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

[MEK]

Well, I have to agree that when you are traveling men LaHacienda with its great view, Mexican food, and amazing ritas is probably a better choice than pizza and hotties. Just sayin!

So glad you didn't change your resort again. I already can't keep up with all the previous resort changes. How many times has it changed - 3, 4?

 

[Nermel9]

LOL, you change ADR's and resorts as much as I do! I'm glad you're still at the Poly! Now a little ADR change doesn't sound so drastic! I think La Hacienda sounds great, although I just tried Via Napoli on this past trip and LOVED it!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

You are so like me. You think you have the perfect plans and then BAM! Changes. I think that is what I love about planning though.

Hahaha I agree! It makes waiting for the trip to come much more interesting!

Well, I have to agree that when you are traveling men LaHacienda with its great view, Mexican food, and amazing ritas is probably a better choice than pizza and hotties. Just sayin!

So glad you didn't change your resort again. I already can't keep up with all the previous resort changes. How many times has it changed - 3, 4?

Good point!

Hahaha only 3! (Port Orleans French Quarter to Boardwalk to Polynesian) We did mention Wilderness Lodge a lot in there though, but never actually switched to there!

LOL, you change ADR's and resorts as much as I do! I'm glad you're still at the Poly! Now a little ADR change doesn't sound so drastic! I think La Hacienda sounds great, although I just tried Via Napoli on this past trip and LOVED it!

Hahaha I know, at this point changing an ADR is definitely not a dramatic change!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

(Did everyone remember to change their clocks for Daylight Savings Time? Every clock in the apartment has a different time on it now, also because we were losing power briefly a few times yesterday - I'm sure they were working on getting other people's power working! )

Wingnut and I have been getting pretty excited about our holiday decoration shopping (for those who tuned into my reports more recently, we moved in to our first apartment back in May, so this is our first holiday season living together ).

And so yesterday, Wingnut and I bought our Christmas tree! (If anyone is looking for an artificial tree, Target has a bunch of really well-priced options, along with decorations and other holiday whatsits)

Oh, and these:



If you can't see the details well, this is a display of Disney-related holiday dining and entertaining things, such as cups, glasses, sippy cups, glove-shaped plates, trays, cheese spreaders, bowls, and 3-section Mickey-shaped plates and bowls.

(No, I didn't buy any of it .)

Moving back to trip-related discussion! I can't believe how quickly the days have been passing by, and how much closer we're getting to our trip (getting a bit close to 50 days left!).

How about a few more questions/answers?

Day 17: Your Favorite Restaurant

Oooh. No question for me. Jiko.



Seriously, everything about this restaurant was gorgeous and wonderful and amazing.



(Wingnut STILL talks about this duck. I'm not even kidding. Whenever we randomly look at the menus, he has to make sure that the duck is still on the list for Jiko.)

Day 18: What Attraction do you Wish They'd Bring Back?

I think I'm going to have to go with Mr. Toad's Wild Ride (a close second is the original version of Spaceship Earth), which was replaced by Winnie the Pooh in the late '90's. It was a completely awesome and pretty random ride (I remember a lot of "almost crashing into walls and other stuff"). And there were two separate tracks, so each track had a different sequence of events.

But the main reason this ride has a special place in my Disney memories is that there was a fortune teller in the ride, Madame Sara. My family and I loved seeing Madame Sara's sign, and I actually think that's the part of the ride that we all are like "ohhh, we miss Madame Sara" when we talk about Mr. Toad being gone.

(If that last paragraph made absolutely NO sense to you, my name is Sara. And what made this sign especially exciting was that it was spelled the same way as my name, sans h.)

(I know, it sounds silly and not really like a big deal and it really was just one sign in a ride that's been gone for 11 years now, but, well, I think it's fun to have random weird connections to the smallest details. And believe me, we pointed that sign out EVERY time we rode. Which was a lot.)

I miss you, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride.

(Does Mr. Toad still have a tombstone in the Haunted Mansion's graveyard since the refurb?)

Anyways, thank you Youtube!

(Track 1)

(Track 2) (At 1:27 of this clip, you'll see Madame Sara )

How about you guys? Favorite restaurant? Favorite ride of yesteryear? Holiday shopping?

 

[MEK]

I think your Christmas tree was a steal. Awesome! I use artificial trees. I bought the first one when I was pregnant with Brian and, despite that fact that it was knocked over multiple times, by kids and young cats trying to climb it, it still decorates nicely. Then I have a second that is slightly smaller. But I bought them both before prelit trees were so inexpensive. The last several years I've only decorated one, but I may actually put both up. Christmas is the only holiday I decorate for. I have tons of stuff. Too much stuff. I hope to have at least one up over Thanksgiving weekend.

Can't believe you resisted the mickey bowls and stuff. I saw someone else post that on FB.

Ok - fav restaurant. I am going to go with Cali Grill, not just because I had an awesome meal there, but because our table was perfect with the most gorgeous view. Any my whole memory of that meal screams magic. We are taking Nick there in December, so we won't get one of those wonderful window seats, but I'm still looking forward to it.

Old attraction - Well, I am really going to miss Mickey and Minnie's houses. I can't believe they are gone.

Loved the movie of Mr Toad's Wild Ride. Really is so Disney.

 

[Lady Lallie]

I love the holidays! I was in Target with my mom last night and we were looking at their decorations, they always have the best ornaments. The last few years I have been decorating my tree with more and more bird ornaments (I'm sure you would believe that this bird collection started with an ornament from World Showcase) and I found some cute ones to add to my collection. Marc usually buys them for me so I have to drag him to Target before the pickings get slim!

Favorite restaurant without a doubt is Hollywood Brown Derby. Polenta, Polenta, Polenta. YUM!

Ride I wish they would bring back....hmmmm. To be honest I don't know if I have one. I think all of my favorites are still intact. I do wish they would bring Disneyland's World of Color to Florida though. Does that count?

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Oh man, I'm lucky (but don't feel so lucky) to not have a Target near me b/c I would be BROKE and not have any spending money for the trip if I saw all that mickey xmas stuff!

I don't have a "wish they would bring it back" yet b/c I have only been twice since 2008 and I don't know of anything that is gone that I'll miss. I guess Mickey & Minnie's houses just b/c I have a pic of my dd on our first trip in Minnie's chair and it's sad that it's gone...but I can't wait for the new Fantasyland!

As for restaurant, I LOVE Tusker House b/c they have a large assortment for a vegan, Boma as well.

 

[tinacaplan]

So, as a teacher one of the benefits is having all the federal holidays off and when I look at my calendar between now and Christmas, I can't believe how incredibly close it is. Once Thanksgiving hits, its just so fast 'till Christmas and then your trip and well...my own trip will be super close, too.

We have a very small house and a very small artificial tree. Maybe someday we'll switch to a real one, but then again... All the Mickey stuff at Target looks fun. Impressed that you were able to restrain yourself. Don't think I could...in fact, my first thought was, gotta get to Target. Its been rather easy to turn Christmas into a Disney-themed extravaganza. I mean, Mickey's already red, so....

As for favorite restaurant, I'm with MEK on this one...Cali Grill all the way. We had the most amazing experience here. My husband and I went to Disney (first trip as an adult for both of us and the start of my Disney addiction) to celebrate our fifth anniversary and had dinner there on Valentine's Day, during Wishes! When we were seated at our table, directly in front of the huge windows overlooking the castle, I CRIED. Seriously...I cried. It was that magical!

Now...old attraction...not really sure. I have some vague-ish memories of Horizons in EPCOT, I think. I miss 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and was shocked to see Mr. Toad replaced by Winnie the Pooh. There's a huge gap between my trips as a kid way back in the 80s and the trips we've taken since 2010, so...don't remember a whole lot.

 

[Joyciemc]

I love Christmas decorations! I'm already counting down (like I need something else to count down too ) to tree-putting up time!


Jiko is amazing-pants. The wild boar appetizer is Ben's version of Wingnut's duck. Haha, that sentence makes no sense out of context

My favorite restaurant is probably California Grill, but 'Ohana is close!

Old attraction I want back would be Food Rocks. They got rid of it to make room the Soarin' queue, and I miss it! But I know most folks didn't find it as randomly hilarious as me..

 

[SoNotAPrincess]

Subbing!

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Hey Sara, catching up!

I am soooo going to try La Hacienda next trip, mostly due to your fabulous review of it. I love the atmosphere and the food looks ridiculously good, I love Mexican food.

I do remember your Goofy's Candy Co. story! I'm glad it helped you daydream your appt. time away.

Dole whip advice? Hmm, my favorite combo is vanilla ice cream in pineapple juice. It's goooood! The pineapple ice cream and pineapple juice was too sweet and pineappley for me. Ok, I don't think "pineappley" is a word, either that or it just looks ridiculous spelled out!

Wow, you got a lot of snow! We only got mostly ice and sleet but never lost power, whew! Isn't it funny, when the power goes you out, you realize just how reliant you are on it?? Glad yours is on!

Ah, Target. It's my siren call, one that I answer far too often! I love it there. Where else can you buy lotion, eggs AND bath towels? I adore all that Mickey Christmas stuff too, I just now I'll be purchasing some of it... We've never done an artificial tree because I love the smell of a real tree too much. But I can definitely see the perks of having a fake one!

Ok, favorite restaurant. California Grill. The food alone is worth the honor of being my favorite but when you couple that with the fact you can watch Wishes on the roof? Winner!

Favorite old attraction? I don't know! How about a show...the Kitchen Kabaret. It was the dancing food show and I loved it soooo much that I managed to talk my parents into buying me that broccoli doll with the cool shades!

 

[MeMom]

I have the big red three sectioned bowl on the bottom. I use it all through the year, especially when taking things to school or church activities. There are always lots of smiles at the Disney touch.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

I think your Christmas tree was a steal. Awesome! I use artificial trees. I bought the first one when I was pregnant with Brian and, despite that fact that it was knocked over multiple times, by kids and young cats trying to climb it, it still decorates nicely. Then I have a second that is slightly smaller. But I bought them both before prelit trees were so inexpensive. The last several years I've only decorated one, but I may actually put both up. Christmas is the only holiday I decorate for. I have tons of stuff. Too much stuff. I hope to have at least one up over Thanksgiving weekend.

Can't believe you resisted the mickey bowls and stuff. I saw someone else post that on FB.

Ok - fav restaurant. I am going to go with Cali Grill, not just because I had an awesome meal there, but because our table was perfect with the most gorgeous view. Any my whole memory of that meal screams magic. We are taking Nick there in December, so we won't get one of those wonderful window seats, but I'm still looking forward to it.

Old attraction - Well, I am really going to miss Mickey and Minnie's houses. I can't believe they are gone.

Loved the movie of Mr Toad's Wild Ride. Really is so Disney.

I was definitely thrilled with the price of the tree...and then we saw it online after we bought it for $10 less! Boo! Oh well.

I love decorating for Christmas, it's so much fun! I can't wait until some of our decorations are up! I think after Thanksgiving is fair game for Christmas decor!

I kind of can't believe we didn't come home with those bowls or something else either! (But this holiday season is far from over...)

I seriously can't wait to go to Cali Grill! It just seems so wonderfully magical and quintessentially Disney there. I'm hoping we get a window table, but even if we don't, I'm sure it's going to have a wonderful meal!

I love the holidays! I was in Target with my mom last night and we were looking at their decorations, they always have the best ornaments. The last few years I have been decorating my tree with more and more bird ornaments (I'm sure you would believe that this bird collection started with an ornament from World Showcase) and I found some cute ones to add to my collection. Marc usually buys them for me so I have to drag him to Target before the pickings get slim!

Favorite restaurant without a doubt is Hollywood Brown Derby. Polenta, Polenta, Polenta. YUM!

Ride I wish they would bring back....hmmmm. To be honest I don't know if I have one. I think all of my favorites are still intact. I do wish they would bring Disneyland's World of Color to Florida though. Does that count?

Target did have a bunch of cute ornaments! Wingnut and I especially loved the little round Santa ones with the beard made up with confetti inside of the ornament. A bird-themed tree sounds like it's really pretty! We never really had a tree theme, it's just always ornaments we've collected over the years.

Hahaha I can't think of the Brown Derby without thinking of you and that polenta! Someday I will get there! (And yes, eat the polenta!)

I would like to see World of Color someday - I've only seen it on YouTube, and I'm pretty sure that doesn't give the show its justice!

Oh man, I'm lucky (but don't feel so lucky) to not have a Target near me b/c I would be BROKE and not have any spending money for the trip if I saw all that mickey xmas stuff!

I don't have a "wish they would bring it back" yet b/c I have only been twice since 2008 and I don't know of anything that is gone that I'll miss. I guess Mickey & Minnie's houses just b/c I have a pic of my dd on our first trip in Minnie's chair and it's sad that it's gone...but I can't wait for the new Fantasyland!

As for restaurant, I LOVE Tusker House b/c they have a large assortment for a vegan, Boma as well.

LOL I couldn't exist without a Target! They have EVERYTHING there, which is both a good thing and a bad thing!

I can't wait to see the new Fantasyland either! The Mine Train ride sounds like it's going to be really great!

I love Boma, the variety there is awesome. I'd love to give Tusker House a try sometime!

So, as a teacher one of the benefits is having all the federal holidays off and when I look at my calendar between now and Christmas, I can't believe how incredibly close it is. Once Thanksgiving hits, its just so fast 'till Christmas and then your trip and well...my own trip will be super close, too.

We have a very small house and a very small artificial tree. Maybe someday we'll switch to a real one, but then again... All the Mickey stuff at Target looks fun. Impressed that you were able to restrain yourself. Don't think I could...in fact, my first thought was, gotta get to Target. Its been rather easy to turn Christmas into a Disney-themed extravaganza. I mean, Mickey's already red, so....

As for favorite restaurant, I'm with MEK on this one...Cali Grill all the way. We had the most amazing experience here. My husband and I went to Disney (first trip as an adult for both of us and the start of my Disney addiction) to celebrate our fifth anniversary and had dinner there on Valentine's Day, during Wishes! When we were seated at our table, directly in front of the huge windows overlooking the castle, I CRIED. Seriously...I cried. It was that magical!

Now...old attraction...not really sure. I have some vague-ish memories of Horizons in EPCOT, I think. I miss 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and was shocked to see Mr. Toad replaced by Winnie the Pooh. There's a huge gap between my trips as a kid way back in the 80s and the trips we've taken since 2010, so...don't remember a whole lot.

It feels like time moves so much faster during this part of the year, so the trips come up even quicker!

Hahaha I keep looking at the picture now like...oh I want those! I'm really trying to be like "we have bowls. And cups."

(...but they don't have feet! or ears! )

It is WAY too easy to get all Disneyfied for the holidays! I'm trying to hold back, but there's so much temptation!

That's such a sweet Valentines Day story! Hearing all of these wonderful things about Cali Grill is getting me more and more excited about going there! I can't wait!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

I love Christmas decorations! I'm already counting down (like I need something else to count down too ) to tree-putting up time!

Jiko is amazing-pants. The wild boar appetizer is Ben's version of Wingnut's duck. Haha, that sentence makes no sense out of context

My favorite restaurant is probably California Grill, but 'Ohana is close!

Old attraction I want back would be Food Rocks. They got rid of it to make room the Soarin' queue, and I miss it! But I know most folks didn't find it as randomly hilarious as me..

Hahaha so do I! My decorations are now just sitting here waiting to be put up! Now's too early, right?

Wingnut had the wild boar appetizer too, and LOVED it. He also keeps going on about that one too. (That one I did taste, it was pretty awesome.)

Awww Food Rocks!! I was just watching that on YouTube the other day! You know it's on there, right? Here!

Subbing!

Welcome!! Glad to have you here!

Hey Sara, catching up!

I am soooo going to try La Hacienda next trip, mostly due to your fabulous review of it. I love the atmosphere and the food looks ridiculously good, I love Mexican food.

I do remember your Goofy's Candy Co. story! I'm glad it helped you daydream your appt. time away.

Dole whip advice? Hmm, my favorite combo is vanilla ice cream in pineapple juice. It's goooood! The pineapple ice cream and pineapple juice was too sweet and pineappley for me. Ok, I don't think "pineappley" is a word, either that or it just looks ridiculous spelled out!

Wow, you got a lot of snow! We only got mostly ice and sleet but never lost power, whew! Isn't it funny, when the power goes you out, you realize just how reliant you are on it?? Glad yours is on!

Ah, Target. It's my siren call, one that I answer far too often! I love it there. Where else can you buy lotion, eggs AND bath towels? I adore all that Mickey Christmas stuff too, I just now I'll be purchasing some of it... We've never done an artificial tree because I love the smell of a real tree too much. But I can definitely see the perks of having a fake one!

Ok, favorite restaurant. California Grill. The food alone is worth the honor of being my favorite but when you couple that with the fact you can watch Wishes on the roof? Winner!

Favorite old attraction? I don't know! How about a show...the Kitchen Kabaret. It was the dancing food show and I loved it soooo much that I managed to talk my parents into buying me that broccoli doll with the cool shades!

We loved La Hacienda, the food there was really good, and the restaurant itself was really pretty!

Hahaha I think pineappley could be a word! I'm sure I've used it before! The vanilla/pineapple combo sounds good though!

Ugh, every time we lose power, all I want to do is watch TV, check my email, etc. And then I'll come up with the brilliant idea to check the weather. Online. Needless to say, I am not a good candidate for Little House on the Prairie!

Hahaha you and I both! Target is SO awesome, but SO addicting! I never get out of there without spending more than I ever intended to when walking in!

California Grill really does sound amazing...I can't wait to go there!

Hahaha who wouldn't want a broccoli doll souvenir??? I shouldn't talk, I definitely bought one of those slightly-frightening little troll dolls from Norway years ago!

I have the big red three sectioned bowl on the bottom. I use it all through the year, especially when taking things to school or church activities. There are always lots of smiles at the Disney touch.

Those bowls really are cute - and they look like they'd be great for using all of the time and spreading that Disney love around!

 

[Merida]

La Hacienda sounds so nice! And I love the star lanterns in there.. so pretty! We're doing San Angel, which is almost the same, but apparently volcanoes win out over star lanterns as appropriate dinner lighting in our house (I'm pretty sure my boyfriend rigged this vote).

I love that Target put its Christmas stuff up early! We got our (fake) Christmas tree there last year (on like Christmas or the day after or whenever all the Christmas stuff goes on deep discount). It's kind of weird because we always had real trees (my dad knew people with a farm) growing up but I love our weird-o fake tree too. The target christmas stuff is so pretty, I practically need to be restrained from buying up all the wrapping paper (especially since we have maybe one gift a year that needs to be wrapped, given that we live so far away from family).

Favorite restaurant: Grand Floridian Cafe! I love breakfast that much. And the Grand Floridian.

Favorite Ride of Yesteryear: Hm. El Rio del Tiempo? Does that count? Anything that was "improved" with video screens?? Even though I never went on them, some of the old airplane rides sound cute too. Or breakfast at Tony's! (Totally counts)

 

[Jennifer48]

I was watching P&F the other day and I thought to myself "self, why hasn't Sarah updated her PTR in a while?" And then I come on the DIS and BAM! I see that the DIS has unsubscribed me from your PTR.

So, playing catch up:

Poly: Unless there is a longhouse that you MUST stay in, I say let the Disney fates decide. The Poly is not as big as say SSR and its not that long of a walk in either direction. Plus, the grounds are so fabulous you might just want to walk & explore!

Your Favorite WDW Resort: So far its been the Boardwalk. I love that you can walk to Epcot or DHS and all the wonderful entertainment and eateries right outside!

Your Favorite Snack to Grab in the Parks: Pretzels. Handsdown. Our favorite. We crave them so bad when we are not there!

That snow was ridiculous. DH & I said we weren't going to shovel and we didn't and thankfully we didn't lose power at all either!

I have you read the Disney Food Blog? Omygosh its so great. http://www.disneyfoodblog.com

We aren't adventurous eaters like you and Wingnut are so pizza at Epcot sounds divine! La hacienda does sound great though!

Your Favorite Restaurant: Oh man this was difficult. I haven't fallen in love with one yet. Jiko is definitely great (filet with mac & cheese to DIE for!) and the atmosphere of Sci-Fi is so awesome!

What Attraction do you Wish They'd Bring Back? My first visit to WDW wasn't until 2000 and not much has changed since then. I'd have to go with 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea though because that sounds so cool.

 

[Nermel9]

I'm so glad it's almost Christmas, I love this time of year! And I love that it starts earlier and earlier every year! I'm waiting for the radio station that plays Christmas music 24/7 to start playing it...I think they might start next week!

That Target stuff looks cute, I might have to go there this weekend!

Hmm...I guess my favorite restaurant would be Le Cellier, although Cape May Cafe is a close 2nd!

And an attraction I wish they'd bring back...probably Kitchen Kabaret or Food Rocks, either one of those would be awesome! I love Soarin, but I wish they could find somewhere in the Land to bring one of those shows back!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

La Hacienda sounds so nice! And I love the star lanterns in there.. so pretty! We're doing San Angel, which is almost the same, but apparently volcanoes win out over star lanterns as appropriate dinner lighting in our house (I'm pretty sure my boyfriend rigged this vote).

I love that Target put its Christmas stuff up early! We got our (fake) Christmas tree there last year (on like Christmas or the day after or whenever all the Christmas stuff goes on deep discount). It's kind of weird because we always had real trees (my dad knew people with a farm) growing up but I love our weird-o fake tree too. The target christmas stuff is so pretty, I practically need to be restrained from buying up all the wrapping paper (especially since we have maybe one gift a year that needs to be wrapped, given that we live so far away from family).

Favorite restaurant: Grand Floridian Cafe! I love breakfast that much. And the Grand Floridian.

Favorite Ride of Yesteryear: Hm. El Rio del Tiempo? Does that count? Anything that was "improved" with video screens?? Even though I never went on them, some of the old airplane rides sound cute too. Or breakfast at Tony's! (Totally counts)

La Hacienda is really nice, I also really enjoy San Angel, but I haven't been since they apparently changed the seating (I think I read that it's communal tables now like Biergarten?). Volcanoes definitely are cooler than star lanterns though, I have to give your boyfriend that!

It is fun to see all the holiday stuff out already! Hahaha we did get our wrapping paper from Target already! (I won't mention that they have really cute designs this year...)

The Grand Floridian Cafe breakfast is one of our favorites! Have you tried the Steak and Eggs? Yum.

Oh I definitely second your vote for the pre-cartooned El Rio del Tiempo. It makes me so annoyed every time I go on it now...(but I still do go on it every trip!). Hahaha.

I was watching P&F the other day and I thought to myself "self, why hasn't Sarah updated her PTR in a while?" And then I come on the DIS and BAM! I see that the DIS has unsubscribed me from your PTR.

So, playing catch up:

Poly: Unless there is a longhouse that you MUST stay in, I say let the Disney fates decide. The Poly is not as big as say SSR and its not that long of a walk in either direction. Plus, the grounds are so fabulous you might just want to walk & explore!

Your Favorite WDW Resort: So far its been the Boardwalk. I love that you can walk to Epcot or DHS and all the wonderful entertainment and eateries right outside!

Your Favorite Snack to Grab in the Parks: Pretzels. Handsdown. Our favorite. We crave them so bad when we are not there!

That snow was ridiculous. DH & I said we weren't going to shovel and we didn't and thankfully we didn't lose power at all either!

I have you read the Disney Food Blog? Omygosh its so great. http://www.disneyfoodblog.com

We aren't adventurous eaters like you and Wingnut are so pizza at Epcot sounds divine! La hacienda does sound great though!

Your Favorite Restaurant: Oh man this was difficult. I haven't fallen in love with one yet. Jiko is definitely great (filet with mac & cheese to DIE for!) and the atmosphere of Sci-Fi is so awesome!

What Attraction do you Wish They'd Bring Back? My first visit to WDW wasn't until 2000 and not much has changed since then. I'd have to go with 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea though because that sounds so cool.

Hi again!! I don't know how you got unsubscribed (to be entirely honest, I am confused by the whole subscribing to threads thing to begin with...), but I'm glad you're back (or I'm back?) now!

We're definitely not set on a specific longhouse. I think you're right, go with the Polynesian flow! It definitely makes me feel better to hear that it isn't THAT big a resort, so I think we'll enjoy wherever we are!

Have I gone on about how I love Disney pretzels and I feel sort of silly for loving a pretzel so much? They're so good, aren't they? I love how something so normal like a pretzel is like SO much better in Disney! Hahaha.

I'm glad that you didn't lose power in the storm! Wingnut and I (at my insistence, of course...) actually just bought a shovel this past weekend. We live in an apartment complex, so we don't have to shovel, per say, but I'm always afraid of our cars being plowed in, so it seemed useful to have! (Or, it'll just sit in our closet. Actually, I hope it does! Boo, shoveling!)

I LOVE THE DISNEY FOOD BLOG. I seriously read it every day. It's such a great blog.

I really really really REALLY want to try the filet with the mac and cheese at Jiko. When we were there, they had changed the mac and cheese out for potatoes, and I didn't know I could substitute. Also, this was also when I was allergic to spices in the wine sauce. But now, I'm good to go!

(They'll still serve it with the mac and cheese, right? I hope so!)

I'm so glad it's almost Christmas, I love this time of year! And I love that it starts earlier and earlier every year! I'm waiting for the radio station that plays Christmas music 24/7 to start playing it...I think they might start next week!

That Target stuff looks cute, I might have to go there this weekend!

Hmm...I guess my favorite restaurant would be Le Cellier, although Cape May Cafe is a close 2nd!

And an attraction I wish they'd bring back...probably Kitchen Kabaret or Food Rocks, either one of those would be awesome! I love Soarin, but I wish they could find somewhere in the Land to bring one of those shows back!

Hahahaha I love it too! The only problem with it starting earlier and earlier is that I'm sort of sick of the Christmas music by the time Christmas actually rolls around! But I'm not sick of it now! I can't wait for it to start playing on the radio!

We're planning a return trip to Target on Saturday... (Under the pretense of needing toiletries...but I have mentioned wanting to look at the stockings enough for Wingnut to know I'm not just going for shampoo!)

Maybe that show upstairs with Timon and Pumbaa (that one that I have no idea what it's about because I always walk past it. The environment? That seems like a safe guess !) could be replaced with Kitchen Kabaret or Food Rocks! That seems like it would be much more awesome! (At least, I think so!)

 

[Merida]

La Hacienda is really nice, I also really enjoy San Angel, but I haven't been since they apparently changed the seating (I think I read that it's communal tables now like Biergarten?). Volcanoes definitely are cooler than star lanterns though, I have to give your boyfriend that!

It is fun to see all the holiday stuff out already! Hahaha we did get our wrapping paper from Target already! (I won't mention that they have really cute designs this year...)

The Grand Floridian Cafe breakfast is one of our favorites! Have you tried the Steak and Eggs? Yum.

Oh I definitely second your vote for the pre-cartooned El Rio del Tiempo. It makes me so annoyed every time I go on it now...(but I still do go on it every trip!). Hahaha.

I think they're just really close together? Not that that's much better, but I'd like having close tables vs. communal seating. We'd be those people that people complain about on the Dining board since we're not good at interacting with strangers (e.g., the reason I won't go to Biergarten despite loving German food. I'm just not a communal dining person!).

I knooow.. but we still have paper from last year. And I always wanted to try using brown kraft paper and fancy ribbon. It looks so neat! But pretty wrapping paper is also neat... It's too hard to choose!

No, not yet! I think I might this time because I'll have multiple chances to get a Mickey waffle this trip. But I do love the vanilla french toast!

I really dislike that they added video screens to everything. I have a video screen in my car, it's not that exciting of a technology! They don't add to the story or anything either in the Mexico ride. If you're going to add rather basic, silly technology to an already perfect ride, it should at least be a neat addition to the story.

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

Oh, man, is my husband unhappy with you! You really shouldn't have shown me that Target stuff! I almost bought a bowl at WDW like the black one on the bottom, and I was kicking myself for not buying it. Guess who's getting it this weekend!?!?!

On to the questions:
Favorite Restaurant? Chef Mickey's. Okay, okay, not a typical choice. Not even the best food (except I could make a pretty good argument for those parmesan mashed potatoes). But the chef there is awesome about food allergies and my kids are at their happiest surrounded by the fab five. Can't beat that!!

Favorite Ride of Yesteryear? Well, I can't really answer for that. I've only been to WDW 3 times, and the only thing that's really disappeared in that time is Toontown Fair. Barnstormer's coming back, albeit re-themed, so that really only leaves the houses. I do miss them, but I'm not losing sleep over it. I do wish I had been around during the Body Wars era, or maybe for Horizons. Wish I could have seen those.