ABCs of Trip Reporting, Pt. 2-Life Can Be Crappy and Then You Move On (3/7)

[MKBekka]

So, first I'm Sir Hiss, and now I'm and old man!?

Yeah. With hairy feet.

 

[All7OfUs]

After my excursions to North Africa, it was time to seek out the Far East- which is better than the Far Left, Far Right and Far Out. While I chose to wear a long-sleeved shirt and got some super fun CM interactions with it, I realized that I was about to have a heat stroke. Especially after trying to test the outer limits of human physical endurance by sampling the concrete wares Disney has to offer in the Moroccan Pavilion in the way of seating. I’m pretty sure I was “glistening” by this point (as opposed to Glennbo who was “moist”) and thought briefly about stopping by the booze kiosk to grab a Habibi Daiquiri to quench my Sahara dry thirst. But with my massive disappointment in the Green Gecko at Rose and Crown, I was Disney Drink shy and decided to save my $10 for the next souvie. Besides, I had already blown my drink budget for the day, and once again, I was afraid that, on the 1% chance it actually had a little proof poured into it, I didn’t want to weave the rest of my way around the Lagoon.

So onward to Japan I headed. 3 souvies down, 8 to go. Now, let’s set the contrast from the Moroccan Pavilion to the Japanese one: Morocco is high energy, vibrant, colorful and festive; Japan, at least in my mind’s eye, is also high energy, yet tranquil, peaceful, subdued and understatedly elegant. No less beautiful, no less attractive.

I was drawn in with high hopes of seeing Miyuki, but was immediately bombarded with the chick drummer and company.

Every time I see her in action (and the others, but I am always mesmerized by her first and foremost) I am astounded that one body can have that much stamina and strength. I watched for a couple of minutes (the same amount of time most watch Mo’ Rockin’ unless the belly dancer is out) and moved deeper into the recesses of calm. I seriously appreciated the shade back in there, and soon found myself in the Mitsokushi Store. I don’t know about anyone else, but I get sucked in there faster than a mosquito to a campfire. Bzzzzt. It’s like a black hole I can’t get out of; happens every time. The goofy shoes and socks with toes, the candy, samurai headbands, chopsticks and other “stuff”.

Before I knew it, I was also sucked into some inane fun playing “Twirl the Something or Rather” with the CMs in there.

This brought back many fond memories of playing Hungry, Hungry Hippo and Operation with my sisters. I spun my thingy as fast and hard as I could, and it zung around the miniature playing field wildly, and I had a fair amount of fun. Of course, it would have been a whole lot more fun if my spinner thingy would have won, but it didn’t, and I walked off with the shame of a Tokyo corporate boss whose Honda parts were just recalled.

And now here’s my confession… I cruised the store, spent some time wishing I had more chopsticks to sit uselessly in my kitchen drawers, glanced at my EPCOT “entertainers spreadsheet” (because I am THAT kind of planner) and realized Miyuki would NOT entertain me today, took some pictures and….





Left.


Without a souvenir.

This was for a VERY good reason though, for I knew I’d be back. My special treasure from The Land of the Rising Sun would wait for another day.

Back out to the blazing hot, un-air conditioned outside, (why hasn’t Disney invented a way to A/C the entire Park inside and OUT?) and on to America. By now, my head was starting to ache a bit, and I was kinda just wanting to hurry up a bit. Hey, what a great place to pick up the pace than the America Pavilion? Basically, there’s nothing to see there except the Voices of Liberty and the show, and I wanted to save both for our time together. So I ducked into the teesny, rather pathetic, shop and started looking.

A shot glass with the American flag? Nope. Not my cup of tea. A bandana to wear to my next Bruce Springsteen concert? Huh uh. A little Statue of Liberty made of acrylic right out of China?

Then it struck me! I had tried many times to find some of Voices of Liberty music online to buy, but couldn’t. That was it! I found 2 recordings of collections and snatched one up for about $12. Yeah, over budget, but my fuzzy Disney Math was telling me, that since I had only spent $5.75 on the mirror, I had some to play with. It’s on my iPod now, and I love it! A very good find, indeed!

By now, my head was reaching critical mass- explosion was imminent, and I thought I’d grab a FREE ice water from the CS place. Sometimes that helps, but not always. I remember texting with at least one of you that I had struggled with the annoying heat, long days, crowds, bright sun, lack of enough water (take your pick, I’m still not sure which one(s) it is.) headaches. When I was in line I noticed this sign posted on a door just behind the public area, yet still in view.

I know it's hard to read, so, ETA: The sign says, "Never say NO to a guest. Turn their request into a reality. Make every guest feel special."

I was impressed that they are still encouraging common manners and great customer service at my Happy Place. I wish they’d give a tutorial to guests when they came in as well. Just as I grabbed my water and headed for the door, I turned just in time to see a dad slap one of his boy’s faces and yell something at him. Pissed me off! I don’t want to see that ANYWHERE, especially while at Disney World!! There is no excuse for that. And I’ll leave it alone there, as it gets me worked up just typing it.

Perhaps they might also want to include fashion manners in their “Disney for Beginners” course. As I left “America”, this met my eyes.

From the look on that other girl’s face, I wasn’t the only one amused.

So, re-capping: I played something almost as fun as Tiddlywinks but lost, left Japan without a souvie (fret naught), ogled over chopsticks, did not imbibe Habibi’s, witnessed child abuse, and a fashion faux pas, but got a great CD with some amazing music on it.

 

[glennbo123]

Nice update!

So, you glisten, huh?

Hey, I can't read that sign on the door....could you type it out please? (ETA: I can read the sign that says "Out". It's the one that starts off "Never..." that I'm having trouble with. (to head-off the smarties))

I hate that you saw a dad slap his son. That's a nice memory that kid is going to have of Epcot, isn't it?

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Finally getting caught back up. Went through 4 or 5 updates today.

Enjoying your WS jaunt. Or is it a journey? When does a jaunt become a journey? And once you pull the trigger on that decision, can a journey ever go back to a jaunt? I don't know if I could make that type of commitment.

I'm with Glenn - can't read the sign. I think I could make out "Never say no to a guest" but that's as muh as I can decipher. (Which is not the same as decode.) Let's not be rash.

OH and judging from your final photo, I'd say you caught the dude above the "enter here" sign just as he was unleashing a soul cleansing fart.

 

[vamassey1]

You went to Japan and didn't buy anything! That place has the most stuff for sale. I could spend hours in the store.

I'm glad you found the cd, that was money well spent.

I'm so sorry for your headache. I can just fell it. Sounds like you need a nap in a cool place.

 

[All7OfUs]

Nice update!

So, you glisten, huh?

Hey, I can't read that sign on the door....could you type it out please? (ETA: I can read the sign that says "Out". It's the one that starts off "Never..." that I'm having trouble with. (to head-off the smarties))

I hate that you saw a dad slap his son. That's a nice memory that kid is going to have of Epcot, isn't it?

Yeah, I glisten. And if it's really bad, I start to stink like a pig.

Yes...I know it's hard to read. The sign says, "Never say NO to a guest. Turn their request into a reality. Make every guest feel special."

I imagine that kid will probably have more memories like this than just the one in EPCOT. A lifetime of scars that may never go away.

Finally getting caught back up. Went through 4 or 5 updates today.

Enjoying your WS jaunt. Or is it a journey? When does a jaunt become a journey? And once you pull the trigger on that decision, can a journey ever go back to a jaunt? I don't know if I could make that type of commitment.

I'm with Glenn - can't read the sign. I think I could make out "Never say no to a guest" but that's as muh as I can decipher. (Which is not the same as decode.) Let's not be rash.

OH and judging from your final photo, I'd say you caught the dude above the "enter here" sign just as he was unleashing a soul cleansing fart.

You've sure been an absent entity around here lately. No more shifts at home??

A journey hints at something with a definite goal- at least to me. So this was journey- one of shopping proportions. It was a commitment I was ready to make. My visa was on the frontlines.

I've put on my batman glasses for ya'll and have deciphered with accuracy. Which is not the same as preciseness. A good DISer is never rash.

Sure looks like it- either that or he spied Ms. Fashionista Faux Pas as well.

You went to Japan and didn't buy anything! That place has the most stuff for sale. I could spend hours in the store.

I'm glad you found the cd, that was money well spent.

I'm so sorry for your headache. I can just fell it. Sounds like you need a nap in a cool place.

I absolutely did NOT pass up Japan altogether- at least in the perspective of the trip as a whole.

I get those headaches once in a while, and almost ALWAYS at WDW, and NOTHING helps except to go to bed- which I was absolutely determined NOT to do. I wanted to power throught, or so I thought....

 

[Poolrat]

I think I can see a bit more

Never say NO to a guest

Turn their response/request ......



Make every guest feel special.




Glad you picked up the VoL CD. Good find. Sometimes in Japan there is too much and it hard to make a decision. But it sounds like you had something in mind but you waited.



i see you had the rest. Not too bad for the old eyes eh?

 

[KatMark]

I have NEVER bought anything at the Japan store. I keep saying I'll buy a fan or something, but never do.

I would have been in that dad's face so fast his head would have swimmed. I have nothing against a pat on the butt, but no one, child or adult, should ever be slapped in the face.

I'm sorry you were getting a headache (I remember someone posting that you were getting those) and hope it goes away soon.

What a great idea: Voices of Liberty CD (on my list now); I just ordered the Wishes CD which arrived today to have Andy download on my IPOD.

 

[Millie12591]

Toni is a great conversationalist!! It was really, really fun to get to know her better, and we plan to get together one more time before the 1st.

Recipe for the rice is on allears- I can give you the roast pork one when you get here. Time intensive, but well worth it!

As for zany....

So does the math book mean you got the class you wanted, when you wanted it? Sure hope so.

Nice update! I love getting lost in the Japanese dept. store, in fact I think I avoided it like the plague this last time because I never get enough time to see the rest of the WS if I go into this store. I really need to be better about looking at the different educational offerings in the WS.

I couldn't quiet tell what's on the sign in your picture. I can tell it says to NEVER tell a guest no...but that's all I could make of it. Please fill us in.

Headaches are easy to get in the heat, I hope you figured out how to best avoid it while you were there. We always have a case of water delivered to the room so we at least start out the day with a full bottle of water. Rooms with a fridge are sooo nice to have when it's hot out, it at least gives you a cool start to your day with a cold bottle of water, and if your carrying a backpack it keeps your back cool for a while.

Just so you know....I had this all typed out and not proof read before having to take Mackie to dance class. When I came back I just posted it after proofing. I now know what the sign says. I like it!

 

[All7OfUs]

The sign says, "Never say NO to a guest. Turn their request into a reality. Make every guest feel special."

 

[that's nice]

Love the Mickey drain cover! I would love to have on of those for my shower!

We watch the drummers for about 3 minutes then move on... there never is enough time in the WS ya know?

I think I know what souvie you bought in Japan!!!! Am I right?????


There is a shop inside the America building? I have never walked in there!


Was that lady going clubbing? That is some outfit to be strutting around WDW with.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

The sign says, "Never say NO to a guest. Turn their request into a reality. Make every guest feel special."

While I think it's great that a sign like that exists, it kinda reminds of me of that line from Elf..."Treat everyday like Christmas. There's room for eveyone on the nice list. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear."

Great update Liesa!

So sorry to hear about your dehydrated, heat stroke headache. I get those too and they're never fun. I hope yours didn't plague you for too long!

This? I'm at a loss for words. Those shoes can't have been treating her feet kindly! I agree, a dressing tutorial would be perfect for some Disney guests...are you offering to teach them Liesa?? Sheesh, this chick looks like Lady Gaga from the back!

 

[All7OfUs]

I think I can see a bit more

Never say NO to a guest

Turn their response/request ......

Make every guest feel special.


Glad you picked up the VoL CD. Good find. Sometimes in Japan there is too much and it hard to make a decision. But it sounds like you had something in mind but you waited.


i see you had the rest. Not too bad for the old eyes eh?

I love VoL; they make me tear up every time I see 'em. But I missed them the first time around... but did catch them later! I was aptly amazed!

I had a very specific something in mind, and will wait to show you until the appropriate time.

 

[All7OfUs]

I have NEVER bought anything at the Japan store. I keep saying I'll buy a fan or something, but never do.

I know! There's so much in there, it's hard to stay focused. Or disciplined.
But I did find something I really wanted; it just wasn't for that day.

I would have been in that dad's face so fast his head would have swimmed. I have nothing against a pat on the butt, but no one, child or adult, should ever be slapped in the face.

ITA, Kathy! but you also have to tread lightly; someone with those kinds of anger issues might go ballistic on the confronter too. Maybe I should have called security.

I'm sorry you were getting a headache (I remember someone posting that you were getting those) and hope it goes away soon.

It didn't.

What a great idea: Voices of Liberty CD (on my list now); I just ordered the Wishes CD which arrived today to have Andy download on my IPOD.

I just adore Disney music on my iPod! Such sweet memories to relive through it!

 

[All7OfUs]

So does the math book mean you got the class you wanted, when you wanted it? Sure hope so.

Not yet... (I am still hopeful) All the MTH95 classes use the same book. I just happened to get a sweet deal because of the mis-publishing.

Nice update! I love getting lost in the Japanese dept. store, in fact I think I avoided it like the plague this last time because I never get enough time to see the rest of the WS if I go into this store. I really need to be better about looking at the different educational offerings in the WS.

Well, there is definitely more to WS than eating and shopping. Sometimes I get carried away with photographing everything, and get stalled out. Good to keep moving, yet always looking!

I couldn't quiet tell what's on the sign in your picture. I can tell it says to NEVER tell a guest no...but that's all I could make of it. Please fill us in.

See above.

Headaches are easy to get in the heat, I hope you figured out how to best avoid it while you were there. We always have a case of water delivered to the room so we at least start out the day with a full bottle of water. Rooms with a fridge are sooo nice to have when it's hot out, it at least gives you a cool start to your day with a cold bottle of water, and if your carrying a backpack it keeps your back cool for a while.

For the first 3 days of my trip, there was really no avoiding them, but first aid for them. More water, more A/C attractions, more sit down time, and a trip back to the room once in a while...

Just so you know....I had this all typed out and not proof read before having to take Mackie to dance class. When I came back I just posted it after proofing. I now know what the sign says. I like it!

Thatta girl!

 

[All7OfUs]

Love the Mickey drain cover! I would love to have on of those for my shower!

Me too!!!! I need to go back and do a HM count again! I think that's like 6 or 7.

We watch the drummers for about 3 minutes then move on... there never is enough time in the WS ya know?

Yeah, some things are a definite skip.

I think I know what souvie you bought in Japan!!!! Am I right?????

Mmm, hmmm.

There is a shop inside the America building? I have never walked in there!

I remember we tossed around salt and pepper shakers as one idea.

Was that lady going clubbing? That is some outfit to be strutting around WDW with.

I have no idea! Was it a spur of the moment visit after Vegas? Was she auditioning at Idol? I have no clue, but provided some great comic relief for me in the midst of my head trauma.

 

[All7OfUs]

While I think it's great that a sign like that exists, it kinda reminds of me of that line from Elf..."Treat everyday like Christmas. There's room for eveyone on the nice list. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear."

I need to get a copy of that movie! It sounds hilarious!

Great update Liesa!

So sorry to hear about your dehydrated, heat stroke headache. I get those too and they're never fun. I hope yours didn't plague you for too long!

I managed to handle it for a while. But just how far I got around, you'll have to see.....

This? I'm at a loss for words. Those shoes can't have been treating her feet kindly! I agree, a dressing tutorial would be perfect for some Disney guests...are you offering to teach them Liesa?? Sheesh, this chick looks like Lady Gaga from the back!

I was pretty much at a loss for words as well, so I took a picture to record for posterity. I am still at a loss for words, and still very much mystified.

So, you're saying that the guests need to learn how to wear LESS clothing?! I mean that is one thing, but the Liesa "Heat Control Method" is quite another!!

 

[3prettyprincesses]

I need to get a copy of that movie! It sounds hilarious!

I managed to handle it for a while. But just how far I got around, you'll have to see.....

I was pretty much at a loss for words as well, so I took a picture to record for posterity. I am still at a loss for words, and still very much mystified.

So, you're saying that the guests need to learn how to wear LESS clothing?! I mean that is one thing, but the Liesa "Heat Control Method" is quite another!!

Oh you should! Elf is hilarious! It's really funny.

I hate headaches. Especially on vacation and even more so at Disney. Water does help and I have to wear my sunglasses everywhere because squinting makes it worse.

I forgot, your lessons involve removing clothes, not adding! I'm sure Maroo was glad you were at least wearing your bra! Oops, can I say that on a Disney board??

 

[All7OfUs]

Oh you should! Elf is hilarious! It's really funny.

I hate headaches. Especially on vacation and even more so at Disney. Water does help and I have to wear my sunglasses everywhere because squinting makes it worse.

I forgot, your lessons involve removing clothes, not adding! I'm sure Maroo was glad you were at least wearing your bra! Oops, can I say that on a Disney board??

Those headaches are tricky things... Once they start, it's pretty hard to get them gone. Extra Stregth Tylenol does absolutely NOTHING, and by the time I get more water in, it's far too late.

And I would gladly given that lady m shirt. I was really hot.

 

[addictedtothemouse]

,

Toni is a great conversationalist!! It was really, really fun to get to know her better, and we plan to get together one more time before the 1st.

Recipe for the rice is on allears- I can give you the roast pork one when you get here. Time intensive, but well worth it!

As for zany....





Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeewwww!! Where's that puking smilie?

I can't see Candi doing that. Ever. So, it's a good thing you don't have to worry.

Free drinks or not at the Luau, I'd imagine she's a big draw.



We cover topics to please everyone.

Just picked up my math book....

GET THIS!! THe very first book I picked up in the used stacks was misbound UPSIDEDOWN!!!!! Never hurts to ask, so I promptly took it to the manager, and asked if she was inclined to give me a discount. GUESS WHAT??!! She took off 50% !!! So instead of being reamed for $82.50, I was only robbed of $41.25!!


I'm so excited for your trips too!!! As I tell everyone, please PM when/if you start a TR. More often than not, pages and pages go by and I don't even see them!!

I really lucked out on DD's government book, a friend's daughter had taken it the semester before and I got it for $50. A used one at the bookstore was $95