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

[askelton]

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!

We walked by someone talking a picture of their food and I had to point out to DH that I'm not the only one!

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.

They are beautiful, but if you move to Orlando, the urge leaves you!

 

[cdotla]

Ha, ha about those $500 Norweigan sweaters....DH eyed those babies for 2 years before buying one while I was busy doing something with the kids.

When I came up for air, he non-chalantly mentions that he just bought one of "those sweaters". I gulped. $500 US bucks!!! (Which for us means about $600Canadian.) What was he thinking??!!! We coulda stayed a whole extra day at the Poly or GF for that! Yes, I nagged him for awhile. Then shut up when my mother reminded me that I outspend DH by about 20 to 1!

 

[brookelizabeth]

How did we already get on your last day?! Glad to hear you are stretching it out though.

I love the CMs who get into their jobs like the water painter and the ladies at F&W. It's so fun to see them enjoying it!

DH and I talk about working at Disney after we retire...I think I would miss fall, but winter-ugh, I'm ready for it to end already!


I also like the fuzzy Disney math Paula, almost convinced me too!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Drag out your last day as long as possible, please!!!

I have never been on either side of Mission Space -- small spaces make me a tad bit crazy! Charles always takes the kids on the spinning side and I hightail it to Mousegears -- shopping is so much more enjoyable than having my insides spun into cotton candy!

Of course you stopped at Reims -- smart girl!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

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.

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.

Sounds like we all have dreams of moving south. And Lynn sounds like you have a PLAN!

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

Disney math!

Paula is VERY good at the fuzzy Disney math. Too good. Watch out for her.

We walked by someone talking a picture of their food and I had to point out to DH that I'm not the only one!

They are beautiful, but if you move to Orlando, the urge leaves you!

I don't think I saw anyone taking food pics while I was there! I'll look more closely this time b/c it must be crawling with DIS'ers. Especially at mousefest time! Yes I imagine that a $500 sweater is less appealing when you're a FL resident but it seems like you also "brainwash" yourself into thinking 60 is cold so who knows... maybe I could justify it!

Ha, ha about those $500 Norweigan sweaters....DH eyed those babies for 2 years before buying one while I was busy doing something with the kids.

When I came up for air, he non-chalantly mentions that he just bought one of "those sweaters". I gulped. $500 US bucks!!! (Which for us means about $600Canadian.) What was he thinking??!!! We coulda stayed a whole extra day at the Poly or GF for that! Yes, I nagged him for awhile. Then shut up when my mother reminded me that I outspend DH by about 20 to 1!

Oohhh. He bought one? Does he still love it? I'm sure I will be looking longingly again at them next week! Hopefully I can be strong. So nice of your mom to remind you of the spending ratio!

How did we already get on your last day?! Glad to hear you are stretching it out though.

I love the CMs who get into their jobs like the water painter and the ladies at F&W. It's so fun to see them enjoying it!

DH and I talk about working at Disney after we retire...I think I would miss fall, but winter-ugh, I'm ready for it to end already!


I also like the fuzzy Disney math Paula, almost convinced me too!

Think of all the fun we'll have as retirees working in WDW!! I am ready for winter to end too!!!

Drag out your last day as long as possible, please!!!

I have never been on either side of Mission Space -- small spaces make me a tad bit crazy! Charles always takes the kids on the spinning side and I hightail it to Mousegears -- shopping is so much more enjoyable than having my insides spun into cotton candy!

Of course you stopped at Reims -- smart girl!

If you don't like small spaces then I definitely don't recommend Mission Space. Shopping is much more preferable!!

 

[cdotla]

Oohhh. He bought one? Does he still love it? I'm sure I will be looking longingly again at them next week! Hopefully I can be strong. So nice of your mom to remind you of the spending ratio!

Believe it or not, I think he wore it for the first time yesterday. Hasn't really been cold enough yet. (He just bought it in May).

I must admit, it looked pretty fantastic. He got an all grey one with some black. Not as bright and colorful as some of them, but a little more manly and understated if you know what I mean. Maybe I will try to post a pic of him in it if he puts in on over the weekend, that is if it wouldn't be too off-topic on YOUR trip report!

Oh, and please add me to the growing list of people who want a magical retirement job in WDW!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Believe it or not, I think he wore it for the first time yesterday. Hasn't really been cold enough yet. (He just bought it in May).

I must admit, it looked pretty fantastic. He got an all grey one with some black. Not as bright and colorful as some of them, but a little more manly and understated if you know what I mean. Maybe I will try to post a pic of him in it if he puts in on over the weekend, that is if it wouldn't be too off-topic on YOUR trip report!

Oh, and please add me to the growing list of people who want a magical retirement job in WDW!

Oh yes! Please post a picture!!! I see the signs... I am en route to justifying a purchase...

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I am trying desperately to remember what I did with my last afternoon. It is not coming to me. But luckily I saved my photos by day so the photos should be able to tell the story. And let’s be honest… you’d much rather see the pictures than ‘listen’ to me!


I remember that it was sunny. Perfect Disney weather. Not humid and sweaty but just sunshine and happiness. And perfect weather for a grand marnier slushie … which I’d been dying to try but hadn’t been in the mood for on the cooler, cloudier days I’d been by the stand in France. So I know I got one of those at some point in the afternoon. I also had a bellini in Italy, as I recall. From a stand that I don’t think was F&W specific so I will definitely be checking that out next week! No one ma’am’d me but there was no flirting either. Probably against the rules. Darn that Disney sometimes.

That’s about as far as my memory takes me so I guess we’d best rely upon the pictures:

Germany! As I recall no eating or drinking here but I did enjoy browsing around the shops. Especially the Christmas stuff. Do any of you have a pickle ornament?

I really do like “the golf ball” unencumbered by Mickey’s hand with the wand… what do you think?

And wow… look at that sky! Not a cloud! It isn’t just my fuzzy memory, it really WAS a perfect afternoon!

Ahh… Italy! I just remembered a funny story from my first night but I think it will fit more with my souvenir installment b/c it was something I observed while purchasing a souvie. Let’s just leave it at this for now: a drunk stumbles into the store. Security is called. Multiple security personnel come out of the woodwork and surround said drunk who can hardly stand. It was fascinating to see how they operated! And, no, I wasn't the drunk!

I wonder where these stairs go?? Too bad they are roped off!

As I was rounding a corner in Italy I saw they were testing out the new Kim Possible game. I did not get to try it but it sounded like those who had tried it and were giving feedback had a lot of fun. As I understand it, you get a “kimmunicator” and get video clues that take you all around World Showcase to solve a mystery.

Looks really cute to me! Here’s a little description of what the game will be:

http://www.wdwnews.com/ViewPressRelease.aspx?PressReleaseID=110614

There was also a live chef demonstration going on. He was showing how to make different pasta shapes. Very interesting. But I think I’ll be sticking with the grocery store.

Can you ever have too many photos of Spaceship Earth?? This one has the monorail in it.

Well I think that’s about it for tonight. I am trying to wrap this up in the next week before my Dec trip starts…. b/c I cannot bear to muddle my brain further. I am DEFINITELY taking notes this trip!!! But I still need to find a trip journal...

 

[Charleston Princess]

We have the pickle ornament -- we bought it in June because the kids loved the idea of it. We just hung it in a regular spot for now, and then on Christmas Eve I will hide it on the Christmas tree.

I have to say that I liked SSE with the wand -- but then I am like a bird -- I like anything sparkly. Even though I have seen that geosphere since February, 1983, I still think it looks nekkid now.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

We have the pickle ornament -- we bought it in June because the kids loved the idea of it. We just hung it in a regular spot for now, and then on Christmas Eve I will hide it on the Christmas tree.

I have to say that I liked SSE with the wand -- but then I am like a bird -- I like anything sparkly. Even though I have seen that geosphere since February, 1983, I still think it looks nekkid now.

What does the finder of the pickle get? You guys have such fun Christmas traditions. And you bake lots of yummy stuff. I'm moving in!!

on the "I'm like a bird" comment. To each his own. Since I had a 15 year drought between visits I only saw SSE once with the wand and quite a few times without so I think that's why it's my preference.

 

[Lady Lallie]

We have a pickle ornament too! We don't hide it but I want to start doing that.

What a beautiful last afternoon. Our last day was really beautiful too, I bet it's a Disney conspiracy to make us miss it even more.

 

[Circusgirl]

Christine - I always buy a cute Disney journal for my trip notes. It means you have to shop as soon as you get there!

I also prefer the original unencumbered Spaceship Earth. Now when I see pictures of the wand it looks really out of place.

I've really enjoyed seeing F&W with you!

 

[kschafer]

LOVE LOVE LOVE the Epcot pics. Wandering WS is one of the most wonderful and relaxing ways to spend an afternoon at Epcot!

I too like SE without the wand

 

[nts4wdw]

We have the pickle ornament too. I hide it on Christmas Eve and the first child to find it on Christmas morning gets a five dollar bill. Jake is really good at finding it. I'm hoping to get some ornaments from other countries this trip.

Beautiful afternoon at Epcot! And with or without the wand, I just prefer to be there looking at it!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

We have a pickle ornament too! We don't hide it but I want to start doing that.

What a beautiful last afternoon. Our last day was really beautiful too, I bet it's a Disney conspiracy to make us miss it even more.

I bet it IS a conspiracy!

Christine - I always buy a cute Disney journal for my trip notes. It means you have to shop as soon as you get there!

I also prefer the original unencumbered Spaceship Earth. Now when I see pictures of the wand it looks really out of place.

I've really enjoyed seeing F&W with you!

Hmmm... buying a journal when I get there is an interesting idea. Actually... SPOILER ALERT... I did buy a journal when I was there this trip but I think it might be a bit heavy to carry around in my Vera each day. But maybe I could use a smaller one to record notes throughout the day and then the "official" WDW one to actually start to write my TR. Paula (ILuvCrush) said she actually wrote much of her TR while she was in WDW and then just posted installments... I think I might like that approach!

LOVE LOVE LOVE the Epcot pics. Wandering WS is one of the most wonderful and relaxing ways to spend an afternoon at Epcot!

I too like SE without the wand

Isn't World Showcase just the bestest?! Funny, if you had ever told the teenage me who was moaning and groaning about having to see all the movies that this would become my favorite place I would never have believed it!!!

We have the pickle ornament too. I hide it on Christmas Eve and the first child to find it on Christmas morning gets a five dollar bill. Jake is really good at finding it. I'm hoping to get some ornaments from other countries this trip.

Beautiful afternoon at Epcot! And with or without the wand, I just prefer to be there looking at it!

That sounds like a lovely pickle ornament tradition! And I agree... any view of SE is a good one -- wand or no wand!! Hope that you're feeling better!!!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

As I continued my blissful, meandering afternoon, I noticed the Illuminations globe being moved into place. I'm not sure I've seen that before.

I think it's Paula who can take or leave Illuminations and Jackie (CP) who hasn't seen it. I have to say I really, really LOVE it. Here comes another plug for the Beach Club. That location really facilitated viewing of Illuminations. I could hop over just to see it. In 5 nights I think I saw Illuminations on at least 3 of those nights. My favorite part is during the opening when the narrator blows out the torches. I get chills. And I can't believe I will be seeing it again a week from tonight.... but that's another report.

Memories still haven't come back so we'll have to do more photo touring.

Public service announcement: if you can avoid the restroom at the rear of the Japan pavilion I strongly recommend that you do so. HOLY un-Disney. Yuck-o! But of course my varied adult beverages were catching up with me and it was somewhat urgent. I will time things better next time!

The Zen Garden. I have a mini zen garden on my desk at work. Sadly it does result in any zen.

I wish I could say what I did for certain between my WS afternoon and my 7:30pm ADR at Le Cellier. But I can't. I think I headed back to Beach Club and hung out. Some time in the store, the room and maybe the pool??? So next will be a brief entry about dinner (still no food porn) and then a souvie post and then maybe final thoughts (assuming I have some! )

 

[Charleston Princess]

You are right -- we have never seen Illuminations. I am hoping to upgrade our tickets to Park Hoppers -- that way we can head over to Epcot in the evenings like you did.

More beautiful photos of World Showcase -- I am definitely making a note not to use the Japanese bathroom -- I was quite happy with the one in Morocco.

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

I'm just catching up on your report. I love the China pics...so beautiful! I can't wait to hear about the drunk incident in Italy-it sounds like it was quite entertaining.

 

[Lady Lallie]

I haven't seen Illuminations either, though I did get a quick peek at it one night but I was too preoccupied with getting on the bus and getting back to the resort to enjoy it. I am hoping to see it next trip!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

You are right -- we have never seen Illuminations. I am hoping to upgrade our tickets to Park Hoppers -- that way we can head over to Epcot in the evenings like you did.

More beautiful photos of World Showcase -- I am definitely making a note not to use the Japanese bathroom -- I was quite happy with the one in Morocco.

I hope you can!! For the record I don't really like the "globe" part of Illuminations but the fireworks are

I'm just catching up on your report. I love the China pics...so beautiful! I can't wait to hear about the drunk incident in Italy-it sounds like it was quite entertaining.

Thanks! Yes, that guy was very amusing. I hope to have that installment up later today!

I haven't seen Illuminations either, though I did get a quick peek at it one night but I was too preoccupied with getting on the bus and getting back to the resort to enjoy it. I am hoping to see it next trip!

Oh yes, I hope you see it on the next trip too!!