AGLET – We're Gonna Tour The World Together! Updated 11/9!!!

[marDgreen88]

1/4 MILES??? I had no idea! I mean I knew it felt like a long walk but goooooodness.

Hahaha, Planty's lookin' good. Way to grow, Planty.

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

Well, you already know by now that my family has a slight obsession with Living with the Land, especially camera trigger-happy Brandon. But, gosh darn it, I just love seeing it! It never gets old! And I loved your lemonade calculation then and love it to this day! Also, Planty is looking spectacular with his (her? both?) fancy cactus dirt. Too bad about your bat ban.

I've never ridden Universe of Energy because...well...it's long, and I have lots of little kids with little bladders. However, I am a big dork AND an Ellen fan (do they go hand in hand?), so I've watched it on You Tube. Yep. I know it would be so much better in person, but until they start stopping for potty breaks at some point during the ride, I doubt our family will be on board .

Wait, there's somewhere in Epcot you've never been??? YOU??

 

[MeMom]

Right now, Soarin' is my favorite ride in any of the parks.

We enjoy Living with the Land, as well. It is also convenient for the person who is sitting out on a Soarin' babyswap situation. Instead of just sitting and trying to entertain the little one, we/they can go one round through the garden.

Hmmm...I am wondering where you have never been before.

 

[Joyciemc]

Love the princess birthday card!!

I only ride Soarin when someone makes me. It's lost on me. But I agree- if I am going to ride it, it has to be in the first row.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

DH always says, every time on Soarin' that all they would have to do to eliminate the feet is to put a catch "tray" if you will all under the seats so that if you're in rows 2 or 3, all you would see would be a straight line. Low enough so that your feet still dangle. I'm with you, not so much feet in general, but strangers' feet give me the heebie jeebies.
Ellen is long. I usually save it for later, when I'm super tired and need the full 45 minutes off my feet!

I think they keep the feet in view to make it more like you're on a little thing gliding around? Idk. It just bugs me to see the feet in front of me!

A quarter mile long? EEK! I had no idea. I knew the queue felt long when we were there, but wow.... Good for you for waiting for the front row. You get the best ride that way, too, because nothing's obstructing your view. I happen to love Soarin'...it gets me...I feel transported, especially during that last pass over the beach in Malibu. But I will admit that it is a ride that could use an update. A slightly longer movie would be cool, as would a movie that travels around the world. But, I suppose, that if the movie were much longer, the lines would be that much longer.

Universe of Energy is one of Wingnut's favorite rides? Wow. I have to say, we should take Max through there this summer as he has developed a more keen interest in dinosaurs as of late and I'm kind of doubting he'll be tall enough for DINOSAUR in AK.

Can't wait to hear where you're headed in WS!

Yes!! I read that when we were planning to use the wheelchair, and there was a place (probably on the Dis) that pointed out the length of the queue if you were planning to walk it! I really really do think that Soarin' should be a bit longer. Even just by a minute!

Hahaha he loves that ride! It really isn't too scary, but it does get very dark and loud at a few points. But the whole ride is on a big slow-moving tram car, no need for seatbelts or anything. Definitely calmer than Dinosaur!

I have that same $5 pen! Isn't it amazing what we'll do/pay for something like a pen when you're in Disney? I can't say that I blame you though...you simply had to have a pen for the autographs.

Hahaha desperation is definitely the fuel to many ridiculous purchases! I did have to have a pen, and this was it!!

You totally had me laughing about the people who look like food, because I love that part of he ride too! (my DH thinks I'm totally off the wall when I get excited for that part).

Do you remember a few years ago there was a commercial for something like cholesterol medicine, where the people dressed up to look like food (that caused cholesterol?), every time I watched that commercial I thought "They stole that idea from Living with the Land!"

Hahaha I love everything about that part!! It's so fun!

Yes!! I forgot about that one!!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

1/4 MILES??? I had no idea! I mean I knew it felt like a long walk but goooooodness.

Hahaha, Planty's lookin' good. Way to grow, Planty.

Hahahaha yep!!! Your fun Disney queue length fact for today!

I know it sounds silly, but it's fun to watch him grow! He started off so small!

Well, you already know by now that my family has a slight obsession with Living with the Land, especially camera trigger-happy Brandon. But, gosh darn it, I just love seeing it! It never gets old! And I loved your lemonade calculation then and love it to this day! Also, Planty is looking spectacular with his (her? both?) fancy cactus dirt. Too bad about your bat ban.

I've never ridden Universe of Energy because...well...it's long, and I have lots of little kids with little bladders. However, I am a big dork AND an Ellen fan (do they go hand in hand?), so I've watched it on You Tube. Yep. I know it would be so much better in person, but until they start stopping for potty breaks at some point during the ride, I doubt our family will be on board .

Wait, there's somewhere in Epcot you've never been??? YOU??

Hahaha we love it too!! I just HAD to know how much lemonade it could yield! Not that Disney would probably want us there with a juicer!

I usually refer to Planty as a him, but he really could just as easily be a girl dragonfruit plant! Yes, I know. I'm just a big meanie not letting bats inside my home.

Ellen IS long, especially for little kid bladders!

Yes, I can't think of many, but this one was high on the list!! (Actually, this was an afternoon of visiting several places in Epcot we hadn't been!)

Right now, Soarin' is my favorite ride in any of the parks.

We enjoy Living with the Land, as well. It is also convenient for the person who is sitting out on a Soarin' babyswap situation. Instead of just sitting and trying to entertain the little one, we/they can go one round through the garden.

Hmmm...I am wondering where you have never been before.

I love Soarin'. It really is just peaceful and wonderful!

I've seen a bunch of people do the babyswap there! It's a great idea!

Love the princess birthday card!!

I only ride Soarin when someone makes me. It's lost on me. But I agree- if I am going to ride it, it has to be in the first row.

Thank you!!!

Hahaha you and Wingnut are in the same Soarin' mindset. Although he doesn't even really care what row he's in, he'll just wait for the front with me when I ask. He equates it to sitting in front of a giant video screen, which, yes, I guess it is. I try to point out the smells and the hidden Mickey's to him, but it's not a ride that I usually HAVE to do over and over again, so it isn't a big deal to drag him on once or twice!

 

[JimShockz]

Hi everyone, and welcome to another Stringbean & Wingnut report!!!

For those of you new to our rhapsodizing about Epcot and remorseless eating adventures, well, here's us!


I am Stringbean, aka Sara. (AKA your skipper, guide, social director, and dance instructor for the following trip report.)


And Wingnut is my ever-patient DBF. We have been dating for a little over 4 years. k


We had an absolutely wonderful (and yes, magical ) trip, and I can't wait to share it all with you! We ate far too much (unprecedented numbers of snacks and desserts), and yes, of course we changed the plans while we were there!

Talking about eating,when at Disney you must stop at downtown disney at the market place and eat at the Earl of sandwich,the best hot and cold sandwich you can experience,we go out of our way to make it there.

-JH

 

[JimShockz]

I'm here! I'm here! Let's get this party started!

like we stated before its not complete without a stop at The Earl of Sandwich
at downtown disney market place,best food around

-JH

 

[MEK]

Another great update. Sturgeon and lettuce? Can't believe you have your own dragon fruit. Your Planty is so cute. Much nicer than Nick's bonsai.

Great video from Ellen, but why did everyone of those ladies go to the handicapped bathroom? So funny!

 

[toymom10]

Just wanted to say I am enjoying your report! Which lead me to your previous reports...you both are great writers! And now I'm even more looking forward to our trip in August w. ADRs at Sanaa! and CP! and Boma! ...and many more. My son has nut allergies and I was nervious about Boma , so it was great to read how they treated you there. Now I just need you guys to go on a few more trips before the end of August so I have more wonderful TRs to read!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Wow, no wonder I always feel so winded when I ride Soarin'. 1/4 queue is crazy for sure. But, you know it's a necessary evil, because otherwise we would never work off all of the Disney food we eat.

I can honestly say I'm not weirded out by feet.

 

[Megablocks]

Ooh...never been on Universe of Energy, but that's such a good way to kill time before WS is open! Definitely going to have to go on next time.

I had no idea the Soarin' queue is a quarter mile long!! I always knew it went on foreverrrrrr but I had no idea it was that long. Fun bit of trivia I will have to remember next time I ride it!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Talking about eating,when at Disney you must stop at downtown disney at the market place and eat at the Earl of sandwich,the best hot and cold sandwich you can experience,we go out of our way to make it there.

-JH

like we stated before its not complete without a stop at The Earl of Sandwich
at downtown disney market place,best food around

-JH

Welcome!! Glad to have you here!

I've never eaten at Earl of Sandwich, but I've heard great things about there! Definitely a must-do for a future trip!

Another great update. Sturgeon and lettuce? Can't believe you have your own dragon fruit. Your Planty is so cute. Much nicer than Nick's bonsai.

Great video from Ellen, but why did everyone of those ladies go to the handicapped bathroom? So funny!

Awww I think Nick's bonsai is cute too!! (If not entirely bonsai-like )

I thought the same thing!! Maybe she put up an "out of order" sign on the other stall so people would go to the handicapped one?

Just wanted to say I am enjoying your report! Which lead me to your previous reports...you both are great writers! And now I'm even more looking forward to our trip in August w. ADRs at Sanaa! and CP! and Boma! ...and many more. My son has nut allergies and I was nervious about Boma , so it was great to read how they treated you there. Now I just need you guys to go on a few more trips before the end of August so I have more wonderful TRs to read!

Welcome!!! Thank you! Glad to have you here!!

Definitely do not be nervous about your Boma ADR (or any of your other ADR's either!). The chefs there are SO accommodating and wonderful! Your ADR's sound great, I'm sure you guys are going to have a great time!

Hahaha no trips planned for the future yet, unfortunately!

Wow, no wonder I always feel so winded when I ride Soarin'. 1/4 queue is crazy for sure. But, you know it's a necessary evil, because otherwise we would never work off all of the Disney food we eat.

I can honestly say I'm not weirded out by feet.

Hahaha I know, right? It does make you feel SLIGHTLY better about the 4th breakfast pastry that morning!

I wish I wasn't! I've always had a thing about feet - mine, or anyone else's. Weird, I know.

Ooh...never been on Universe of Energy, but that's such a good way to kill time before WS is open! Definitely going to have to go on next time.

I had no idea the Soarin' queue is a quarter mile long!! I always knew it went on foreverrrrrr but I had no idea it was that long. Fun bit of trivia I will have to remember next time I ride it!

It really is a good way to spend 45 or so minutes! It's a nice, air-conditioned ride!

Hahaha now that I know it, it feels even longer!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

On the way to World Showcase, we passed this:



So where were we headed to at 11:15 that morning?



Of course!!

But..it looked a little closed. We loitered around outside, thinking maybe they opened at 11:30. Until a CM saw us, and informed us that La Cava does not open until noon.

Noon???? But we wanted margaritas NOW!!!

With a whole half hour to wait until we could have legendarily amazing margaritas, we decided to stay close, and having already perused the shops in Mexico, we ventured next door to Norway, and rode the Maelstrom.

I know this ride is a bit maligned sometimes, but I enjoy it. Plus, what other gift shop has $500 sweaters?

A few minutes before 12, we were back at La Cava, waiting for the door to open. I decided that this little home would be very convenient to get margaritas whenever you want.



FINALLY (exactly at 12) the doors opened, and we and another couple were let in to the bar. Sorry. Cave.

Wingnut went with the jalapeno margarita.



I had heard way too much about it to not try the avocado margarita.



We got our drinks (it was especially cool to watch them drop avocado pieces into the blender to make my drink) and decided to sit down at one of the tables for a bit.

La Cava is very small, so it seems to be best to go at hours that people might not typically be wanting margaritas. But at Disney, I can't think of many hours when that might be!

Maximum capacity: 53.



See? Small.

A bit more atmosphere:



Down the seating area.



The atmosphere of La Cava is really cool, the decor is very pretty and colorful (even though my pictures really don't reflect that). But we weren't there to just look at the walls and chairs!

Wingnut was a bit disappointed with his jalapeno margarita. He said that it was a very "slight" jalapeno margarita, and he wished he had ordered the habenero margarita instead, which one of the people that had entered with us had gotten. I thought his drink was really good (and actually was a bit torn whether I preferred mine or his), but I am not as much of a spicy food lover as he is.

I thought my drink was very good, very rich and creamy. It was a teensy bit too melony (from the Midori) for me. Wingnut liked my drink much better than his, saying that it was very nice, had a "velvety" texture, and a lime taste, which he enjoyed. While Wingnut had habenero margarita envy, I found myself wishing I had tried the cucumber one, which sounded really good too.

With us preferring each others margaritas, it probably would have made sense to just switch, and I know I did offer to, but we just drank our own, and shared as well.

Well, he's not sticking his tongue out at me.



We definitely enjoyed our trip to La Cava, and although I might try a different margarita next time, I was very happy that I did try the famous avocado variety. It was so unique, I can't think of anything like it outside Disney.

After Wingnut had finished his margarita, but I was still working on part of mine, we decided to head out and walk around the World Showcase. It had just started to rain a bit, so we pulled out the $2 ponchos we had gotten from Staples months before the trip (I thought they might come in handy, and be $14 cheaper than the Disney ones ), and donned our plastic covering.

Very quickly, we discovered that the hoods on our ponchos absolutely refused to stay up, and so we would have to hold them on (from the inside collarbone area seemed to be the best technique, if you ever find yourself in a similar situation ). We decided that really, that was a small price to pay for a poncho we probably weren't going to need to wear all that long (spoiler alert: not long at all).

(That last paragraph wasn't really important to the story. But I figured I'd provide the visual of me holding my poncho in place with one hand and drinking an avocado margarita with the other. I'm an awesome multitasker. )

We passed by Norway, having just been there, and visited the shops in China. I decided that I wanted a snack, and so we went next door to Germany, to Karamel Kuche, another new WS destination for us.

As we perused the offerings, I was tempted by the sea salt caramel bar, but wanted to try to pick something with a little bit of filling potential (and Wingnut said that getting one of the caramel and chocolate covered pretzels - which is what I was originally eyeing - would be lame), so I chose the caramel-drizzled brownie.



Since it was still raining outside, we took two forks and ate the brownie in a corner of the entrance of the shop next door. The first bite of the brownie was pretty promising, nice and moist. However, after that, it was a bit dry and cakey. Unfortunately, a poor treat choice on my part!

(Next time, I'm getting pretzels, no matter what Wingnut says.)

We continued trekking around the World Showcase, eventually deciding to pause in Morocco and sit in one of the covered areas in that pavilion.





The theming in Morocco really is beautiful, it was nice and quiet while we sat and admired the impressive tilework.

On our way out of Morocco, I spied yet another place we hadn't been in World Showcase, and decided to go. (No, this one doesn't serve food.)

As I was pulling open the door, Wingnut looked slightly baffled. "Wait. We can go in there?"

Yes, we could...because it was a little museum, "Moroccan Style: The Art of Personal Adornment."



The small Moroccan museum was completely empty except for us, and we meandered around, checking out the different displays.



Not a display. A ceiling, maybe?





As we continued towards France, I was again in the mood for a snack, and clearly, the obvious choice here was the Napoleon.

However, after the sweet margarita and the brownie, the thought of something sweet, as wonderful as it is, made my teeth ache already. I wanted something salty and savory, and I instantly knew where I wanted to go.



Yes, you can order just a side of chips at the Yorkshire Fish & Chips stand. And they're available for a snack credit!

The fries were absolutely perfect, hot and salty and exactly what I wanted. Wingnut shared them with me, and enjoyed them as well, saying that they had a nice flakiness to them.

We sat at one of the table and chairs along the sidewalk, and were happy to notice that the rain had all but stopped by the time we had approached the UK. After we finished the fries, we strolled through the last two countries on our way back to Future World.

 

[MeMom]

There is so much to see in every country! I never feel like I see everything in any one, no matter how much time I spend. I think next spring, on my Two Old Ladies trip with another grandma friend, we will spend lots of time in Epcot. The little girls aren't too interested in the countries, of course, so when they are with me, we just do a little browsing and move on. Although, Brooklynn is becoming more and more interested with the displays as she gets older.

I have to get my summer supply of cheap ponchos soon. (Summer trips require several, but we rarely use any on our fall and winter trips.) Less than six weeks to go!

 

[CatNipRules]

I had to laugh when you posted a picture of the survey marker. It's a big joke between DH and I. Everytime we go to Disney and DH spies a marker, he gives them a little push with his toe. He convinced that one day he will be able to get one to come out. LOL! I swear if they sold them as souvenirs, DH would definitely buy one.

I am definitely thinking that we need to try a margarita. Now the only question is which one. LOL!

Great report and can't wait to read more.

 

[jecskc]

I just love World Showcase and I never feel like I spend enough time there ....

 

[teekathepony]

I'll never know myself, but those margaritas look enjoyable!
How disappointing that the brownie was dry It looked so good, had such promise!
I love wandering around the Moroccan pavilion. It's so pretty everywhere.

 

[CandleontheWater]

Yum, avocado margarita! Those are my favorite, but I try not to get one every time, so I can branch out and try them all. I haven't done the jalapeno one yet, so maybe that will be my next adventure. I was a little worried it would be super spicy, but if you guys give it the thumbs up, I think its worth a try!

Morocco is one of my favorite places to nose around in WS, there are so many out of the way nooks and crannies!

 

[Joyciemc]

Ahhhhh.... I love the World Showcase.

Cava de Tequila became quite the hotspot for us last week. It's perfect- get out of the heat, drink a maragarita... we even had a delicious snack there!