Sorry Gaston, They are MUCH More Interesting Than You!*6/8* NEW Trip Report Link p154

[eandesmom]

I'm glad that you got to see the MK opening show Cynthia. You have to see it at least once (and then that's probably enough). Great pictures and update on the New Fantasyland...thanks!

I was very glad I got to see it. Will I go out of my way to do it again? I don't know, it would just depend on who I was traveling with, I could easily be talked into it.

Cynthia, congrats on finally making the opening show (though I agree with Glenn, once is probably enough)! I love your morning MK shots...can't beat that bright blue WDW sky.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

It was a lovely morning!!! I am very glad I got to see it.

 

[Pinkocto]

I tried, but here's what happened - They were loading FP first, so apparently I was holding up the rest of the regular riders. Either that or the loaded us last and the boat was waiting to leave. I had less than 2 seconds with that spider and I so wanted to get him to jump. Good reason to go standby.

It takes a while. It gets to the point my arms hurt from clapping and I think it's not going to happen, and then it happens. It makes it scarier than it would be because you stop expecting it. I love it!

 

[MeMom]

I could tell that Tina's family didn't really know what to think about us internet strangers, but they were very cordial and friendly. I get that people don't understand the DIS bond and the whole concept of a DIS meet. So I bet Tina probably felt a little awkward around her family, knowing that they wouldn't "get it". I know some of my friends and family think its a little weird, but I'm over that. Have been for awhile.

We have met so many nice people through the DIS and our Disney travels. Our lives have certainly been enriched from knowing our pals from all over the country - and a few in other parts of the world, even!

 

[eandesmom]

Now I thought we went into this lovely spot first

But since I didn't take a single merchandise picture, I can neither confirm, nor deny this. What I can say is it is an adorable shop and one I spent a fair amount of time in. I was very disappointed not to find a Belle tee that I liked but I did make a purchase here. I've since seen at least one other thing I need to go back and get at some point. The thing I did buy took longer than it should have. I, apparently not having had enough coffee yet, first arranged for it to be sent to the resort. And then realized we were moving resorts the next day. Since I didn't have a room number for the new resort yet, I had to cancel the delivery and resign myself to carrying it around. At the time I thought the item was exclusive to that shop. Turns out it wasn't and I could have waited but I'm still glad I got it there.

This gave Mary Ellen plenty of time to take the pictures I didn’t in the shop!

Purchase finally done we headed back into the sunshine. I love this.

As we rounded the corner we did see Gaston himself was out and going meet and greets. Of course I had to get a picture

Whoever it was, was definitely having fun with him

And then all of a sudden we heard "Cynthia, Mary Ellen!" we looked over and sure enough, it was Tina.

Gaston was NOT happy with her and pointed at us, as in who are they to interrupt ME?

Tina’s response was classic,

"Sorry Gaston, they are much more interesting than you!"

He was not happy with that remark at all! Oh my goodness did we laugh at that. One of my favorite moments of the trip. Tina finished up. Came over and hugs abounded. She then brought us over to meet her traveling party. Mom, Aunt and...I’m with Mary Ellen, not sure who the other was but I want to say it was a relative and more in the mom/aunt age range. Truthfully they weren’t quite sure what to make of the whole thing. While they were nice enough I think they thought the whole thing was rather odd. Tina had originally planned to eat one dinner with us but had been leaned on pretty hard to stay with her family. I get it, it is hard to see or understand that you might ditch the folks you came with to meet what seem to be random strangers. I can definitely see where it would make some folks uncomfortable. I am however completely cracking up at Brian saying that to Mary Ellen about me...given that we had already done one trip and roomed together before. I'd have thought I'd moved beyond random internet stranger at that point. LOL!

It was pretty cute, on FB a couple of weeks ago, Tina posted (on my bday) that she still thought I was more interesting than Gaston. Made me smile big time!

Gaston's was next. I LOVE Mary Ellen’s mug/fountain shots, those are seriously cool.

Apparently the pork shank has gone up almost $2 since the preview. Which is a bummer as it sounded like a fun lunch option but at 10 bucks, maybe not.

The concept of LeFou's brew is very unappealing to me and much as I love Belle and Beauty and the Beast, the mugs did nothing for me either.
That said, I love the interior here! And since they do have the cinnamon roll here and the coffee is switching out it may well be a breakfast stop one of these days.

Somehow the backside isn't quite as cool. Funny though.

That super nice CM who offered to take our photo was actually overseeing the taping and some other things going on. He was some super fancy official dude. Who tried to get us to talk to another CM, an Imagineer, who was being interviewed and apparently had a lot to do with the NFL. Now if memory serves, the Imagineer, had a blue name tag. Which I learned earlier this week (while listening to a podcast at the gym) means they are a "legacy" award recipient. I could be wrong; maybe it just said Walt Disney Imagineering. But it was definitely different and I noticed. For two people that are not at all shy, we were and did not force ourselves into the Imagineers conversation. I wish we would have, but we didn't. He seemed deep in conversation with 2 other CM’s and I know I felt odd interrupting.

We did chat with the CM who took our picture a bit, he was loving being NFL that day and it just radiated. Sounded like he had a pretty cool job but didn't actually get "out" into the parks all that often.

Ok, I admit, I see an improvement in the new editor today on photobucket. My pictures are still (organizationally) a mess but this gives me hope. I mean to edit before uploading but a lot of times it just doesn't happen.

I would have been over the moon if we could have gone here

I fear it may not happen next trip due to the supremely picky eaters joining us. Is it wrong that I hope we have a day or 2 of just the 4 of us? We all want to eat here.

Sigh. So pretty.

Continued in next post

 

[eandesmom]

Apologies, I probably went overboard.

Locked out!

So close and yet so far

Personally I think this would look fabulous over my front door!

Maurice's cottage by daylight

Nestled in the woods, as it should be

Yeah, I could live there

Lots of folks wanting to hear enchanted tales

It was here I believe that we ran into Sheree, her DH and their lovely girls. So fun to see them again (and it wouldn't be the last time either!). Everyone was in NFL checking it out. NFL done for the day, for us, we were off to never never land.

Heading towards Peter Pan

Bye Bye Dress rehearsal

Under these arches is where the super helpful CM had told us to come back in 15 minutes, though he could neither confirm or deny that might really be when it would open

After our lovely ride with Peter we snagged our FP

and then were off to a "first" for me, Liberty Tree Tavern. The fall decorations really suited this I thought.

Continued in next post

 

[disneydancer86]

Joining in...however late. Well, ACTUALLY I joined in around page 2 and just lurked around (I had been reading eandesmom's other report and stumbled upon this one) and I finally got caught up today...4 or so months later. I will just say everything I was thinking as I was reading! (not neccessarily in order of the report..my memory stinks!)

-We are dying to stay at VWL! It looks amazing! We have stayed in the main building, but we are planning our second DVC stay.
-MeMom already said October was a great time to take some sick days from work...now I am CONVINCED I need to see food and wine!
-Dog path pictures = priceless!
-Poolrat, I LOVE the purple dress you were wearing during your DISmeet!!!
-Such moving stories about your friend Tracy. I wish I had been around the DIS to "meet" her
-I have yet to attempt to try the PhotoPass system...but your pictures are bringing it up on my priority list. Maybe next trip..
-I agree with those who said the...thing in the picture...from Morocco needs a name...The Moroccketship?
-The 'ritas at The Ditch are on my checklist of things to do! YUMMMMY!
-I could never write a TR of my own because I feel like I forget everything I did the previous day after I sleep at night...whats that movie with Drew Barrymore where her memory resets every night..thats me!
-Way to go, Cynthia, on making rope drop at MK! I will make it one day..I have to force myself to not close a park down each night in order to do so.
-I think I had that guide on the Jungle Cruise when I was there in January! HA! IASWAA..

Thanks for the great TR so far! I am really enjoying it!

 

[eandesmom]

As we were there right at opening, we were checked in and then asked to wait, along with all of the other early birds. I am not used to a dining room this empty at Disney, guess that’s because I am never early to anything!

The lighting was tricky in here

It’s so funny, Jeff and I were watching something a bit ago and they were showing some kind of colonial restaurant reenactment and I mentioned LTT. He had NO idea it even existed. LOL! Which I guess isn't surprising, I have probably not presented it as a dinner option because 1) it’s dry and we do like an adult beverage with dinner, 2) it’s a little limited for dinner and on the pricey side with kids, for lunch. We've actually never had dinner inside MK anywhere due to reason #1 lol. Well that and nothing every appealed to me more than other options outside the park and dinner is typically our sit down meal, not lunch, and I'm not a big buffet person so have opted out of the breakfasts. We did consider CP once but something else beat it out, can't recall what. Still though, I may need to revisit LTT as an option. Love The Plaza but that is definitely lunch food to me, not dinner.

They actually had a little opening show! Commencing with the ringing of the bell that they were now open for business.

You can see the CM's lined up to take folks in, and the kids keeping busy while waiting

Soon thereafter we were seated. Love the bottles

I liked the mugs, and my iced tea!

Now I love a good veggie burger as much as the next. In fact, I just ate a fabulous black bean one for lunch today. However the fact that this one had quinoa in it made me a little nervous. I wasn't sure how well that would translate. So, I went for this.

Colony Salad - Washington apples, sweet pecans and applewood smoked cheddar, dried cranberry Craisins, and grilled chicken tossed with field greens in honey shallot vinaigrette $14.49

Loved it! I felt a bit guilty enjoying it as much as I did as Mary Ellen clearly was not loving her choice and it was something I'd considered ordering as well. In defense of veggie burgers, this one was just plain weird. It almost looked like it had been deep fried which was a turn off and the sauce is what turned me off. Fresh Vegan Tofu-Tzatziki sauce. I love Tzatziki but can't stand tofu so that killed it for me.

Lunch done, we headed for our three hour tour. I’ll spare you all the bazillion jungle cruise pictures, most aren't very good. But I do like these guys, they make me smile

Having seen the backside of water, and been highly entertained by our captain it was time to move on. Where next?

 

[MEK]

Great mega updates! I really liked your artsy shots of Gastons waterfountain statue. I haven't had my camera out in quit some time now and I need to get back in practice again.

Thanks! I know what you mean about getting out of practice. I've only had my camera out a couple times since this trip. I think I will take it with me next weekend when we go to tour Virginia tech.

Too bad lunch wasn't that good. I have never eaten there yet, but I do know the veggie burger wouldn't be my pick.

I love the restaurant. It's so cute, but I definitely would never recommend the veggie burger. Totally NOT good.

Awwww poor Gaston! He looks so confused as to why he was being shunned! But it is a funny moment and lead to a great TR title.

He does look confused, doesn't he? It definitely was a funny moment and clearly very memorable.

Gaston's tavern looks so cool, I love your fountain pics! Mannn I can't wait to see all the New Fantasyland stuff! It's going to be a whole new Magic Kingdom next time I go back!

Thanks!

You are going to love the New Fantasyland. It's really, really cool!

I love when random Disney CMs go out of their way to be friendly and helpful. It's the little things. Even the Disney butterflies pose for nice pictures!

That CM was so nice! It really was so nice of him to volunteer to take our picture. It really is that little things!

Too bad you didn't love your meal. I've never tried a veggie burger. I always mean to but I really never get around to it.

I usually love veggie burgers, especially all the morning star burgers. But this was more like a potato cake than a burger.

Love the Jungle Cruise pics! Ahh how I wish I were there right now.

I wish I was there right now, too! It's just been cold and dreary here for too long. I'm so ready for warm weather.

Enjoyed the update and getting to know how the TR title came to be! Lots of great pictures of the new Fantasy Land!

Thanks! We can all thank Cynthia for the creative TR title! She did good!

Glad you like the pics!

 

[MEK]

[/I]

Somebody has been working on their photo bucket edits! These are really nice!!!!!!!!

Maybe I should convert over today. Did you figure out how to keep your pictures in the correct order? That's why I switched back originally.

 

[MEK]

I'm glad that you got to see the MK opening show Cynthia. You have to see it at least once (and then that's probably enough). Great pictures and update on the New Fantasyland...thanks!

I definitely agree. I love the opening show. I would love to get my nephews there in time to see it, but I'm not very optimistic.

MEK, great pictures of Tina interacting with Gaston. I remember reading her account of the event a while back. That's so funny that you didn't realize it was her at first.

I think we didn't recognize her at first because we were not even remotely looking for her. I'd like to think that if we WERE looking for her we would have spotted her. But Tina's tricky - she changes her "look" from time to time.

Cynthia, congrats on finally making the opening show (though I agree with Glenn, once is probably enough)! I love your morning MK shots...can't beat that bright blue WDW sky.

I totally agree. That sky just looks delicious! I am totally craving a big, blue Florida sky right now!

Mary Ellen, I loved getting to see so much of New FL through your pics! Can't wait to see it for myself come May...

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

You are going to LOVE it! It's really well done. So much eye candy for the Disney addict!

It takes a while. It gets to the point my arms hurt from clapping and I think it's not going to happen, and then it happens. It makes it scarier than it would be because you stop expecting it. I love it!

That's awesome! I have to get that thing to jump next time. I will die laughing! So upset I missed my perfect opportunity!

We have met so many nice people through the DIS and our Disney travels. Our lives have certainly been enriched from knowing our pals from all over the country - and a few in other parts of the world, even!

I can't agree more! It goes against everything you've been taught and teach your kids, but the friendships I have made here have been so rewarding and I like having friends from al the country/globe!

 

[MEK]

OOPS - Sorry I posted those replies out of order. My bad!

 

[MEK]

Joining in...however late. Well, ACTUALLY I joined in around page 2 and just lurked around (I had been reading eandesmom's other report and stumbled upon this one) and I finally got caught up today...4 or so months later. I will just say everything I was thinking as I was reading! (not neccessarily in order of the report..my memory stinks!)

disneydancer! Thanks so much for joining it. We are so happy to have you along for the ride.

Actually - judging by your comments, I think your memory is pretty darn good. Better than mine!

-We are dying to stay at VWL! It looks amazing! We have stayed in the main building, but we are planning our second DVC stay.

The entrance is really cool and the resort in general is lovely. I will be staying there again next October because I own there and I'm taking friends who I think will love it.

Congrats on your second DVC stay! I love owning DVC!

-MeMom already said October was a great time to take some sick days from work...now I am CONVINCED I need to see food and wine!

Food & Wine was definitely better than I even imagined. I see my DH and I taking F&W trips on a regular basis. He is going to love it. The weather is perfect and it just adds this whole extra layer of entertainment.

-Dog path pictures = priceless!

I still honestly can't believe they did that. One of our finer memories!

-Poolrat, I LOVE the purple dress you were wearing during your DISmeet!!!

That is a cute dress!

-Such moving stories about your friend Tracy. I wish I had been around the DIS to "meet" her

Tracy was an amazing person. I really hope I feel her presence when I am there in June!

-I have yet to attempt to try the PhotoPass system...but your pictures are bringing it up on my priority list. Maybe next trip..

Well, I don't think we are supposed to mention it here - but try to join a PP share. It's really the way to go!

-I agree with those who said the...thing in the picture...from Morocco needs a name...The Moroccketship?

Hahahahahahaha! Maybe we need to have a contest and give about a prize for the name with the most votes.

-The 'ritas at The Ditch are on my checklist of things to do! YUMMMMY!

If you do one thing on your checklist I definitely recommend it be a visit to the Ditch. Those ritas will spoil you for life. I was a skeptic and couldn't believe they were as good as the reviews, until I tried one. O.M.G. Best rita ever!

-I could never write a TR of my own because I feel like I forget everything I did the previous day after I sleep at night...whats that movie with Drew Barrymore where her memory resets every night..thats me!

I think you just described my whole approach to the writing of this TR.

-Way to go, Cynthia, on making rope drop at MK! I will make it one day..I have to force myself to not close a park down each night in order to do so.

It really is worth seeing. I've only seen it a handful of times, but it is so cute!

-I think I had that guide on the Jungle Cruise when I was there in January! HA! IASWAA..

He was actually pretty good. I think a good guide really makes the cruise!

Thanks for the great TR so far! I am really enjoying it!

You are welcome! Glad you are enjoying. There is much more to come!

 

[MEK]

Thanks for posting all the pictures of the restaurant. Apparently I took none! SHOCK! I think its so cute, but I love that colonial vibe!

I absolutely love this picture! It's awesome! Contest worthy for sure!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

All caught up! LOVE the story behind your TR title. Priceless!! Those little moments are just the best.

So glad you got to spend some quality time in New Fantasyland and thank you for all the beautiful pictures! I didn't get to see it last trip and can't wait to check it out!

Sorry your lunch wasn't a hit, Mary Ellen... that is disappointing. I never think about LTT for meals either. I wonder if they really will keep the alcohol to BoG or if it will slowly move to the other restaurants.

Oh and belated congrats to your son MEK on all his college acceptances. That's awesome!!

 

[MEK]

All caught up! LOVE the story behind your TR title. Priceless!! Those little moments are just the best.

They really are the best! This title reminds me a lot of the title to our May TR - "How do you think we stay so happy?" I really can't go to HBD without thinking about that and chuckling to myself.

So glad you got to spend some quality time in New Fantasyland and thank you for all the beautiful pictures! I didn't get to see it last trip and can't wait to check it out!

It really is pretty. You are going to love it! I'm really glad we hit it just right for a soft preview. That was perfect!

Sorry your lunch wasn't a hit, Mary Ellen... that is disappointing. I never think about LTT for meals either. I wonder if they really will keep the alcohol to BoG or if it will slowly move to the other restaurants.

I have had some good sandwiches at LTT. They used to have a roast beef sandwich that was amazing, but it wasn't on the menu, so I was forced to pick something else. Just a rarely bad veggie burger when there are so many good ones out there. Oh well. Live and learn!

Oh and belated congrats to your son MEK on all his college acceptances. That's awesome!!

Thanks C. I am really excited for him, although I am going to miss him next year!

 

[englishrose47]

Can't wait to see the new Fantasyland in October !!Lunch at BOG is a MUST!!!!!

 

[MEK]

Can't wait to see the new Fantasyland in October !!Lunch at BOG is a MUST!!!!!

You are going to LOVE it! I would love to try BOG for lunch but I have a feeling the lines in June will be crazy! Fortunately, Denny and I have a dinner ADR scheduled there!

 

[eandesmom]

Somebody has been working on their photo bucket edits! These are really nice!!!!!!!!

Yeah, I sucked it up and played a little. Nice way to waste my sat afternoon.

Maybe I should convert over today. Did you figure out how to keep your pictures in the correct order? That's why I switched back originally.

Ugh. No. As it stands right now you can go in and change your master setting for organization but it will change either all new uploads, or all folders. I currently just have it set for new only as I didn't want to muck up old ones that were previously organized.

Supposedly fixing the organizer is one of the top things coming soon (sent you an email that I got from them). Our trip isn't so bad as the default on that folder is by file name so if I compare it to my external drive which has them by time stamp, it's fairly easy as essentially they are showing in 2 sets on PB, basically by time and each camera. I had remembered to change the time stamp on the main camera (iphone sets itself) so that helped a ton.

On my family trip though it's way worse as depending on the day there are up to 4 cameras and the time stamps on the regular cameras are off from the iphones and...ugh! I still think I like the old editor better but was having fun yesterday. One annoyance, and this was true before the site change, is that once you edit something it moves it to the front of the folder. I wish there was a way to make it save where the native pic is.

Right now my bigger beef is that I think what is happening with my sizing is that because I have pro, it uploads original size data, even if that isn't the size I have it set to upload. Once I edit, it seems to default to the original size, which is why those are larger and I've no idea how to address that and at some point need to figure it out.

Thanks for posting all the pictures of the restaurant. Apparently I took none! SHOCK! I think its so cute, but I love that colonial vibe!

I absolutely love this picture! It's awesome! Contest worthy for sure!

Aww, thanks! I don't know about contest worthy (like your amazing butterfly and uber cool Gaston mug/water shots) but it does make me smile.

 

[disneydancer86]

Tracy was an amazing person. I really hope I feel her presence when I am there in June!



Well, I don't think we are supposed to mention it here - but try to join a PP share. It's really the way to go!



Hahahahahahaha! Maybe we need to have a contest and give about a prize for the name with the most votes.


I think you just described my whole approach to the writing of this TR.

When are you going in June!? It is actually my parents that are DVC, so I am ready to book...but am hopeful for a Summer Special Offer to come out soon so I can save 20% or something...

I agree about the contest...you'd better believe I will be looking for that photo op on my next trip!

I think I will try to take notes during my next trip so I can try to write one...it would be so much fun to relive a trip...I hope people would read it if I did!!

 

[cheekypoppins]

Ok first I GASPED!!!! Then I was speechless then I had to ca;ll my daughters in with broom n dust pan to sweep up my jaw ,but one wasn't coming and I had a mini freak out because she wasnt here n I was so lost in the Amazing Wonder of the pics of all the belle n Beast Beautifulness that I forgot shes at her friends house.I was spaced out dumbfounded and in a dream world unlike another at the the sight and thought of those pics,it took me some time but I came back to reality long enough to say Cynthia there are 2 things that you can never get enough pics of #1 being Spaceship earth and #2 ANYTHING beauty n the Beast related