Bargain Betty and Workaholic Starring In:What Are You, A Disney Expert?

[dawnbu40]

Great pictures from CM ! You had a very pretty view from your seats . How nice that you gave you cupcake away , I'm sure that made those kids day ! A cupcake at breakfast is always nice

We enjoyed the view and it was nice that the table was out of the way. The family next to us was really nice and it was fun was watching their kids, but that cupcake was the only food we saw them eat and they split that 3 ways! The kids were all too busy playing with the gummy bears and seeing the characters to eat!

 

[MEK]

More Please!

 

[PrincessCaitlin]

I second that!
more more more more!

 

[dawnbu40]

Since MaryEllen and Caitlin asked I will get busy on an update!

 

[dawnbu40]

UGH! I am so frustrated! I have spent the last few hours (off and on) working on my update and when I went to post it I got a message that time had run out or something and the whole thing was lost So frustrating! Well I guess I should stop complaining and get back to work on it

 

[dawnbu40]

When Dale left off we just finished breakfast with the Fab5....
After we finished looking around the CR we jumped on the monorail for the TTC and then boarded the one bound for Epcot. Our plan for today was to do the following 3 things....
1.Innoventions-we always miss this and it looked really fun in MEK's TR
2.Sample food and wine fest offerings
3.Illuminations-try as we may, we have never seen this from a good spot

It was still early but we could already tell it was going to be another HOT and HUMID one!

When we entered the park it was about 9:30 and not at all busy. I am normally a rope dropper, but since we were there in May and since we knew the crowds would be lower in Sept, I was comfortable moving at a slower pace and didn't feel the need to rush. It was actually nice!

As soon as we entered we were welcomed to the Food and Wine Festival

I would have liked a pic of the two of us in front of this but there weren't any PP photographers around so instead we hightailed it over to Guest Relations to get our Anniversary pins. The CM was very excited to hear we were celebrating 21 years and asked if we planned to stay for Illuminations that evening. We told her "yes" and she said "wait here while I check on something". Oh My Goodness! You know what I was thinking don't you?! She was going to get us into an Illuminations viewing party or something. I cannot tell you how excited I was! It felt like we were waiting forever for her to come back and I thought I was going to burst! Well, when she came back she said.........I went to check on getting you two into a special Illuminations viewing for your anniversary....................OMG! I was so excited...........then she said...................but it's already filled.....Oh NO!! I was so disappointed! She then added,"But have a magical day." After a deep sigh (and maybe a pout or 2) I realized this shouldn't dampen my day so we headed off to Innoventions.

Our first stop was Innoventions East and we walked right into "Storm Struck". This is a 3D movie about a home being hit by a severe storm and the damage done to the home. After you watch the movie, your group is given choices about what might have made the home sturdier. Our group did well getting 7/8! Dale and I even learned something!(When we were kids and had tornado drills at school we were taught to open the windows. Turns out this is WRONG) So Epcot is educational, even for adults!

At our next stop we made those cool velcro frogs. Luckily, we were the only people there so we didn't feel odd doing this

When our frogs were fully dressed, we took them as we went to play some video games and then we headed over to Innoventions West. We immediately decided to play the "Great Piggy Bank Adventure". This is a really cute area and the game stresses the importance of saving. When you begin the game you choose what you want to save for (we chose retirement) and then you get a piggy of your own and you take him to different stations and play a variety of games.

The Piggy Family Portrait

One little Piggy

Our piggy and Me(pay attention to those sandals they end up destroying my feet)

We had a lot of fun with this game but due to some bad choices on my part, we failed the challenge and didn't have enough money to retire Yes, we lost a kids game!

We looked around the rest of IW and then walked on over to visit some friends down under.

Some scenery along the way

This ride is so cute and I really enjoy it! The song is also infectious! After our ride we walked upstairs to see the Manatees. I love watching them, they are just so calm and peaceful. After visiting our sea friends we realized it was almost 11:00 and time for World Showcase to open!

As we entered WS the first F&W area we saw was Edy's icecream "Flavorhood". The area was cute but they only had basic icecream flavors

Just about that time Caitlin texted Dale to set up a time to have cheese plates "together". (You see they have a daddy-daughter tradition of having the cheese plate in France whenever we visit Epcot) She had gotten some special cheese and bread from the market at home and when he had cheese well, she would too! So he started looking for a booth with cheese. The first place we came to was the MouseCatch. He got in line to buy one when a fellow Dis-er noticed my LGMH and came over to say "Hello". (I'm terrible I forgot his name!) Anyway, he was very friendly and told Dale that to get the best cheese plate he should get the one in Ireland. So we bypassed Canada as we began our trek toward the UK.

Look at how empty it was...

Dale getting his snack in Ireland

The plate had Cheddar, Dubliner and Ivernia cheeses and apple chutney and brown bread

We sat behind the Rose and Crown while he ate and we enjoyed this view

It was just beautiful and Dale loved the cheese plate! He said it was better than the one from the French Patisserie and he loves that! He and Caitlin texted back and forth sharing their love of cheese. When he finished we wandered through the UK and enjoyed a leisurely stroll through the garden. We literally took time to stop and smell the flowers and to watch this lovely butterfly feast on the flowers..

As we continued our World travels we decided to stop in France and catch the movie.

Believe it or not, in all our visits to Epcot we'd never been to the French film. Well, we enjoyed the air conditioning and the theater was lovely BUT I don't think we were really missing anything. Judging by the clothes from the movie, it probably hasn't been updated in 20+ years. I am glad though that we took the time to see it!
**Continued in next post**

 

[dawnbu40]

Our next stop was the Brewer's Collection where I got a coke and Dale and I split the pretzel bread and cheese dip. This was so good! So good in fact, that I regretted offering to share!
Our next stop was the Beer Hop. Dale wanted to purchase the beer passport that allowed for 4 samples.

I had the impression that the "passport" was good around the world as we toured HOWEVER it was only good right there. As a result, he only ended up getting 2 (he had another later that evening) of the allotted 4 so this isn't something we'd purchase again.
Our next stop on our world tour was Japan. Dale enjoyed watching the fish

and we noticed this guy for the first time ever

When we arrived in the good ol' USA we got a crab cake & slaw from Boston, which was delicious, and Dale tried the Sazzerazz Cocktail in New Orleans.

As we were snacking I suddenly realized how much my feet were aching. I was wearing brand new Croc sandals but my feet didn't appear to have any blisters I had meant to throw another pair of shoes in my tote bag in case I didn't like the Crocs but I had forgotten so I had to tough it out.

Germany was up next on our tour and we had a mission here. One of our scavenger hunt items for the day was a pic of the wishing well. I knew that was a recent addition to the Snow White meet and greet area so that was where we headed. We took our place in line with all the kiddos and Dale agreed to get his pic with the "fairest one of all". I must say this Snow was the real deal! She had the look, voice and mannerisms perfect! She was adorable and when she saw Dale's Anniversary pin she asked where his princess was. He pointed me out and she insisted we both get in the pics and had me give her "helper CM" my camera.

China was our next stop and Dale loved taking pictures of the water out front.

Inside the pavillion the Tomb Warriors are really cool!

Well if you're keeping track you know that the next country up is Norway. We rode Maelstrom and then we had another mission. Our scavenger hunt called for a pic of a handsome young man from Norway. I thought that would be super easy since we saw so many in May! I was wrong! There weren't any young men working! So we decided to be clever and took pics of these cute guys...

In Mexico we were supposed to find "tequila" so we stopped by the new tequila bar.

The place was packed! It is pretty small and it was hopping! We didn't stay for a drink instead we boarded a cruise to Mexico with our old pal Don! When our cruise ended so did our World Tour and we headed back to Future World

I'm going to stop here since I've covered so much! Up next time: a special character meet in FW, a wonderful dinner at a monorail resort and an unsettling emergency phone call

 

[MEK]

Absolutely great update!!!!!! Thank you! Your pictures are beautiful and, since I am shopping for a new camera, I must ask what type you have. I think I am going to start taking a survey! Seriously, your world showcase pics are great.

I am reading about sooooooo many really yummy foods and beverages in the world showcase that I am starting to feel a little left-out. LOL. Kidding. I still had a great time, but that cocktail for New Orleans looks good and I could definately get into those beer samplers.

I am so sorry you guys did not get the special illuminations viewing, but that gives me an idea for May. Maybe I will go there to ask for my birthday button. Haha! Guess I better get there right at park opening!

So where did you watch illuminations from and this emergency phone call has me a tad nervous!

 

[dawnbu40]

Absolutely great update!!!!!! Thank you! Your pictures are beautiful and, since I am shopping for a new camera, I must ask what type you have. I think I am going to start taking a survey! Seriously, your world showcase pics are great.

I am reading about sooooooo many really yummy foods and beverages in the world showcase that I am starting to feel a little left-out. LOL. Kidding. I still had a great time, but that cocktail for New Orleans looks good and I could definately get into those beer samplers.

I am so sorry you guys did not get the special illuminations viewing, but that gives me an idea for May. Maybe I will go there to ask for my birthday button. Haha! Guess I better get there right at park opening!

So where did you watch illuminations from and this emergency phone call has me a tad nervous!

Thank you Mary Ellen We got our camera just before our May trip and its is a Nikon D80. It is like the one the PP guys use except they have different attachments. We still need to get a tripod and some other lenses to get awesome fireworks pics though!

Dale enjoyed that Sazzeraz cocktail and said it was a good thing the sample was so small because it was very strong!

The Illuminations viewing was disappointing but it wasn't something I ever expected. However, when she brought it up I was really excited!
It wouldn't hurt though to check it out at RD, I have no idea how often they offer something like that but its worth a shot!

As for the phone call and Illuminations....well you'll have to wait for the next update.

 

[MEK]

Thank you Mary Ellen We got our camera just before our May trip and its is a Nikon D80. It is like the one the PP guys use except they have different attachments. We still need to get a tripod and some other lenses to get awesome fireworks pics though!

Well, I think once you make the investment in a good camera like that, then you can just keep adding on. I'd like to get a tripod, too.

The Illuminations viewing was disappointing but it wasn't something I ever expected. However, when she brought it up I was really excited!
It wouldn't hurt though to check it out at RD, I have no idea how often they offer something like that but its worth a shot!

I got into the reserved section for Illuminations once because Disney had to reschedule on of my ADR's. It was pretty cool, but you still needed to get in there early to get a good spot!

 

[MyMuse]

Hi Dawn!

I'm finally here!

Wonderful updates and grat pictures. I'll be interested in your stay at Pop. I'm always a little worried about the buses and many of the young 'uns around.

So far, your trip sounds terrific (other than the special Illuminations viewing, that couldn't find another 2 in? You're little!).

Looking forward to more about F&W. I'm really thinking about going down for that next year.

 

[PrincessCaitlin]

Great update!

It only took ya two tries to get it up

I don't remember you telling me about the manatees visit so even I am getting new information

 

[dawnbu40]

Well, I think once you make the investment in a good camera like that, then you can just keep adding on. I'd like to get a tripod, too.

Your pics are all so good though you must already have a pretty nice camera!

Hi Dawn!

I'm finally here!

Wonderful updates and grat pictures. I'll be interested in your stay at Pop. I'm always a little worried about the buses and many of the young 'uns around.

So far, your trip sounds terrific (other than the special Illuminations viewing, that couldn't find another 2 in? You're little!).

Looking forward to more about F&W. I'm really thinking about going down for that next year.

I'm so glad you've joined us! I have to say that I loved Pop! I was a little nervous staying there, because we do not like the All Stars but I liked it better than POFQ. The theming is really fun, the place was very clean and well maintained and we never had a bus issue. I would definitely stay there again!

Great update!

It only took ya two tries to get it up

I don't remember you telling me about the manatees visit so even I am getting new information

I did have a heck of a time trying to post yesterday!

Your dad and I always go see the manatees and it seems like you never come up there with us My favorite memory of watching them is the time we saw 2 of them float next to each other and then it appeared that they hugged. It was the sweetest thing and we fell in love with manatees at that moment!

 

[mickeystoontown]

I could feel your building excitement when the CM told you to wait. I was thinking the same thing you were.....she's gonna get to sit somewhere special and watch Illuminations. And, then, my lip pouted too when she couldn't fit you guys in.

You got some fantastic pictures! Looking forward to the next installment.

 

[thecapells]

Nice Food & Wine pics - we're excited to get there this Friday!
The Edy's ice cream cutout was cute - where is that?
Is there an Edy's stand this year?

 

[dawnbu40]

I could feel your building excitement when the CM told you to wait. I was thinking the same thing you were.....she's gonna get to sit somewhere special and watch Illuminations. And, then, my lip pouted too when she couldn't fit you guys in.

You got some fantastic pictures! Looking forward to the next installment.

I was gettting so excited but I kept quiet and didn't say anything to Dale who was apparently oblivious to what the CM was going to do I must give Dale the credit for the pictures though, since he took most of them.

Nice Food & Wine pics - we're excited to get there this Friday!
The Edy's ice cream cutout was cute - where is that?
Is there an Edy's stand this year?

Oh my goodness your trip is so close!
The Edy's area is just as you enter the WS Plaza. There is an icecream stand there and then the picture area. I was disappointed that they didn't have any unusual flavors. I was looking forward to trying a new flavor!

 

[WrightFamily06]

Great pictures of Innovations Beautiful pictures of all the countries and the food and wine booths ! The crab cake looked so yummy , can you tell that I love seafood yet ? LOL How sweet that DD and DH had a phone date over cheese , such a neat idea to keep her involved and it looks like she kept u two on your toes w/ her scavenger hunt

Can't wait to see more delicious food !

 

[dawnbu40]

Great pictures of Innovations Beautiful pictures of all the countries and the food and wine booths ! The crab cake looked so yummy , can you tell that I love seafood yet ? LOL How sweet that DD and DH had a phone date over cheese , such a neat idea to keep her involved and it looks like she kept u two on your toes w/ her scavenger hunt

Can't wait to see more delicious food !

Thank you! That crab cake was delish! In fact I could really go for one right now! It was hard leaving Caitlin home since we've enjoyed so many family vacations in WDW (and she's such a great person we really do love having her around) so texting kept us all very connected and we didn't feel like we were missing out on her week and she got to feel a little of the Disney magic vicariously! (although she would have much rather been there!)

 

[dawnbu40]

I'm back... When I left off we were at Epcot and had just finished our World Tour and we were headed toward Future World.

We decided to make a stop at the Festival HQ and take a look around there. After searching all over the place we finally found it in the building that used to be the "Wonders of Life Pavillion". I don't have any pics of this because we totally were not impressed. The building was very warm and seemed to have really poor ventilation and was not somewhere I'd want to spend much time. We took a quick look around but there wasn't too much happening, just some things available to purchase and some sort of seminar was going on. The area where the seminar was being held was surrounded so we couldn't see very well but could see enough to tell at least half the chairs were empty. After our brief look around we decided to head towards TT but it had a 45 minute wait so we decided to just get FP for later that evening. We picked up our FP and looked at MS which was a walk on! Neither Dale or I care for this ride (ok who am I kidding? I've never ridden and never plan to) but he did snap this great pic..

(as someone who normally goes in spring I can't get over how few people are in this pic! It was like 3pm!)

I was ready to beat the heat and do a little shopping so our next destination was MouseGears! On our way over there I was really excited to spot a rare character! I'd never seen her before and her movie hasn't been out for years but we saw none other than Hercule's girlfriend Megara! She was very attractive (but had some attitude) and this was one character Dale was more than happy to get his pic with

After his pic we continued on our way to MouseGears. We wanted to look for some Halloween tees or something along those lines to wear to MNSSHP. We realized with the heat Dale's costume would be way too uncomfortable! (what had we planned to be? Russell and Carl from UP because we love that movie!) I loved all the cute Halloween displays the stores had!

(this was actually at the shop in WS but you get the idea)

While looking around I spotted the new items from the Princess and the Frog and I fell in love! If we had a little princess (littler than our little 5ft2 princess ) she would have gotten Tiana's dress because I just loved it! I am really looking forward to this movie!

So we found Halloween "costumes" and picked up a few little items for Caitlin (no not Tiana's dress) and then qualified for the gift with purchase which was a Mickey watch for Dale. After paying for our things, we walked outside and discovered these guys performing. The Jammitors were dressed as chefs in honor of the F&WF.

After enjoying the show we continued on toward Spaceship Earth. When we got to SE we discovered it was a walk on, so we boarded to learn the history of communications. Sitting in airconditioned comfort was a welcome relief because my feet were aching and we were both so hot!
By the time our journey through communications was done it was time for us to head out of the park for dinner. We headed to the monorail because our destination was the Polynesian. As we waited in the monorail station we had a beautiful view of the American flag billowing in the wind in front of SE. It looked absolutely majestic but Dale was unable to catch an action shot. He did get this nice shot though..

We arrived at Ohana

about 10 minutes before our 4:30 adr and at exactly 4:30 we were seated. We had both been looking forward to this meal all day and had held back on doing too much snacking at the Food Fest booths because we wanted to be able to enjoy this meal.

Our table had a view of

and

(not the greatest castle view but we could see it anyway)

Our beverages of course came first and Dale had the Backscratcher while I had my usual Coke. The Backscratcher is one of his favorite WDW beverages, it ranks right up there with the Grey Goose Slushie

Our appetizers came next

And too soon afterward, the skewers of meat began arriving.(no meat pics sorry) I would have preferred more time between courses but we just took our time eating and nothing got cold. Everything here was just as good as it was in May! I love the food here and enjoy the atmosphere. While we love the food though it seems most kids don't. At all the tables around us the kids were eating hot dogs or mac and cheese

This gentleman was the entertainer that evening and I actually preferred him to the woman we saw in May. He sang and acknowledged birthdays and had the broom game with the kiddos.

We ended our meal with the amazing bread pudding and I think we dove into so quick I forgot to get a picture!

When we finished our meal we stopped in the Poly's gift shop and we picked up a fun Mickey camera strap for our camera. Aren't the themed character displays here cute?

We then took a little tour of the grounds...

This is such a lovely resort! I wish I would have appreciated it more when we stayed here a couple times when I was a kid!

While we walked around the Poly we tried to decide what we should do next. Should we go back to Pop and rest for a bit before Illuminations or should we just go right back to Epcot and catch some of the live entertainment before Illuminations? This was a tough call because I had heard a lot about Off Kilter and really wanted to see them but my feet were in pain! Hmmm what to do?

I think I'll stop here and let you predict what we do next...we'd been away from Pop since 7:30 am (about 11 hours) so did we head back and rest or go straight back to Epcot? Also, what about that emergency phone call? Let me know what you think...

 

[thecapells]

I love the BouTIKI with all the chars in Polynesian garb!
And just the ambiance of that place is amazing.
My dream vacation is Poly Concierge Level...