Cruising, Wining, and Disney Dining - Two 2012 PTRs in One! **TR LINK UP**

[jenny105]

Excellent updates..love that O'hana ish top and good for Kris for losing those pounds!

Can't wait to see more of Scotland!

The Ohana top is so comfy! I wore it on Monday. I'm so proud of Kris. He's been working hard

I'm trying to finish up the Scotland TR before we leave for the cruise cause I just know I'll be writing a TR for that too!

 

[jenny105]

I have a feeling this is going to be making the rounds on our PTRs! Stolen from ash-n-brensmom

DISNEY WORLD SURVEY


1. What is your name?::

My real name is Jen. As for a Disney name, I don't have one! Kris is definitely Goofy.

2. When was the first time you went to Disney World?::

Summer 1990 or 1991. I can't remember!

3. When was the last time you went to Disney World?::

October 2010

4. When is the next time you will be in Disney World?::

October 2012



GETTING THERE

5. How do you usually get to to Disney World?::

We fly but I've driven a couple of times.

6. What do you do to pass the time while getting there?::

Usually watch the TV in the seatbacks. Please tell me Southwest has this. Otherwise I'll have to find a good book or by some gossip mags!

7. Do you have any particularly memorable or interesting experiences you can recall happening on your journey to Disney World?::

Driving from NJ to Florida will give you lots of interesting memories. All I can say is, don't stop within 100 miles of South of the Border! Scary place!


LODGING

8. What is your favorite place you have stayed at and why? It does not have to be on property::

Wilderness Lodge. I loved the ambiance and even though you were so close to MK, it really did feel like you were tucked away in the middle of the woods. Awesome resort!

9. What is your least favorite place you have stayed at and why? (It doesn't necessarily have to be a bad place, it's just that maybe out of all your list of favorites, this would be your least favorite)::

I haven't really had a bad experience at any of the resorts!

MAGIC KINGDOM

10. What is your favorite attraction in the MK?

Ohhh, this is a tough one but I have to say the Haunted Mansion.

11. What is your least favorite attraction in the MK?

Stitch's great escape! Is there anyone that actually likes this ride?

12. Tell me a random memory you have involving the MK.

The first time I returned after a 15 year absence, I skipped around the park. Then while trying on ears at one of the shopping carts, the CM told me 'Go say hi to Mary Poppins! She's right over there!'

13. What is your favorite place to eat in the MK?

Pecos Bill's


EPCOT

14. What is your favorite attraction in Epcot?

Test Track

15. What is your least favorite attraction in Epcot?

Honey I Shrunk the Audience. It's just so outdated and I hate watching that Kodak advertisement in the beginning.

16. Tell me a random memory you have involving Epcot.

Walking around the World Showcase after one too many margaritas in Mexico and feeling very giddy!

17. What is your favorite place to eat in Epcot?

Biergarten

18. What is your favorite country in the World Showcase?

It's probably a tossup between Mexico, UK, and Canada. I love margaritas, pubs & Beatle cover bands, and cheddar cheese soup.

HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

19. What is your favorite attraction in HS?

Tower or Terror. If I could marry that ride, I would.

20. What is your least favorite attraction in HS?

American Idol. Ryan Seacrest's voice makes my ears bleed. I hate even walking by it.


21. Tell me a random memory you have involving HS.

Having the opportunity to open the park back in 2009. What an amazing experience!

22. What is your favorite place to eat in HS?

Pizza Planet

23. Do you watch the Citizens of Hollywood?

Nope. One approached me once but that was about it.


ANIMAL KINGDOM

24. What is your favorite attraction in the AK?

Everest

25. What is your least favorite attraction in the AK?

Rafiki's Planet Watch. It's a waste of time.

26. Tell me a random memory you have involving the AK.

Before Everest officially opened, they were running a soft opening for CMs. I tried to sneak in. It didn't work out.

27. What is your favorite place to eat in the AK?

Tusker House

OTHER DISNEY PLACES

28. Which water parks have you been to and which one was your favorite?

I've only been to Typhoon Lagoon. I'll be trying Blizzard Beach this trip!

29. What was your favorite part about that water park?

Crush n Gusher!

30. Have you been to Disney Quest?

Yes

31. What was your favorite thing about Disney Quest?

The elevator ride with the Genie. After that it was all downhill.

32. Have you been to the Wide World of Sports?

No.


33. What was your favorite thing about the Wide World of Sports?

N/A




EXTINCT DISNEY

34. What are some of your favorite attractions that are no longer around?

I really don't remember much from my first trip. I do remember the live Muppets show and think it would be cool if that were still around.

35. Have you ever been to Discovery Island when it was still running?

No.


36. Have you ever been to River Country when it was still running?

No.

37. What was your favorite part about the now shut down Pleasure Island?

Rubix Cube

38. What is your favorite extinct show/parade?

The motorcars parade at DHS. The pixar one is a snooze.

RANDOMS

39. What is one thing you MUST do every time you go to Disney?

Eat at Ohana. Watch Wishes.

40. What is one thing you MUST eat every time you go to Disney?

Dole Whip float!

41. What is something you haven't done yet that you look forward to doing?

Going to Blizzard Beach, eating at Les Chefs de France & Raglan Road.

42. What is something you have done and have no interest in doing again?

Staying at Pop Century. I've stayed there so many times and while I like it, I'm over it.

43. Who is your favorite Disney female?

Belle, Sleeping Beauty

44. Who is your favorite Disney male?

Jack Sparrow

45. Who is your favorite Disney villain?

Maleficent

46. Your earliest Disney Park Memory::

My mom tricking me into going on Haunted Mansion. She told me it was BTMRR. I don't know why I believed her!

47. What other Disney Parks have you been to outside of Disney World?

Disneyland and DCA

48. Have you ever had to explain your love for Disney to someone who just didn't "get" it?

I don't bother explaining it to the people who don't get it. If they don't see what I see, they're missing out!

49. Blasphemous I know, but where is your favorite place to travel outside of Disney?

Cruise

50. Which Disney character reminds you of you?
I guess I'd have to say Belle. She's a brunette and loves to read just like me!

 

[ash-n-brensmom]

Okay, now you have to go back and fill it out on my page so everyone there can see it!! That's your penance for stealing it from me!!!

 

[Imagineer5]

Woohoo for summer shopping! Gotta love how it coincides with Disney shopping too! I started shopping for some summer dresses. Love the ohana top and that first shirt is really cute too - is that a shelf bra thingy? I love those and haven't seen one like that in a while. No idea where to get that tequila sorry!

Inverness looks beautiful! Loch Ness looks like it was a blast! too bad on the weather, but not like you expected 80's and sunny...

Are we supposed to fill that thingy out? Maybe I'll steal it for my PTR so it can continue its rounds...

 

[Joyciemc]

I've been hankering to go shopping for some new summer stuff (especially after trying to get dressed to go to so many different BBQs this weekend!) and your post made it worse! Will definitely need a trip to the mall, now!

Scotland continues to be gorgeous!!

 

[jenny105]

Okay, now you have to go back and fill it out on my page so everyone there can see it!! That's your penance for stealing it from me!!!

For real? Copy and paste works wonders.

Woohoo for summer shopping! Gotta love how it coincides with Disney shopping too! I started shopping for some summer dresses. Love the ohana top and that first shirt is really cute too - is that a shelf bra thingy? I love those and haven't seen one like that in a while. No idea where to get that tequila sorry!

Inverness looks beautiful! Loch Ness looks like it was a blast! too bad on the weather, but not like you expected 80's and sunny...

Are we supposed to fill that thingy out? Maybe I'll steal it for my PTR so it can continue its rounds...

I love that the top got nicknamed 'the Ohana top.' No, it doesn't have a shelf bra. It's just a regular racer back but fitted. Victoria's Secret has a ton of shelf bra tanks/tees. You should check with them.

Yeah, 40-50 degrees and rainy was more like it!

Sure, if you want to!

I've been hankering to go shopping for some new summer stuff (especially after trying to get dressed to go to so many different BBQs this weekend!) and your post made it worse! Will definitely need a trip to the mall, now!

Scotland continues to be gorgeous!!

Sorry for making it worse! Happy shopping!

 

[vikkii19]

Sorry to bust your bubble, but Southwest didn't have tv's last November. I had fun reading your little Q&A, what a great idea.

 

[jenny105]

Sorry to bust your bubble, but Southwest didn't have tv's last November. I had fun reading your little Q&A, what a great idea.

Oh well! It's only a 2 1/2 hour flight. I'll have to bring a book or magazine. Thanks for letting me know!

 

[jenny105]

Hi everybody! I need to get a move on this Scotland TR. I want to have it done by the time we cruise so I can start that TR when we get back. So be ready for a lot of Scotland posts in the next two weeks!

I left off with my tour group leaving Loch Ness and heading into Nairn by way of Inverness. We were staying in Nairn for the night at the Newton Hotel, which was Charlie Chaplin's favorite place to stay according to CIE tours. They also told us it was haunted which freaked me out a little. I didn't want to see a man in a bowler hat & mustache walking around my room in the middle of the night. I don't think I slept very well because any noise I heard made my jump. I believe in ghosts but do not want to see one! Ever.

This is the Newton! It was raining by the time we arrived so I just ran inside & took these pictures the next day.

The cattle grazing in front of the property.

We had about an hour before dinner so Kelli & I headed up to our room to freshen up a bit. Hey, we didn't miss you super close beds!

The rest of our room.

The contraption to the left is a pants presser. They had this in every hotel we visited and Kelli was always trying to figure out how to work it. She never did manage to get it to work!

Before dinner, we met up with the rest of our group for drinks in the bar. CIE bought the first round as a welcome to Scotland cocktail. I know I got a beer, I just don't remember what it was called. We joined Sarah & Lynne in the sitting area as we waited to be shown to the dining room.

In the dining room, we were shown to our table where a glass of wine and a shot of whiskey were waiting for us. I couldn't resist this picture. I swear to you, I'm not a lush! But when in Scotland...

We had a set menu to choose from and I believe I got a vegetarian pasta dish. I wasn't really feeling the other choices because they were so heavy & we were also getting an appetizer & dessert with our meal. What was the appetizer you ask? Haggis, of course!

Lynne did not want to try it but our host pretty much made her. She had a tiny little bite. I did as I was told and poured the whiskey over it. It didn't make it go down any easier but I have proof that I ate it!

After dinner, our hotel was providing us with traditional Scottish entertainment which meant bagpipes & dancers. The dancers were only about 14 or 15 years old & they were phenomenal! Before each dance & song, we were told the story behind each one. It was very interesting and a lot of fun!

Our tour guide Rosie & a member of our group Robert got in on the fun.

As did our bus driver Brian. Yes, he's wearing a kilt!

The dance they joined in on was called the Scottish Fling and is usually done at weddings & other celebrations. Sex and the City fans, it made me think of when Charlotte married Trey LOL.

More pictures!

After the show, it was getting late so Kelli & I headed back to our room. Overall, it had been a fantastic first full day and a very enjoyable evening. Time to rest up - the next day we were off to Edinburgh!

 

[debrapagliasotti]

I would've been scared to death to stay in a haunted hotel!!!!!!!!!

 

[ash-n-brensmom]

Yay for more Scotland updates!! URGH for Haggis! No thank you...

Can't wait to read more!!!

 

[jenny105]

I would've been scared to death to stay in a haunted hotel!!!!!!!!!

I was a little freaked out! I didn't spot any ghosts though

Yay for more Scotland updates!! URGH for Haggis! No thank you...

Can't wait to read more!!!

Haggis is not very good. When I talked to some of the locals, they thought I was crazy for not liking it. They compare it to hotdogs. Hot dogs are good! No comparison.

 

[Joyciemc]

Yeah, haggis can stay on my never-tried-it list. For sure.

 

[ziggystardust]

just wanted to tell you how jealous I am of your upcoming cruise. I wish I knew about these short ones earlier - I totally would have jumped at the opportunity. I've never been on one, so I don't know how I'll react and a 2 day one seems to be the perfect segway. Can't wait to hear about that trip.

 

[amandaluvsgoofy]

Yay for shopping!! And yay for a Scotland update!

That room is crazy!! If you rolled over at all during the night you guys could've been snuggling!

And yeah, haggis. A necessary evil while visiting Scotland. So sorry you had to try it...again!

The dancing is awesome! I used to take Irish step dancing and Scottish fling dancing. So much fun!!!

Your cruise is so close!! I can't believe it! And then you'll be getting ready for WDW!!

 

[jenny105]

Yeah, haggis can stay on my never-tried-it list. For sure.

You've tried it vicariously through me. There you go.

just wanted to tell you how jealous I am of your upcoming cruise. I wish I knew about these short ones earlier - I totally would have jumped at the opportunity. I've never been on one, so I don't know how I'll react and a 2 day one seems to be the perfect segway. Can't wait to hear about that trip.

Can you book one for yourself last minute?? I know there are sailings in July and August. I'm not sure if they've sold out yet. I'm hoping they'll decide to do the same thing next year too. I'll definitely be posting pictures from the cruise!

Yay for shopping!! And yay for a Scotland update!

That room is crazy!! If you rolled over at all during the night you guys could've been snuggling!

And yeah, haggis. A necessary evil while visiting Scotland. So sorry you had to try it...again!

The dancing is awesome! I used to take Irish step dancing and Scottish fling dancing. So much fun!!!

Your cruise is so close!! I can't believe it! And then you'll be getting ready for WDW!!

I know!! When we would be about to fall asleep and talking at night, Kelli even said 'I feel like we should be cuddling.'

I was really impressed by the dancing. Those girls did such an amazing job! It's so precise.

10 days to go! And boy do I need it!

 

[jenny105]

Hi everyone!

The cruise is 10 days away. TEN DAYS! Can you believe it?? The cruise can't come fast enough. We are having a member event on Sunday, the day our offices are usually closed, so I have to work 9-5 like any other day. I'm working Saturday too so there goes my whole weekend. My boss is driving me absolutely crazy. I've received 6 emails from her in the past two hours. The emails are not short either; she just rambles on and on & repeats herself. I need a vacation even if it is a short one.

In other Disney news, Kris and I were talking last night & decided to make another ADR. We decided we're going to go to Epcot at night after our day at Animal Kingdom since we usually leave AK between 3 & 4. We had breakfast scheduled that day at Tusker House & no plans for dinner. I let him pick and he chose...

Via Napoli! Has anyone been there? Any feedback? This puts us over our TS credits so I think we're just going to pay OOP for the least expensive buffet. I have to figure out whether that's TH, Crystal Palace, or Boma. We're going to eat very well this trip!

Onto the Scotland update!

We awoke in Nairn bright & early the next morning. No ghost sightings! Kelli & I had breakfast and then boarded the bus. Today we were headed to Edinburgh by way of Culloden & Pitlochry.

Culloden is a battlefield not too far from Nairn. Rosie described it as Scotland's own civil war. It was a battle that took place in 1746 with the British Government defeating the Jacobite forces in just one hour. There was a brand new museum to walk through with the story of the British forces to one side and the Jacobite story to the other. A big draw is a room in which you are surrounded by huge movie screens and feel like you are standing in the middle of the battle. That was a bit graphic! I know it was a re-enactment but I wasn't all that crazy about watching people's eyes & heads get blown out. Ugh. We also had a demonstration from a soldier who walked us around the battlefield. I love history so I found it all very interesting, especially when we got a personal tour of the battlefield.

Pictures of Culloden:

Doesn't this look a little like Hagrid's hut? I think that's why I took a picture of it.

A memorial for the soldiers who were lost in the battle

The red flags represent the British forces line

Across the field, the Jacobite line is represented by blue flags. They charged the field and attacked the British forces in a matter of minutes.

I forgot to mention in previous posts that in the Highlands, everyone is written in English & again in Gaelic.

After we toured the battlefield, it was back on the bus for the ride to Pitlochry!

We passed a couple of castles along the way...

There were trees blocking this one which explains the dark blur.

More about Pitlochry and the Blair Athol distillery in my next post!

 

[ash-n-brensmom]

I love history, grew up visiting civil war museums and such, I would love to see Culloden in person. It was more than just one battle that ended a war, it was the beginning of a disgraceful genocide in Scotland. It's amazing that any of the Scottish culture has survived to this day considering what happened after this battle. (Can you tell how much I love history )

Love the pics of the castle ruins...can't wait to see more, more, more...

But, more importantly..... 10 Days til your Cruise!!
That deserves some serious dancing!!!

 

[Joyciemc]

haven't been to Via Napoli but it is one I've been reading lots about- all very positive. I was toying with adding it myself, but can't seem to fit it in. I think you'll have a great meal there!

 

[Dancegrl624]

In other Disney news, Kris and I were talking last night & decided to make another ADR. We decided we're going to go to Epcot at night after our day at Animal Kingdom since we usually leave AK between 3 & 4. We had breakfast scheduled that day at Tusker House & no plans for dinner. I let him pick and he chose...

Via Napoli! Has anyone been there? Any feedback? This puts us over our TS credits so I think we're just going to pay OOP for the least expensive buffet. I have to figure out whether that's TH, Crystal Palace, or Boma. We're going to eat very well this trip!

Via Napoli is fantastic!!! We payed OOP for this meal in Sept 2010. We only ordered drinks and a large pizza, so it wasn't very much. Actually, we had a gift card. The margherita pizza is to die for and their aqua frescas are super yummy. I had the strawberry.

As far as buffets go, I'm about 99% sure that Crystal Palace is the least expensive one.