Can a trip w/ friends make up for an unmagical trip with the BF?-Final Updates 12/30!

[KatMark]

Great updates, I love the photos with the characters...you got some great ones. I have yet to get in line and have a picture taken with a princess.

LOVE LOVE LOVE the puffed french toast.

 

[tankgirl427]

Great updates, I love the photos with the characters...you got some great ones. I have yet to get in line and have a picture taken with a princess.

LOVE LOVE LOVE the puffed french toast.

I love meeting characters. You really should go in there, its so cute seeing all the little girls dressed up and excited to see grown up versions of their favorite princesses.

Yes, that puffed french toast is why I have a reservation there on every trip. Funny thing is, I don't see the resemblance to french toast, I'm not a fan of french toast, it tastes like dough to me, but I love that stuff!

BTW: Anyone want to join me to go to Disney for a quick weekend trip last weekend in April? BF won't go with me and I really want to spend my birthday in Disney and have my birthday breakfast there before the park opens. Anyone? Anyone?

 

[KatMark]

I love meeting characters. You really should go in there, its so cute seeing all the little girls dressed up and excited to see grown up versions of their favorite princesses.


BTW: Anyone want to join me to go to Disney for a quick weekend trip last weekend in April? BF won't go with me and I really want to spend my birthday in Disney and have my birthday breakfast there before the park opens. Anyone? Anyone?

I'm sure I'll see them in January when I go with the girls as they always do this.

I wish I could join you in April. But I think Mark would get REALLY mad if I went twice without him.

 

[annmarieda]

I am going to love seeing all your character pictures!!! We never get near enough.

and am I seeing Pop in one of your zoomed in pictures?

I would love to go in April, but just like Kathy...not sure how much my dh would go for it.

I have CP planned for breakfast in December. I am going to have to try this puffed toast everyone speaks so highly of. I have never tried it...so add that to another new experience I am looking forward to in December.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Alright. Are the chocolate waffles THAT terrible? Because I'm probably going to have to end up trying them anyways, so what should I be prepared for?

The rest of the breakfast looks great! I'm definitely getting excited to go there!

 

[MelMel11]

Count me in!!!

 

[tankgirl427]

I'm sure I'll see them in January when I go with the girls as they always do this.

I wish I could join you in April. But I think Mark would get REALLY mad if I went twice without him.

Can you bring him for the quick weekend and we can make it a DisMeet? The princesses are too funny when you talk to them.

I am going to love seeing all your character pictures!!! We never get near enough.

and am I seeing Pop in one of your zoomed in pictures?

I would love to go in April, but just like Kathy...not sure how much my dh would go for it.

I have CP planned for breakfast in December. I am going to have to try this puffed toast everyone speaks so highly of. I have never tried it...so add that to another new experience I am looking forward to in December.

I think you have to be someone who really likes meeting characters and seek them out. Maybe if SW has a really good deal again? Puffed Toast = like cinnamon sugar fried dough for breakfast.

Alright. Are the chocolate waffles THAT terrible? Because I'm probably going to have to end up trying them anyways, so what should I be prepared for?

The rest of the breakfast looks great! I'm definitely getting excited to go there!

It tasted like regular waffle with an overwhelming taste of cocoa powder. Blech! Everything else is really really good!

Count me in!!!

:Welcome: :Wave: Its nice to have you join on in!

 

[tankgirl427]

I forgot to mention that the people at the parking desk were very insistent that b had to check in with them. We didn't do it the night before and b thought that at 2pm before heading to a park would be a great time to do it. After checking in with them we finally got to head out to a park, and being the uber forgetful dork that I am, took a series of photos to help me remember where we parked.

Our section

How far away from the Tram

And finally our row number (and you thought you were bad Kathy!)

We entered the park and headed to the Disney Visa Character Spot where we had our photo taken with Minnie and Goofy. From there we checked out the make your own video game.

From there we headed to the Piggy Bank game

Then b decided she was hungry and needed something to eat so we headed to the Land Pavillion and Sunshine Seasons. b got some tuna salad thing from the cooler and g and I split a Strawberry Shortcake which I took a picture of on my phone and sent to Ann to tease her and see if she could pick out where I was eating food. This continued on a few more days and food items. I haven't taken the photos off my phone yet, so I'll add the random photos I texted her later.

After b got lunch, we went on Soarin' and then Living the Land, neither had been on it before and I liked seeing the pummelos. BF is a big fan of them. Its like a grapefruit but with a thicker skin and a bit sweeter. From there we started our tour of F&W, I was too busy eating to take photos of the food, especially with knowing that hundreds of other DISers had photos of those same items floating around.

I started with trying all three desserts at the Dessert station. The white chocolate macadamia nut with chocolate pearls was AMAZING! Next up was Australia where g and I tried the Shrimp on the Barbie, which was good and had an after spicy tang to it. In the meantime, b was waiting at Hawaii for a dark beer.

We then took the Friendship over to Morocco. We got to sit outside on the back of the boat which was really nice. We then headed to Belgium and I picked up the Mussels, Waffles, and Chocolates. I still haven't eaten the chocolates. The mussels were okay and the waffles were so so yummy! We then headed to the French bakery and split a chocolate mousse and strawberry tart. Yum! There was like no lines for the bakery, probably because of F&W. As we finished up, I noticed Marie was out and since b was missing her kitties and I was too, I thought we should stop and have some kitty time.

We then went to the France booth and got the chicken and cosmo. The chicken was really good. I don't really drink so it didn't take much of the cosmo before I had to pass it off because it was too much for me. b and g didn't mind. G and I then split a Fish & Chips and b and g split a beer. While waiting for g and b to use the restroom in England, the middle booth rang and I answered it and was talking to some random person who's husband was coming down next weekend. I then asked Ann to call the right booth and while talking to her, the middle booth rang again and g answered. We then headed to pick up our free photo and took a ride on Spaceship Earth before heading home. We got home at 9:15pm and settled in for a full day tomorrow.

****Forgot we stopped to take photos of Spaceship Earth as leaving.

 

[KatMark]

First, Mark and I will be in Florida in April most likely...but, unfortunately, not at Disney. He goes every year for business and he travels across the State. I now go with him every year because we end up in Naples and we get to spend a couple of days with Nicki and Todd.

I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who takes picture of my parking row; I may have to do what you do in future years.

Gread update. I really want to go for F&W one of these days. Love the pic of you and b with Marie.

 

[tankgirl427]

First, Mark and I will be in Florida in April most likely...but, unfortunately, not at Disney. He goes every year for business and he travels across the State. I now go with him every year because we end up in Naples and we get to spend a couple of days with Nicki and Todd.

I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who takes picture of my parking row; I may have to do what you do in future years.

Gread update. I really want to go for F&W one of these days. Love the pic of you and b with Marie.

I forgot some photos so I already have to update the update. I'll be home all day tomorrow and craving my pumpkins so I'll be able to get a bunch of updates done.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

I like the "distance from the tram" parking lot shot - that'd be a good idea for me in just regular places, distance from the destination. I always think I parked closer than I actually did .

Is it weird that I still haven't had the strawberry shortcake from Sunshine Seasons? People rhapsodize about that thing, but I just always walk right by!

 

[Nermel9]

Hi, I'm here! I thought I subbed when you first started, but I guess not!

Great start, I love the pictures of Pop and the new Animation resort!

I love that you got to ride up Main St in that fire truck, how fun!

Cute picture with Marie, I love her!

 

[tankgirl427]

I like the "distance from the tram" parking lot shot - that'd be a good idea for me in just regular places, distance from the destination. I always think I parked closer than I actually did .

Is it weird that I still haven't had the strawberry shortcake from Sunshine Seasons? People rhapsodize about that thing, but I just always walk right by!

I could remember if we were the first car to pull or the second car, but for the life of me I could never remember how far we were going to have to walk to get to the car. I usually take photos on my phone to remind me where I parked.....everywhere!

I'm a dessert fiend so when we were going to go on Soarin' and b said she was hungry, I figured it was as good as time as any to try out the Strawberry Shortcake. It was good, but I wish there was more Strawberries on in it. Maybe if you need a sugar pick me up while you're there one time you'll get it. Ugh! I forgot that while I was waiting to place my order there was this guy asking if they had certain bakery items. I was like umm hello glass case, its all there and labeled for you. Then the young girl in front of me kept asking if they had cupcakes. Do you see a cupcake? No? Then they probably don't serve cupcakes here! Seriously people!

Hi, I'm here! I thought I subbed when you first started, but I guess not!

Great start, I love the pictures of Pop and the new Animation resort!

I love that you got to ride up Main St in that fire truck, how fun!

Cute picture with Marie, I love her!

That's okay I forget to subscribe to almost everything,but I usually go back and read and catch up every time I'm on here. I could so go for a waffle right now, especially for breakfast!

 

[tankgirl427]

***** I forgot to mention a little story that happen in Soarin' which made me realize this trip might be a little more difficult to deal with than I originally thought. We were in queue to go down to the Bays and be assigned a line. There was a family behind us and their boy was coughing, not a lot but every once in a while. b told the boy, it's polite to cover your mouth when you cough. To which the father replied, its an asthmatic cough, he isn't sick. And b replied still he should cover his mouth. I know lots of people might mention something or move or whatever, but the tone in which she said it was sort of disrespectful and I was worried that we would end up in one of those not so nice disagreements that happen in a queue. Luckily, no one said anything after that and we were placed in different lanes.*****

This morning I woke up at 8am with no alarm. I think all the days working and having my alarm go off at 6:15am to be at work by 8 might have helped, or it could have been because we were at Disney! I got up, had a bowl of Lucky Charms, and eventually made enough noise that g woke up. Around 10am b woke up and came out. g and I were ready to go and waiting for her at this point. She said she would just be a minute and would be right out.

At 11:30am, we left for AK. Since we were getting a noon time start on going to a park, we would not be coming back to the room for a break and be going from AK to EP. When we arrived at AK we parked here

We took a couple PP pictures with the Tree of Life in the background and continued on. g and I had talked when I had finally arrived to Pop about our favorites in every park. In AK, we wanted to see the FOTLK, the safari, and EE. The rapids would depend on how hot it was and if we needed to cool down. By the time we got in it was only a short time before FOTLK was scheduled to start, so instead of heading there first, we decided to go to ITTBAB. g had taken me to see it back in 2006 and warned me about all the bad parts (stinkbug & hornets) and I tend not to forget weird things, so I was fine. g forgot about these parts and b had no idea. At this point I found out how much she can't do 3D, she sat through the entire thing with her bug eyes off.

After the bugs left the tree, I was hungry. I got up at 8am and had breakfast, but now it was time for lunch. No one else was hungry so I grabbed myself a BBQ chicken salad from Flametree. It was really good! While I ate, g was sitting on a bench and b went in search for a wide brim hat or in general shopping. After I was done eating we headed to Camp Minnie - Mickey to see the 1:30pm showing of FOTLK. Before the doors were open, g and b sat on a bench while I took the time to meet Goofy and Daisy. This must have been after b said she doesn't care to meet characters because I didn't bother asking if she wanted to go.

Then it was time to load in for the FOTLK, we were in the elephant section and the show was as good as always. We then headed up to Africa to ride the safari.

Let the million of safari pictures we all take commence!

Hungry Hungry Hippos

Crocs

I really enjoyed seeing where the Wild Africa Trek went and when I saw this, I knew I have to do this tour!

Up Next: Finishing safari and AK

 

[tankgirl427]

Continuing on with the safari.....

Yep, I need to do this tour

We had a really good safari guide, Angie. She did the script, but added a lot of personality and information to what she was telling us. Safari over, b and g were hungry and I can always go for a sweet! While they got food at Tamu Tamu, I headed for this

Which I promptly took a photo off and sent to Ann to test her Disney food knowledge. This became the game for today. Where in Disney am I and what am I eating? Nothing like seeing Disney food to make you want to be there!

We then decided to make a loop and head out of the park. First up the rapids! Next was Everest, where I got to sit with a stranger. Not ideal, since the times I went on it last year I was with BF and I think sharing the seat with someone you know made me braver, cause I ended up looking like this on the drop

Yep, I don't like drops. b took a video and g looks like nothing is going on.

We then headed out to get over to Epcot since it was supposed to be quiet with the MK open until 9pm and having evening EMH.

Up Next: Epcot and fireworks!

 

[annmarieda]

Which I promptly took a photo off and sent to Ann to test her Disney food knowledge. This became the game for today. Where in Disney am I and what am I eating? Nothing like seeing Disney food to make you want to be there!

It was so fun that you sent those to me. It is true, nothing like seeing Disney food to make you want to be there!!! But not being there...and getting my own personal "live feed" was the next best thing. Thanks for bringing me along!!!

Great updates! You are flying along.

I also want to some day...someday...do the tour in AK.

I too hate drops... long drops. I have never been on EE. I dont' think I ever will... I think my heart would stop.

Love the safari pictures...

Great pic of you and b with Marie...

And...what is this "piggy bank game"?

 

[Joyciemc]

Sounds like you did a good job keeping your cool and making the best of it, even with B being a bit slow to get moving. (Maybe she should have been drinking some energy drinks?)

I am no seriously craving a cupcake!

 

[tankgirl427]

It was so fun that you sent those to me. It is true, nothing like seeing Disney food to make you want to be there!!! But not being there...and getting my own personal "live feed" was the next best thing. Thanks for bringing me along!!!

Great updates! You are flying along.

I also want to some day...someday...do the tour in AK.

I too hate drops... long drops. I have never been on EE. I dont' think I ever will... I think my heart would stop.

Love the safari pictures...

Great pic of you and b with Marie...

And...what is this "piggy bank game"?

I'm trying to get lots of updates done today. I've been working on carving the pumpkins, but I need a break. Maybe another update?

You know you earned your photos and live feed later on in the trip. EE is like BTMRR but a bit faster. I just close my eyes and you don't really feel the drop and its really the only drop. The Piggy Bank game is in the same Innovations building as Disney Visa. You get a Piggy Bank and choose what to save for and then play three games which teach you about savings and investing and at the end you see if you succeeded. I found it interesting.

Sounds like you did a good job keeping your cool and making the best of it, even with B being a bit slow to get moving. (Maybe she should have been drinking some energy drinks?)

I am no seriously craving a cupcake!

I'm not so sure I always kept my cool, but I tried as much as I could. Sorry about that. There are more random Disney food pictures when I finally get them off my phone.

 

[tankgirl427]

***** Forgot to mention that after getting off the rapids and walking to EE we had one of FL's 10 minute downpours, I think this delayed the parade by a few minutes, because we left around 3:45 - 4pm and we never ran into it *****

We headed off to Epcot and parked here:

Yep that's the same section and row as yesterday! After all the walking in AK, g decided Epcot might go a bit faster if he rented a wheelchair. Disney Visa spot was closed by the time we walked into Epcot, so we headed for TT. TT is g's most favorite ride. He told us that one day he rode it 11 times.

Hidden Mickey

We only rode it once and then headed towards F&W. b went to get another beer from Hawaii since the line wasn't too long. While waiting for her, there was PP photographer by the entrance to the World Showcase and I looked at the nametag and it said Roy! Now last year during my PTR someone told me about the great PP photographer they had named Roy and Roy told them to look for his friend Frank. When I went last year, I didn't see Roy, but Frank was super nice and took extra special photos for us. Now I had found Roy! I told him the story and he took lots of photos of g and I. There are Donald and Daisy flower statutes. He took photos of us with both statues, focusing on just Donald, then just Daisy, and finally some magic shots with Tink! When you are at Epcot look for Frank and Roy for some amazing photos!

We then headed towards the Argentina booth, where I tried the steak with chimichurri sauce which was good. Then Mexico where we all had the flank steak taco. I thought this was really good. We then headed for Germany for the strudel for me, the beers for b, and the sausage in pretzel bread for g. By this time, I think it was getting close or just after 7pm, so We looked for somewhere to eat and set up shop for Illuminations. I had gotten myself a nice camera for Christmas and wanted to see if I could take fireworks photos, this was my first time out with the camera. But if we were staying here I needed to make one quick stop. I headed to the caramel shop in Germany and picked up some caramel corn and a caramel marshmallow swirl.

Some test shots:

Happy Enough with my test shots, I waited for Illuminations, and hoped I did a couple photos okay, since it was my first time trying. Here are my favorites.

You probably noticed it started raining while Illuminations was going. We started heading out and stopped off in MouseGears to check things out. I ended up buying quite a few things. We exited a very empty Epcot and had an easy drive home. All goodies will be at the end. We headed home and by 11pm I was ready for bed.

Next up: Day 3!

 

[hushupu]

Are you posting today because it is better to write about a Disney trip than to look out your window and see snow in October. You are luck you have power. I only have it because I'm at work. I live in central Mass near Worcester and I have 6 inches of snow in my driveway. I think my calendar is slow.