A Stringbean, a Wingnut, and a plan! (A January '12 PTR) TRIP REPORT STARTED!! 1/16!!

[mousescrapper]

My parents recently went to Disney, and I had to share what they brought back for Wingnut and I!

Nom nom nom...



I had seen this online and had absolutely fallen in love with it:



Have you SEEN the new "it's a small world" merchandise???? Is it not the most adorable set you've ever come across??? I'm smitten.

A closer look at the lid:



And the other side:



Seriously. Awesome.


Day 7: Your Favorite Attraction in Adventureland

Day 8: Epcot: Future World or World Showcase?

YUM...I am attempting to make my own Mickey Crispies tomorow for a special family countdown night...YUM i love them [drool] and yes the IASW merc...I too am smitten can't wait to pick out a piece or two


to answer the next two questions:

Fav attraction in Adventureland like you so hard to choose, but I think Jungle Cruise will just be a nudge ahead of POC for me...you just never know what fun you can have on that merry trip

EP fav area has to be World Showcase too I love the non themepark feel, all the quaint (and large) shops, the entertainment, food and more...can't wait to be back! My current fav treats/drinks have to be School Bread from Norway and Grey Goose from France...and eaten together

 

[glennbo123]

I have to admit, that Small World teapot looks pretty cool.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Uh...Grey Goose slushie, hands down! I dream about when I'll get another! Foodles are few and far between for me b/c I haven't had the chance to sample many. I LOVED the vegetarian platter in Morocco though! Mmmmm

Hahaha I love those things too! I'm actually torn between loving that one and the Grand Marnier one. They both have such wonderful qualities .

I want to say that I want to give Morocco another try, but I really kind of don't. Wingnut and I had a pretty gross and frustrating meal there, so I think that that'll be skipped from now on for us! But I have heard great things about people loving it there (which is why we went in the first place )

In Adventureland I am going to to have to go with Pirates without a doubt though I do enjoy the backside of water as well but Pirates is essential Disney to me.

For me....I'm torn about WS and Future World. How can you not love Future World, the super awesome music as you walk in, Spaceship Earth, Soarin' and Living with the Land? I do enjoy me some World Showcase but I think Future World wins by just a little bit, like if you stuck your feet straight out on Soarin.

I will give you my favorite WS treat though, it's more like a meal. Fish & Chips from that little yummy stand in United Kingdom. Yum. I could so go for those right now.

Pirates is essential Disney, I know. But Jungle Cruise falls into that category for me too!

You're right, I know! I do love Future World tremendously, but World Showcase I think edges out very slightly (but now I'm second-guessing this...World Showcase doesn't have light-up sidewalks...hmm )

Ooooh YES the Fish and Chips there are great!! I wish that stand had better desserts though!

Although I most frequently go on Pirates, I have to say that I'm leaning towards Jungle Cruise because if you get a good captain - well - need I say more???? Right Wingnut?????

As far as Epcot is concerned - my new found love and passion over the Ditch and its fabulous beverages has made the World Showcase my #1.

So nice of your parents to bring you home some goodies! You must have been dying that you weren't there with them.

That is true, the captain totally does make or break Jungle Cruise. We've had some really great captains, even though you know it's a spiel, it does feel different every time!

WE HAVE TO GO TO THE DITCH NEXT TIME!!! Seriously. I've only walked by! How crazy am I??? My parents tried the avocado margarita, and my mom absolutely LOVED it, I can't wait to try it (my dad still prefers the Moroccarita).

My parents have gone before without me, it's okay! (It also helps that I am planning our trip now too!)

YUM...I am attempting to make my own Mickey Crispies tomorow for a special family countdown night...YUM i love them [drool] and yes the IASW merc...I too am smitten can't wait to pick out a piece or two

to answer the next two questions:

Fav attraction in Adventureland like you so hard to choose, but I think Jungle Cruise will just be a nudge ahead of POC for me...you just never know what fun you can have on that merry trip

EP fav area has to be World Showcase too I love the non themepark feel, all the quaint (and large) shops, the entertainment, food and more...can't wait to be back! My current fav treats/drinks have to be School Bread from Norway and Grey Goose from France...and eaten together

Ooooh how fun, I can't wait to see how they turn out! Seriously, anything shaped like Mickey automatically tastes better!

The slightly different ride each time does make Jungle Cruise fun! But I do also love that I know exactly what will happen on Pirates!

That's what I love about World Showcase too. It's just such an awesome place. I still haven't tried the School Bread, I definitely want to give it a try next time!

I have to admit, that Small World teapot looks pretty cool.

Seriously, I just love staring at it. I will probably never use it for fear of getting it dirty. It's like a little art piece on our table now .

 

[Megablocks]

Okay, I never got a chance to comment on some of your allergies going away. That is AWESOME news!

I love the Small World teapot. Adorable.

My favorite attraction in Advetureland is definitely Pirates. Future World or World Showcase is reallyyyy hard for me...I can't pick just one. I love Future World because I love the music and just the entire atmosphere. WS I love because of all the different foods, and the different shops, of course. I am totally not a shopper in the real world, but I love Disney shopping.

I don't think I've tried the Grey Goose slushie, just the orange Grand Marnier one. I am dying to check out the Ditch...I really need to try their avocado margarita

 

[Nermel9]

I love your tea pot, so cute!

My favorite Adventureland attraction is definitely Pirates! I don't remember the Jungle Cruise, I haven't been on it since I was a kid, so I don't get the whole "backside of water" thing! Aren't I a shameful Disney fan? I'm definitely going to go on it this year, though!

The Epcot one is easy, I LOVE World showcase, I could spend my whole vacation there!

 

[Merida]

I love the Small World stuff. I looked at the Nordstrom collection because I still fit into kids' sizes, but they only went up to little kids (and they were super cute shirts as well! I just am very attached to Small World ). The bags were gorgeous but I had just gotten a new camera bag and couldn't justify another $100+ bag.

Hm, my favorite in Adventureland is probably Jungle Cruise and definitely World Showcase over Future World. Future World seems more slapped together and less cohesive than World Showcase. Also, the Mexico and Norway rides are tied for my favorite Epcot rides!

 

[Jennifer48]

I have never seen the 'its a small world' merchandise! Excuse me for a bit while I go look

I love that they took a pic of P&F for you! That reminds me, I still have to upload my pic to show you.

My favorite attraction in Adventureland has to be Pirates. Being a redhead and all, I like to watch men fight for us "we wants the redhead!"

Epcot: Future World. I have yet to REALLY experience and take more time in the World Showcase. Somehow we always seem to just breeze through it. Plus, TEST TRACK BABY!

I haven't had many snacks in the WS, (another reason to spend more time there!) but I have had the Grand Marnier Slushie and it was yummo!

 

[3prettyprincesses]

My parents recently went to Disney, and I had to share what they brought back for Wingnut and I!

Nom nom nom...

Yay for parents who bring back Disney food! Looks scrumptious! Though, I wonder if it's gluten free. Probably not. Still, it looks guuuud!

I had seen this online and had absolutely fallen in love with it:



Have you SEEN the new "it's a small world" merchandise???? Is it not the most adorable set you've ever come across??? I'm smitten.

Oh my! Love this Sara, it's adorable! I am a big fan of Mary Blair's artwork which is most likely why that huge mural at the CR appeals to me. This teapot is too cute, too cute I tell ya! I'd be afraid to use it too and I'm 100% certain that my DH would make fun of me for buying a teapot I'd never use.

Also of interest to a few people reading this: they also walked past the Phineas and Ferb M&G and waved hi.

Oh, you must be in heaven! P&F are just waiting to meet you! They're probably counting the hours. Make sure you ask them "where's Perry?" because I'm sure they've never heard THAT before. My girls would love this meet-n-greet area, it's so cool!

Check out Agent P over Ferb!

I see him, I see him!

Day 7: Your Favorite Attraction in Adventureland

This is a tough one for me between Pirates and Jungle Cruise. I asked Wingnut, and he instantly replied "Jungle Cruise". I adore them both. How can you not love seeing that 8th Wonder of the World, the backside of water??? How can you not love "we wants the redhead!!"???

I can't choose. This one is a tie for me.

Hmm, I'm going to have to go with Pirates though it was a tough call, so close so very close! Want to know the deciding factor? It's pretty lame but I'll tell you anyway. I love the smell of indoor water rides at Disney. It brings back memories of me going with my parents and I just love it! The Jungle Cruise sort of has that smell but since you're outside for nearly the entire ride, it kind of diffuses the scent. I'm weird, I know.

Day 8: Epcot: Future World or World Showcase?

Okay, this one I'm a bit more decisive on. World Showcase for me! (And Wingnut too!) I just love wandering through the different countries and shops, seeing the different shows, and eating the different pastries.

Another toughie. I'm going to have to go with Future World though. I love the futuristic feel it has, so kooky and fun! Plus I love the music! I wanted to say World Showcase since it would make me look more educated, sophisticated and cultural!

How about you guys? What are your favorites? (And yes, absolutely include your favorite treat/drink around World Showcase! Mine is the Napoleon and the Grey Goose squishee - one-stop wonderfulness!)

Hmm, pre-gluten my favorite snacks were the cinnamon glazed almonds (still warm of course), the funnel cake, the apple tart and chocolate croissant from the Patisserie and kaki gori from Japan. Yummy!

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

NO ALLERGIES!! AWESOME! I'm back and catching up, and that's some pretty amazing news!

 

[AliceinWonderland7]

great PTR! I can't wait to start posting some of my own

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Okay, I never got a chance to comment on some of your allergies going away. That is AWESOME news!

I love the Small World teapot. Adorable.

My favorite attraction in Advetureland is definitely Pirates. Future World or World Showcase is reallyyyy hard for me...I can't pick just one. I love Future World because I love the music and just the entire atmosphere. WS I love because of all the different foods, and the different shops, of course. I am totally not a shopper in the real world, but I love Disney shopping.

I don't think I've tried the Grey Goose slushie, just the orange Grand Marnier one. I am dying to check out the Ditch...I really need to try their avocado margarita

Thank you!!! I was very excited about that

(I just realized the statement above applies to both my allergies and the teapot. )

I know, it is really hard to choose between Future World and World Showcase, because they're just so different! I love them both, both atmospheres are just wonderful.

I DEFINITELY am trying the avocado margarita next trip! Oooh you should try the Grey Goose slushie, it's very good!

I love your tea pot, so cute!

My favorite Adventureland attraction is definitely Pirates! I don't remember the Jungle Cruise, I haven't been on it since I was a kid, so I don't get the whole "backside of water" thing! Aren't I a shameful Disney fan? I'm definitely going to go on it this year, though!

The Epcot one is easy, I LOVE World showcase, I could spend my whole vacation there!

Thank you, I love it too!

Hahahaha you're not a shameful Disney fan!! The "backside of water" is when you pass around the back of a waterfall. Very corny humor, Wingnut and I are those passengers laughing the whole time .

Hahaha so could I! I feel like I already spend so much time there, and there's just so much I haven't seen!

I love the Small World stuff. I looked at the Nordstrom collection because I still fit into kids' sizes, but they only went up to little kids (and they were super cute shirts as well! I just am very attached to Small World ). The bags were gorgeous but I had just gotten a new camera bag and couldn't justify another $100+ bag.

Hm, my favorite in Adventureland is probably Jungle Cruise and definitely World Showcase over Future World. Future World seems more slapped together and less cohesive than World Showcase. Also, the Mexico and Norway rides are tied for my favorite Epcot rides!

I had NO idea Nordstrom's had a small world collection!! Seriously?? I can't go. I have to stop. Poor Wingnut, his home will be overrun by Mary Blair art before he even saw it coming...

World Showcase does have more of a "theme" than Future World, but Future World does have the "right brain/left brain" theme going that I find pretty cool.

(The right side of FW represents the right, or creative, side of the brain. The rides there are more "creativity" themed with Figment, Soarin', Nemo, etc. The pathways there are more curved and interesting. On the left side, the logic side, there's Ellen, what was the Wonders of Life, Mission Space, etc. Those paths are more linear.)

Hahahaha I love the Maelstrom! "Back, back, over the falls!"

 

[MeMom]

My parents recently went to Disney, and I had to share what they brought back for Wingnut and I!


I had seen this online and had absolutely fallen in love with it:



Have you SEEN the new "it's a small world" merchandise???? Is it not the most adorable set you've ever come across??? I'm smitten.

Very cute!
Sounds like you are about to have a new set of collectibles starting up.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

I have never seen the 'its a small world' merchandise! Excuse me for a bit while I go look

I love that they took a pic of P&F for you! That reminds me, I still have to upload my pic to show you.

My favorite attraction in Adventureland has to be Pirates. Being a redhead and all, I like to watch men fight for us "we wants the redhead!"

Epcot: Future World. I have yet to REALLY experience and take more time in the World Showcase. Somehow we always seem to just breeze through it. Plus, TEST TRACK BABY!

I haven't had many snacks in the WS, (another reason to spend more time there!) but I have had the Grand Marnier Slushie and it was yummo!

Hahahaha I know, right? I'm so in love with this collection.

Yes I want to see that!

That's a good reason! That's also my favorite part, but my hair is definitely not red!

Oooh you definitely should spend more time in World Showcase! The detail really is amazing!

Is it true that they're re-doing Test Track? I heard a rumor of Lightening McQueen making an appearance? I wouldn't be surprised if they did that, but that could have been Wingnut just starting a rumor .

I love that Grand Marnier squishee! Sooo good!

Yay for parents who bring back Disney food! Looks scrumptious! Though, I wonder if it's gluten free. Probably not. Still, it looks guuuud!

Oh my! Love this Sara, it's adorable! I am a big fan of Mary Blair's artwork which is most likely why that huge mural at the CR appeals to me. This teapot is too cute, too cute I tell ya! I'd be afraid to use it too and I'm 100% certain that my DH would make fun of me for buying a teapot I'd never use.

Oh, you must be in heaven! P&F are just waiting to meet you! They're probably counting the hours. Make sure you ask them "where's Perry?" because I'm sure they've never heard THAT before. My girls would love this meet-n-greet area, it's so cool!

I see him, I see him!


Hmm, I'm going to have to go with Pirates though it was a tough call, so close so very close! Want to know the deciding factor? It's pretty lame but I'll tell you anyway. I love the smell of indoor water rides at Disney. It brings back memories of me going with my parents and I just love it! The Jungle Cruise sort of has that smell but since you're outside for nearly the entire ride, it kind of diffuses the scent. I'm weird, I know.

Another toughie. I'm going to have to go with Future World though. I love the futuristic feel it has, so kooky and fun! Plus I love the music! I wanted to say World Showcase since it would make me look more educated, sophisticated and cultural!

Hmm, pre-gluten my favorite snacks were the cinnamon glazed almonds (still warm of course), the funnel cake, the apple tart and chocolate croissant from the Patisserie and kaki gori from Japan. Yummy!

I'm going to guess that the rice krispy treat had gluten in it, because I don't remember seeing on the package that it didn't.

Hahahaha I don't plan on using mine!! I'd be so upset if something happened to it! I love that mural too, it's just so pretty!

They must hear "where's Perry?" probably 800 times a day. But that won't stop me from asking! The M&G area does look really cute! I love the little pop-up Perry!

I TOTALLY KNOW WHAT YOU MEAN ABOUT THE INDOOR WATER RIDE SMELL!!! It's one of those quintessential Disney smells! My favorite Disney smell is the burning of Rome in Spaceship Earth.

Hahahaha I think both choices are good ones! I agree, Future World does have a little kooky vibe, with the lights in the sidewalks and stuff. I just love the Disney details, they're always so fantastic.

Mmmm...I usually know better than to Dis while hungry, but I forgot this morning! I love the funnel cake, especially with the liberal dusting of powdered sugar!

NO ALLERGIES!! AWESOME! I'm back and catching up, and that's some pretty amazing news!

Thank you!!! Welcome back!!! I can't wait to hear more about your trip!!

great PTR! I can't wait to start posting some of my own

Welcome, thank you!!! Glad to have you on board!!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

First: Happy 40th Anniversary, Magic Kingdom!!!

(A fun video I was watching earlier)

So recently we passed the 100-days-until-our-trip milestone!!

And of course, I had to find an excuse to use my Mickey sprinkles...



(True story: So I had baked the cake a few days in advance and put it in a bag in the fridge. Since Wingnut hadn't mentioned it, I thought I was being super-stealthy and had really pulled off a fun surprise. When I told him I had a surprise for him and showed him the cake, he was all "oh, so that's what the cake in the fridge was all about!")



Well, we all knew my super-stealthy skills weren't that great anyways.



Yes, this cake has 3 different types of sprinkles. Because I care. And because I got a sprinkle dispenser from Target with 6 different sprinkle options.

In my continued effort to finish something that should be done in 30 days in less than 5 months or so, here are two more days of the 30 day challenge! We'll get this done...eventually!

Day 10: Your Favorite Attraction in World Showcase

See, before Donald and the other two caballeros invaded the Rio del Tiempo ride in Mexico, that would have been my choice, hands down. That was such a nice, relaxing ride, interspersed with culture and awesome LiteBrite-esque fireworks on the ceiling.

Yes, the ceiling fireworks are still there, but the obnoxious cartoons running and yelling through every scene are too. (I'm sorry to anyone who's a fan, but I really do think obnoxious is the best adjective, at least to me.) Seriously, was that necessary? Can I have a moment of happy boat ride peace without Donald screeching in my ear?

(At least cartoons haven't been added to Living with the Land. I actually had a nightmare the other day that they took off those pictures of the people with the various fruits and vegetables at the end and I was SO MAD. Don't mess with my blueberry boy or tomato woman!)

Now, my favorite World Showcase attraction is the Maelstrom. (Does anyone else find it kind of funny that it has a FastPass machine?) It's kind of awesome (polar bears! vikings!) and you DO go backwards and perilously perch over the Norway pavilion.

(And no, as much as I bemoan the culture being gone from the ride in Mexico, I do not stop and watch the Norway video. I know. I just complain. Sorry.)

(When I asked Wingnut this one, he was a lot less long-winded than I: Let's see...World Showcase. The one in Norway.)

Day 11: Your Favorite Hollywood Studios Area

As much as I love the atmosphere of Hollywood Blvd., the lights and the storefronts, I'm going to go with the Streets of America, because:

1) Muppets
2) Osborne Lights
E) Phineas and Ferb M&G
17) Wingnut's mega-favorite ride: The Backlot Tour (sigh)
Last) The Singin' in the Rain umbrella, where you can not only pose for an awesome picture, but soak the unsuspecting nearby as well!



Check out the circumference of that splash zone!

(EDITED: Okay, I just realized I skipped day 9...I'll add it to the next installment!)

 

[Jennifer48]

That cake looks delicious! Was that dinner? It would have been mine!

DOUBLE DIGITS!

Day 10: Your Favorite Attraction in World Showcase
Considering I still haven't FULLY experienced the WS to my liking, I'm going to have to go with Rio del Tiempo also. I love your choice of description "LiteBrite-esque fireworks on the ceiling." Perfect!

Day 11: Your Favorite Hollywood Studios Area
I love being on the Streets of America just window peeping. The photos you get are so fun and do you know that even some of the doors open?! I also love sitting on a bench on Hollywood Blvd, listening to the music and people watching. Even more fun while you are sitting there and the Streetmosphere performers come out!

 

[Lady Lallie]

That is a beautifully sprinkled cake. I love it.

What are your choices really in World Showcase? Not much. Can Remy count as an attraction at Les Chefs. I think he is super cute.

I have to go with Hollywood Boulevard. I just love the atmosphere and the signs. Don't even get me started on those fabulous signs. I just want to crawl up there and live in them, they look so perfect. Sigh.

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

Mmmm... now I want cake. We're probally around the 100 day mark too. Sounds like a good reason to make a cake. Yay Sprinkles!

Does the Margarita Bar count as an attraction?

In DHS I love the Muppet Area. I could just laugh at all the gags all day

 

[Merida]

TI had NO idea Nordstrom's had a small world collection!! Seriously?? I can't go. I have to stop. Poor Wingnut, his home will be overrun by Mary Blair art before he even saw it coming...

World Showcase does have more of a "theme" than Future World, but Future World does have the "right brain/left brain" theme going that I find pretty cool.

(The right side of FW represents the right, or creative, side of the brain. The rides there are more "creativity" themed with Figment, Soarin', Nemo, etc. The pathways there are more curved and interesting. On the left side, the logic side, there's Ellen, what was the Wonders of Life, Mission Space, etc. Those paths are more linear.)

Hahahaha I love the Maelstrom! "Back, back, over the falls!"

Yes! It's all adorable kid's stuff (primarily) and apparently it's in limited edition collections (there's all this Scotland stuff now that definitely wasn't there a couple weeks ago!). I was kind of bummed it's mainly geared towards kids, and then I remembered I have two new nephews and it's almost Christmas!

Yum, cake! I love the chocolate cake + vanilla icing combo (and we will be stopping for a bear paw brownie thing in Animal Kingdom. It's on the top of my to-do snack list).

I was so sad when we went last year and there was all this DONALD splashed across my Mexico animatronics. As long as Small World stays the same, I'll probably get over it and just ride Maelstrom instead.

My MGM favorites are the same - who can dislike the Muppets?! Being a puppeteer for anything related to Jim Henson is probably the coolest job ever. I always wanted to be famous and go on Sesame Street and meet them all! The Great Movie Ride is a sleeper favorite of mine, though.

 

[MEK]

Wowsa - I missed a whole update! Yikes!

I love your Mickey Sprinkle cake - that looks so yummy!!!! I want me some Mickey Sprinkles!

My favorite world showcase attraction:

I think its either the movie in France or the movie in Canada. I must confess - I am a sucker for those videos! Although I am also quite fond of the American Adventure. Wow - this question was harder than I thought.

HS favorite:

Rock n Roller coaster. I love the queue and that whole "Where's my black Les Paul? Better make it a super stretch".

I am hoping after December to make the new Star Wars my favorite!!!!

 

[tinacaplan]

I clicked over here from MEK's TR and was so engaged right away that I did something I rarely do on the Dis; I read the whole thing in almost a single shot! Happy to hear that your health has improved and what a thing to live through. Your writing is excellent. I laughed out loud several times and smiled at all the great pop culture references. I'm looking forward to reading more and jumping into the really fun conversation you've got going on here. It will be a great way to pass some time, as we've got our own trip planned for February.