that would love to have this little item sitting on his desk (that’s assuming that he doesn’t already have one of course).

And while I was roaming around I ran across this display and thought that the folks who put it together did a fine job of both aesthetically arranging the merchandise, and of illustrating a very different type of “combustion”.

Well… enough of that foolishness. We headed back outside and caught one more glimpse of our story’s patron saint… errr… I mean destructive alien…

As you can see, the sun was beginning to set on our expedition as well and that lead to one of the better images I captured that day…

Well, that’s my opinion of it anyway. I liked the composition combined with the sunset in the back ground. But being as the most obvious example of physically generated heat and light was leaving us for the day, we decided to catch the bus back “home” and take in a new bit of entertainment (new to us at least).



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Fire as Pageantry



By the time the bus dropped off at the Lodge, the darkness had completed envelopment of the sun’s radiant beams…

But this is a good thing because now we get to see different kinds of radiance. A leisurely stroll through the main lobby and outside presented us with this different view of Silver Creek and the landscaping within the arms of the bear…

From here we walked all the way down the hill to the beach area (remembering to pick up a few towels from the pool on the way), and then plopped down onto several of the chez lounges that our hosts had so graciously left for us (remembering to spread those towels across the chairs first of course).

So… why were we here?

To see the spectacle of course

What spectacle?


The Electrical Water Pageant!

This little Disney extra has been going on here since the grand opening way back in 1971, and yet we’d never seen it. We were always somewhere from which you just couldn’t catch sight of this little bit of fluff when it was going on. But since we weren’t hitting the parks, and we were at a resort that had frontage on Bay Lake, it was high time that oversight got corrected.

Now, just what it this quirky animal? Well, it’s sort’a like the Spectral Magic Parade except that the floats actually float… on water that is, and there are no live characters. What there is… is about 14 or so barges with frames of lights that depict images of sea creatures.

(had to barrow those last two images)


And there is an accompanying calliope-esk soundtrack that coincides with each critters appearance in the darkness. The whole thing is towed from one resort to another until everyone along the “Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake has had a chance to watch the festivities. It’s changed a few times over the years, but the current version has been around since 1996 (meaning it’s likely due for update). When the barges first arrived at the Lodge, I didn’t figure I had enough light to get a decent video, so I tried to get a picture or two

Well, as you can see… that was pointless (with the equipment on hand at least), so I went on ahead and videoed the rest of the show and hoped for the best. If you’re interested, you can now see the results of that experiment here…





If you can’t watch videos at work (or just don’t want to waste you time on an inferior representation), here’s the play by play recap…

Opening: "Fanfare" from The Little Mermaid

- Sea Serpent (four floats) "Boo Bop Bopbop Bop (I Love You Too)" from Pete's Dragon
- Whale (one float) "Whale of a Tale" from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
- Turtle (one float) same tune
- Octopus (one float) "Poor Unfortunate Souls" from The Little Mermaid
- Three Jumping Dolphins (three floats)
- Brachiosaurus (one float) "Walk the Dinosaur" by Was (Not Was)
- Crocodile (one float) "Never Smile At a Crocodile" from Peter Pan
- Four Seahorses (one float) "Fanfare" & "Under the Sea" from The Little Mermaid
- Neptune (one float) "Fanfare" & "Under the Sea" from The Little Mermaid

All images then change to the American Flags & Stars as they have been doing since 1971: (9 floats). The music?

"You're a Grand Old Flag", "Yankee Doodle", and "America the Beautiful"

Closing sequence music: "Fireworks" & "Jig" from The Little Mermaid
​

The patriotic bit at the end of the show is the most fun. The tunes are stirring and the images of flags and stars reminded me a lot of fireworks. Lower to the water, but still blazing brilliantly before us.



= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Fire as Imagery



Now I can say that I’ve seen the Electrical Water Pageant. And I can also say that I enjoyed it. From here we considered joining the group a little way up the beach for that evening’s outdoor movie. As it turned out, they were better then halfway through the film (and we’d seen this particular one very recently). Given that reality, we just headed back up the hill toward the Lodge and encountered more illumination along the way.

Neither of those last two are particularly great pictures, but they give you an idea of how everything has a glow and a sparkle about it in the evenings. It’s quite magical and I hope you get the chance to experience it some time.

We retreated back to our room for the evening and at this point I decided it was a good time to do a little bit of laundry. With that in mind, I stuffed all the socks, shorts and britches in a bag and headed down stairs to get that bit of housekeeping done (hey, we’d been on the road for better then a week now). On the way back, I ducked into the Roaring Fork to refill all the mugs (which I’d also remembered to bring along) and while I was at it, decided to pick up a couple of their infamous “brick sized” brownies for everyone to split and enjoy. Back up on five, I found the others sitting out on the balcony partaking of the cool of the evening. The view was still on the ugly side, but less so in the still of the dim evening. It was at this point that we encountered something that we weren’t expecting at all.

An explosion!

Our less then stellar view was about to vastly redeem itself here. You could see the “Wishes” show from our balcony! It was more like “Silent Wishes” but a fireworks spectacular none the less. I decided to grab the camera and as with the water pageant… hope for the best. The result was not too bad (especially for bonus entertainment that we weren’t expecting in the first place) and a copy for your viewing pleasure can be found right here…





It had been an evening of pyrotechnics (both real and perceived), but still the day had come to an end. We had one more full-day ahead of us and a couple of things on the agenda that we’d been meaning to check off the list for a long time. I slept very well that evening and I was certainly looking forward to the adventures to come.

​

 

[cstorm65]

I have enjoyed following along on your TR. From a Chemistry teacher that was a great explanation of the process of oxidation! Very well said.

 

[afwdwfan]

“explosion”

The whole opening write up was like the teacher on Charlie Brown talking...
Wah-wah-wah-wah-wah explosion.

Now you have my attention.

{Go on… give it a click. Ya’ know you wan’a.}

Would if I could...

Many folks (myself included) consider this non-Disney location to be a must see stop while roaming “The World”. Not necessarily to fight the crowd in the shop per say, but rather to gander at the often amazing displays. Like this one…

That's pretty much the only thing I like about going to DTD.

This is also a fine bit of foreshadowing, but we didn’t know it at the time.

So does that mean you're getting ready to turn your car in to a rocket vehicle like Barry's van?

And while I was roaming around I ran across this display and thought that the folks who put it together did a fine job of both aesthetically arranging the merchandise, and of illustrating a very different type of “combustion”.

As you can see, the sun was beginning to set on our expedition as well and that lead to one of the better images I captured that day…

Hey look! Margaritas!

Well, that’s my opinion of it anyway. I liked the composition combined with the sunset in the back ground.

Oh yeah, that was nice too.

The patriotic bit at the end of the show is the most fun. The tunes are stirring and the images of flags and stars reminded me a lot of fireworks. Lower to the water, but still blazing brilliantly before us.

We saw the parade a few times, but never actually were close enough to hear the soundtrack. It really is neat to see those barges glowing out there across the water. It's a unique sight.

It’s quite magical and I hope you get the chance to experience it some time.

I love seeing that courtyard at night. It is a very pleasant view to return to as you step off the boat.

On the way back, I ducked into the Roaring Fork to refill all the mugs (which I’d also remembered to bring along) and while I was at it, decided to pick up a couple of their infamous “brick sized” brownies for everyone to split and enjoy.

You got one to split??? Why on Earth would you want to share that chocolatey delicousness????

You could see the “Wishes” show from our balcony!

Your view kicks the @*&# out of the view I had at WL.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

"rust."

Meh.

Heat is also being produced, but the amounts are so spread out across the time spectrum that it is realistically immeasurable. If the reaction is extremely fast, say in the example of rapidly combining carbon and oxygen to form carbon dioxide, the heat and light produced is rather apparent and the common name for that energy production would be: “fire”.

Ok, getting better...

If you speed up the reaction to even more minute time increments then the resulting release of heat and light takes on the common form of an “explosion”.

Now we're talking!

http://www.devastatingexplosions.com

Many folks (myself included) consider this non-Disney location to be a must see stop while roaming “The World”. Not necessarily to fight the crowd in the shop per say, but rather to gander at the often amazing displays. Like this one…

The Prince Philip one is my favorite. Just amazing.

And I can immediately think on one DisDad in particular that would love to have this little item sitting on his desk (that’s assuming that he doesn’t already have one of course).

I'd be disappointed if he didn't already have it.

And while I was roaming around I ran across this display and thought that the folks who put it together did a fine job of both aesthetically arranging the merchandise, and of illustrating a very different type of “combustion”.

She's not bad. She's just drawn that way.

As you can see, the sun was beginning to set on our expedition as well and that lead to one of the better images I captured that day…

Love it! Great shot.

This little Disney extra has been going on here since the grand opening way back in 1971, and yet we’d never seen it.

Definitely worth seeing once. Some might think it's cheesy or outdated, but it feels like a bit of nostalgic Disney magic to me.

Neither of those last two are particularly great pictures, but they give you an idea of how everything has a glow and a sparkle about it in the evenings. It’s quite magical and I hope you get the chance to experience it some time.

It was at this point that we encountered something that we weren’t expecting at all.

An explosion!

Our less then stellar view was about to vastly redeem itself here. You could see the “Wishes” show from our balcony!

That'll teach you to complain! I bet even the dirty sock looked better now.