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

[Megablocks]

Favorite restaurant for me is probably Chef Mickey's. We have gone there on EVERY trip since our first trip in 1994 so it has a lot of memories

An attraction I wish they'd bring back is the original, old school Journey into Imagination with the Dreamfinder. I do like the ride now, but I miss the old ride!

 

[LilAnn]

So I am a bit behind on all sorts of TRs but I had to jump in and chime in with my love for Target. as a matter of fact, I waas there yet again today and already picked up a few new ornaments. I can't help it, I love decorating for the holidays and can't wait to start!

We also got our tree from target a few years ago, but I think we waited and got it the day after Christmas.

And that duck dish from Jiko looks divine. I love duck.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

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.

I think you're right, the tables were just moved a lot closer together. Hahaha I can get on board with the communal seating for a Teppan Edo-type restaurant, but pretty much anywhere else, no thanks! I prefer my own table!

I could never get away with the simple wrapping paper decorated because:
1) I am terrible at arts-and-crafts.
2) I am terrible at wrapping gifts, so as much pattern and other trompe d'oiel as can be going on, that's for the best!

I've heard great things about the French toast there, but oh man, I don't think I can not get that steak and eggs. It's awesome. Truly.

I agree about the video screens. Not everything needs to be a cartoon!

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 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.

LOL sorry Brandon!!! (But they are cute, aren't they??? I don't think I can walk by that display a second time without buying SOMETHING!)

I never saw Horizons, but I'll give Body Wars a "meh". (Sorry to any Body Wars fans out there!) It was basically Star Tours except you were searching for a splinter inside someone's body. Kind of gross, in my opinion.

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 restaurant for me is probably Chef Mickey's. We have gone there on EVERY trip since our first trip in 1994 so it has a lot of memories

I totally get why people would love Chef Mickeys and make it a tradition to always visit there, but personally it just isn't my favorite. It was cool getting to meet all the characters in one place AND have candy at breakfast, however!

An attraction I wish they'd bring back is the original, old school Journey into Imagination with the Dreamfinder. I do like the ride now, but I miss the old ride!

Agreed! I miss Dreamfinder!! I just hope that that ride stays in SOME form - I'm always afraid it will be replaced when there's usually no line...ever.

So I am a bit behind on all sorts of TRs but I had to jump in and chime in with my love for Target. as a matter of fact, I waas there yet again today and already picked up a few new ornaments. I can't help it, I love decorating for the holidays and can't wait to start!

We also got our tree from target a few years ago, but I think we waited and got it the day after Christmas.

And that duck dish from Jiko looks divine. I love duck.

I love Target too, but I always find a ton of items I didn't realize I ever needed every time I shop there, and then by the time we check-out, I realize I've forgotten the gloves I went in there for in the first place!

I am SO excited to start decorating for the holidays - there'll be no holding me back after Thanksgiving!

Wingnut LOVED that duck. Really, we loved everything about Jiko, such a wonderful restaurant!

 

[MEK]

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,

Is this Ture? Communal tables in San Angel Inn? That seems very strange. I'm with you all the way on the Volacanoes!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Is this Ture? Communal tables in San Angel Inn? That seems very strange. I'm with you all the way on the Volacanoes!

No, sorry, I was remembering a photo posted on the Disney Food Blog wrong! Here's the post, talking about the new seating there.

Apparently, they did revamp the seating, and while it is very close together, they are separate tables!

Oh definitely, volcanoes > star lamps.

 

[Merida]

I think you're right, the tables were just moved a lot closer together. Hahaha I can get on board with the communal seating for a Teppan Edo-type restaurant, but pretty much anywhere else, no thanks! I prefer my own table!

I could never get away with the simple wrapping paper decorated because:
1) I am terrible at arts-and-crafts.
2) I am terrible at wrapping gifts, so as much pattern and other trompe d'oiel as can be going on, that's for the best!

I've heard great things about the French toast there, but oh man, I don't think I can not get that steak and eggs. It's awesome. Truly.

I agree about the video screens. Not everything needs to be a cartoon!

I learned to wrap from my grandmother who always has those magazine-perfect presents. Patterns lined up at the seams, matching ribbons and bows, the whole nine yards. They're almost too pretty to open! I like getting the patterns to line up but I'm too lazy to do it all the time.

There are just too many good breakfast foods. It's so unfair that there's two really similar meals (lunch and dinner) with pretty much interchangeable menus and breakfast is only available for a few short hours.

 

[MeMom]

I love Target too, but I always find a ton of items I didn't realize I ever needed every time I shop there, and then by the time we check-out, I realize I've forgotten the gloves I went in there for in the first place!

This is me.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

I think you're right, the tables were just moved a lot closer together. Hahaha I can get on board with the communal seating for a Teppan Edo-type restaurant, but pretty much anywhere else, no thanks! I prefer my own table!

Yup, the tables were quite close together when we went this past Jan/Feb. It doesn't bother my family but it kinda irks me a little, I need some personal space! My guess is that if I can tell whether or not the person next to me has food in their teeth, then the tables are too close together!

I could never get away with the simple wrapping paper decorated because:
1) I am terrible at arts-and-crafts.
2) I am terrible at wrapping gifts, so as much pattern and other trompe d'oiel as can be going on, that's for the best!

You and me both sister. I actually hate wrapping gifts. If it can fit in a gift bag, then that's what I do!

I never saw Horizons, but I'll give Body Wars a "meh". (Sorry to any Body Wars fans out there!) It was basically Star Tours except you were searching for a splinter inside someone's body. Kind of gross, in my opinion.

Body Wars sucked, it's ok to say it Sara. And it was gross. The ride itself made me horribly motion sick and after we rode my dad was like, Molly, why are you so white?!?! I had to sit for half an hour and this nice CM brought me some crackers and ginger ale. So ya, I'm not sad that Body Wars has gone by wayside!

I totally get why people would love Chef Mickeys and make it a tradition to always visit there, but personally it just isn't my favorite. It was cool getting to meet all the characters in one place AND have candy at breakfast, however!

This mentality may change when you have kids! Seriously, it's much more fun that way.

Agreed! I miss Dreamfinder!! I just hope that that ride stays in SOME form - I'm always afraid it will be replaced when there's usually no line...ever.

I have the same fear! I love Imagination, I even had a Figment plush when I was eleven. You know, I even remember Dreamfinder doing meet-n-greets! My parents have a picture of my sister and I with him! I hope the ride stays put, I love it.

I love Target too, but I always find a ton of items I didn't realize I ever needed every time I shop there, and then by the time we check-out, I realize I've forgotten the gloves I went in there for in the first place!

This is so very true. Just yesterday I went (and saw all the holiday Mickey stuff you posted earlier!) to buy the new Harry Potter and wouldn't you know it, I walked out with waaay more than just THAT. Oh and thanks for the reminder that I need to buy gloves!

I am SO excited to start decorating for the holidays - there'll be no holding me back after Thanksgiving!

I may or may not already be listening to Christmas music in my car...

So, any new changes on the horizon?? When are you going again in January? We were supposed to go the 21st through the 30th.

 

[mousescrapper]

getting caught up...glad you have your ADR's all figured out...well for now

oooh good thing I didn't see those Mickey Holiday items at target the other day may put some of that on my Holiday wish list


to answer the latest Q's in your challange:

Fav restaurant...I haven't been to a ton so I've yet to truly have a favorite, but I have dined at Kona twice and enjoyed it both times, so I am going w/ that

Attraction wish they'd bring back....the orginal Journey Into Imagination Matt would be right w/ you w/ Mr. Toads Wild Ride and he is very sad soon SWSA will be gone

oh and Holiday shopping LOL girl I've been shopping since dec 26th 2010

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

I learned to wrap from my grandmother who always has those magazine-perfect presents. Patterns lined up at the seams, matching ribbons and bows, the whole nine yards. They're almost too pretty to open! I like getting the patterns to line up but I'm too lazy to do it all the time.

There are just too many good breakfast foods. It's so unfair that there's two really similar meals (lunch and dinner) with pretty much interchangeable menus and breakfast is only available for a few short hours.

Hahahaha I have nowhere near those present-wrapping skills!

I agree, wouldn't it be fun it breakfast was available at least for lunch too! Then we could have even more Disney breakfasts!

This is me.

Judging by the checkout lines there, I think this is pretty much everyone! You never see anyone leaving Target with like, 2 items.

Yup, the tables were quite close together when we went this past Jan/Feb. It doesn't bother my family but it kinda irks me a little, I need some personal space! My guess is that if I can tell whether or not the person next to me has food in their teeth, then the tables are too close together!

You and me both sister. I actually hate wrapping gifts. If it can fit in a gift bag, then that's what I do!

Body Wars sucked, it's ok to say it Sara. And it was gross. The ride itself made me horribly motion sick and after we rode my dad was like, Molly, why are you so white?!?! I had to sit for half an hour and this nice CM brought me some crackers and ginger ale. So ya, I'm not sad that Body Wars has gone by wayside!

This mentality may change when you have kids! Seriously, it's much more fun that way.

I have the same fear! I love Imagination, I even had a Figment plush when I was eleven. You know, I even remember Dreamfinder doing meet-n-greets! My parents have a picture of my sister and I with him! I hope the ride stays put, I love it.

This is so very true. Just yesterday I went (and saw all the holiday Mickey stuff you posted earlier!) to buy the new Harry Potter and wouldn't you know it, I walked out with waaay more than just THAT. Oh and thanks for the reminder that I need to buy gloves!

I may or may not already be listening to Christmas music in my car...

So, any new changes on the horizon?? When are you going again in January? We were supposed to go the 21st through the 30th.

Hahahaha yeah, I don't need to know that about my dining neighbor! Or listen to their conversations, I hate when you're close enough for that too!

That's Wingnut's #1 present wrapping method. Place gift in bag. Put tissue paper on top. Done.

Ugh, Body Wars really was gross. And being tossed around while careening through someone's body isn't really pleasant. At least on Star Tours, there's better scenery! That stinks you got so motion-sick from it though!

I love being able to walk straight on the ride, but part of me always wants to round up people from the area like, "come on this ride! please!"

I have a picture with Figment!! I was so excited to meet him! Here we are:



(See, we even match! )

I heard my first Christmas song of the season while Wingnut and I were out shopping yesterday. I got pretty excited . I don't blame you for starting to listen to it in your car!

No, no changes on the horizon! Boo again about your trip having to be cancelled! We're going earlier than that though.

getting caught up...glad you have your ADR's all figured out...well for now

oooh good thing I didn't see those Mickey Holiday items at target the other day may put some of that on my Holiday wish list


to answer the latest Q's in your challange:

Fav restaurant...I haven't been to a ton so I've yet to truly have a favorite, but I have dined at Kona twice and enjoyed it both times, so I am going w/ that

Attraction wish they'd bring back....the orginal Journey Into Imagination Matt would be right w/ you w/ Mr. Toads Wild Ride and he is very sad soon SWSA will be gone

oh and Holiday shopping LOL girl I've been shopping since dec 26th 2010

Hahaha it's just a small display in our Target, but I zeroed in on it straightaway!

I love Kona for breakfast, but our lunch there was pretty unfortunate the last time we went. My ginger allergies might have thrown off a lot of things though for the chef. But I always hear such great things about the not-breakfast there! (I did love the creme brulee!)

When does Snow White actually close? I thought the ride was going to be closed already, but is it still open?

Hahahaha I didn't start that early! I bought my first gift for the season in September!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Well, we all knew that I wouldn't be able to go back to Target without stopping at that Disney display...



(Please ignore the lint on my carpet.)

I thought that this plate was cute and festive. (Although the bowl with feet is pretty awesome, I know...)

We are now at approximately 55 days until our trip, which is pretty crazy how soon it's coming up! And I know the time is going to fly even faster during the holidays!

Shockingly, our plans have still stayed the same since the switch to La Hacienda! Which is good news for Wingnut's sanity and my overly crossed-out spreadsheets (oh yes, I have spreadsheets), but makes for a bit of a boring update, unfortunately!

Let's do some more questions!

Day 19: Your Least Favorite Attraction

I didn't want to pick something so quintessentially disliked, but the answer that first popped into my head and I honestly cannot come up with a ride I dislike more is Stitch's Great Escape.

(And I really do love Stitch!)

Ugh. But this ride. Ugh. Ugh. Ugh. Uncomfortable shoulder harnesses AND disgusting smells? No thanks!

Day 20: Your Favorite WDW Dessert

I warned you guys at the beginning that these would make multiple appearances!



Seriously guys, if you STILL haven't tried one of these (Napoleons from Boulangerie Patisserie), you are missing out. I demand that you try one ASAP (unless you're in line in front of me and there's only one left! ).

How about you? What rides make you cringe? What desserts do you dream of? Is anyone else completely flummoxed at the idea that Thanksgiving is NEXT WEEK? Where has this year gone?

 

[MeMom]

Well, we all knew that I wouldn't be able to go back to Target without stopping at that Disney display...

I haven't made it to Target, but I did get a couple of Disney items at Kroger the other day.

Day 19: Your Least Favorite Attraction

I didn't want to pick something so quintessentially disliked, but the answer that first popped into my head and I honestly cannot come up with a ride I dislike more is Stitch's Great Escape.

(And I really do love Stitch!)

Agreed. I like Stitch, but that attraction was a flop, in my opinion. I left the 'ride' thinking it was the pre-ride show and we were about to get to the good stuff. Little did I know, the whole thing was over.

 

[MEK]

Cute little dish. I had the choice between going in Target or TJ Maxx this weekend and I picked TJ Maxx. Now I'm wondering why?

Favorite dessert - I really don't have one. I know its crazy, but I think if I try yours from the bakery in france I may actually find it.

Least favorite attraction - OK, I hope I don't get flamed for this but I really DON't like the country bear jamboree. I've only seen it once and it was painful.

 

[Oliquig]

Super cute! I have no problem with the Disney decor, I happen to own disney pizza plates, the ones shaped like a triangle, so I know the disney dish love! Ack, 55 days! With it going into the holiday season, it will pass so fast!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Least Favorite attraction....Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. I just don't like it, it confuses me and I think because we rode Toy Story Mania before Buzz that it just doesn't compare in our eyes.

Favorite Dessert...hmmmmm. I have to think about this one. I'm going to say the strawberry cheesecake they used to have at Brown Derby, they may still have it seasonally but it was soooooooo delicious!

 

[LilAnn]

sorry, I did a duplicate post

 

[LilAnn]

super cute plate! I think I may need to stop by that aisle later today when I hit up Target. I think that would make a cute plate for the cookies for Santa.

Least favorite thing at Disney? not sure about that....I'm usually pretty happy in Disney so it makes it hard to think up one.

Favorite dessert? toss up between the Napolean (my husband is obsessed with that), the bananas foster bread pudding at Ohana and the various cupcakes that can be found on property.

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

Okay, I replied to this yesterday but my computer froze when I hit submit. I hoped it went through, but obviously it didn't. So...

Favorite Dessert is definitely Strawberry Shortcake from Sunshine Seasons. It would be hard for any other restaurant on earth to beat that one.

Least Favorite ride is tough, but I think I'll pick Dinosaur. It's just too loud and jerky and kind of pointless. I'm glad I tried it, but I probably won't ride it again for a long, long time.

 

[SoNotAPrincess]

Yay for cute new holiday stuff...double yay when it's Disney!

Least favorite thing at Disney: Hall of Snoozidents. I hadn't seen it in YEARS, so I ducked in while I was at MK last Sunday. Nice place for a nap! Still, even though I'm sure the space could be used for something better, I kinda hate the idea of it going away.

Best dessert: I had a white chocolate slipper once, and it was so good that I'm afraid to have another one for fear it won't live up to my memory.

 

[Megablocks]

Your trip is coming up fast! My countdown hit the 40's today, which means we're just seven weeks out... When I say seven weeks, I get a little nervous because I still feel like I have wayyyy too much to do!

Favorite dessert: my mom got a lemon tart from Boulangerie Patisserie and it was sooooo good! Enough that I regretted mine (I can't even remember what it was ) and really wished I had gone with the lemon tart.

Least favorite attraction is definitely Stitch's Great Escape. I went on it on our last trip because my dad and my sister convinced me it was really fun and really cute. I of course had read the DIS and everything that said otherwise, but I decided to judge it myself. The combination of being in the pitch dark, with loud, unexpected noises, and the feeling of being restrained by that stupid harness was just too much for me. At least I can say I tried it and have a reason for never going on again