A girl ought to Celebrate what passes by-New PTR link up 7/16/10

[Hedy]

I entered World Showcase for the first time during Food and Wine festival. My first stop was, suitably enough, at the Mouse Trap for cheese. The cheese was quite good.

*

I then entered Mexico, hoping to check out the Cava (for those of you who don't know, part of my junior year of college was spent in Oaxaca, Mexico. As a result, I'm kind of prissy about Mexican food and drink. Oh, and those alebrijes that they sell at the entrance to the pavilion? I used to pass by them being sold on the street for a fraction of what it costs in the USA). Holy avocado margarita! The line to get into the Cava, which didn't open for another half hour, was almost out the door. I headed out of there, and stopped at the Indian kiosk-the pancake was really good.

I stopped in Norway. The line was short enough that I was able to go on Maelstrom. I wasn't able to go on it in '07 or '08, and I really like it. In addition to it just being fun, my dad loved it, so weird as it sounds I kind of feel close to my dad on it. I got out, and paused to breathe in the scent of Laila (note-you can get a Laila perfume +lotion samples for $2 on Laila.com. Silly as it sounds, I sniff mine sometimes to bring me to Epcot in my mind). I also noticed some Baekgaard accessories. I later saw then at Tren-D later that week. I'm probably being foolishly optimistic, but maybe this means Disney is looking to work with Vera Bradley again*. I headed onto China. Remember when I was calculating my overtime in drinks? I had a frozen plum wine calling my name in China. It was yummy.
In Germany, I popped briefly into the stores-I debated getting an Oktoberfest gingerbread, but decided to hold off. I also took a quick glanc around at the candy-I wanted to pick something up for my German/UK native coworker. I then headed off to Italy.

*The nailpolish in this shot is China Glaze's Atlantis, which I got free as a BOGO at Sally's right before I left. I though it looked really Ariel-y. I also did the Mickeys on my thumbnails.

 

[Hedy]

Right, so I was about to enter Italy. As we all know, that means I had one thing on my mind; Rosa Regale. Rosa Regale is my favorite wine of all time (and sold hardly anywhere near me). I got my required glass+chocolate, and headed onwards. I grabbed the cannelloni at the F&W booth-it was really good, bot too dry or chewy. I kept on walking, and enjoyed how unbusy World Showcase felt. I stopped to browse the merchandise. Was I the only person who thought that this year’s F&W fest logo reminded them of Alton Brown’s Mad French Chef?

Unfortunately, they did not have any of my banner messenger bags. Boo. I continued onto the USA-the stage was getting set for Taylor Dayne that night. I approve heartily of the Red Sox swag in the gift shop, not so much the other unfortunate team. http://lh6.ggpht.com/_g7TJgB9U4yc/S3Vu5p4m3pI/AAAAAAAAASk/1RpZ_cpTVGw/s512/080.JPG I reached Japan-I browse briefly at the Hello Kitty spot, then headed on. I met Jasmie and Aladdin in Morocco. I was having difficulty with my sharpie, but the handler helped me. I got a falafel, which was the only F&W yech of the trip. I looked up-it had suddenly turned into OMG The People why did I got on a Saturday, so I returned to Future World. I wanted to go on the new ride at Interventions, the Sum of All Thrills. I was all game to go on there, but the CM suggested I try the ride test seat a booth over. I was very glad I did. Now, I’m a fat girl, but I am able to ride all WDW rides comfortably. I was smooshed in this vehicle. So I headed onto the Visa Meet and Greet. I met with Mickey and Pluto.
I then circled back to the International Gateway. I fell in love with Kouzzinna at first sight-see how cute it is?

I really hope I don’t offend any readers, but I think it’s really cool that Disney is promoting the “family,” aspect of Cat Cora’s restaurant, given that Cat has a wife. I was seated. The hostess asked me if I had heard of Cat Cora. I resisted the urge to make a snarky comment about Food Network being one of the few things I love as much as Disney. I was able to see the kitchen. I’m not usually an appetizer kind of girl, but the goat cheese stuffed grape leave sounded too good to miss-it was great!

I also had a smoothie (DDP includes specialty drinks like that. IMO it kept me from having a really clear price comparison, as they drove up my meal costs, but they were yummy). My vegetarian option was good, although I had kind of a wait for it (they said it took a bit to cook-I attribute me being told after the fact to Kouzinna being relatively new).

I finished with the baklava, which was also good. I poked around the Boardwalk a bit, then boated it back to Epcot. I was not staying for Illuminations in that crowd. I took my time exiting the park-I stopped in MouseGears again. I returned home and went to bed. After all, I had to ride TSM and become in princess the next day. I did; however, call my mom. She was in NYC with her Bff’s for the walk. She wanted Sharpay’s cellphone number, as she was turning 15 the next day and we were missing her party.

 

[KatGarcia]

I am further convinced that we need to get together in NYC sometime! I am a foodtv junkie. Kouzzina looks really good and the food sounds yummy!

There is ONE liquor store that has Rosa Regale near us, i LOVE it too! If we ever do get together I will bring you a bottle!

 

[KathyRN137]

Please know you all are filtering my subconcious-i had a dream that Kathy had finished her TR, and I was mad at myself because I have neither a spouse not kids to keep me from DISing.

As if!

Anyway, January 30th was my 26th birthday! We went to NYC. WE saw A Little Night Music (with Angela Lansbury and Catherine Zeta-Jones), Hair, and I did the backstage tour at Wicked (this was AWESOME!). We ate at Planet Holywood, Gobo (a vegetarian erstaurant in the Village), Pershing Square.

Happy belated birthday! Sounds like you had a fantastic time!

I put on sunscreen*.

I am very proud of you!

I stopped quickly to get a pressed penny for my dad’s grave.

That is sweet.

I fell in love with Kouzzinna at first sight-see how cute it is?

Thanks, those are the first pix I've seen of Kouzzinna!

Sounds yummy!




Kathy

 

[Hedy]

We interrupt this TR to confess why my updates have been sparse-meet the new blog. I'm SUPER excited about it.

 

[Hedy]

Sorry for the delay-the blog launch has kept me busy!
I was woken up by Stitch. I got ready. I’d been kind of up in the air about what to do with my hair, as I knew I was curling it that night-I ended up going with two braids. I was wearing my Carl t-shirt, in honor of the Alzheimer’s Walk my mom was doing. I shot a quick “Happy Birthday!” text to Sharpay, and headed over to the Sassagoula Floatworks Factory. I soon discovered a downside to the DDP-beignets don’t count as a breakfast entrée. I had a Mickey Waffle, and my mumbling was soon quelled by the fact that Smart Water (which contains nice migraine-fighting electrolytes) counts as a beverage on the DDP. I ate my waffle, filled up my mug with Coke, and headed out to the bus station. I also saw Edith, for the first time this trip-she's a fixture at POFQ.
I was going to DHS today, And would be riding TSM for the first time. I got to DHS, and waited to get into the park. There were people looking for people to audition for American Idol. It kept me amused. Then we got to go into the studios, and were waiting to be set to run to the TSM queue. A streetmosphere character counted down, and we were off.

There were a couple of Green Army Men poking around Pixar Place. This pleased me, as my first year in college, my facewall colleage included a picture me with a Green Army Man, which was among the film photos I had with me. That’s right kids, when I started college our facewall was a piece of paper. Darn kids, get off my lawn. Mumble mumble mumble. I grabbed a Fastpass, then went to quickly use the facilities. The point of that was not my obnoxious need to over-share with the Internet. Really. Point is, I went in, came out, and the Fastpass wait time went up 15 minutes.
I got in line to wait.

I saw Luxo Jr (w00t!), and listened to my iPod-I was listening to audio from Rikki’s trip on the Be Our Guest Podcast. The queue moved slowly, but orderly. Rikki was chatting about the grilled cheese at the Poly. Once I got inside, I really liked the theming.

This photo has a reminder of why my current job is a gazillion times better than my old one. I may frame it. I find the upstairs/downstairs thing annoying, though. I got my glasses and boarded my car…
Would I find TSM to be over-hyped?

 

[KathyRN137]

Oh, I hope not! We loved it!


Kathy

 

[MeMom]

We are always at TSMM early in the morning or with Fastpasses, but I would like to go through slowly on time just to get better pictures. Like, for instance, I'd like to get the individual frames of this. I might go through the line sometime and just let people pass me up so I can get a lot of good pictures. You think they'd believe me if I said I wasn't going to ride, but I was just there to take pictures? I want to do the same thing with Everest - I have only ridden once, with a Fastpass, no good queue pictures.

 

[Hedy]

I'm working on my next part, I promise. however, I figured I'd point out that I have no self-control (I bleieve the term I used when I told my mother is "The least surprising announcement of the year"), I'm going to Universal in August. I decided after having Belle's illness last year, I deserve a re-do. Plus, if I'm going with Mordie and Ferdie in 2011, I should preview it for them, right?

 

[reyasmommy]

Just got caught up with your TR. I'm loving it and all the amazing pictures.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[Hedy]

I LOVED TSM-I thought it was fun, clever, and well done. Given how much the ride is themed to Andy’s room, I’m wondering what Toy Story 3 will do to it. I had some time until my Fastpass was up, so I went over to ToT. There was a 13 minute wait, so I grabbed a RnR Fastpass and rode. There was a HUGE family in front of me who were taking a bit to be put in place. I’m sure the fact that I won’t go on Snow White or Dinosaur, but I love ToT, says something about me. I’m ok with that. My Fast Pass for RnR was ready, so I headed over there. As I was standing in line, I realized my iPod was in my pocket. I quickly moved it to my baggalini. The person I was riding next to liked my Carl shirt. I strolled through the RnR dump shop. I had seen a unique bracelet outside the RnR gift shop that I though my mother might like. Somehow, this scene ends with me dropping my TSM Fastpass.

I headed over to the animation building, where I got to meet Carl (who loved my shirt), Dug, and Junior. An American Idol show was about to start, so I went over. I’ve never watched an episode of American Idol, but I really liked the show. It felt like it was back to the days of SuperStar television at MGM (I was picked to be on it in ‘93 as Ginger, and in ‘96 as someone on Letterman)-seeing your co-guests up on stage performing. Our contestants were a teenage girl, who sang “This is Me,” a mom in football jersey, who sang “hit me with your best shot,” and a guy I’m pretty certain was a plant (he was a “secret agent.” I thought the judges were good, if a little asinine. My personal favorite was the teenage girl (she reminded me of Sharpay). One of the judges was talking about how appropriately she was dressed. A t-shirt and denim short shorts* seems like pretty standard “I’m in a theme park” wear for a fifteen-ish year old girl, and not that amazing,right? The other critique was that her voice was too choral? IMO, that could have been do-able if she went on. But the Mom won, and I headed out to more of DHS.
It was lunch time, and after lunch I had to return to my room to transform myself into Ariel. I had originally planned on lunch at Beaches and Cream, but once I had done free dining, I didn’t think it was worth a TS credit. I pondered DHS’ counter service options, gagged a little, and was about to have lunch at POFQ. Then a thought came to me. That grilled cheese Rikki was talking about at Captain Cook’s sounded good. Why not hop a bus to the Poly, and have that. And so I did. And this is one of the many times when I wonder if I’m a Massive Weirdo, because the whole “Let’s have a CS meal at some random resort!” idea mainly was lubricated by the DDP-a counter service credit was a counter service credit, after all. I got the grilled cheese (tasty), chips (homemade), with a dole whip for dessert. Life was good. I briefly debated calling the Evanses to nanner nanner that I just had a Dole Whip, I mean see how the party was going., but decided against it. I popped onto the monorail to the MK, and noticed my legs were looked a little pink. Given the fact that the last time what I thought was Epcot rash was a weird autoimmune thing, I flipped out a bit.
My phone rang, it was my mother. The walk had gone well, they loved the shirts I’d ordered them. I told her to tell her friend I was wearing my Carl shirt. “Did you call Sharpay?“ I informed my mother I’d texted her. “I’m so mad at myself,” Mom continued, “I left her a message, wishing her a happy fourteenth birthday.” “Maybe she’ll miss that part?” I suggested. “It gets worse-I put it on the card I sent her, too. I’m not living this down, am I?” “Well,” I pointed out, “How would you react if someone said that to you when you were turning fifteen?” Mom was off to have dinner with her friends, so I was left giggling on the bus alone. We reached POFQ, and I headed into my room.

*So when a girl wears them in a theme park, she’s age appropriate, but when Miley wears them, it’s national news. Yes, I’m a Miley fan. don’t judge.

 

[Hedy]

Just got caught up with your TR. I'm loving it and all the amazing pictures.

Thanks for sharing.

Good to have you onboard!

 

[KathyRN137]

...My personal favorite was the teenage girl (she reminded me of Sharpay). One of the judges was talking about how appropriately she was dressed. A t-shirt and denim short shorts* seems like pretty standard “I’m in a theme park” wear for a fifteen-ish year old girl, and not that amazing,right?

*So when a girl wears them in a theme park, she’s age appropriate, but when Miley wears them, it’s national news. Yes, I’m a Miley fan. don’t judge.

LOL seems funny that they would comment on how contestants are dressed... what do they expect people to wear on Tot and R&RC??

I think that if you want to hop to a resort for a CS lunch then, why not? That's one of the perks of going solo!

Can't wait to see you as Ariel...


Kathy

 

[MeMom]

This is right where our room was in October. We were in the corner room right in front of the fountain. It's so nice to see that spot again and think of the good time we had.

 

[Hedy]

LOL seems funny that they would comment on how contestants are dressed... what do they expect people to wear on Tot and R&RC??

I think that if you want to hop to a resort for a CS lunch then, why not? That's one of the perks of going solo!

Can't wait to see you as Ariel...


Kathy

They're coming, included the two Ariels photo.

This is right where our room was in October. We were in the corner room right in front of the fountain. It's so nice to see that spot again and think of the good time we had.

Glad I could help. I think you checked out a couple of days before I did-I remember seeing your French Porter pictures and thinking I'd be home soon.

 

[Hedy]

I returned home to POFQ, And headed into my room. My costume was ready to go. The easy part had been finding the dark blue skirt and light blue shirt. Even making my bow wasn’t hard. However, getting my corset ready at home was a royal pain. I thought I could just sew hooks or Velcro on it (this is one of the few cons to going solo-I had the feeling wandering around POFQ looking for someone to lace up my corset would not be popular). Turned out there was metal boning in the corset-thank goodness Lexie was there to be my fairy godmother, or who knows what would have happened. So: skirt-on! Blouse-on! Corset-on! Curling iron was plugged in and getting hot. I curled my hair, clipped it up, and then went to my accessories. I’d bought an Ariel dogtag at the late WoD in NYC, and I put that on. I also had an ariel ring from Dollar Tree-Ariel popped off it, so I grabbed some nail polish to stick it on. The dad in My Big Fat Greek Wedding had Windex, I have nail polish.
I fixed my hair I used bobbly pins to hold it up-I used the ones from Sally’s in the box, and they held all night! I popped on my bow.

My makeup was a bit of a gamble. My foundation was fine, my eyes were fine, my blush was not the one I’d practiced with, so that was a little dicey, but turned out fine. As I was reaching for my lipstick, my compact with my eyebrow powder went crashing to the ground and broke everywhere. However, I figured I could clean it later. I grabbed the stuffed crab I’d gotten at Joann’s, my backsack, and hit the road.
Although I wasn’t in a gown or anything, I felt very conspicuous as I traipsed through POFQ. I caught the bus-there was a HUGE family in MNSSHP shirts-very cute. We arrived at the MK.
I got my candy bag, and made a beeline for Ariel’s Grotto. Actually first I got some pics at the castle, where I made a Discovery. Ok, you know how when you see pictures of Kim Kardashian how sticks her you-know-what out? Wearing a corset does that to you.
I got in line for Ariel. I noticed despite everything I did the day before, my calf was blotchy. I waited for Ariel. My phone buzzed. It was a Tweet from MagicalJenK (we knew we were going to be at the same party, but had to plans to meet). She had just seen Shaq walking around Tomorrowland. I felt a little awkward walking up to Ariel in costume, but I did so…

And she screamed! She asked If I were Vanessa, once I assured her I was not we chatted. I headed off to Tomorrowland, but didn’t see Shaq. I saw a bunch of clever costumes-a Peter Pan family, a Wizard of Oz family, three young women wearing sunglasses, white canes and mouse ears. Later in the night I saw a great Esmerelda-I kind of wanted to congratulate her or somethng. I think "God Help the Outcasts" is one of the best Disney animations ever-with the Rose Window. I also saw a Mary Poppins and Giselle about my age that were so good I almost thought they were official. However, looking at Giselle in all her skirts, I was glad to be Ariel sans fins and not Giselle. I posed by the carriage. If I could find my photo pass CD, there would be a picture here with some flip comment about if you can make me get near this again, my PM box is open . There was a Pinocchio made of duct tape-brilliant.

I headed over to the haunted mansion, and got some photos there.
I’d picked up a light up wand at Dollar Tree, and decided to activate it. The star kind of went flying. Oops. I got some candy, then did character meets while the first parade happened. I also stopped by a couple of dance parties.
I saw the Villans show (awesome!), fireworks (same!) and the parade. Oh Em Gee, the Gravedigger drill team was the greatest thing ever.

I decided to call it a night-and left the park to find massive buckets of candy! I filled up and headed home.

I took off my make up, took down my hair, and hit the hay.

 

[KathyRN137]

Looking at all the other guests' costumes was so much fun, wasn't it?!

You looked great, and most of all, COMFORTABLE!

Loved how your hair came out... just like Ariel! (Except I do think that the flower in CM Ariel's hair is just a bit large for her!)

The parade and the Villains show are the best... did you see Hallowishes??


Kathy

 

[TyRy]

Sounds like you had a great time at the party and looked great too!

Hope the redness that came back will be ok.

 

[Hedy]

I woke up at 8amish on Monday. I’d planned on heading to DTD today so I could sleep; however, the sky was pretty foreboding looking. As I wanted to go to Characters in flight, I thought the clouds were a bad sign. I mentally mussed around in my head the options, and decided to go to AK. I showered, called housekeeping not to come, as my mess from the night before was still there, and called Disney Dining to arrange the Sanaa ADR to be moved. The earliest they had was 1pm, and I had a reservation that evening at LeCellier. I figured I’d show up when it suited me, and if they couldn’t seat me I’d go to Mara (I had one more ADR than table service credit). I hopped aboard the AK bus, which was surprisingly empty, given it was an EMH day.
I was surprised to see how un-busy AK was. My plan was to grab a fast pass for the Safari, then hit the single-rider line of EE. I grabbed my FP, but headed over to EE to find it down. There was a Finding Nemo show, which I saw. I love that they kept the lobsters in-they’re wicked awesome. I then went to Primeval Whirl, which I like. I headed back to my safari, where I saw a good amount of animals. EE was still down, so I headed out of the park.
I did a ticket survey on my way out of the park. I hopped on the bus to AKL, and headed to Kidani. I’m sorry, but I do consider AK to be a half-day park. Given that I’m afraid of birds, and I’m never riding Dinosaur again, there’s just not that much for me there.
I really liked Kidani Village-I think it’s a lot more attractive than Jambo house. I headed down to Sanaa.

Despite being two hours early for my ADR, I was able to be seated. (The restaurant was empty. I have no clue what Dining Dining was smoking that morning). I requested the vegetarian menu.

Now, restaurant gods hear this: there is no easier way to endear your restaurant to Heather than to have a vegetarian menu. Keep me from playing the “what’s in the cheddar cheese soup” game, and unless your vegetarian menu is mushroom steamed in Dansani over mixed greens, you have a fan in me ;0. I ordered a cokewithnoice please. I got the vegetarian platter with the paneer and spinach, 5 grain pilaf and stewed lentils. Now, I’d gone into Sanaa with the Very Bad Experience Mickey, Minnie and the Evanses had had in August of ‘09 clouding my mind. Ther service was awesome, food was great (it is Indian food with an African flair-my spinach and paneer was not palak paneer), and the vegetarian menu was great.

The menu said something about being done in late September, so I wonder if some changes were made. I had Vanilla-Coconut Rice Pudding for dessert (very good), and the Pina Colada Rooibos. I find Rooibos to be overrated, but this was very good.
The animal views from Sanaa are unbelievably awesome. As I cannot mind my own beeswax to save my soul, I listened to what my fellow compatriots were talking about. Apparent the guy who is something big with AKL’s animals was there, cool! I headed out of Kidani Village, and went to the bus stop. I aided a family in getting to Ft. Wilderness. I hopped aboard the MK bus to take the monorail to Epcot (apparently my feeling like I was riding the monorail a lot on this trip was correct-given it was my third trip on it it in four days).

 

[TyRy]

Looks like you had a good AK/AKV visit. It's always good to hear people liking Kidani better than Jambo. DH loves Kidani and I'm still trying to love it as much as Jambo.