3,298 miles, 10 breweries, and 1 Mega Meet - a July '16 Trip Report *New 6/5/17 - Link to new TR!*

Seems like you had a great day at DHS! It always great to start off your day with two rides on TSMM

You got some really good pics of your kids with buzz and woody and waiting in line- very cute

I love the frozen sing along… I am a sucker for jokes and puns – your wife got some good pictures!

I love the Walt’s not frozen head selfie haha

Never been to Sci-Fi but I definitely want to check it out mainly for the atmosphere. I can see what you saying though with the kids finding the movies creepy.

It is awesome your son at least tried ToT... while i love the theme the drops are not for me so I can understand the dislike, he will probably enjoy when hes older though

Olaf looks like a really fun meet!

TheMaxRebo said:

First up was Minnie - in a very fun outfit and glamorous room. It was a fun meet and Minnie was very sweet, but a bit on the short side (I think the kids were more interested in Mickey - well, at least I was )

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The rooms Minnie and Mickey were in looked really cool. I think the Sorcerer theme is a better place than Mickey's original spot in the Animation building.

TheMaxRebo said:

In the end they really liked watching but were fine with not doing it so it worked out. Also, side note but even by early afternoon we saw they still had sign-ups open for the training so perhaps it isn't quite as crazy to get signed up for as in the past.

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Glad they didn't change their mind after watching the show.
Maybe not as many people want to interact with Kylo Ren? Not to say I dislike Kylo (I'll always get a kick out of him now that my nephew shares his name...) but I think Darth Vader was a cooler interaction.

TheMaxRebo said:

Then we switched and I took Olivia (both times we got rider swap passes) - she looks nervous in this picture but she absolutely loved the ride and was the one ride on subsequent days she asked if we could hop over to DHS to ride again

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How cool. Happy to hear she gave it a shot and enjoyed it!

TheMaxRebo said:

Once we got to the entrance we realized we forgot the diaper bag

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Oh no!! That's no good.
Do you dream about the day you'll get to go to Disney without a diaper bag? I sure do.

TheMaxRebo said:

Afterwards I asked him what he though and all he said was "that was not good"

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Aw, poor Peter. Very brave of him to give it a shot, though. His reaction was priceless.

Leshaface said:

Are they really?! Have they already started working on it?

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Totally just realized I never commented on this. yes, they are definitely adding a fly-over so if you are going to a monorail resort you won't go through the toll booths and also changing the road pattern for when you leave the Magic Kingdom. I don't think they have started yet but they got the permits done earlier this year with indications it would start by the end of this year (maybe they have started some work but nothing that impacts the road really yet)

This is the best picture I have found of the proposed plans. The toll plaza is under the right edge of the top pond marked "pond - D2" and the line underneed it with dashed black lines represents how the flyover path would go and the the orange boxes are where it would "fly over the road heading to the parking lot (hope it makes sense)

Leshaface said:

She is out!

What's the minimum age?

Aw that's great that she loved it! I'm assuming neither of you were the rebel spy?



I still need to get a pic with Bo!

I like this picture. He has no idea what he's about to step into.



OH MY GOSH! He looks so little! I showed DH and told him this is what it would look like if Calvin rode. Calvin has been obsessed with this ride and watching it on the iPad and even constructing elevators out of his magnatiles. But he cried on the Jumpin' Jellyfish at DCA so don't think he's quite there yet

These! I posted about these I think in 2015 and thought there were creepy, emo and almost evil looking. I can't.

Great pic!

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Yeah, this trip once she got to sleep she was out!

To do the Jedi Training you have to be between 4 and 12 - so Peter was just old enough ... maybe next trip!

No, never the Rebel Spy - and I tried to get settled and look forward as early as I could as I have heard that helps get picked - but no luck

You definitely need a pick with Bo! It was alos hot and the kids wanted to get going and stuff but I was killing some time for Judi to get back but they were just not in the mood. Definitely had some issues this trips with one of the kids not wanting their picture taken at various times - and it would change which kid was the problem

Had the same thing when I got him on Thunder Mountain and stuff - he just seems so small in the seats! That will be tough next trip if you don't take him as he will be upset, but yeah, definitely a little more intense than the jumpin jellyfish!

I was just shocked how big the pictures of the creepy princesses where and how they were just right there out in the open ... I could see that really messing with some kids!

chillitsanne said:

Seems like you had a great day at DHS! It always great to start off your day with two rides on TSMM

You got some really good pics of your kids with buzz and woody and waiting in line- very cute

I love the frozen sing along… I am a sucker for jokes and puns – your wife got some good pictures!

I love the Walt’s not frozen head selfie haha

Never been to Sci-Fi but I definitely want to check it out mainly for the atmosphere. I can see what you saying though with the kids finding the movies creepy.

It is awesome your son at least tried ToT... while i love the theme the drops are not for me so I can understand the dislike, he will probably enjoy when hes older though

Olaf looks like a really fun meet!

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I was glad things worked out with TSMM and getting on a few times. I love the photo ops in the waiting area for Woody and Buzz - which more queues had things like that!

I really enjoyed the singalong last time - felt like the puns (some of which had some hidden adult puns to them) were great as they worked on different levels

The atmosphere at Sci-Fi is cool and just amazing theming and just something different I am glad we went but probably will be a few years before we go back

I was glad he gave it a try as sometimes he doesn't like to participate in things ... hope I didn't scar him for life though

amazingact21 said:

The rooms Minnie and Mickey were in looked really cool. I think the Sorcerer theme is a better place than Mickey's original spot in the Animation building.

Glad they didn't change their mind after watching the show.

Maybe not as many people want to interact with Kylo Ren? Not to say I dislike Kylo (I'll always get a kick out of him now that my nephew shares his name...) but I think Darth Vader was a cooler interaction.

How cool. Happy to hear she gave it a shot and enjoyed it!

Oh no!! That's no good.

Do you dream about the day you'll get to go to Disney without a diaper bag? I sure do.

Aw, poor Peter. Very brave of him to give it a shot, though. His reaction was priceless.

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Fully agree about the new meet and greet location - especially for Sorcerer Mickey it is a big upgrade as far as setting

That was my biggest fear - that after seeing the show they would be upset that they didn't get to do it but it worked out in the end

So the kids still battle either Darth Vader or Seventh Sister (half at the top section get Vader) then later Kylo Ren comes out and interacts with the CM Jedi

I am glad Olivia enjoyed Star Tours - I think it was one of those things that she felt good about herself for trying it and that is why she liked it even more. She is very different than me in that my emotions go from like +/-5 and hers are like +/- 100 so she either really likes - or dislikes something

I do dream about the day without the diaper bag and we kinda had the worst of it this trip with Emma in that she wanted to go to the bathroom every 5 minutes but we still needed the diaper bag.

Glad pete gave it a shot - and yeah, his reaction made for a good memory

Olivia enjoying the snoap is an adorable photo! Nice capture by Judi!

It's been awhile since we ate at Sci Fi, but it's one we really enjoy! We haven't ever gotten the milkshakes or the candy bar, but from your pictures, I think we need to change that the next time we go back. lol The food is nothing spectacular, but the atmosphere is great.

I am really looking forward to seeing Mickey & Minnie at their new setup in DHS! Yours is the first TR I have seen photos of the M&G on, and it looks really great. Hopefully we can catch it with a decent wait time.

That's pretty cool that Peter was brave enough for ToT. I think it will be a LONG time before we get Paxton on that one. I have a feeling that, like Olivia, he will be way too freaked out by the "creepy" factor of the pre show more so than the drop. Such a cute picture of him in the queue!

khertz said:

Olivia enjoying the snoap is an adorable photo! Nice capture by Judi!

It's been awhile since we ate at Sci Fi, but it's one we really enjoy! We haven't ever gotten the milkshakes or the candy bar, but from your pictures, I think we need to change that the next time we go back. lol The food is nothing spectacular, but the atmosphere is great.

I am really looking forward to seeing Mickey & Minnie at their new setup in DHS! Yours is the first TR I have seen photos of the M&G on, and it looks really great. Hopefully we can catch it with a decent wait time.

That's pretty cool that Peter was brave enough for ToT. I think it will be a LONG time before we get Paxton on that one. I have a feeling that, like Olivia, he will be way too freaked out by the "creepy" factor of the pre show more so than the drop. Such a cute picture of him in the queue!

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It was a fun picture to come across as that was the first time I saw it - but really captures the Disney "Magic" I think

I think it does come down to the atmosphere at Sci-Fi - I loved it and thought the food was at least solid, but the kids really didn't "get" it or like it too much so I think it just isn't worth it to us ... but definitely would like to give it another try in a few years

I really like Sorcerer Mickey's set up - but both were nice. The wait wasn't too bad - only a little annoying in that it was longer than the posted sign. One thing to remember is that it is set up that you meet Minnie and then go to meet Mickey, but people were taking longer with Mickey than with Minnie so there is a bit of a 2nd line for Mickey

Pete did ok with the creepy factor, at least in line (and I know even that much would have freaked Olivia out) - but I think she would like the drop part better ... co clearly need to figure out how to combine them into one kid

Joining in! Late to the party, I know, but SUPER EXCITED to see you guys are fellow New Yorkers! We're from neighboring Cortlandt Manor, and know all about Northern Paleness

BlvInMagic said:

Joining in! Late to the party, I know, but SUPER EXCITED to see you guys are fellow New Yorkers! We're from neighboring Cortlandt Manor, and know all about Northern Paleness

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thanks for joining! Yeah, we are in Mahopac - so only about 20 mins away or so!

TheMaxRebo said:

This was our first time seeing the show since they moved to the current theater and we definitely had a better view this time (last time there was a pole/support in our way).

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Oooh, I'm so excited to see this show without a pole in the middle of our view!

TheMaxRebo said:

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Great picture!

TheMaxRebo said:

When we did I requested that we sit in a Car table and the hostess indicated that if you made an ADR you are guaranteed a car table - which is the first time I had heard that.

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Hmmmm, I haven't heard that either.

TheMaxRebo said:

Judi got the Orbiting Oreos - which is an Oreo shake mixed with Godiva chocolate liqueur and a souvenir Glow Cube - this was really good!

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Sounds great!

TheMaxRebo said:

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Cute picture of you guys!

TheMaxRebo said:

While we were meeting, Judi sat with sleeping Emma near where Chip and Dale were meeting and she got a selfie with them doing a conga line with their handler CM

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Nice job getting the shot, Judi!

TheMaxRebo said:

On the way out through the dump shop we noticed these painting of kinda creepy versions of Disney Princesses ... they were pretty cool but I was not expecting to see them so it caught me off guard a bit

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Yeah, creepy!

TheMaxRebo said:

I think Emma was a bit confused/blown away to see THE REAL OLAF IN REAL LIFE!!!

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So cute!

TheMaxRebo said:

It was a fun meet and Olaf was really fun and we would do little dances and stuff - so definitely recommend if you get a chance!

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But did you get warm hugs?

Ok, I am caught up! I know a lot of people say there is nothing to do at DHS now, but it does contain 3 of my favorite rides (ToT, TSMM, and RnR)! It looks like the kiddos had a blast there too (though maybe Peter needs to give ToT another try!).

Thanks for the map and explaining the flyover. I love staying at MK resorts. I actually enjoy going through the MK gates to get to them, but from a traffic flow standpoint, a flyover makes more sense!

ElenaJane said:

Ok, I am caught up! I know a lot of people say there is nothing to do at DHS now, but it does contain 3 of my favorite rides (ToT, TSMM, and RnR)! It looks like the kiddos had a blast there too (though maybe Peter needs to give ToT another try!).

Thanks for the map and explaining the flyover. I love staying at MK resorts. I actually enjoy going through the MK gates to get to them, but from a traffic flow standpoint, a flyover makes more sense!

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We still found enough to do in DHS now ... I know it is a lot "land wise" that closed but it isn't really a lot of major attractions and then they added small things (mostly Star Wars related).

I think Peter will give ToT a try again in the future - he is open to things like that again ... he can be subject to peer pressure

First I wanted to apologies for not updating this TR as much as I would have liked. Some of you are aware that I was selected to be on a jury and it is taking up a lot of my time (and then pushing me to work mornings and evenings and weekends and fitting all other things into the weekends). We are in week 4 and have a bit to go, but hopefully I will get back to a regular rhythm soon.

And before you ask, I cannot say anything about the case - though I am hopeful once it is over I can talk about it

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After we finished up with Olaf we headed towards the middle of the park to meet up with Judi - while there we took in a bit of the Star Wars show. It was pretty cute - but nothing major and it is wide open with very little shade so please be aware of that if you plan to stop. We didn't get too close but could still see pretty well


We then went to use our rider swaps for Star Tours. Judi took Peter and Olivia first and then I took them - so they each got to ride 3 times total. I was a little bummed as for my second ride I got the exact same sequence (though it included the new Force Awakens scene which I thought was really good). Only took the pne photo for evidence.

While I was taking them Judi took Emma and went over to where we planned to eat as we didn't have ADRs - because you couldn't make ADRs. We wanted to try the lounge they added to the Hollywood Brown Derby

Judi messaged me that they were able to seat us and we were at the end of the row, near the entrance to the regular Brown Derby restaurant so we parked the stroller there and kinda hopped the fencing to quickly get to their table - and then we quickly ordered drinks. Well, Judi already had for herself (she wasn't messing around) - so Peter, Olivia, adn I put our orders in. Judi got a Classic Margarita while I got the Margarita flight (which came with a classic, strawberry, and mango mini-margaritas). Olivia ordered the Pineapple No-hito, non-alcoholic specialty drink. Peter and Emma had chocolate milk


Of the margaritas I liked the classic the best - the strawberry and mango ones were just too sweet for me. But Judi liked them so at some point we decided I would finish her regular one and she would finish my sweet ones. It was fun to try the flight though. Olivia's drink was rather tasty - though when I went to try it it slipped in my hand (lots of condensation with how hot out it was) and I caught the glass but the drink mostly spilled - they did bring out another one but was a bit embarrassing - and messy!

From our table we could actually see the Star Wars show - and it was much nicer being under an umbrella and with a cold drink in my hand!

For food we split a few things - the Crispy Bites - Parmesan-Goat Cheese Risotto Sticks with Garlic and Tomato Compote, Brie Cheese with Raspberry Sauce, and Sweet Corn and Rock Shrimp Fritters with Chipotle Aïoli; the Derby Sliders: Wagyu Beef with Cognac-Mustard Aïoli, Smoked Gouda Cheese, Bacon, and Avocado and Duck Confit, Taleggio Cheese, Chipotle Vegetable Slaw, Sweet Onion-Orange Conserve, and crispy Leeks, and The Famous Hollywood Brown Derby Cobb Salad: with Finely Chopped Greens, Turkey Breast, Bacon, Egg, Tomatoes, Crumbled Blue Cheese, Avocado, Chives, and Cobb Dressing

The crispy bites were really good, especially the rock shrimp fritters and risotto sticks. The salad was great of course, and the sliders were seriously one of the best things I have ever had at Disney - especially the wagu beef burger ... my, now, favorite burger at Disney. Wasn't anything crazy different about it just a really great burger!

All-in-all we really liked the lounge. Really great food and good drinks, nice setting - and, while not cheap, much cheaper than eating inside of the Derby.

While sitting there I checked the My Disney Experience App to see what was available for a 4th Fastpass and was surprised to see there was availability for Toy Story Midway Mania - so we got that and headed there right after dinner but before we had to check in for our "surprise" for the kids.

This time I did do any better this round - basically the same score as before and someone else in the car actually beat me so I didn't even get "best in car" - the kids did a bit better though - and even Emma had some fun (though Olivia made a face to that - because how dare she pull on her gun's string even though the game was over!)

I was just so surprised and glad we got another ride on this! A definite family favorite.

Coming up - we unveil our surprise for the kids ... and as a hint - they underestimated the power of it

TTFN

Week FOUR of a trial? I had to do jury duty last year and our case only lasted one day (though it went until 9pm!). They basically starved and froze us into coming up with a verdict! Hope you are having a more pleasant experience!

TheMaxRebo said:

First I wanted to apologies for not updating this TR as much as I would have liked. Some of you are aware that I was selected to be on a jury and it is taking up a lot of my time (and then pushing me to work mornings and evenings and weekends and fitting all other things into the weekends). We are in week 4 and have a bit to go, but hopefully I will get back to a regular rhythm soon.

And before you ask, I cannot say anything about the case - though I am hopeful once it is over I can talk about it

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Wow, must be quite the trial! But, don't worry, it gave me time to catch up (I think you missed my previous comment as I caught up yesterday, by the way).

TheMaxRebo said:

For food we split a few things - the Crispy Bites - Parmesan-Goat Cheese Risotto Sticks with Garlic and Tomato Compote, Brie Cheese with Raspberry Sauce, and Sweet Corn and Rock Shrimp Fritters with Chipotle Aïoli; the Derby Sliders: Wagyu Beef with Cognac-Mustard Aïoli, Smoked Gouda Cheese, Bacon, and Avocado and Duck Confit, Taleggio Cheese, Chipotle Vegetable Slaw, Sweet Onion-Orange Conserve, and crispy Leeks, and The Famous Hollywood Brown Derby Cobb Salad: with Finely Chopped Greens, Turkey Breast, Bacon, Egg, Tomatoes, Crumbled Blue Cheese, Avocado, Chives, and Cobb Dressing

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Thanks for the review of these. We're planning to stop by the Brown Derby Lounge for lunch and these are some of the items we were considering (for sure Cobb Salad, as we love that).

TheMaxRebo said:

While sitting there I checked the My Disney Experience App to see what was available for a 4th Fastpass and was surprised to see there was availability for Toy Story Midway Mania

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Wow, not often you can catch that!

I served on two juries in the '90's. Both were civil court and only lasted a few days. Four weeks is a long time, but I guess it's a good thing you're not sequestered.

Your meal at Hollywood Brown Derby looked fantastic! We've never eaten there and I never thought of trying the lounge. Does it serve the full menu from the restaurant? I find the dining options limited at HS, but this may be a game changer.

Ah I didn't know you were selected for jury. I can imagine how hectic things are for you then!

The lounge sounds like a nice place to get lunch, all the food looks/sounds great.

Nice score getting a 4th FP for Toy Story!

TheMaxRebo said:

First I wanted to apologies for not updating this TR as much as I would have liked. Some of you are aware that I was selected to be on a jury and it is taking up a lot of my time (and then pushing me to work mornings and evenings and weekends and fitting all other things into the weekends). We are in week 4 and have a bit to go, but hopefully I will get back to a regular rhythm soon.

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I must have completely missed that!! I think I saw a post back when you had to go in the first day, but didn't realize you were STILL doing it, wow! Sorry that's made you have to do a lot of work at other times though

TheMaxRebo said:

Judi messaged me that they were able to seat us and we were at the end of the row, near the entrance to the regular Brown Derby restaurant so we parked the stroller there and kinda hopped the fencing to quickly get to their table - and then we quickly ordered drinks. Well, Judi already had for herself (she wasn't messing around) - so Peter, Olivia, adn I put our orders in. Judi got a Classic Margarita while I got the Margarita flight (which came with a classic, strawberry, and mango mini-margaritas). Olivia ordered the Pineapple No-hito, non-alcoholic specialty drink. Peter and Emma had chocolate milk

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Cool, @Dugette plans to eat here in December and if I arrive early enough I might join in, esp after hearing about the Pineapple No-hito! Need to go look at the menu (Sorry Dugette you sent it to me but it wouldn't load on my phone and I never tried looking at it again lol).

TheMaxRebo said:

Of the margaritas I liked the classic the best - the strawberry and mango ones were just too sweet for me. But Judi liked them so at some point we decided I would finish her regular one and she would finish my sweet ones. It was fun to try the flight though. Olivia's drink was rather tasty - though when I went to try it it slipped in my hand (lots of condensation with how hot out it was) and I caught the glass but the drink mostly spilled - they did bring out another one but was a bit embarrassing - and messy!

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Mm I love mango margaritas....just another 6 or so months to go LOL. That is nice they brought out another drink, did Olivia find it funny? I think Aria would, that she wasn't the one to spill her drink

TheMaxRebo said:

While sitting there I checked the My Disney Experience App to see what was available for a 4th Fastpass and was surprised to see there was availability for Toy Story Midway Mania - so we got that and headed there right after dinner but before we had to check in for our "surprise" for the kids.

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Wow awesome 4th FP!

Jury duty can be an interesting change from your everyday schedule or a big pain in the rear. Four weeks makes me think it's a pain so I hope the case is at least interesting! I'm trying to think of some big cases out in Putnam

I wanted to try the BD Lounge in August but we didn't make it there. It was just too brutally hot to sit outside, but I'm hoping to get there sometime. And I love to hear about the availability of FP's for TSMM! Something we didn't try for in Aug. since it was just DH and I but we'll be hoping for that when the boys are with us

Great update. I think we are going to have to try the lounge now. The burgers looked awesome!

Sorry for missing your last update! I definitely did read it just didn't realize I missed commenting ... so below is a Double Dugette response

Dugette said:

Oooh, I'm so excited to see this show without a pole in the middle of our view!

Great picture!

Hmmmm, I haven't heard that either.

Sounds great!

Cute picture of you guys!

Nice job getting the shot, Judi!

Yeah, creepy!

So cute!

But did you get warm hugs?

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The new theater the Frozen Singalong is in now is definitely much nicer and feels less temporary than where it previously was ... definitely nice to not have a pole block our view!

I love pictures like that which are a bit un-planned but capture the moment well!

I honestly am not sure if it is true or not that they do hold car-tables for all ADRs - this was the first I had ever heard about that. So perhaps something new or maybe she just worded it incorrectly or I took it not how she meant it

Judi is definitely better than me at selfies!

We did get some warm hugs from Olaf!

Dugette said:

Wow, must be quite the trial! But, don't worry, it gave me time to catch up (I think you missed my previous comment as I caught up yesterday, by the way).

Thanks for the review of these. We're planning to stop by the Brown Derby Lounge for lunch and these are some of the items we were considering (for sure Cobb Salad, as we love that).

Wow, not often you can catch that!

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It definitely is more than your average trial - I am hoping it wraps up this week (we've had some delays with the case not running on the Jewish Holy days nor today with it being Columbus Day, so that has extended things) ... and hoping once it is done I can talk about it

Definitely recommend the Lounge! One thing I should mention is some of the tables (including the one we were at) have high, like bar-stool type, chairs/tables - so just be aware, not sure if that is an issue with Izzy or anything.

I was definitely surprised to see the 4FP for TSMM ... not sure if it was just random/lucky or if the 3rd track really has helped that much