“IF THIS IS A DREAM, I DON’T WANT TO WAKE UP!” – POP! Goes The Solo Trip **THE END**

[DisneyKid4Life]

Morocco is by far my favorite pavilion at Epcot. It's amazing to explore, you are absolutely right.

Mitsukoshi just happens to be my favorite store on WDW property, next to TrenD. I can always find myself something there and spend a massive amount of time just wandering around.

I agree with you about the Japanese CM's. I love eating at the restaurants because they're just so awesome.

RIGHT??!! So beautiful. I wish more people went back into those areas to really explore. Then again, maybe they do. But it always seems to be very quiet whenever I'm there.

It's an amazing store. Like amazing! And it always seems to be packed, but I guess that's really not a surprise.

Aren't they wonderful? They're so adorable and sweet. I've never eaten in the restaurants there, but I have no doubt that the CM's there are awesome too.

I love that you've trademarked CM's around the world. It's only a matter of time before it becomes so popular Disney has no choice but to offer you a lifetime pass to all the parks and properties for your permission to use it.

I don't know how set in stone your rules are but after viewing your USA, Canada, Mexico picture I think you should give some thought to adding bonus point categories, the ultimate being getting all 11 nations represented in one picture.

What's with Japans big-*** fish and little-*** trees?

As always, loving the pictures and humor.

Oh yes, this was absolutely necessary. They already put out an "I Conquered Small World" shirt, for which I've seen no royalties, so I'm not taking any chances. But OMG would I love a lifetime pass.

Ooh, now THAT would be a challenge. You just got my mind spinning to figure out a way to make that happen.

Hehe, now that is a good point.

Aww thank you!!!

Joining in late to the party! So I'm working my way through your updates but enjoyed what I've read so far. I had to skip to the most recent update as well and LOVE the idea of CMs Around the World!

Hi Dave and I'm so delighted you stopped by!

Thanks so much!! It was just a way to make exploring the Showcase a bit more interesting and fun! I do hope it catches on.

Your trip sounds like it's shaping up really nicely! Christmas at Disney is just the best!! SeaWorld sounds great as well! Ahhhh I can't wait for Frozen! Anna and Elsa will be so fun to meet!

Oh my gosh, don't worry. If I was in the Soarin' line at the same time as you, you wouldn't be the only one laughing! That cracks me up every time too.

I think CM's Around the World is a brilliant idea. Totally doing that next time.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

Hi Marissa!!! Yes, thank you, so far so good. I've been to Disney at Xmas before, but it's been a few years. I can't wait to experience it all again. OMG I know, that looks like such a cool (no pun intended... ok maybe a little) meet and greet. I've heard the waits are long though. I hope they die down a bit.

Haha, it's the small joys of life that make it all worth while!

Ahh thank you, and yes, please do!! I so want this to catch on as a thing!!!

 

[amberg93]

I always get confused when there are people working in the American pavilion not originally from America. I mean, I get it I guess but it just seems weird because you don't see that in other countries around the world.

Oh my goodness, all the flowers and stuff look so great! I can't wait for our May trip just to see Epcot in full bloom. Also, we plan on eating at Via Napoli during that trip.

As for your CMs around the world, I know Marie did it last November with quite a few places. I don't think she got them all but she did get a few and wanted to continue but we ran out of time. She might continue it in May

 

[JessM]

I love Morocco! It really is beautiful and the Pavilion is quite large. Once you get to the back you can hardly tell you are in a crowded theme park anymore!

I don't get how they turned Lotso into a villian either, but it totally works for that movie.

You totally should have met Max! I've never seen him out. He's one of my favorites I love A Goofy Movie so much when I was a kid!

Eat at Via Napoli someday you will not be disappointed!!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I always get confused when there are people working in the American pavilion not originally from America. I mean, I get it I guess but it just seems weird because you don't see that in other countries around the world.

Oh my goodness, all the flowers and stuff look so great! I can't wait for our May trip just to see Epcot in full bloom. Also, we plan on eating at Via Napoli during that trip.

As for your CMs around the world, I know Marie did it last November with quite a few places. I don't think she got them all but she did get a few and wanted to continue but we ran out of time. She might continue it in May

Haha, yeah it is a bit strange. Perhaps it's meant to represent the whole "melting pot" scenario. This trip there were also a large amount of American CM's (in normal CM attire, not "World Showcase attire") working the counter in one of the stores in Germany. It made it so much tougher to find someone for my mission.

It is spectacular Amber... unbelievable really. It's hard for me to picture Epcot any other way. And from what I've heard, you will not be disappointed with Via Napoli.

See there you go, I was certain something at least similar must have been done before. I'm keeping the trademarked name though, lol.

I love Morocco! It really is beautiful and the Pavilion is quite large. Once you get to the back you can hardly tell you are in a crowded theme park anymore!

I don't get how they turned Lotso into a villian either, but it totally works for that movie.

You totally should have met Max! I've never seen him out. He's one of my favorites I love A Goofy Movie so much when I was a kid!

Eat at Via Napoli someday you will not be disappointed!!

Exactly Jess. I don't want to go so far as to call it "undiscovered", but I'm certain many people do miss the little details that pavilion has.

It does, but towards the end of the movie I was so hoping he would turn to the "good' side. Ah well, he still smells like strawberries so I like him.

This is something I really regret and honestly, I don't know why I didn't. It's not like I had to walk a long distance.

Oh I will.

 

[khertz]

I completely admit that I was a little distracted from my mission for just a second…

Okay, that has to be the best way to start at TR post in the history of EVER! You don't get that too often when the rest of the TRs you read are written by women or dads.

Following with your quest is so fun. I can imagine the difficulty in meeting a nice CM who would be perfect to take a picture with but who doesn't fit the requirements. What a conundrum!! Luckily CM from Seattle was able to swoop in and save the day. Very nice that you were able to meld it into a North American photo-op. Gotta give you props for that.

I've never done the Pick a Pearl either, but watching is SO fun. They are so energetic and excited!

The Italy pavilion is beautiful, and probably my favorite to look at and photograph, although there's not much to do besides eat there. And you HAVE to try Via Napoli one day, it's delicious!!!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Okay, that has to be the best way to start at TR post in the history of EVER! You don't get that too often when the rest of the TRs you read are written by women or dads.

Following with your quest is so fun. I can imagine the difficulty in meeting a nice CM who would be perfect to take a picture with but who doesn't fit the requirements. What a conundrum!! Luckily CM from Seattle was able to swoop in and save the day. Very nice that you were able to meld it into a North American photo-op. Gotta give you props for that.

I've never done the Pick a Pearl either, but watching is SO fun. They are so energetic and excited!

The Italy pavilion is beautiful, and probably my favorite to look at and photograph, although there's not much to do besides eat there. And you HAVE to try Via Napoli one day, it's delicious!!!

Bahaha, I gots to be me! Honestly, that really is a true statement though and why I enjoy reading such varied TR's. Different ages, male, female, families, solo... they all provide such a different and unique perspective.

Aw thank you! And as you'll see in the next post, this becomes even tougher. I just thought this was a wicked way to turn a potential problem into a big positive by going all North America on the photo.

It really is!! They sure do pick some great CM's for that.

It's gorgeous!! But, I have such a hard time picking one pavilion over another as they're all so amazing. And I do plan on Via Napoli some day, just probably not on a solo trip. I've also heard they have a take-out window, but also that it's no where near as good.

 

[teekathepony]

Morocco is so beautiful! I get distracted there too, but not by the belly dancers. We love to spend a long time looking around at the architecture and decor in the area. I do tend to have to drag hubby out of there though...

I have no doubt the Palm Tree and Bonzai would be BFF’s right from the start.

Definitely. I've also always wanted to take home a bonsai tree too. Darn international borders.

6 down already? Wow! You're really getting through the WS! Loving the mission.

 

[khaleesi]

Awwww, I love the North America picture!!

Why has it never occurred to me to go AROUND the back of the pavilions?! Gah.

 

[Queenofallthings]

Couldn't agree more about the back area of Morocco....gorgeous! You are knocking these countries off in record time....I am impressed

 

[peachmermaid]

Oh no, that's not her name. I'm not sure what her name is. I was referencing Selena, the singer& showing my age.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Morocco is so beautiful! I get distracted there too, but not by the belly dancers. We love to spend a long time looking around at the architecture and decor in the area. I do tend to have to drag hubby out of there though...


Definitely. I've also always wanted to take home a bonsai tree too. Darn international borders.

6 down already? Wow! You're really getting through the WS! Loving the mission.

Oh I know, Morocco is wonderful Wendy. Oh dear it seems I may have misrepresented myself. I was totally distracted by the guy playing the violin. Oh look, there IS a belly dancer in that photo.

The truth is, the Morocco pavilion may be one of the most under appreciated, but it really is beautiful.

It's so disappointing. I used to see the mini palm trees for sale and so wanted to bring one home.

Yup, past the half way point. I figured I'd better get moving lest Johnny give you another "Aww that's it??"

Awwww, I love the North America picture!!

Why has it never occurred to me to go AROUND the back of the pavilions?! Gah.

Aww thank so much! It was such a cool coincidence that I just couldn't pass it up.

A lot of people miss out on those areas I think. Something to put on the list for next time!

Couldn't agree more about the back area of Morocco....gorgeous! You are knocking these countries off in record time....I am impressed

It really is Jacquie and missed by so many people I think.

Oh yes indeed. Once I achieve my goal (and look around a little of course) it's on the next target... I mean country.

Oh no, that's not her name. I'm not sure what her name is. I was referencing Selena, the singer& showing my age.

Haha, you know I thought that might be what you were going for, but I thought I'd sound dumb. Yup, totally Selena (RIP) and who knows, maybe her name IS Selena!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

SPHERES, FLOWERS, AND GARDENS… AND A CM IN EVERY PORT!
Day 6 – May 2, 2013 Part 5



Continuing on through the Showcase, I had just passed the halfway mark for CM’s AROUND THE WORLD ™.

The next stop was Germany.

I am only $37,499 (and change) away from owning this bad boy.

Germany offered up a little bit of Christmas in May to set the mood for the upcoming trip, so thank you Germany!!

It was in Germany that I ran into some issues with my mission. It seemed that everywhere I looked, it was just “normal” CM’s working.

“Joan” from “Delaware” may be a truly lovely person, but that in no way helped me fulfill my current German requirement.

Nonetheless, as I was chatting with some of them working the counter (because they were indeed lovely people), a German CM finally approached.

SEVEN DOWN… FOUR TO GO!

After finally getting my Germany CM photo, I was all set to head to my next country, but then the sky opened up for the 4th day in a row.

Sunshine state indeed.

It began raining so hard that I didn’t dare continue at the moment, but the last thing I wanted to do was just stand around.

Plus there were a couple of other things I wanted to do… and they were pretty close.

So, after waiting a while for a break that just didn’t seem to be coming, and having no Peoplemover option to fill the time,

I decided to plow on, trying to duck under cover where I could.

I bypassed China temporarily because I needed to get to the next country, Norway, the home of

And maker of…

I tried Schoolbread for the first time in October 2012, so I knew when this day began what my snack of the day was going to be.

Whether it was the weather, hunger, or the effort I made to get there, this one was even better than I remembered.

The other reason for soaking myself to get here…

Obviously!!

It was on my way over to Maelstrom that I overheard the follow gem, keeping in mind that it had been pouring buckets for the past hour or so.

“I don’t think we should go on that… the sign says you might get wet.”

There really is just no cure for stupid.

Anyway…

After going back, back over the falls, since I was already in Norway, I continued through the shop to get the following picture.

Whoops… wrong one.

That’s more like it and

EIGHT DOWN… THREE TO GO!



CONTINUED NEXT POST
​

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Day 6 – May 2, 2013 Part 5 Cont.


I now had to do some backtracking as I had slipped past China in my quest for Schoolbread.

Back in October, I could not understand why the dragon was missing before finally realizing it wasn’t Flower and Garden season.

Many of you might recognize this guy…

And Stretch!!

NINE DOWN… TWO TO GO!

I moved on past the already visited Norway and landed in Mexico, which is probably the coolest looking pavilion.

If you’re visiting this pavilion in the daytime, I highly recommend the following exercise.

Simply run in and out and exclaim “It’s Day… It’s Night… It’s Day… It’s Night”.

It’s a whole lot of fun plus I’m certain it also annoys people, so Win-Win.

Eventually, I settled inside and spent some time looking over stuff I will never afford. This stuff was beautiful but pricey.

And I also took this obligatory blurry photo.

Of course, price was of no consequence to me since what I really needed was absolutely free.

TEN DOWN… ONE TO GO!



TO BE CONTINUED…
​

 

[peachmermaid]

The sunshine state sure does get it's helping of rain, doesn't it? I applaud you for not only being brave enough to brave the rain, but also not succumbing to the poncho madness.

I want to try school bread soooo much!! Also, really? Someone said we can't ride this, we may get wet? Oh my goodness! Rest assured, tourist, it's not splash mountain. That is one of the dumbest things I've ever heard! Good example of dumb by the way. Someone really said that elephants were heavier than the moon? I get that weight changes in space & all but that's taking it a bit too far.

I love your CM around the world passport! It's fun & I think it would brighten their day. I cannot wait to do this!

I'm a big pop culture nerd so don't fret about seeming dumb. I'm glad you caught it!

 

[courtneybelle]

That castle is SO BEAUTIFUL. Then again, you could pay for several luxurious trips to see the real one for the price of the replica, so that's probably why it stays in the store.

to those people. Poncho up and go seek the Spirit of Norway!!! It's certainly drier than standing in the rain.

NORMAN!! #frumplife

Mexico may be my favorite pavilion. I think it's the most immersive, especially when you go into the middle of the day. I should probably try running in and out, especially if I had a churro in hand!

I love looking around the crystal store too. So many beautiful Disney figures.

 

[emmysmommy]

Rob I would totally get you that Swarovski crystal Cinderella's castle but shipping expense to Canada what it is and all... well, you understand!

Despite a rain delay you scored your school bread. I finally tried it for the first time last trip. Yum!

Hmmm... Malestrom, it's not like it's adventures IN the high seas of Norway. Goodness, I can't recall if I've ever had a drop of water land on me going forward OR backward on the ride. I suppose they must add this disclaimer since someone somewhere may have gotten splashed.

Glad to see that your CM Around the World (trademark acknowledged) is going so well even if it took some extra effort in Germany.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Wow, that's a lot of rain! And there's not much cover between Germany and China!

I just need to know what one does with a $37,500 crystal palace.

I did miss the dragon during my trip last month. The pond just doesn't look the same with out it.

The Mexico CM has got that princess skirt pose down!

 

[leopardmickeyears]

"If you’re visiting this pavilion in the daytime, I highly recommend the following exercise.

Simply run in and out and exclaim “It’s Day… It’s Night… It’s Day… It’s Night”."

AHAHAHAHA BUT IT'S SO TRUE!!!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Hi there! So sorry I haven't posted in a while...but I am still here.

Wow, look at that rain. That is pretty crazy. It's not as fun when the sunshine state isn't so sunny.

That's awesome you got a picture with CMs around the world!

haha, love the comment you overheard about not going on the Maelstrom because you might get wet. Really??? That just reminds me of the time my dad, sister, and I were in Disneyland. It was raining pretty hard all morning. We were so soaked that we decided to go on the Grizzly River Run (basically Kali River Rapids). Hey, we couldn't have gotten any MORE wet.

 

[katt789]

I love the Moroccan pavilion! It’s so gorgeous! I have to agree, the Japan cm’s are definitely the most friendly, they’re totally awesome! Bahahah oh my GOSH, the DISNEY POINT IN THAT PICTURE! Like, hilarity that she’s all “look at this awesome shirt” but it’s the Disney point…#daymade!

Definitely eat at Via Napoli!! It’s SOOOOO GOOOD! Ahahaha yup, that about sums up Florida in the middle of the afternoon!

AH!! NORMAN!!

Love the pic with the Mexico CM! The princess skirt hold and all! Awe man, I would want to work in that costume, it looks so comfy, like, hello, Canada costumes need an upgrade…just sayin…