Peekaboo, I see Pluto! A 1st Birthday TR; Wrapping up PTR and TR 10/02!

[natebenma]

LOVE the pictures from Fenway! We have done the tour as part of a company outing for Mark one year. Aren't the views from the Monster Seats wicked awesome!?!

Your game seats were not too shabby, either! Great pictures of the field at night and the players.

Time to take the challenge... so fun, thanks for posting it.

 

[natebenma]

Magic Kingdom
1. Dole Whip - Aloha Isle
2. Dole Whip Float - Aloha Isle
3. Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar - Ice Cream Carts
4. Mickey Mouse Shaped Pretzel - Frontierland Pretzel Wagon
5. Popcorn - Pop Corn Carts
6. Hot Dog - Casey’s Corner
7. Nutella and fresh fruit waffle sandwich - Sleepy Hollow
8. Funnel Cake - Sleepy Hollow
9. Rice Crispy Treat - Main Street Confectionery
10. Hamburger and Fixins - Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
11. The 'Plaza' Ice Cream Sundae - Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
12. Lobster Roll - Columbia Harbour House
13. Mickey Mouse Waffle - Crystal Palace Other places
14. New England Pot Roast - Liberty Tree Tavern
15. Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake - Liberty Tree Tavern
16. Sweet Cream Cheese Pretzel - Lunching Pad
17. Citrus Swirl - Sunshine Tree Terrace

Epcot
1. Beverly - Club Cool
2. Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwich - Fountainview Ice Cream
3. School Bread - Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe
4. Fish and Chips - Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room
5. Crepes - France
6. Grey Goose Slush - France
7. Grand Mariner Slush - France
8. Margarita - La Cava de Tequila
9. Churro - Mexico
10. Caramel Corn - Karmell Kutche
11. Kaki Gori - Japan
12. Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup & Pretzel Bread - Le Cellier
13. Apple Cobbler - Liberty Inn
14. General Tso's Chicken Dumpling - Nine Dragons
15. Soft Pretzel & German Beer - Sommerfest
16. Shawarma Platter - Tangierine Cafe
17. Vegetarian Platter - Tangierine Cafe
18. Wood Fired Authentic Pizza Napoletana - Via Napoli

Hollywood Studios
1. Butterfinger Cupcake - Starring Rolls Cafe
2. Marble Cupcake - Starring Rolls Cafe
3. Peanut Butter Cupcake - Starring Rolls Cafe
4. Red Velvet Cheesecake - Starring Rolls Cafe
5. Carrot Cake Cookie - The Writers Stop
6. Grapefruit Cake - Hollywood Brown Derby take out
7. Sterling Silver Pork Seared Tenderloin - Hollywood Brown Derby
8. Cobb Salad - Hollywood Brown Derby
9. Milkshake - Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater sips

10. Angus Chuck Burger - Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater
11. Aunt Liz's Golden Fried Chicken - 50′s Prime Time Cafe and Tune-In Lounge
12. Dad's Traditional Meatloaf - 50′s Prime Time Cafe and Tune-In Lounge
13. Mom's Old-Fashioned Pot Roast - 50′s Prime Time Cafe and Tune-In Lounge
14. Peanut Butter Jelly Milkshake - 50′s Prime Time Cafe and Tune-In Lounge
15. Dad’s Electric Lemonade - 50′s Prime Time Cafe and Tune-In Lounge
16. Chicken Curry - ABC Commissary
17. Turkey Leg - Toluca Legs Turkey Co
18. Honey-Hazelnut & Ricotta Cheesecake - Mama Melrose’s Ristorante
19. Rosie's 1/3 Pound Angus Onion Straw Cheddar Cheeseburger - Rosie's All
American Cafe
20. Grilled Veggie Sandwich - Backlot Express

Animal Kingdom
1. Jalapeno stuffed cheese pretzel - Safari Pretzel
2. 1/2 Slab of St. Louis Ribs - Flame Tree Barbecue
3. Smoked 1/2 Chicken - Flame Tree Barbecue
4. Dim Sum Basket - Anandapur Yak and Yeti Restaurant
5. Cinnamon glazed almonds/pecans - Dino Diner
6. Pizza - Pizzafari
7. Shrimp Po boy - Restaurantosaurus
8. Hot Tea - Royal Anandapur Tea Company
9. Slow roasted pulled beef sandwich - Tamu Tamu
10. Zebra cupcake - Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery
11. Brownie paw - Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery
12. White Chocolate elephant cupcake - Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery
13. Cotton Top Tamarin Cupcake - Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery
14. Triple Yeti Blast - Upcountry Beverage Cart

Deluxe Resorts
1. Zebra Domes - The Mara - Animal Kingdom Lodge
2. Bobotie Platter -The Mara - Animal Kingdom Lodge Boma
3. Barbecue Beef Short Ribs - Jiko – The Cooking Place - Animal Kingdom Lodge
4. Indian Style Bread service - Sanaa - Animal Kingdom Lodge
5. Tandoori Chicken/Lamb/Shrimp - Sanaa - Animal Kingdom Lodge
6. Kitchen Sink - Beaches & Cream - Beach Club Resort
7. Tonga Toast - Kona Cafe - Polynesian Resort
8. Macadamia Nut Pancakes - Kona Cafe - Polynesian Resort
9. Kona Coffee - Kona Cafe - Polynesian Resort
10. Lapu Lapu - Kona Cafe - Polynesian Resort
11. Pele's Fire Punch - Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show - Polynesian
12. Kilauea Volcano Delight Dessert - Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show - Polynesian
13. Honey Coriander Chicken Wings - OHana - Polynesian Resort
14. Bread Pudding with Banana Foster Sauce - OHana - Polynesian
15. Smoky Portobella Mushroom Soup - Artist Pointe - Wilderness Lodge
16. Canyon Skillet - Whispering Canyon Cafe - Wilderness Lodge
17. Sushi - California Grill - Contemporary Resort
18. Goat Cheese Ravioli - California Grill - Contemporary Resort
19. Strawberry Soup - 1900 Park Fare - Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
20. The Grand Sandwich - Grand Floridian Cafe - Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
21. Deconstructed Beef Wellington - Yachtsman’s Steakhouse - Yacht

Moderate and Value Resorts
1. Beignets - Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory - Port Orleans French Quarter
2. Fried Chicken - Trails End Buffet - Fort Wilderness Campgrounds & Cabins
Value Resorts
1. Tye Dye Cheesecake - Pop Century Food Court - Pop Century Resort
2. Orange Creamsicle - Silver Screen Spirits - All Star Movies Resort and other locations

Downtown Disney
1. Chocolate Covered Pretzels - Goofy's Candy Company
2. The Original 1762 - Earl of Sandwich
3. Hot Fudge Sundae - Ghirardelli Soda Fountain
4. Chocolate Extinction - T-Rex
5. Sparkling Volcano - Rainforest Cafe
6. Doh Bars - Cooke’s of Dublin


Twenty-seven. Pitiful!!! We have been to Disney 4 times as a family (plus one more visit to MK) and Mark and I have been 4-5 times before that.

I better get to work in June.

 

[teekathepony]

Oh I saw this a few times too, it's interesting to see the foods they picked as "must-try"!

The ones in green are the ones I've had.


Magic Kingdom
1. Dole Whip - Aloha Isle
2. Dole Whip Float - Aloha Isle
3. Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar - Ice Cream Carts
4. Mickey Mouse Shaped Pretzel - Frontierland Pretzel Wagon
5. Popcorn - Pop Corn Carts
6. Hot Dog - Casey’s Corner
7. Nutella and fresh fruit waffle sandwich - Sleepy Hollow
8. Funnel Cake - Sleepy Hollow
9. Rice Crispy Treat - Main Street Confectionery
10. Hamburger and Fixins - Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
11. The 'Plaza' Ice Cream Sundae - Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
12. Lobster Roll - Columbia Harbour House
13. Mickey Mouse Waffle - Crystal Palace
14. New England Pot Roast - Liberty Tree Tavern
15. Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake - Liberty Tree Tavern
16. Sweet Cream Cheese Pretzel - Lunching Pad
17. Citrus Swirl - Sunshine Tree Terrace

Epcot
1. Beverly - Club Cool
2. Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwich - Fountainview Ice Cream
3. School Bread - Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe
4. Fish and Chips - Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room
5. Crepes - France
6. Grey Goose Slush - France
7. Grand Mariner Slush - France
8. Margarita - La Cava de Tequila
9. Churro - Mexico
10. Caramel Corn - Karmell Kutche
11. Kaki Gori - Japan
12. Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup & Pretzel Bread - Le Cellier
13. Apple Cobbler - Liberty Inn
14. General Tso's Chicken Dumpling - Nine Dragons
15. Soft Pretzel & German Beer - Sommerfest
16. Shawarma Platter - Tangierine Cafe
17. Vegetarian Platter - Tangierine Cafe
18. Wood Fired Authentic Pizza Napoletana - Via Napoli

Hollywood Studios
1. Butterfinger Cupcake - Starring Rolls Cafe
2. Marble Cupcake - Starring Rolls Cafe
3. Peanut Butter Cupcake - Starring Rolls Cafe
4. Red Velvet Cheesecake - Starring Rolls Cafe
5. Carrot Cake Cookie - The Writers Stop
6. Grapefruit Cake - Hollywood Brown Derby
7. Sterling Silver Pork Seared Tenderloin - Hollywood Brown Derby
8. Cobb Salad - Hollywood Brown Derby
9. Milkshake - Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater
10. Angus Chuck Burger - Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater
11. Aunt Liz's Golden Fried Chicken - 50′s Prime Time Cafe and Tune-In Lounge
12. Dad's Traditional Meatloaf - 50′s Prime Time Cafe and Tune-In Lounge
13. Mom's Old-Fashioned Pot Roast - 50′s Prime Time Cafe and Tune-In Lounge
14. Peanut Butter Jelly Milkshake - 50′s Prime Time Cafe and Tune-In Lounge
15. Dad’s Electric Lemonade - 50′s Prime Time Cafe and Tune-In Lounge
16. Chicken Curry - ABC Commissary
17. Turkey Leg - Toluca Legs Turkey Co
18. Honey-Hazelnut & Ricotta Cheesecake - Mama Melrose’s Ristorante
19. Rosie's 1/3 Pound Angus Onion Straw Cheddar Cheeseburger - Rosie's All
American Cafe
20. Grilled Veggie Sandwich - Backlot Express

Animal Kingdom
1. Jalapeno stuffed cheese pretzel - Safari Pretzel
2. 1/2 Slab of St. Louis Ribs - Flame Tree Barbecue
3. Smoked 1/2 Chicken - Flame Tree Barbecue
4. Dim Sum Basket - Anandapur Yak and Yeti Restaurant
5. Cinnamon glazed almonds/pecans - Dino Diner
6. Pizza - Pizzafari
7. Shrimp Po boy - Restaurantosaurus
8. Hot Tea - Royal Anandapur Tea Company
9. Slow roasted pulled beef sandwich - Tamu Tamu
10. Zebra cupcake - Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery
11. Brownie paw - Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery
12. White Chocolate elephant cupcake - Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery
13. Cotton Top Tamarin Cupcake - Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery
14. Triple Yeti Blast - Upcountry Beverage Cart

Deluxe Resorts
1. Zebra Domes - The Mara - Animal Kingdom Lodge
2. Bobotie Platter -The Mara - Animal Kingdom Lodge
3. Barbecue Beef Short Ribs - Jiko – The Cooking Place - Animal Kingdom Lodge
4. Indian Style Bread service - Sanaa - Animal Kingdom Lodge
5. Tandoori Chicken/Lamb/Shrimp - Sanaa - Animal Kingdom Lodge
6. Kitchen Sink - Beaches & Cream - Beach Club Resort
7. Tonga Toast - Kona Cafe - Polynesian Resort
8. Macadamia Nut Pancakes - Kona Cafe - Polynesian Resort
9. Kona Coffee - Kona Cafe - Polynesian Resort
10. Lapu Lapu - Kona Cafe - Polynesian Resort
11. Pele's Fire Punch - Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show - Polynesian
12. Kilauea Volcano Delight Dessert - Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show - Polynesian
13. Honey Coriander Chicken Wings - OHana - Polynesian Resort
14. Bread Pudding with Banana Foster Sauce - OHana - Polynesian
15. Smoky Portobella Mushroom Soup - Artist Pointe - Wilderness Lodge
16. Canyon Skillet - Whispering Canyon Cafe - Wilderness Lodge
17. Sushi - California Grill - Contemporary Resort
18. Goat Cheese Ravioli - California Grill - Contemporary Resort
19. Strawberry Soup - 1900 Park Fare - Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
20. The Grand Sandwich - Grand Floridian Cafe - Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
21. Deconstructed Beef Wellington - Yachtsman’s Steakhouse - Yacht

Moderate and Value Resorts
1. Beignets - Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory - Port Orleans French Quarter
2. Fried Chicken - Trails End Buffet - Fort Wilderness Campgrounds & Cabins
Value Resorts
1. Tye Dye Cheesecake - Pop Century Food Court - Pop Century Resort
2. Orange Creamsicle - Silver Screen Spirits - All Star Movies Resort and

Downtown Disney
1. Chocolate Covered Pretzels - Goofy's Candy Company
2. The Original 1762 - Earl of Sandwich
3. Hot Fudge Sundae - Ghirardelli Soda Fountain
4. Chocolate Extinction - T-Rex
5. Sparkling Volcano - Rainforest Cafe
6. Doh Bars - Cooke’s of Dublin


A grand total of 13
I'm such an incredibly picky eater that a LOT of the things I didn't try, I never will. No red meat or seafood for starters! No alcohol either. I'm doomed to be a food amateur forever and I'm ok with that.

 

[brookelizabeth]

I even ran into a familiar face in the park.

​

​

​

You are too cute! Great shot of you and Franklin too. Did you see my FB post that I knew another DISers husband was there on the tour as well? Same day, same time as you! He had VIP seats for the night as well!

The corndog nuggets are the perfect snack for pretty much anything: the ferry, people watching before a parade, while watching Wishes. Someday, I'm sure I'll have them for breakfast.

Food challenge:

Magic Kingdom
1. Dole Whip - Aloha Isle
2. Dole Whip Float - Aloha Isle
3. Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar - Ice Cream Carts
4. Mickey Mouse Shaped Pretzel - Frontierland Pretzel Wagon
5. Popcorn - Pop Corn Carts
6. Hot Dog - Casey’s Corner
7. Nutella and fresh fruit waffle sandwich - Sleepy Hollow
8. Funnel Cake - Sleepy Hollow
9. Rice Crispy Treat - Main Street Confectionery
10. Hamburger and Fixins - Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
11. The 'Plaza' Ice Cream Sundae - Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
12. Lobster Roll - Columbia Harbour House
13. Mickey Mouse Waffle - Crystal Palace
14. New England Pot Roast - Liberty Tree Tavern
15. Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake - Liberty Tree Tavern
16. Sweet Cream Cheese Pretzel - Lunching Pad
17. Citrus Swirl - Sunshine Tree Terrace

Epcot
1. Beverly - Club Cool
2. Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwich - Fountainview Ice Cream
3. School Bread - Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe
4. Fish and Chips - Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room
5. Crepes - France
6. Grey Goose Slush - France
7. Grand Mariner Slush - France
8. Margarita - La Cava de Tequila
9. Churro - Mexico
10. Caramel Corn - Karmell Kutche
11. Kaki Gori - Japan
12. Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup & Pretzel Bread - Le Cellier
13. Apple Cobbler - Liberty Inn
14. General Tso's Chicken Dumpling - Nine Dragons
15. Soft Pretzel & German Beer - Sommerfest
16. Shawarma Platter - Tangierine Cafe
17. Vegetarian Platter - Tangierine Cafe
18. Wood Fired Authentic Pizza Napoletana - Via Napoli

Hollywood Studios
1. Butterfinger Cupcake - Starring Rolls Cafe
2. Marble Cupcake - Starring Rolls Cafe
3. Peanut Butter Cupcake - Starring Rolls Cafe
4. Red Velvet Cheesecake - Starring Rolls Cafe
5. Carrot Cake Cookie - The Writers Stop
6. Grapefruit Cake - Hollywood Brown Derby
7. Sterling Silver Pork Seared Tenderloin - Hollywood Brown Derby
8. Cobb Salad - Hollywood Brown Derby
9. Milkshake - Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater
10. Angus Chuck Burger - Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater
11. Aunt Liz's Golden Fried Chicken - 50′s Prime Time Cafe and Tune-In Lounge
12. Dad's Traditional Meatloaf - 50′s Prime Time Cafe and Tune-In Lounge
13. Mom's Old-Fashioned Pot Roast - 50′s Prime Time Cafe and Tune-In Lounge
14. Peanut Butter Jelly Milkshake - 50′s Prime Time Cafe and Tune-In Lounge
15. Dad’s Electric Lemonade - 50′s Prime Time Cafe and Tune-In Lounge
16. Chicken Curry - ABC Commissary
17. Turkey Leg - Toluca Legs Turkey Co
18. Honey-Hazelnut & Ricotta Cheesecake - Mama Melrose’s Ristorante
19. Rosie's 1/3 Pound Angus Onion Straw Cheddar Cheeseburger - Rosie's All
American Cafe
20. Grilled Veggie Sandwich - Backlot Express

Animal Kingdom
1. Jalapeno stuffed cheese pretzel - Safari Pretzel
2. 1/2 Slab of St. Louis Ribs - Flame Tree Barbecue
3. Smoked 1/2 Chicken - Flame Tree Barbecue
4. Dim Sum Basket - Anandapur Yak and Yeti Restaurant
5. Cinnamon glazed almonds/pecans - Dino Diner
6. Pizza - Pizzafari
7. Shrimp Po boy - Restaurantosaurus
8. Hot Tea - Royal Anandapur Tea Company
9. Slow roasted pulled beef sandwich - Tamu Tamu
10. Zebra cupcake - Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery
11. Brownie paw - Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery
12. White Chocolate elephant cupcake - Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery
13. Cotton Top Tamarin Cupcake - Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery
14. Triple Yeti Blast - Upcountry Beverage Cart

Deluxe Resorts
1. Zebra Domes - The Mara - Animal Kingdom Lodge
2. Bobotie Platter -The Mara - Animal Kingdom Lodge
3. Barbecue Beef Short Ribs - Jiko – The Cooking Place - Animal Kingdom Lodge
4. Indian Style Bread service - Sanaa - Animal Kingdom Lodge
5. Tandoori Chicken/Lamb/Shrimp - Sanaa - Animal Kingdom Lodge
6. Kitchen Sink - Beaches & Cream - Beach Club Resort
7. Tonga Toast - Kona Cafe - Polynesian Resort
8. Macadamia Nut Pancakes - Kona Cafe - Polynesian Resort
9. Kona Coffee - Kona Cafe - Polynesian Resort
10. Lapu Lapu - Kona Cafe - Polynesian Resort
11. Pele's Fire Punch - Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show - Polynesian
12. Kilauea Volcano Delight Dessert - Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show - Polynesian
13. Honey Coriander Chicken Wings - OHana - Polynesian Resort
14. Bread Pudding with Banana Foster Sauce - OHana - Polynesian
15. Smoky Portobella Mushroom Soup - Artist Pointe - Wilderness Lodge
16. Canyon Skillet - Whispering Canyon Cafe - Wilderness Lodge
17. Sushi - California Grill - Contemporary Resort
18. Goat Cheese Ravioli - California Grill - Contemporary Resort
19. Strawberry Soup - 1900 Park Fare - Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
20. The Grand Sandwich - Grand Floridian Cafe - Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
21. Deconstructed Beef Wellington - Yachtsman’s Steakhouse - Yacht


Moderate and Value Resorts
1. Beignets - Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory - Port Orleans French Quarter
2. Fried Chicken - Trails End Buffet - Fort Wilderness Campgrounds & Cabins
Value Resorts
1. Tye Dye Cheesecake - Pop Century Food Court - Pop Century Resort
2. Orange Creamsicle - Silver Screen Spirits - All Star Movies Resort and other locations

Downtown Disney
1. Chocolate Covered Pretzels - Goofy's Candy Company
2. The Original 1762 - Earl of Sandwich
3. Hot Fudge Sundae - Ghirardelli Soda Fountain
4. Chocolate Extinction - T-Rex
5. Sparkling Volcano - Rainforest Cafe
6. Doh Bars - Cooke’s of Dublin​

 

[marDgreen88]

Glad yall had fun in Boston! Hahaha I can officially check 12, count 'em, TWELVE items on that list. CLEARLY I have some work to do!

 

[Missyrose]

Twenty-seven. Pitiful!!! We have been to Disney 4 times as a family (plus one more visit to MK) and Mark and I have been 4-5 times before that.

I better get to work in June.

And you've got growing boys! Shouldn't they be eating 497298734 snacks a day?

Oh I saw this a few times too, it's interesting to see the foods they picked as "must-try"!

A grand total of 13
I'm such an incredibly picky eater that a LOT of the things I didn't try, I never will. No red meat or seafood for starters! No alcohol either. I'm doomed to be a food amateur forever and I'm ok with that.

I'm a picky eater who is slowing broadening her horizons. I've even become a bit of a foodie (dinners in Paris will do that to you ).
But one thing won't change, I don't like seafood either!

Totally agree with questioning some of the "must try" foods. Um, chicken curry at ABC Commissary? Yeah, that's never going to happen.

I even ran into a familiar face in the park.

​

​

​

You are too cute! Great shot of you and Franklin too. Did you see my FB post that I knew another DISers husband was there on the tour as well? Same day, same time as you! He had VIP seats for the night as well!​

Thanks Brook! Funny story about the Mickey statue at Fenway. Apparently it was installed the same week that the Lakers and Celtics were battling it out in the NBA Finals. And a group of Los Angeles fans ripped Mickey's arm off, so that's why he's got bandages wrapped around his arm and hand. I saw your FB message about the other Disers on the tour... but not until we were sitting at dinner across the street after the tour.

41 on the Disney Food Challenge, I bow down to you! I actually feel pretty accomplished that we're not THAT far behind you!



​

Glad yall had fun in Boston! Hahaha I can officially check 12, count 'em, TWELVE items on that list. CLEARLY I have some work to do!

With that diagnosis, I think you need to do NOTHING but eat on your next Disney trip! It's the only solution.

​

 

[brookelizabeth]

Thanks Brook! Funny story about the Mickey statue at Fenway. Apparently it was installed the same week that the Lakers and Celtics were battling it out in the NBA Finals. And a group of Los Angeles fans ripped Mickey's arm off, so that's why he's got bandages wrapped around his arm and hand. I saw your FB message about the other Disers on the tour... but not until we were sitting at dinner across the street after the tour.

41 on the Disney Food Challenge, I bow down to you! I actually feel pretty accomplished that we're not THAT far behind you!

I didn't notice the bandages until you mentioned it - how sad! Glad they found the arm though and could at least sorta repair him. He's got character now I guess. LOL

Ahhh, that's a bummer about not seeing the messages, but all well! It was fun to talk to his wife that day and scope out the pictures to see if you were on the exact same tour!

I was surprised I've had 41! I need to work on it a bit though, might be a fun challenge for the October trip.

 

[Missyrose]

I didn't notice the bandages until you mentioned it - how sad! Glad they found the arm though and could at least sorta repair him. He's got character now I guess. LOL

Ahhh, that's a bummer about not seeing the messages, but all well! It was fun to talk to his wife that day and scope out the pictures to see if you were on the exact same tour!

I was surprised I've had 41! I need to work on it a bit though, might be a fun challenge for the October trip.

That's what I loved about the list when I first found it, it's the kind of thing that is perfect for us crazies who go back to Disney over and over (and over) again. It's a new goal to set for ourselves.

P.S. You're getting so close to your cruise, are you totally excited? I got the email about the DVC discount on the Fantasy and was sooooo tempted, but I can't get those dates off work.
​

 

[Missyrose]

We left off with the big kids lounging on the back patio, soaking our sore footsies in the pool.

The game plan for the evening was dinner at Cape May Clambake, where we would valet the car.
After dinner, we’d mosey over to the private entrance of Epcot and enjoy Illuminations.

As we climbed out of the pool to get ready, Kotkham told us she was tired and was just going to stay in that night. So, down one, we headed for Beach Club. As usual, we were running a bit late. Another first for us, we’d never been to Beach Club before.

Anyway, I scooted inside ahead of everyone else to check us in. With the new credit card guarantees for certain ADRs, I didn’t want to risk getting charged a no-show fee even if we were just late. I was also concerned that we’d get charged for Kotkham since our ADR was for 6 and we only had 5. But luckily, we were good on all accounts. It turns out there were some bugs in the system early on, but now the no-show charges aren’t processed until midnight, so as long as you show up that night, you won’t be charged. And they are officially NOT charging when you show up with fewer guests than the ADR calls for. With that Dis business out of the way... let’s get to the food porn.

As you may or may not know, Cape May is a seafood buffet -- a fact that made two of us VERY excited (Franklin and Lala), while the other two (Keith and I) knew there would be plenty of options for us land-lovers.

The food was all really good, everything was hot and very plentiful. Franklin and Lala each had plates of crab legs that I’m surprised didn’t require a crane to carry them back to the table.

I had ribs, roasted chicken, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob and a garlic roll.

What I really came to this dinner for were the oreo bon-bons for dessert.

Um, hello! Like Keith said, it was like eating a quadruple stuffed oreo. I looooooooooved the bon-bon filler, it tasted just like oreo icing. Yum!

Like at other restaurants, they brought out a special birthday dessert for Tanner and everyone sang happy birthday to him.

I thought dinner was really good. I'm not the biggest fan of buffets for anything other than breakfast, but the food at Cape May was surprisingly good. With full bellies, we settled the bill and headed out to Epcot.

That is one delightfully short walk to International Gateway! Franklin took off as soon as we were through the gates so he could set up shop on the Japan balcony for Illuminations. Keith, Lala, Tanner and I took a more leisurely stroll through the World Showcase, stopping to check out some of the beautiful topiaries. Tanner’s eyelids were looking a little heavy, so Keith and Lala decided to keep him in the stroller and stake out a viewing spot down by the water, while I headed upstairs to meet Franklin. There was just 15 minutes until the show, but the World Showcase wasn’t very crowded at all.

Now let’s get to what you’ve all been waiting for... Franklin’s very first Illuminations photos.

He did a long exposure as the globe spun out into the middle of the lake. I think it turned out so cool! It looks like the globe is unraveling.

I know, it’s a lot of photos. But they were too gorgeous for me to cut any!

Like I’ve mentioned, Franklin and I had NEVER seen Illuminations before. It wasn’t intentional, stuff had just seemed to get in the way of us seeing it on prior trips. We were both blown away by the show. The fireworks, lasers and music were all beautiful! And you can’t beat the setting in the World Showcase. Nothing will ever be better than classic Wishes (except maybe Hallowishes) but I loved how different this felt from Wishes. Truly spectacular in its own right.

With the fireworks over, we took one last glance at the beautifully lit-up World Showcase.

And we left through the International Gateway. Can I say how much we’re going to love being able to come and go to Epcot through this entrance. There were no crowds, it was glorious! Tanner, of course, was wide awake again. So Lala was pushing him down the little hill to Beach Club and I was running alongside of him with my arms up, saying “Weeeeeeeee!” Soon enough Tanner was doing the same thing, it was so cute! The perfect end to a perfect night.

Well folks, that’s another wonderful Disney day in the books. Did you have as much fun as we did? Stay tuned, we’ve got more Epcot fun coming up. But first, tell me where you think Illumination falls in your personal rankings of Disney’s nighttime shows.​

 

[marDgreen88]

I get it, I'm not a big fan of non-breakfast buffets either. (Add that to the list of similarities between us hahah.) I'm glad you enjoyed it though, everything looks really good! ESPECIALLY the Oreo bon bons!

Oh my dear goodness... are you sure those are photos we're looking at or is that a window to Epcot? Those pictures are PHENOMENAL. Wowza!!

 

[Pixel Dust]

Oh my dear goodness... are you sure those are photos we're looking at or is that a window to Epcot? Those pictures are PHENOMENAL. Wowza!!

Thanks! Like Missy said, this was our first Illuminations. I wasn't sure where everything was going to be. This trip I was also trying out some new techniques for fireworks. So I was a little flustered setting up. I thought we would a bit late, there would be tons of people, and I would need to fight for a spot. A guy from the family next to me saw me setting up and asked for a few pointers. I love helping out. In the end, when I saw the photo of the finale pop up on the screen, I knew I had a winner. (P.S. I actually did that smiley face dance too)

 

[natebenma]

And you've got growing boys! Shouldn't they be eating 497298734 snacks a day?


Thanks Brook! Funny story about the Mickey statue at Fenway. Apparently it was installed the same week that the Lakers and Celtics were battling it out in the NBA Finals. And a group of Los Angeles fans ripped Mickey's arm off, so that's why he's got bandages wrapped around his arm and hand. I saw your FB message about the other Disers on the tour... but not until we were sitting at dinner across the street after the tour.

Ben eats like 497298734 snacks a day, and still says he is hungry. The boys are SOOOO different. Nate eats to live and Ben (like his mom) lives to eat!

That is really funny about the Mickey statue. I loved watching the Celtics-Lakers finals in the 80s. I was working midnights at Dunkin Donuts during the series that went into triple overtime every night. I was late for work whenever they played out in LA! And Mark and I were coming back from a trip to California during game 7. We were on a plane out of LAX flying to Boston. Half the plane was rooting for the Celtics, the other half for the Lakers. The pilot kept breaking in with score updates.

 

[Missyrose]

I get it, I'm not a big fan of non-breakfast buffets either. (Add that to the list of similarities between us hahah.) I'm glad you enjoyed it though, everything looks really good! ESPECIALLY the Oreo bon bons!

Oh my dear goodness... are you sure those are photos we're looking at or is that a window to Epcot? Those pictures are PHENOMENAL. Wowza!!

Seriously Marissa, the Oreo bon bons are to die for! You simply must try them!

I totally agree about Franklin's photos, they are just amazing!

Thanks! Like Missy said, this was our first Illuminations. I wasn't sure where everything was going to be. This trip I was also trying out some new techniques for fireworks. So I was a little flustered setting up. I thought we would a bit late, there would be tons of people, and I would need to fight for a spot. A guy from the family next to me saw me setting up and asked for a few pointers. I love helping out. In the end, when I saw the photo of the finale pop up on the screen, I knew I had a winner. (P.S. I actually did that smiley face dance too)

No seriously guys, he did an actual happy dance after Illuminations was over.

Ben eats like 497298734 snacks a day, and still says he is hungry. The boys are SOOOO different. Nate eats to live and Ben (like his mom) lives to eat!

That is really funny about the Mickey statue. I loved watching the Celtics-Lakers finals in the 80s. I was working midnights at Dunkin Donuts during the series that went into triple overtime every night. I was late for work whenever they played out in LA! And Mark and I were coming back from a trip to California during game 7. We were on a plane out of LAX flying to Boston. Half the plane was rooting for the Celtics, the other half for the Lakers. The pilot kept breaking in with score updates.

That is my kind of pilot. Ben sounds like the perfect Disney snack buddy.

​

 

[MrsTeddy]

Cape May looked yummy! It was at the top of DHs request list but its closed for refurbs while we are there

Illuminations looked beauitiful! Franklin's photos are amazing. I haven't seen it since I was a teenager, mabe 12 or 13 years ago, we plan on seeing it our first Disney night and I'm really looking forward to it!

Tanner is so sweet! Looks like he's having lots of fun!

 

[teekathepony]

Cape May looks wonderful!
I'm so glad you guys got to see IllumiNations. It's my favourite show. Of course the pictures are stunning!

 

[Missyrose]

Cape May looked yummy! It was at the top of DHs request list but its closed for refurbs while we are there

Illuminations looked beauitiful! Franklin's photos are amazing. I haven't seen it since I was a teenager, mabe 12 or 13 years ago, we plan on seeing it our first Disney night and I'm really looking forward to it!

Tanner is so sweet! Looks like he's having lots of fun!

I'm so sorry you're going to miss out on Cape May, the food was really good. I remember reading on the restaurants thread that they're closing the restaurant down for a refurb the ENTIRE month of July?!?!? That's prime Beach Club season, so it seems to be a weird time to schedule that refurb.

I can't wait to hear what you think about Illuminations after seeing it again all these years later!

Cape May looks wonderful!
I'm so glad you guys got to see IllumiNations. It's my favourite show. Of course the pictures are stunning!

I'm so glad we FINALLY got to see Illuminations, it was becoming quite the comedy of errors when we'd tried and failed before.

Franklin is reporting that since he got a new super wide-angle lens for the October trip, we'll be able to stand on the railing and he'll still be able to shoot all the fireworks. I'm very excited to see the show up close next time.

​

 

[Missyrose]

Two updates in one week???!? Craziness! Well, as those of you who are friends with me on Facebook know, I've been stuck in bed for the past couple of days with the flu. Franklin has done an excellent job as my nurse. He even sat through the 2012 Disney planning DVD the other night in an attempt to make me feel better. I'm not really any better yet, but with the Capitals playing a win or go home Game 7 tonight in New York, calling in sick to work tonight isn't really an option. In an attempt to sit upright for a little while, I decided to get going on the next chapter of the TR. So without further ado, here we go...

After a wonderful evening at Beach Club and Epcot, we were up and going earlyish. We packed up the SUV and set out for breakfast. Where were we going?

Animal Kingdom Lodge! Franklin and I had already rented DVC points to stay at AKL in October, but we’d never been to the resort. So I had made plans for us to go to AKL for breakfast. Originally I’d planned for Boma, but we ended up choosing the more budget-friendly Mara.
But first, we had some exploring to do. Consider this the ultimate sneak preview of my next TR!

We were all very impressed by the lush foliage, especially Kotkham.

You’ll notice we’ve managed to take a dozen photos at ANIMAL Kingdom Lodge, and yet there are no pictures of actual ANIMALS. You see, we went out to the viewing areas but it was still pretty early. So I think the animals were all at the feeding areas. There were some big birds, but Franklin claims he wasn’t happy with any of the Savannah pictures he took, so you’ll just have to come back to the October TR for those.

But back to why we were at AKL to begin with, breakfast!

Franklin and I took Tanner (and Backpack the monkey, who was feeling very at home in this wild kingdom) to find a table.

Awwww, aren't my two favorite boys cute?

Keith had the bounty platter and Lala got the breakfast burrito.
Franklin and I each got the bounty platter (but I was smart enough to ask for an extra Mickey waffle instead of the biscuit.)

Breakfast was yummy, but I was a very bad Dis’er. I forgot to buy zebra domes!!!! I didn’t realize it until long after we had left the resort.
Gah! Oh well, something else to look forward to in October.

Before we took off, there was one more spot to check out at AKL: the massive pool!

All in all we loved the resort. It is truly gorgeous and unlike anything we’ve seen on Disney property. And this little preview was the perfect way to get excited about our October trip. But it was after 9, so it was time to get this Mickey Bar T-shirt wearing tyke to Epcot!

Have any of you stayed at AKL? What were some of your favorite things about the resort? I’ve heard there are lots of cool activities to do there. With such a gorgeous resort, I’m even doing the unthinkable … I’m planning a resort day during the middle of the October trip! Crazy, I know. We’ve never done it, but I figured this was the kind of resort we’re going to want to explore. But enough about the next trip, we’ve got lots of Epcot fun coming up!​

 

[marDgreen88]

I'm sorry you're sick!

BTW, I laughed out loud at the fact that Franklin did a happy dance after IllumiNations!

You're so lucky to be able to stay at AKL! That's in my top 3! It's so beautiful, love the pictures!

 

[IheartDDuck]

I'm sorry that you haven't been feeling well. That's the worst.

I've said it before, but Franklin's pictures are so beautiful, it's like I'm actually there again. I'm glad you got the opportunity to see Illuminations, if only for me to be able to look at the pictures.

No zebra domes?! Sacrilege.

 

[natebenma]

Hope you are feeling better- glad to see another update.

Amazing photos of AKL!!! Gorgeous. The inside is so dark that it is hard to capture the beauty but these are the best photos I have seen!

I was disappointed at first that you didn't go to Boma- we enjoyed our one breakfast there- but the bounty platters really looked great!

Tanner's Mickey Bar shirt is sooooooo cute!