20th Anniversary Trips: "Saying Goodbye to Muppets" Disney World Edition (An April Trip Report)

[Jules76126]

Mainly a lurker on your trips as I don’t always have time to comment. But looks like it was a busy few days. I saw you mention you are going to mass art. I will be curious to see what Morgan thinks compared to SCAD. I work at the college next door (luckily I don’t commute to that campus much as Boston traffic is awful).

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Park Day! Hollywood Studios, Early Entry & more!

Our first lightening lane was for Rock n' Rollercoaster. This was Morgan's request. She is not happy that they are changing it to Muppets. And since we don't know when it will be closing, we def wanted to make sure we got on at least once this trip.

So, we headed from Runaway Railway down to RnR.

We headed into line at 10:05, where the CM checking LL was super excitied about our shirts.

Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
It only took 7 minutes to get into the Que Room and asking for backstage passes.

I have a love hate relationship with this ride. Every time we get to the load area I think to myself, why am I doing this....
I have fomo for riding it but I don’t really love it. But I rode it anyway!

Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

My ride photo always looks the same! Pure terror.
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We joked that if we took every ride photo of me on the ride, they would all be the same.

After our ride to the concert, we had some time before our next LL. I think I grabbed a Star Tours LL to use in a little while.

Since we had time, we headed to Gwen’s pick of the day, Muppets 3D Vision!

We decided to go in and watch the show first. Cool off before taking photos, it was def starting to get hot.

Of course the CM here loved our shirts.
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Gwen made sure to check for the key!

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We waited 10 minutes for the next show but it was already pretty crowded in the waiting area so we couldn't really enjoy all of hte stuff.
Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
Show was fun as always. I will say, I have to take my glasses off every once in awhile. My eyes start to bug out with the 3D.

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As we were leaving the show, Gwen asked if she could keep her glasses… She may or may not of put the glasses in her bag… Somebody didn't listen to the rules...

After we came out of the show, we needed to get some photos with our shirts!
Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

We unfortunately totally forgot to go into Pizza Rizzo. That was on Gwen's list as well. I think she mostly jsut wanted to go in, not eat anything.

We headed to use the next LL, Star Tours. The wait wasn't too bad at this point but it was nice to skip the line.
Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
We headed in right around 11:02 and were ready to ride by 11:13.
Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
Gwen checking to see if she was tall enough..... This was the first ride she really was looking forward to being tall enough for riding.

We got a good combo with Darth Vader and Ashoka!
Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

After our ride in space, we needed a little something to eat.

It was 11:30, so the lines weren't bad yet for food. we stopped at Backlot Express. We hopped in line but there was a CM saying that mobile order would be faster. So, while we waited in line we decided what we wanted and placed an order.

Morgan and Gwen went and found a table which Andy and I waited. It was in fact faster.

Morgan requested a Wookie Cookie along with a fountain soda.
Wookiee Cookie
Two Oatmeal Cookies with Vanilla Cream Filling garnished with a Milk Chocolate Sash on top
Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

Andy and I decided on the Buffalo Chicken Fries to share
Buffalo Fries
Ranch-seasoned French Fries drizzled with Buffalo-Ranch Sauce and Blue Cheese Dressing
by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
These hit the spot. They weren't anything special but just tasty enough.

Reg fries with a side of cheese for Gwen with a Bottle of Water
Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

I also got a fountain Soda for Andy and I and Andy requested a
Frozen Platinum Margarita
Patrón Silver Tequila, Cointreau, and Sweet-and-Sour
No picture of either.

We grabbed a table and rested just a bit. It wasn't a long sit, long enough to eat our snacks. But we had another item on the agenda to get to!

Up next... Wrapping up our morning in Hollywood Studios

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Mainly a lurker on your trips as I don’t always have time to comment. But looks like it was a busy few days. I saw you mention you are going to mass art. I will be curious to see what Morgan thinks compared to SCAD. I work at the college next door (luckily I don’t commute to that campus much as Boston traffic is awful).

Andy and I used to live in Boston, so we know what the area is like. We think Morgan would like Boston, we just aren't sure what to expect at Mass Art. Boston traffic was one of the reasons we moved to Jersey!!! We were looking at living far outside of Boston to buy a house and just decided we didn't want to do that. Otherwise we loved Boston!

 

[Jules76126]

Seriously!!!! I am sure being a store manager has it's own stresses!!! We couldn't have a Bucee's in NJ, We don't have the space! We are going to see at least 2 more art schools, MICA and MassArt in the fall. But I think SCAD is it...


The dorms were super nice. Sounds like a lot of kids live off campus at somepoint. It is easy to do since it's in a city. But it's required for freshman. But I feel like you need to stay in a dorm for 2 years. It's living on your own with training wheels.


And yes, I think it was... It was super fun.

Yes we live about 45 mins outside the city. Fine to go in on the weekends, but a pain for work. My husband commutes in a few times a month and he always dreads it. Otherwise, Boston is a great city. MassArt is in a great location.

 

[footballmouse]

Two things, so far: love your shirts!!! and love the size of your front porch

 

[VAtink]

Somehow missed you started a new trip report! Here now and I can't wait to read more!

I cannot believe you're looking at colleges already, my goodness time has flown by, it doesn't seem that long ago I started reading your trip reports and the girls were little! How did you guys like SCAD? I have so many friends who went there and loved it. The firm I used to work at used to hire almost exclusively from SCAD, it has a great reputation!

Love the Muppets shirts!

 

[Stasieki]

Great start to the morning. I am so sad that when we were there in February, we didn't get to do the Muppets. Just bad timing when we were at HS.

 

[DLo]

Following along . Looking forward to reading more.

 

[missjackiemcg]

Unt

The first time I ever flew was in 1995 on a Girl Scout trip to Savannah! I remember walking through here feeling so much more comfortable than I had at home in the giant Chicago airport!!!

This was the lobby for the Animation Buidling! You see the imagineering sign?

HOLY MOLEY!!! All of those pictures were awesome--SCAD looks like an incredible school. Is it her top pick?? (PS I was at MK last week with my Mom and when we walked by the Hook Hand poster at the Tangled bathrooms, I thought about your little girls with their princess wigs!!! I can't believe you are looking at colleges now!!)

Super cute!!! I love the Dumbo ones!

Fireworks were going off as we walked over. It was a beautiful evening, cool. And the walk over, I felt like we were home.

Best feeling of all! It does feel like HOME! You're not cheesy at all for thinking so.

 

[PalMikey]

We have 2 more schools to go see but I think SCAD is going to be her top choice!


Thanks! First installment of our Disney day coming up next!


What did you major in?


It is, but I will say, for us being farther away from the main area wasn't that bad. We don't go to the main area often.

Architecture. And now I’m a Registered Architect!

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Finally catching up. I LOVE the Tinkerbelle gifts you always do. I want some but I guess it probably isn't the same if I get them for myself on the next trip. LOL.

Also, I was thinking more about Morgan's college journey. I do hope she goes with SCAD because they are amazing. However - I want to throw out one more plug for good old Virginia Tech. You can remind her we have the Marching Virginians - one of the best marching bands in the business! Some of my theatre kids are in it and they love it. Just saying. she could come here and then maybe I can be adopted into the family and get Tinkerbelle gifts. Always a method to my madness!

 

[buzzrelly]

Hello! Finally joining in! I think I saw your Facebook post at the Muppets Show and realized I hadn't said hi here!

Love the Muppets shirts and I commend your commitment to keeping that tradition going all these years! Kudos to you, mom

I can't believe you're looking at colleges already but then I have my own two already graduated from college so I know how fast this time goes!

Looking forward to reading more

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Yes we live about 45 mins outside the city. Fine to go in on the weekends, but a pain for work. My husband commutes in a few times a month and he always dreads it. Otherwise, Boston is a great city. MassArt is in a great location.

We loved Boston when we lived there. But when we started looking for a house, we found we would also be 45 minutes outside of Boston and didn't want to have a long commute.

Two things, so far: love your shirts!!! and love the size of your front porch

Thanks on both! The porch was one of the selling features for us when we bought the house! And was a god send during covid!!

Somehow missed you started a new trip report! Here now and I can't wait to read more!

Welcome!!

I cannot believe you're looking at colleges already, my goodness time has flown by, it doesn't seem that long ago I started reading your trip reports and the girls were little!

It is crazy! i have gotten used to the idea at this point. But at first it was crazy!

How did you guys like SCAD? I have so many friends who went there and loved it.

We loved it. I think it's Morgan's top choice. I hear nothing but good things about it.

Great start to the morning. I am so sad that when we were there in February, we didn't get to do the Muppets. Just bad timing when we were at HS.

That is what I hate about the shows. Trying to time them with rides is so hard. I listen to touring plans podcast and they heavy alluded to a new version opening at some point over by rockn rollercoaster. Seems like a good fit for that building behind it. Fingers Crossed!!

Following along . Looking forward to reading more.

Welcome!!!

HOLY MOLEY!!! All of those pictures were awesome--SCAD looks like an incredible school. Is it her top pick?? (PS I was at MK last week with my Mom and when we walked by the Hook Hand poster at the Tangled bathrooms, I thought about your little girls with their princess wigs!!! I can't believe you are looking at colleges now!!)

It really felt like just a fun place to learn all art! So far it is her top pick. I am pretty sure we will see a few more schools that will just solidify that it is where she wants to go.

Tangled Bathroom shot will be coming for this trip! I was saying, do we stop doing them at some point? And that made me so sad.

Architecture. And now I’m a Registered Architect!

Awsome, I actually went to school for Interior Design at Syracuse University. And when we did the tour I totally wished I had gone to SCAD. But I am old enough that it might not have been quiet as cool as it is now.

Finally catching up. I LOVE the Tinkerbelle gifts you always do. I want some but I guess it probably isn't the same if I get them for myself on the next trip. LOL.

Each trip I saw I am not going to do it. And then I decide to do it. I also, get things for me sometimes. I mean I deserve rewards too!

You can remind her we have the Marching Virginians - one of the best marching bands in the business!

When we started all of this, I really wanted her to go to a school with a marching band. But most schools that have a good animation program don't have a marching band.

Just saying. she could come here and then maybe I can be adopted into the family and get Tinkerbelle gifts. Always a method to my madness!

I mean that may sway her a little... ha. When we went to Syracuse University, she hated it! hurt my alumni heart just a bit. But she did not like how big it was. Ironically SCAD is pretty big but since it's in the city, it doesn't feel as big to her. But I assume Virginia Tech has a similar campus feel to Syracuse.

Love the Muppets shirts and I commend your commitment to keeping that tradition going all these years! Kudos to you, mom

The shirts are easy to do. And a short trip like this one, it wasn't bad to find gifts. Longer trips gets tricky. And we wear most of the shirts at home as well, so it's not a waste. Although not sure if Gwen will wear her shirt but it was worth it!

 

[Stacybaeasm]

I mean that may sway her a little... ha. When we went to Syracuse University, she hated it! hurt my alumni heart just a bit. But she did not like how big it was. Ironically SCAD is pretty big but since it's in the city, it doesn't feel as big to her. But I assume Virginia Tech has a similar campus feel to Syracuse.

Honestly, Virginia Tech is huge. Bigger than Syracuse. But the town is smaller if that makes sense. But if Morgan is not looking for the big campus experience, VT is not the place for her. Plus, I"m pretty sure SCAD is MUCH better in animation than we are.

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Honestly, Virginia Tech is huge. Bigger than Syracuse. But the town is smaller if that makes sense. But if Morgan is not looking for the big campus experience, VT is not the place for her. Plus, I"m pretty sure SCAD is MUCH better in animation than we are.

Yeah, depending on which ranking you are looking at but Animation at SCAD is pretty high up there, especially for the west coast.

 

[kclark9830]

Joining in here, too!

 

[PalMikey]

Awsome, I actually went to school for Interior Design at Syracuse University. And when we did the tour I totally wished I had gone to SCAD. But I am old enough that it might not have been quite as cool as it is now.

Syracuse is a great design school!

I loved Savannah and SCAD. I used to say that it felt like I was living in Disney because it was so beautiful and unlike any other place I had lived.

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Joining in here, too!

Welcome!!! I am going to try and get a post up now.

Syracuse is a great design school!

I loved Savannah and SCAD. I used to say that it felt like I was living in Disney because it was so beautiful and unlike any other place I had lived.

I love that! it really did feel like a fun place to be.

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Park Day! Hollywood Studios, Early Entry & more! (continued)

I left us off leaving from our snack break and heading to our next item. We wanted to see Indiana Jones show. We left Backlot Express at 11:45 for a noon show.

We were able to grab a seat on the far side. We have seen the show many times, so we weren't worried about the seat being perfrect. We have found that all seats aren’t terrible.
by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
This was our view. It wasn't terrible.

by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
I always love the plane portion of the show.

We enjoyed the show as always. What does everone think, will this show last? I feel like at some point this will have to be replaced with an attraction at some point?

After the show, Gwen and I headed to ride Tower of Terror. Morgan does not like the drop sensation and Andy doesn't love to ride it with his back. So, they have become partners to wait while Gwen and I ride.

Andy and Morgan went to do some shopping and grabbed a snack

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It was around 12:45 by now, and we waited 15 minutes with our lightening lane. I don't know if we have ever waited in the stand by line, but it seems like it is a hot line to stand in.
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Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
We ended up right in the front row. Gwen said it was scarier right in the front.

After our first ride, we looped around to ride again with Andy and Morgan's LLs. We were back in line a little after 1:00

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Have you ever looked down in this lobby sign? It took both rides to get the actual photo. It's really hard to see on your own. You really need to take a photo with your phone to see it.

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Second time we ended one row back to same elevator.
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Meanwhile, Andy checked out some hat options...
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And Morgan found a baseball jersey shirt she liked.

Then they grabbed a pepper jack cheese pretzel and headed to Morgan’s secret spot.
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Where is Morgan's secret spot? When you come out of Tower of Terror, where the Jofferies Cart is, there is a seating area behind it. It is nice and quiet back there. It's cement benches but all of the vines make it nice and secluded.

We met them back there once we were done the second time.

Morgan showed us the shirt she liked and we checked out what sizes they had. They were all big, so Morgan said she would think about it. And I said we could look other parks for it as well.

And then started to head out.

Morgan and Gwen stopped and picked out new magic bands. Since Andy and I had gotten the new versions, we had said they could pick new ones. Morgan choose the Villains band and Gwen went with Alice and Wonderland one. The CM checking us out offered to help set it up. She got one and not the other. She suggested we go to Guest Services to help. We headed that way, and while in line I got the other one linked. LIterally as a CM had come over to ask us what she could help with the magic band linked. We joked with her that her service was excellent.

With that figured out, we headed out officially. We decided we would take a Ferry if there was one coming up and it looked like we could make it without running. And there was a boat letting folks out and a short line. So we headed to the Ferry.

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We were on a boat just after 2:00

There was a group of what seemed to be cheerleaders from Europe. And the mom’s were handing out Muppets stickers. So, Morgan and Gwen both got Kermit stickers.I was ready for my feet to get a rest, so we rode the boat all the way to EPCOT. (sometimes we get off at Yacht Club and walk that last bit)

We were hungry and ready for some Flower and Garden food!!!

Up next EPCOT fun!

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Happy Saturday Everyone!!!

It's sadly a cold-ish and cloudy and possibly rainy weekend for us here in Jersey. The weather is just toying with us here, it has been warm and beautiful while we are working and then turn meh the second it's the weekend. Boo.

Anyway, the girls have ONE day of school left! Monday is there English finals and then they are done! They are very excitied to not get up at 5:00 AM.

But that also means our next 2 trips are coming up fast and I am NOT prepared!!! I have done no planning for awhile. But let's get back to this trip.

Park Day! EPCOT Edition!
We entered into EPCOT a little before 3:00.

We had very little food at this point, so we wasted no time trying some flower and garden food booths. we headed to France first.
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We started with the Croissant from France.
by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
Croissant au Fromage de Chevre, Croissant with Goat Cheese, Herbs and Roasted Garlic

This was amazing as last time. I mean it’s a croissant with basically Boursin cheese in it. It was warm and delicious. We all shared a couple bites. I should have gotten us 2!

We grabbed a booklet and looked to see where we wanted to stop before heading out. The girls made a plan for the food they wanted to try.

When the girls got there magic bands, they started lighting up and buzzing and lighting up and Andy realized his wasn't. So, Andy stopped at guest services to try and link Andy’s band.

While Andy did that, I grabbed a drink while Andy was doing that. As there was no line!
Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on FlickrI

I didn’t want to drink just yet, but I couldn't pass up no line for a Grand Marnier Slushie! I was able to walk right up, it felt wrong. Maybe they aren’t as popular as they used to be? I went with the Citron version, It was nice and tart and cold!

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Morgan, Gwen and I hid in the shade while Andy talked with the CM. the CM basically said Andy’s Magic band just wasn’t fully charged. He used a usb port to charge it and she said they sometimes don’t charge in the rooms. So, with the mystery solved, we moved on.

Stopped at bathrooms in Morocco. Both girls went in while Andy and I baked in the sun waiting.
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We skipped La Isla Fesca, we debated getting the Jerk Chicken, but it was hot and just didn’t sound good at the moment.

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They did have these spice plants with facts about it. Which was nice to look at while we waited.

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Oh and I found a Spike the Bee also while I waited. We weren't intersted in the prizes this trip.

And then skipped Tangierine Cafe for food as well. I was tempted to get the bread service but it was there all the time so decided to save stomach space.

The next big stop was Japan!
Morgan and Gwen pretty much love everything Japanese, Anime, voacaloids, video games..... So, they were ready for the food booth in Japan.

They got octopus balls and the Kyoto Boba.

Taikoyaki: Octopus balls served with Spicy Mayo, Okonomigyaki Sauce and Crunch Rice Pearls
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They also wanted to try the Kyoto Boba, Crafted Kyoto (Japanese Black Grape) Juice with Strawberry boba.
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Gwen was super excited about the Octopus Balls. For someone who didn’t eat much, she tried som crazy things as long as it is Japanese.

We took the goods and found a table in the Bamboo area to eat. If you haven’t gone and sat in the area you should! It is so peaceful! Out table was a little sticky, but we had wet wipes and just wiped it down. There shave ice is right there and probably was just all sugar dried on the table.
Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
The girls liked the Octopus balls. They said they were a little mushy but good. Andy and I tried one, and it basically tasted like a clam fritter. Seafood wrapped in a breading. Most of the taste came from the sauces on the top.

The drink tasted like a SUPER sweet Grape Juice. The girls weren't a fan of it. Morgan has said most alcoholic specialty drinks are all too sweet.

We didn't sit too long. We got up once we were done with the treats. We did peak at some of the bonsai's that were displayed in the area we got up to leave.
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We headed into Mitsukoshi to shop. This has become a must do as Stacey would say...
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It is alwasy a little crazy in the store, so no photos. But we wantdered around and the girls found some things to purchase, of course.

I am happy to say that the merch in the store has been brought back to pre-covid levels. For awhile it was pretty slim pickins in there. And clearly was merch for US only. Now some stuff seems more direct from Japan stuff.

The girls picked out new chopsticks. Gwen got small Anya plush (Anya is from an Anime called Spy Family, super cute show) and Morgan got a nano blocks. I believe it was a pokemon version. She have exhausted all nano blocks that can be found here in the US. So anytime she can find a new one, she wants to get them.

With purchases made, we headed to America next. Andy was ready for an adult beverage and was waiting for us to get to America.
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It was about now that we realized just how empty EPCOT was today.

So, he headed to the outside bar while the girls and I hopped in line to get something from the food booth. And we met back up at a picnic table.

The girls agreed to try the Oysters with me. Grilled Gulf Oysters with Capers, Andouille sausage butter and lemon.
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Morgan had wanted the Gumbo but we told her it would be hot, and it was hot out, so she decided to pass on it.

Andy grabbed a Mule for himself
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and the Moonshine Sour for me.
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I forgot this existed when Andy and I were here the one day before our cruise, so I was happy to get one today.

We grabbed a seat at the picnic tables. Me and the girls each tried one of the Oysters.

If you have followed my past trip reports, you know that Gwen isn't the most adventous eater.... And you are probably wondering who is this girl... First Octopus and now Oysters!!!!??? She has taken a liking to seafood for some reason?
Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
She didn't hate the Oyster but I don't think she will be ordering them again.

All 3 of us decided it was good but not something we were dyeing to have again. That it mostly tasted like the other stuff on it. The tiny hot sauces they gave were a big hit, though.

While we sat, Andy had drank his whole drink, so he grabbed another before we moved on.

We skipped Italy. I have yet to hear anything good from that food booth. Also, they don’t have anything different. Pasta isn’t exciting. And also not something I want to eat in the Florida sun.

Next was Germany. This was another stop that Morgan REALLY wanted to stop at. She really wanted to try the Potato Pancakes.

She decided on the basic one with applesauce.
Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

I had no interest in that. Once we had our order we grabbed a table and I started a mobile order for some treats from Karmel Kuche for the room. I said I was here and headed in, thinking it wouldn’t take awhile. It did…

I grabbed a bag of prepackaged carmel popcorn to bring home. I tried to pay where you get the other treats but they told me i had to go into the next room. So, I went in there and paid. I still had to wait a bit but eventually. I was actually kind of glad to be inside. I was starting to feel a little overheated. So I tried to just cool off a bit.

Once I had our treats in hand, I went back out to find the family. They had killed the potato pancake. Morgan said it was “fine” Which is about what I expected she would say.