A Magical Place at a Magical Time of Year

[swwake]

If you see some there with an old beagle/dashound mix who is as skinny as a pole its probably my sister. Not too descriptive there huh? I'm not sure how she likes it. I know she likes some movie theater that plays Breaking Bad.

From the Hidden Magic book: "Disney Legend Marc Davis has marked the attraction with his love of chess..... In keeping with the Imagineer's obsession with accuracy, Davis researches past master tournaments for a no-win outcome, and the chess pieces were correctly placed on board between the skeletons for they would appear to ponder their next move for eternity."

I read somewhere during the rehab adding Johnny Depp that they put the chess pieces in the wrong order and had to dig up the original drawings to figure out where they belonged.

I'm moving on to Mousejunkies for my newest Disney obsessed read.

Yeah, I'll keep my eye out for your sister! I do hope she loves it. This is a great city! I don't know that movie theater though. There are several Alamo Drafthouse theaters that are really cool because you get table service (and alcoholic drinks) while you're watching the movie.

Ahh - so there's the details about the chess game. Interesting!

I think my next book is going to be the Roy O. Disney story.

 

[swwake]

97 days until Disney. What color is found on the flag of every nation with a pavilion in World Showcase at Epcot?

Yesterday's question:

Guests can pilot their own miniature version of the Jungle Cruise boats in what Adventureland attraction?
a.) Shrunken Ned's Junior Jungle Boats
b.) Bwana Bob's Boats
c.) El Pirata Y El Perico
d.) Pilots of the Caribbean

Answer: A. Shrunken Ned's is located near the Jungle Cruise exit. It lets Guests who pay an extra fee pilot a radio-controlled mini-Jungle Cruise boat around islands and obstacles. "El Pirate Y El Perico" is a counter-service Mexican restaurant across from Pirates of the Caribbean that features tacos and chili. "Bwana Bob's" is a small, freestanding store in Adventureland, originally called the "Adventureland Kiosk." In 1985, it was renamed Bwana Bob's as a tribute to comedian Bob Hope, star of the 1963 film, Call Me Bwana. Bob Hope also took part in WDW's 1971 opening celebration.

Points:
tankgirl - 1
Tammie - 1 for correct answer, 1 for photo, 1 for details and touring tips

Point tally:
Ashley - 14
Amy - 5
Ann - 27
Tammie - 35
tankgirl - 10

 

[tankgirl427]

Red!

 

[momabaarjo]

Yep...I would say it is RED

 

[brandanobash]

RED REDD RED RED RED RED RED RED blue

 

[shocky5]

Most definitely RED

 

[annmarieda]

After everyone has guessed... I would have to also say red?

 

[lilpixiebabe101]

No no.... Red's too obvious.... I thing It's SUPER DUPER dark pink lol!

 

[swwake]

Hi y'all. I've been crazy busy with both work and Dude's video, but the video is almost done. I am really looking forward to our trip to Memphis this weekend, followed by Vegas next week.

I did not bring my Disney Trivia book to work, so I can't update the answer to the Sunday question and a new trivia question, but I can tell you the answer is RED (not super duper dark pink ). I'll try to get that updated tonight and do some score tallying.

In Disney planning news, I was reading some of your PTRs the other day and you reminded me to check our airfare. So I did, and was thrilled to find out that our return flight price had been reduced by $49. That is a huge savings for the 5 of us, so I got it changed. But, I did spend $20 of that $49 on early bird check-in for each of us. I deliberated (for about 5 seconds) on whether to do it for one, some or all of us and finally decided to do it for all of us so we don't have to worry about checking in or holding seats on the plane and making others upset, and because the money was already spent, right?

Also, I remembered that I needed to make reservations for our lunch at Mythos on our US/IOA day. I am not sure when the reservations opened, but Open Table allowed me to make our reservation yesterday, so I was excited about that. I thought I was done with dining reservations, but Chris reminded me that we need ressies for Margaritaville for dinner our first night. Well, Open Table doesn't go that far for Margaritaville. I'm gonna check back around the 90-day mark.

In non-trip planning news, we have dinner at the Eiffel Tower restaurant at the Paris in Vegas on Tuesday (part of Chris' 40th birthday celebration). The dress code is "dressy". So I have been determined to find a great dress for that night. Being 45, I wanted something that doesn't make me look like grandma, nor a Cougar, but also doesn't make me look like I'm trying to be 25. That's a tough call. This in-between age is not easy. Well, Sunday I went out and found the perfect fuscia cocktail dress, and yesterday I ordered the perfect silver sandals to wear with it. I'm so happy about my dress!

 

[shocky5]

Hi y'all. I've been crazy busy with both work and Dude's video, but the video is almost done. I am really looking forward to our trip to Memphis this weekend, followed by Vegas next week.

I did not bring my Disney Trivia book to work, so I can't update the answer to the Sunday question and a new trivia question, but I can tell you the answer is RED (not super duper dark pink ). I'll try to get that updated tonight and do some score tallying.

In Disney planning news, I was reading some of your PTRs the other day and you reminded me to check our airfare. So I did, and was thrilled to find out that our return flight price had been reduced by $49. That is a huge savings for the 5 of us, so I got it changed. But, I did spend $20 of that $49 on early bird check-in for each of us. I deliberated (for about 5 seconds) on whether to do it for one, some or all of us and finally decided to do it for all of us so we don't have to worry about checking in or holding seats on the plane and making others upset, and because the money was already spent, right?

Also, I remembered that I needed to make reservations for our lunch at Mythos on our US/IOA day. I am not sure when the reservations opened, but Open Table allowed me to make our reservation yesterday, so I was excited about that. I thought I was done with dining reservations, but Chris reminded me that we need ressies for Margaritaville for dinner our first night. Well, Open Table doesn't go that far for Margaritaville. I'm gonna check back around the 90-day mark.

In non-trip planning news, we have dinner at the Eiffel Tower restaurant at the Paris in Vegas on Tuesday (part of Chris' 40th birthday celebration). The dress code is "dressy". So I have been determined to find a great dress for that night. Being 45, I wanted something that doesn't make me look like grandma, nor a Cougar, but also doesn't make me look like I'm trying to be 25. That's a tough call. This in-between age is not easy. Well, Sunday I went out and found the perfect fuscia cocktail dress, and yesterday I ordered the perfect silver sandals to wear with it. I'm so happy about my dress!

Agree on the dress! Very classy and elegant!

HOW FUNNY is it that you are taking Chris to Vegas for his 40th birthday... guess where I took DH for his? VEGAS BABY!! Was a great trip!!

Your birthday celebration for him sounds awesome!!

 

[tankgirl427]

I love the dress! Its also perfect cause its so darn warm in Vegas. I always wanted to go up in the "fake" Effiel Tower. I hope your trips are a blast!

 

[jenneth79]

Gorgeous dress! I love that color too, I think you'll hit the perfect balance with it.

You'll love Eiffel Tower Restaurant... we ate there as a celebration dinner with my dad after getting engaged in Vegas the night before (at Picasso). The view is spectacular. Enjoy

 

[annmarieda]

I agree... this is a hard age. I had a heck of a time finding something for dd's wedding. Too young for me... too old for me. It is hard to find that balance. I think you did a great job though. Very pretty dress!!!

 

[FosterA]

Hi y'all. I've been crazy busy with both work and Dude's video, but the video is almost done. I am really looking forward to our trip to Memphis this weekend, followed by Vegas next week.

I did not bring my Disney Trivia book to work, so I can't update the answer to the Sunday question and a new trivia question, but I can tell you the answer is RED (not super duper dark pink ). I'll try to get that updated tonight and do some score tallying.

In Disney planning news, I was reading some of your PTRs the other day and you reminded me to check our airfare. So I did, and was thrilled to find out that our return flight price had been reduced by $49. That is a huge savings for the 5 of us, so I got it changed. But, I did spend $20 of that $49 on early bird check-in for each of us. I deliberated (for about 5 seconds) on whether to do it for one, some or all of us and finally decided to do it for all of us so we don't have to worry about checking in or holding seats on the plane and making others upset, and because the money was already spent, right?

Also, I remembered that I needed to make reservations for our lunch at Mythos on our US/IOA day. I am not sure when the reservations opened, but Open Table allowed me to make our reservation yesterday, so I was excited about that. I thought I was done with dining reservations, but Chris reminded me that we need ressies for Margaritaville for dinner our first night. Well, Open Table doesn't go that far for Margaritaville. I'm gonna check back around the 90-day mark.

In non-trip planning news, we have dinner at the Eiffel Tower restaurant at the Paris in Vegas on Tuesday (part of Chris' 40th birthday celebration). The dress code is "dressy". So I have been determined to find a great dress for that night. Being 45, I wanted something that doesn't make me look like grandma, nor a Cougar, but also doesn't make me look like I'm trying to be 25. That's a tough call. This in-between age is not easy. Well, Sunday I went out and found the perfect fuscia cocktail dress, and yesterday I ordered the perfect silver sandals to wear with it. I'm so happy about my dress!

First off, Congrats on shaving some money off your flights!!
secondly, I think that dress is GORGEOUS!! If I had decent legs, I'd buy one!
Have a great time in Vegas!
p.s. did you and the people you know get through all the Austin area fires ok?

 

[momabaarjo]

Susan...check again on open table...Margaritaville at Univeral Orlando Citywalk is on open tables...

http://www.opentable.com/margaritaville-at-univeral-orlando-citywalk?scpref=107


NEVER MIND...I RE-READ YOUR POST. Wondering what the time frame for Margaritaville is...I was hoping 90 days. Plan on making our Christmas Dinner resevations on CityWalk soon! But not revealing the place until I have the reservation.


I had thought about Mythos, but I think I would be the only one in our family to enjoy the food. I am thinking a good breakfast, snack througout the day...and then Bubba Gumps, Margaritaville, my secret place for Christmas dinner, and then NASCAR or Hard Rock ( I know it is really for atmosphere at these 2 places...Goo is so into race cars, while Boo is into his guitar...hmmm which boy will win?...but this mama is gonna have her margarita and cheeseburger in paradise one night) the other night.

 

[momabaarjo]

Wow...love the dress! Now I want to see pictures of you in it! Have a great trip to Vegas!

I want to know why everyone's SW flights are going down, but mine keep going up. I thought I would book this week...but thinking I should wait for that 3 month window instead of 3 1/2 months!

How is the situation with the fires?

 

[swwake]

Agree on the dress! Very classy and elegant!

HOW FUNNY is it that you are taking Chris to Vegas for his 40th birthday... guess where I took DH for his? VEGAS BABY!! Was a great trip!!

Your birthday celebration for him sounds awesome!!

I love the dress. Can't wait to wear it. We are looking forward to Vegas on Monday, but don't want to wish this weekend away in Memphis - it will be fun. Happy birthday to your DH today too!

I love the dress! Its also perfect cause its so darn warm in Vegas. I always wanted to go up in the "fake" Effiel Tower. I hope your trips are a blast!

Thanks - I also love it! I think you can go up to the tower even if you aren't eating there. I'll check it out and report back.

Gorgeous dress! I love that color too, I think you'll hit the perfect balance with it.

You'll love Eiffel Tower Restaurant... we ate there as a celebration dinner with my dad after getting engaged in Vegas the night before (at Picasso). The view is spectacular. Enjoy

Thank you - got my toenails painted the same color So happy to hear the good review on the restaurant. I've also always wanted to try Picasso. Can't imagine eating so close to the REAL artwork.

I agree... this is a hard age. I had a heck of a time finding something for dd's wedding. Too young for me... too old for me. It is hard to find that balance. I think you did a great job though. Very pretty dress!!!

Oh, isn't it hard? I can't imagine trying to find a mother of the bride dress. Hopefully that is many years away for me.

First off, Congrats on shaving some money off your flights!!
secondly, I think that dress is GORGEOUS!! If I had decent legs, I'd buy one!
Have a great time in Vegas!
p.s. did you and the people you know get through all the Austin area fires ok?

Thanks - a relief to save a little money. And thanks on the dress - I am going to have to do some self tanning on my legs to make them "decent" for the dress. That's our little secret.
We are fine after the fires, but so many people (over 1600 families) have lost their homes very close to us. Being an animal lover, the animal stories break my heart. Dogs and cats and livestock that had nowhere to run. So sad.

Susan...check again on open table...Margaritaville at Univeral Orlando Citywalk is on open tables...

http://www.opentable.com/margaritaville-at-univeral-orlando-citywalk?scpref=107


NEVER MIND...I RE-READ YOUR POST. Wondering what the time frame for Margaritaville is...I was hoping 90 days. Plan on making our Christmas Dinner resevations on CityWalk soon! But not revealing the place until I have the reservation.


I had thought about Mythos, but I think I would be the only one in our family to enjoy the food. I am thinking a good breakfast, snack througout the day...and then Bubba Gumps, Margaritaville, my secret place for Christmas dinner, and then NASCAR or Hard Rock ( I know it is really for atmosphere at these 2 places...Goo is so into race cars, while Boo is into his guitar...hmmm which boy will win?...but this mama is gonna have her margarita and cheeseburger in paradise one night) the other night.

You just reminded me to check and make our reservation today. I'll do that after this post. Mythos is ranked the Number 1 theme park restaurant in the country, and it deserves it. We ate lunch there last September (maybe even a year ago today?) and really enjoyed it. I think there's something for everyone on the menu. I am still ding to know your secret place.

Wow...love the dress! Now I want to see pictures of you in it! Have a great trip to Vegas!

I want to know why everyone's SW flights are going down, but mine keep going up. I thought I would book this week...but thinking I should wait for that 3 month window instead of 3 1/2 months!

How is the situation with the fires?

I will try to find someone to take pics of us all dressed up Tuesday in Vegas. Not sure about the airfare - this has been a strange year. Our fares to Orlando are still astronomical for Southwest at $400 per person round trip. See above for the fire situation. The good news is the fires are mostly contained, though still smoldering. Yesterday, the last of the Bastrop homeowners were allowed to go back and assess the damage. They said they had tons of counselors onsite. I just can't imagine that feeling.

When we left today for Memphis, we did take some precautions, since we are still in a drought and conditions are ripe for fire. We put our external backup drive in our safe. Chris says it's a 20-hour safe so it should survive if for some reason we have a fire. We have an alarm and people watching our house, so we'd have fair warning if anything were to happen. The doggies are safely at the boarding kennel.

 

[swwake]

Well, today is Chris's birthday and we are on our way to Memphis to celebrate with our closest friends. Unfortunately, when we got to Houston for our connection, there was a 1.5 hour delay. Fortunately, that gave me just enough time to update my PTR and check out the DIS.

Nope, reservations for Margaritaville on Dec 16th are not quite open yet. I will check again tomorrow. I'm guessing it's a 90-day cut-off. So maybe Monday...

We're having a good day. Chris was like a kid on Christmas and wanted to open his gifts at midnight last night, so I let him. I was a little let down by his reactions ("I guess I'll have to get back into James Bond again" - when opening a James Bond encyclopedia coffee table book, the James Bond Car encyclopedia hard back, and the James Bond movie theme music CD, and "I probably won't wear this" when he opened the rune pendant I got him as a replacement for one he had many years ago that wore out. I think he doesn't think it's "in style" or maybe at the ripe age of 40 he's too old for it.) Hmmmmph.

But that's ok. The big surprises are coming...

With every travel trip I/we make, it gets us closer to the Disney trip, and I'm getting excited.

Well, let's do some trivia.

93 days until Disney.
Who or what sits atop the center column of The Magic Carpets of Aladdin ride?
a.) the Genie
b.) the Genie's lamp
c.) a Spitting Camel
d.) Apu

Oops - boarding early - gotta run. I will score later.

 

[tankgirl427]

b?

Have a great time in Memphis! I hope Chris likes the rest of his presents! He should have at least faked his excitement to a degree about the presents rather than a hrmph oh well kind of attitude!

 

[lilpixiebabe101]

It's.... THE LAMP!