A Salute to Food & Wine but Mostly Wine..12/21 FINAL THOUGHTS...a Solo Trip Adventure

[2xcited2sleep]

You are making me so excited for Epcot! I mean, I love it, but just hearing your description of your "private" entrance. Isn't it wonderful???

And your glass of prosecco sounds divine.

Glad to help stir up some excitement. I am very excited for your trip. I can't wait to hear all about it!

Now that is a good point!

I'm still laughing too!

I'm so sad that it is your last day. I really think they should have those gift cards on wrist bands for everything. Just like the photopasses on the wrist bands, I don't know how many times I had to dig out the photopass during our trip. It gets old.

I just started watching Brothers & Sisters this year. I like it so far but I am still trying to catch up on all the storylines. I think I have a decent grasp though.

EDIT: On a side note I love Michael Ausiello. When he was on tvguide.com I was featured in ask column one week! I felt like a celebrity. I am simple, I know. LOL.

That's a good idea for a wristband for the photopass cards. I bet we could make our own - probably just use a hole punch to punch a hole in the card and then pick up one of those wristlet key chains at the supermarket?

As for Brothers & Sisters, rumor is someone has a life threatening medical emergency and then they are casting for a new love interest for the person who is currently matched up with him/her. If it's true it will break my heart.

You were IN HIS COLUMN???? That IS celebrity status. I used to read it religiously in TV Guide so I wonder if I read it!

I'm especially enjoying your time at Epcot because I ended up not spending very much time there myself on my September trip. You should get some credit at the Beach Club - you've moved it up to the top of my list as next new resort to try.

I'm going to print out my TR and march it over to Beach Club and see what they say!

 

[tinkerbell87512]

So glad you liked MNSSHP! I saw that CM too with the painting of Mickey. He was "painting" out by the bus pickup on the MVMCP night. It was so cool to see him doing that.

So sad you are already on your last day. I love EPCOT too it's by far my favorite park. Can't wait to see how you spend the rest of your day!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I saw that CM too with the painting of Mickey. He was "painting" out by the bus pickup on the MVMCP night. It was so cool to see him doing that.

Wasn't he awesome! Another thing I wish I'd taken a photo of but they were telling us to get on the sidewalk in prep for the headless horseman and I was afraid I'd be trampled!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I wonder how many parts I can drag the last day into?? I'm thinking at least 4.

So before I got to World Showcase, I realized that I’d never tried Mission Space. Last time I visited they only had the intense version and that definitely isn’t for me. My father and brother rode it and while my mom and I were waiting outside for them a man came out literally half carrying his wife. She looked GREEN. She lay down on the bench/planter thing and just kept moaning (and “yelling” at her husband for making her go on the ride). So I have this memory in mind as I make my way through the queue even though I know there is the less intense version. And you’d better believe that I verified I was in the less intense line more than than once! I was in line w/ a lovely family that it was nice to chat with. They sure do offer lots of warnings and opportunities to turn back while you’re in line. I did not find that comforting. Eventually we got in there and it was ok. I wasn’t troubled by the motion but I was not wild about the confined space. Not sure if I’d bother to ride it again but I am glad I tried it!

Then I was off to WS and you caught me, this was my first stop.

Working the booth this day were two “older” women who were just having the best time working together. They had quite a rhythm going pouring the champagne, taking the payment etc. They were joking about taking sips in between customers (they weren’t, of course!). I just love seeing people enjoying their jobs so much… especially since I enjoy mine so little. It must be nice.

From the champagne booth I walked across the “street” to the Mouse Trap for a trio of cheese. Here too was an “older” woman who was also so friendly and having a great time. This has further cemented my thoughts of a Disney retirement job! On a side note, this booth was sponsored by igourmet.com and was the only place in the festival where I thought they were really trying to “sell me” on buying their products when home in real life. But it was yummy so I just may make a purchase and I guess it's nice to know where I can get it.

I took my champagne and cheese over to one of the many bar height tables they had set up around the promenade and enjoyed my snack and took in the sights. Got a few good photo ops too.

The cheese didn’t quite fill me up and I’d heard such good things about the empanada that was my next purchase. Yummy! No food porn. So sorry. At the time I was too self conscious but now that I’m home I wish I’d gone ahead and taken the photos. Next time!

I had spent a lot of time previously in Mexico so I passed right by but not without admiring the architecture. Did I already mention that I learned from Stacey or some other DIS TV show that the “control tower” for Illuminations is on top of the Mexico pavilion? Pretty cool!

Norway. I think I mentioned earlier that I rode the ride the name of which escapes me now. It’s more sad than I remembered. The people behind me kept saying “that’s it?” Did I already tell you that? The days are getting confused in my head. Next time I’m taking notes!

Did I also mention that I would so like to convince myself to purchase one of the beautiful $500 sweaters they have in the store? If only I could justify it.

Then onto China where I made a few purchases that will have to wait for the souvenir post! I think (based on the # of photos I took) this may be my favorite pavilion for photos.

to be continued...

 

[nts4wdw]

to be continued...

This spot in the back of the gardens is one of my favorite EPCOT spots. love the update so far. It's so nice to see the sunny skies on this terrible rainy, cold weekend.

 

[tinkerbell87512]

Wasn't he awesome! Another thing I wish I'd taken a photo of but they were telling us to get on the sidewalk in prep for the headless horseman and I was afraid I'd be trampled!

I have a picture I'll post it in my TR. But seriously he was fantastic. Totally loving his job and spreading the magic! I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about it.

I love the China pavilion too (and Japan) those are my 2 favorites. There is just something about the Asian culture that I love! Can't wait to see your souvenir post to see what you got!

 

[ILuvCrush]

Working the booth this day were two “older” women who were just having the best time working together. They had quite a rhythm going pouring the champagne, taking the payment etc. They were joking about taking sips in between customers (they weren’t, of course!). I just love seeing people enjoying their jobs so much… especially since I enjoy mine so little. It must be nice.

That is so cool.... someday I want to love my job too Disney retirement is becoming more and more my eventual goal

Did I also mention that I would so like to convince myself to purchase one of the beautiful $500 sweaters they have in the store? If only I could justify it.

Oooohh I'm good at this!! lets see.... Don't you live in NEW ENGLAND??? Isn't it COLD there??? I spend more than $500/month in heating oil in the winter... so what's pretending winter lasted an extra month, in the grand scheme of things?? Those sweaters look like they are made to last a long time...$500 over 5 years is only $100/year
You'll look great in it...and you can wear it to work, taking a little 'stealthy Disney' with you everytime

OK Miss Christine... I am absolutely LOVING the photos in this post!! I really loved the monorail ones toward the begining. Epcot is such a wonderful place to take pictures

Paula

 

[cdotla]

Great updates, and no better way to spend your last day than strolling around World Showcase!

At least there won't be an unhappy ending to this TR as just as you wrap up, you will be leaving for your X-Mas trip. I assume you will once again be bringing us along. And by then I assume you will have also gotten over your embarrassment of taking pics of food in public.

I felt the same way, trust me. And there is really nothing you can take a picture of (besides perhaps a birthday cake) that you don't initially feel a bit silly about.

If you are taking a picture of food at a higher end restaurant, such as California Grill, you fear people think you are completely out of your element, marking a once in a lifetime opportunity and perhaps never get out. Conversely, if you are taking a picture of a Taco Salad at Peco's Bills you fear people think you have completely lost your marbles. In reality, I think I have finally rationalized that people either are so absorbed with their own experiences that they are not even noticing or likely don't even care. And even if they are noticing and think it strange, who cares?

We will be expecting lots of food porn this time around!

 

[Lady Lallie]

So sad that it is your last day but I am comforted by the fact that you are leaving again so soon! Imagine how fast people would get through writing their TR's if they had another trip as soon as they were done!?

I am so retiring to Disney. In fact I had this conversation with Marc yesterday and he said no way, and I told him I was going with or without him.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

This spot in the back of the gardens is one of my favorite EPCOT spots. love the update so far. It's so nice to see the sunny skies on this terrible rainy, cold weekend.

Today is yucky weather, isn't it? We actually had SNOW in Connecticut. Thankfully it didn't stick and turned to rain pretty quickly. Good thing we will be at WDW in less than 2 weeks!

That is so cool.... someday I want to love my job too Disney retirement is becoming more and more my eventual goal

Wouldn't it be great? We could all go and it would be like the college program but for geriatrics!

Oooohh I'm good at this!! lets see.... Don't you live in NEW ENGLAND??? Isn't it COLD there??? I spend more than $500/month in heating oil in the winter... so what's pretending winter lasted an extra month, in the grand scheme of things?? Those sweaters look like they are made to last a long time...$500 over 5 years is only $100/year
You'll look great in it...and you can wear it to work, taking a little 'stealthy Disney' with you everytime

Ooohh... you ARE good at this!

OK Miss Christine... I am absolutely LOVING the photos in this post!! I really loved the monorail ones toward the begining. Epcot is such a wonderful place to take pictures

Thanks so much! You know what a fan I am of your photos!

Great updates, and no better way to spend your last day than strolling around World Showcase!

At least there won't be an unhappy ending to this TR as just as you wrap up, you will be leaving for your X-Mas trip. I assume you will once again be bringing us along. And by then I assume you will have also gotten over your embarrassment of taking pics of food in public.

I felt the same way, trust me. And there is really nothing you can take a picture of (besides perhaps a birthday cake) that you don't initially feel a bit silly about.

If you are taking a picture of food at a higher end restaurant, such as California Grill, you fear people think you are completely out of your element, marking a once in a lifetime opportunity and perhaps never get out. Conversely, if you are taking a picture of a Taco Salad at Peco's Bills you fear people think you have completely lost your marbles. In reality, I think I have finally rationalized that people either are so absorbed with their own experiences that they are not even noticing or likely don't even care. And even if they are noticing and think it strange, who cares?

We will be expecting lots of food porn this time around!

That's exactly it. I fear ruining the mood of the nicer restaurants or having people think I've lost my marbles! But since the people in my real life already think I've lost it by virtue of going to WDW again what do I care if a bunch of strangers in the parks think I'm a nut? So yes, I am definitely taking you all along for the ride and I will try to get over the food porn shyness. Release my inner (food) porn star, if you will.

So sad that it is your last day but I am comforted by the fact that you are leaving again so soon! Imagine how fast people would get through writing their TR's if they had another trip as soon as they were done!?

I am so retiring to Disney. In fact I had this conversation with Marc yesterday and he said no way, and I told him I was going with or without him.

That is an inspiration to finish up the report! My memory is muddled enough I can't confuse it with another trip! Why would Marc say no way? I would think he'd love it? Well then it's you and me and Paula. We can be the crazy ladies pouring champagne.

 

[ILuvCrush]

Why would Marc say no way? I would think he'd love it? Well then it's you and me and Paula. We can be the crazy ladies pouring champagne.

And taking sips inbetween guests

 

[julezdisney]

LOVE the new pix. One is my new desktop background, in fact! For a day or two anyway- yet another reason I love the DIS....

great update- yes, stretch it oooooooooooouuuuuuuuuuuuttttttttt!

 

[Lady Lallie]

That is an inspiration to finish up the report! My memory is muddled enough I can't confuse it with another trip! Why would Marc say no way? I would think he'd love it? Well then it's you and me and Paula. We can be the crazy ladies pouring champagne.

He says he'll miss the seasons and what about our future children? Pffft to the future children I say! I am going to properly brain wash them so they attend the College Program and just move down there permanently so I can move down there without any argument from Marc.

He's actually been looking into Florida because I have been whining about moving down there so often, I am hoping he will see the way soon!

 

[ILuvCrush]

He says he'll miss the seasons and what about our future children? Pffft to the future children I say! I am going to properly brain wash them so they attend the College Program and just move down there permanently so I can move down there without any argument from Marc.

He's actually been looking into Florida because I have been whining about moving down there so often, I am hoping he will see the way soon!

As I was standing in the cold Fri Nite at our neighborhood "light up" party, freezing my patootie off... I told DH 10 more of these (DD7 graduates in 2019) THEN i'm decorating PALM TREES!!! I'll come back and visit in October, when the leaves change, and spend the rest much further south (like the carolinas, or Georgia... i cant get my RPh license transferred to Fl... so that move needs to wait til retirement)

Paula

 

[Lady Lallie]

As I was standing in the cold Fri Nite at our neighborhood "light up" party, freezing my patootie off... I told DH 10 more of these (DD7 graduates in 2019) THEN i'm decorating PALM TREES!!! I'll come back and visit in October, when the leaves change, and spend the rest much further south (like the carolinas, or Georgia... i cant get my RPh license transferred to Fl... so that move needs to wait til retirement)

Paula

Marc likes the sound of North Carolina better than Florida and heck I am okay with that because then I can drive to Disney.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

And taking sips inbetween guests

LOVE the new pix. One is my new desktop background, in fact! For a day or two anyway- yet another reason I love the DIS....

great update- yes, stretch it oooooooooooouuuuuuuuuuuuttttttttt!

Wow! What an honor. Thanks! Hope you enjoy. Always nice to have a bit of Disney on the desktop!

He says he'll miss the seasons and what about our future children? Pffft to the future children I say! I am going to properly brain wash them so they attend the College Program and just move down there permanently so I can move down there without any argument from Marc.

He's actually been looking into Florida because I have been whining about moving down there so often, I am hoping he will see the way soon!

Future children... pffttt indeed. Glad to hear he is at least looking at FL... sounds like you're moving the needle...

As I was standing in the cold Fri Nite at our neighborhood "light up" party, freezing my patootie off... I told DH 10 more of these (DD7 graduates in 2019) THEN i'm decorating PALM TREES!!! I'll come back and visit in October, when the leaves change, and spend the rest much further south (like the carolinas, or Georgia... i cant get my RPh license transferred to Fl... so that move needs to wait til retirement)

Paula

A neighborhood light up party sounds so fun! And North Carolina sounds great.

Marc likes the sound of North Carolina better than Florida and heck I am okay with that because then I can drive to Disney.

I agree- a driveable distance to WDW would be acceptable to me too!

 

[julezdisney]

Marc likes the sound of North Carolina better than Florida and heck I am okay with that because then I can drive to Disney.

Wow! What an honor. Thanks! Hope you enjoy. Always nice to have a bit of Disney on the desktop!


Future children... pffttt indeed. Glad to hear he is at least looking at FL... sounds like you're moving the needle...


A neighborhood light up party sounds so fun! And North Carolina sounds great.


I agree- a driveable distance to WDW would be acceptable to me too!

No, thank YOU!

And we also talked about North Carolina as a possible move. I hear the season's are more mild than our severe extremes in No.Illi and heck YEA! it's closer to Disney!

As for future kids- better to get any moves out of the way first- def. much harder after they are here.

 

[nts4wdw]

Marc likes the sound of North Carolina better than Florida and heck I am okay with that because then I can drive to Disney.

You can drive from SC! Of course, I'll be in Florida in 6 years so I won't be here to be your neighbor.

 

[kschafer]

Oooohh I'm good at this!! lets see.... Don't you live in NEW ENGLAND??? Isn't it COLD there??? I spend more than $500/month in heating oil in the winter... so what's pretending winter lasted an extra month, in the grand scheme of things?? Those sweaters look like they are made to last a long time...$500 over 5 years is only $100/year
You'll look great in it...and you can wear it to work, taking a little 'stealthy Disney' with you everytime

Oh Paula, you are good! I love Disney math!

 

[Circusgirl]

Oh Paula, you are good! I love Disney math!

Disney math!