Disney: Delicious innards on a sandwich of Panic! A Sept. '11 TR [Completed; Feb. 28]

[teekathepony]

FINALLY an update!

Sorcerer Mickey is too precious!

oooh cant wait to hear about 50's! I CANNOT wait to go eat there!

I know right? Hahaha, I'm so bad at finishing what I start. I promise to do better from now on!
I adore Sorcerer Mickey, he's so cute!
I can't wait to write about 50s!

Yay an update!!!

Oh no on the madness at TSMM - am glad it all got sorted in the end so you were able to ride together. We enjoyed Indiana Jones as well.

Lol at closing your eyes on VoTLM!

Love the pic with Sorcerer Mickey and then the one of you and Johnny at the end!

I already know the answer to if you had a good time at 50s PTC but am looking forward to the review

Yes indeed, and more to come, I promise! I'm starting to think I god Disney Depressed and just didn't want to face writing about a trip that was over when another one is nowhere in the near future. Whatever the case, I think I'm over it.

 

[IheartDDuck]

Sometimes an entire post for one meal is necessary.

Anytime you have to head anywhere after eating big meal, it seems to be a struggle. Just walk as fast as you can and you'll get there.

 

[ZehnJahren]

Wow, I definitely would have said something to the little girl swinging around and hitting me - "Please be careful sweetie, I'm delicate."

So glad to see an update - we ate at 50sPT on our trip too, and I think it took up quite a bit of one of my posts, so I probably could have made it a full post too! That's where I got my entirely beloved and well-used light-up ice cube (that is sitting near me right now). For some reason, I have fallen in love with it and would use it daily if there were any way I could replace the battery.

 

[teekathepony]

Sometimes an entire post for one meal is necessary.

Anytime you have to head anywhere after eating big meal, it seems to be a struggle. Just walk as fast as you can and you'll get there.

Haha, it certainly is in this case! I'll fill a post for sure. I hate scrambling to get somewhere after eating in Disney, especially if it's a ride we're heading for!

Wow, I definitely would have said something to the little girl swinging around and hitting me - "Please be careful sweetie, I'm delicate."

So glad to see an update - we ate at 50sPT on our trip too, and I think it took up quite a bit of one of my posts, so I probably could have made it a full post too! That's where I got my entirely beloved and well-used light-up ice cube (that is sitting near me right now). For some reason, I have fallen in love with it and would use it daily if there were any way I could replace the battery.

Oh if only she was a little girl! Well, she was small, but she was my age! She er... didn't speak English so I really didn't want to get into anything or say anything, I just kept thinking 'the ride is not much longer!'
I love those ice cubes! I always wanted to get one and just never did.

 

[teekathepony]

Chapter 9; All About 50's

It was late, almost 8:00pm and we were hungry. We all met in front of 50's Prime Time Cafe where we checked in and were given a buzzer and told we could wait in the living room. It was nice to sit on the old fashioned couches and watch the old tvs for a few minutes.

When our buzzer went off we excitedly jumped up. The CM lead us to a small room off the main room where we sat down.

"Now, remember," I cautioned everyone, "they're going to make fun of you or put you in the corner or yell at you to get your elbows off the table. Just play along and we'll have fun!"

50's was entirely my idea and I felt nervous, almost as if the meal would reflect on me personally, whether everyone enjoyed themselves or not. I had spoken with every member of our group many times about what to expect and hoped that they would all play along. As we nervously sat waiting for our waiter, I took some time to admire the amazing theming in the room.

Suddenly a tall thin guy rushed into the room, threw some napkins and forks and knives on the table and announced himself as Cousin Richard, our server.

I smiled and thought 'Cousin Richard! We want to have fun!' really hard, hoping Cousin Richard could pick up some serious ESP.

"Are you on the dining plan?" he asked us. "Yes!" we replied. "I need to see one of your cards." One person from each couple handed him a card.

"I only need one!" He replied briskly, everyone giggled nervously

"Okfortheregulardiningplanyougetanentreeadrinkandadessert.Youcangetanythingonthemenuebutthis,this,andthisarenotincluded.Elbowsoffthetable.Somethingsomething,dessert,somethingsomething,"

Or something like that. I still have no clue what he said, but he pointed to a few things on the menu like an airline stewardess on speed. And then he left.

We all burst out laughing, no one really knew quite what to make of the experience so far. No setting the table ourselves or whatnot, but still funny. So we got down to business and decided on our meals.

I knew I was getting the fried chicken with a vanilla milk shake. Johnny, who was terrified that they would force feed him mashed potatoes ordered a chicken caesar salad. MIL and Melissa also ordered fried chicken, (all of us with green beans) Ron got spaghetti and meat balls and S-FIL got chicken caesar salad too. Cousin Richard made a fuss over how long we were taking to order and shouted for us to get our elbows off the table a bit. He played with each one of us as we ordered and mostly had fun with my MIL who changed her mind a few times. Once we placed our order and he left, we started chatting some more. The food came quickly and we dug in. We were so hungry! And everything was delicious!

While we were eating we made a pact to all have our elbows on the table when CR returned. We figured that way we couldn't get in trouble! So when he came back in (carrying a large, empty platter) we did it. Well. His jaw dropped at the nerve of us and he dropped the platter, catching it miliseconds before it touched the floor, and just centimeters from my MIL's foot. Startled, she let out a loud F-bomb, quickly slapping her hands over her mouth and looking at CR, terrified. CR stood up straight, staring at MIL with a look of horror on his face.

"MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" He shouted as he took off back to the kitchen.

Well we were absolutely in stitches, I couldn't breath I was laughing so hard.

I was full to bursting but there was a ton of food left on my plate. I gave Johnny (whose salad was long gone) a piece of chicken and everyone else started sharing food too. When CR came back to collect our plates he picked up Ron's spaghetti plate which had a chicken bone in it. He raised one eyebrow and looked back and forth between Ron and Melissa. Melissa thought she was in trouble because she didn't eat her meal herself but she said meekly "I shared..." CR responded "Sharing is caring sister, sharing is caring." I pointed to Johnny's plate which also had a stray chicken bone and to my own plate to indicate that I was sharing too. "Don't be a suck up." was my response. We were all laughing and having fun at this point and we were so full that laughing was hurting. Then we ordered dessert. I had a root beer float because the brownie just seemed too much like more food and I was stuffed. I can't remember what everyone else had, but Melissa had the brownie and she loved it.

CR came to collect our dessert plates and I asked him if he could get a picture of all of us and handed him my camera. He got this instead:

We started laughing again.

"No no," I said "All of us!"

"SARAH!" He yelled and another server came into the room. Thinking he would give the camera to her to take a picture of all of us, I laughed even harder when he took this:

Gasping to breath through laughter, eyes watering and clutching our stomachs (well, at least I was!) CR came over and crouched beside MIL

"Hands above the waist sister! Hands above the waist!"

And Sarah took this picture for us. See me in the purple in the back, red faced and dying?

When CR came back with the bills we knew our time was coming to a close. MIL told him that we had absolutely enjoyed our time and that he had really made it special. "Write a letter, sister." he said. He wrote out the address for guest relations on the back of the receipt. We swore we would write a good review.

He smirked. Then he looked around. He settled himself on the window in the wall next to us and started telling us hilarious stories. I won't share them all with you, but in essence he told us about a few interesting and funny problem customers, his experiences with star customers (Leann Rimes, Steven Tyler, Michael J Fox). He told us the most amazing stories and we sat and chatted and relaxed for at least 45 minutes, maybe an hour. Occasionally he would take off running after a stray running child or naughty adult, but he kept coming back and chatting with us. It was almost 11pm when we left.

As we walked out of DHS I was overcome with pats on the back and sincere thanks for booking our party at that restaurant. All 6 of us gushed about the food and the fantastic time we had. I felt so proud, my meal time gamble had been a roaring success.

 

[TanzUnited99]

I loved that you had fun at 50s PTC! at what Cousin Richard said when he came to see you and ask if you guys were on the dining plan and then his reaction at you all having your elbows on the table!

Mmm the brownie dessert looks good. I'm so happy the gamble paid off for you and your review is making me want to give this place another try.

 

[archdandy]

I just caught up with your TR. It sounds like you guys had a great trip so far, even if there were a few hiccups! I'm from Ontario, Canada so I know how hot it can be in Florida waiting in the sun for rides I hope to see another update soon!

 

[poisonapple_PRINCESS]

YAY for the 50's post! OHHH I cannot wait to go here! At first I was nervous you weren't going to have a good time. (not fun server or something) But I am so glad you did! Your server seemed absolutely amazing! I reeeally hope we have a fun one! And that is so awesome he sat and talked with you like that! Gotta love friendly people! SOO excited! I want to try the chicken. I love fried chicken.

Wouldnt it be funny if we happen to get the server you had? We shall see...

 

[IheartDDuck]

That is so awesome that your experience was so much fun! That restaurant is just that much better when you have a server, excuse me, COUSIN that gets in on the fun. I would definitely ask for him when I return.

 

[teekathepony]

I loved that you had fun at 50s PTC! at what Cousin Richard said when he came to see you and ask if you guys were on the dining plan and then his reaction at you all having your elbows on the table!

Mmm the brownie dessert looks good. I'm so happy the gamble paid off for you and your review is making me want to give this place another try.

We had such a good time, I would go back in a heartbeat. I think being with a big group helped too, because we were loud and talkative all on our own.

I just caught up with your TR. It sounds like you guys had a great trip so far, even if there were a few hiccups! I'm from Ontario, Canada so I know how hot it can be in Florida waiting in the sun for rides I hope to see another update soon!

Well hello, fellow Canadian! Welcome! It was a great trip, everything has hiccups and you always forget about them after a while, you know?

YAY for the 50's post! OHHH I cannot wait to go here! At first I was nervous you weren't going to have a good time. (not fun server or something) But I am so glad you did! Your server seemed absolutely amazing! I reeeally hope we have a fun one! And that is so awesome he sat and talked with you like that! Gotta love friendly people! SOO excited! I want to try the chicken. I love fried chicken.

Wouldnt it be funny if we happen to get the server you had? We shall see...

The other two tables in our little room had a different server who didn't seem to play around at all, I felt so bad for the people at those tables who were watching us a bit. I'd say if you guys play along and be really obvious about it, you'll have a great time. Cousin Richard told us that all the cms try to read people and whether or not they're into it. I sincerely hope you DO get cousin Richard, he will make it a great time I'm sure!

That is so awesome that your experience was so much fun! That restaurant is just that much better when you have a server, excuse me, COUSIN that gets in on the fun. I would definitely ask for him when I return.

It was my first experience and I'm glad it was so good, I would go back and ask for him again for sure!

 

[MEK]

Sorry I've gotten behind on your TR. I see there were a few updates I missed and I'm so excited that you use a photo hosting site that I can actually see at work.

First - I don't know if I commented on your 10/17 anniversary post, but those pictures our gorgeous. A photographer, you certainly are!

Your update at 50's Prime Time was hysterical. I haven't eaten there in awhile but you brought back some good memories. I know the right "cousin" can really make for a fabulously fun meal. So funny that you were laughing so hard you couldn't catch your breath.

I bet the celebrity stories were entertaining as well. and isn't ti cool to walk out of a close park?

 

[teekathepony]

Sorry I've gotten behind on your TR. I see there were a few updates I missed and I'm so excited that you use a photo hosting site that I can actually see at work.

First - I don't know if I commented on your 10/17 anniversary post, but those pictures our gorgeous. A photographer, you certainly are!

Your update at 50's Prime Time was hysterical. I haven't eaten there in awhile but you brought back some good memories. I know the right "cousin" can really make for a fabulously fun meal. So funny that you were laughing so hard you couldn't catch your breath.

I bet the celebrity stories were entertaining as well. and isn't ti cool to walk out of a close park?

No need to apologize, it happens! In fact, I got behind on my own TR
Thank you for the compliments!
We just enjoyed 50's so so so much, it was awesome. And yes walking out of a closed park is great!

 

[teekathepony]

Ever thought of the name comparisons here? I always feel like Disney had a world, so they had to make theirs a Universe! (But yes, I do know that the name Universal Studios is much older.) Just strikes me as funny.

*Ding Ding!* called my cell phone that morning. I woke up and sat up in bed -- It was Universal Studios day and I was sorry to tell Mickey that I was excited. This would be my second time to US, both since Harry Potter has been open.

A bit of Harry Potter background here:
When I was young and Harry Potter started to be a craze, I refused to join in. I thought it would be so silly, books made for kids. My best friend Sarah told me over and over again that I NEEDED to read the first book. She knows me well and knows that I'm a bookworm with OCD who can not own a book and not read it, so in a cunning move she gave me Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone for my 15th birthday. I read it, and at the first sentence (literally) I was hooked. Now I am a huge Harry fan.

Me, with my beautiful collection!

WWoHP is a dream come true for me. I can walk through Hogsmead! I can wander through Hogwarts castle! I can see Buckbeak! So although I hate the rest of US, I go there for the WWoHP.

We all got ready and met down in front of Pop Century. We asked a CM to get us a taxi van and it arrived in no time. Away we went!

We got there nice and early, just after the gates opened. When we got to the gate ourselves, Melissa and Ron got in no problem.

They got in and waited for us.

Johnny and S-FIL were no problem. MIL and I however, could not get into the park. You see instead of purchasing our tickets ourselves like smart people, we let the stupid travel agent do it. (Reminder: I was already very frustrated with the lack of help we received from our TA). She got us tickets through a wholesaler at the same price we could have gotten them straight from Universal -- so no advantage. However with these vouchers, we needed a photo ID. Did the TA tell us this? No. It was in teeny tiny print on our vouchers and we didn't see it. Melissa and Ron, who got their own tickets from the US website didn't need ID. Johnny and Kevin had their wallets. It took us a good 45 minutes of arguing and pleading with the one worker after another and then we were sent to customer service. We had room keys from Disney with our names on them, and we explained over and over again that it wasn't as if we would take our passports (i.e. the only photo ID MIL and I had in FL!) to Universal! We thought we were going to have to get another cab back to Pop just to get mine and MIL's passports. Eventually though, they let us in, but with not a single smile or "Have a nice day". I really hate most of US. If it weren't for WWoHP I never would have gone back. It was MIL's first time there and her first impression was that the staff was neither friendly nor helpful.

"Get used to that." I said "Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Disney anymore!"

We decided that since WWoHP was on top of everyone's priority list, we would head straight there. I rushed on ahead so I could turn around to see Melissa's face. It was worth it, she was so excited!

I took Melissa's picture with the Hogwarts Express:

We made our way through the village, promising to come back and explore it properly. We had lost so much time at the gate that we wanted to get into Forbidden Journey before it got too busy!

The wait time was only 25 minutes so we piled in, taking some pictures as we went. We didn't stop until the very end of the greenhouse, just before re-entering the castle.

Some of our pictures:

Pick me! I want to be in Gryffindor!

The whole way in, MIL was nervous. She didn't know what to expect. I also did not warn her about the giant acromantula (Harry Potter giant talking spiders, for those of you who are not fans), or else my arachnophobic MIL would NOT have ridden. We finally got on and MIL, S-Fil, Johnny and I were in one ride vehicle.

THIS is what we got when we came out:

L-R --
Me= just plain happy to be there. Also too short to properly sit up!
Johnny = laughing his **** off at his mother's petrified screams
S-FIL = laughing at both Johnny and MIL
MIL = screaming because the acromantula jumped out at us.

This was my & Johnny's third time on this ride, but everyone else's first. We all agreed that it was an absolute blast! I have a confession here... this is my #1 favourite ride I've ever ridden in my entire life. I have to admit it's better than anything at Disney.

I will leave you with that small piece of blasphemy for today. My intro was long and I hope I didn't bore you all too much with it. Coming up next: Would we enjoy the rest of our Universal Studios visit? Stay tuned!

 

[vikkii19]

Glad you enjoyed 50's PTC. We went for the first time this last trip and enjoyed the food. Our server was Sarah that was in your picture, she wasn't that great. She didn't do any tomfooleries, which is what I was looking forward to. She just wasn't into it.

WWOHP looks great. We were supposed to go and decided against it that same morning. Hopefully next trip we'll make it there.

 

[mousescrapper]

Hi Wendy

glad I diodn't have too much to get caught up on we have done the whole day at DHS before too it can be tiring, but sounds you had a great day and even did some new things too bad about some of the long lines and rider confusion I just love your story about 50's PTC...what fun. I have only dined there once before kids and it just wans't Matt's cup of tea and i worry w/ the hi=umor/sarcasism it won't fly for Nathan and his Asperger mind...though he would haveloved that fried chicken

sounds like Cousin Richard was a hoot and really made your experience top notch and how fun he sat and chatted w/ you for so long too, I love CM's like that

I bet that will be one of the best parts of your whole trip


onto HP...is that a Canadain title Philospher's Stone in the US it's Soccerer's Stone we are HP fans here too, especially Nathan he has read the series at least a dozen times over

hope the rest of your time there is fun

PS come say "hi" over at my Oct trip TR link below

J~

 

[bouncycat]

Few notes for ya Tink, sorry I haven't been posting, things been hectic. I have been reading tho!!! First, I LOVE 50's prime time!! I actually just made us a ressie for there for New Years Eve with a friend of ours who has never been!! She doesn't know yet!! Second, I'm SOOO glad you enjoyed WWHP. Any fan needs to see it, and yea, that ride is awesome except for the spiders LOL The whole area feels like you walked right into the book or movies!! The first time we went there, I got a Pigmy Puff, he sits by my bed, and my cat comes and loves on him quite often when I'm reading in bed. It's cute!! Glad you updated again, and glad you had fun at 50's. I've seen Richard before, but never had him as a waiter. they're sooo much fun, and Chris LOVES the PB&J shake they have there!!

 

[teekathepony]

Glad you enjoyed 50's PTC. We went for the first time this last trip and enjoyed the food. Our server was Sarah that was in your picture, she wasn't that great. She didn't do any tomfooleries, which is what I was looking forward to. She just wasn't into it.

WWOHP looks great. We were supposed to go and decided against it that same morning. Hopefully next trip we'll make it there.

That's no fun, I was glad we had a great waiter!
I loooove WWoHP so much! I could do without the rest of the park though!

Hi Wendy

glad I diodn't have too much to get caught up on we have done the whole day at DHS before too it can be tiring, but sounds you had a great day and even did some new things too bad about some of the long lines and rider confusion I just love your story about 50's PTC...what fun. I have only dined there once before kids and it just wans't Matt's cup of tea and i worry w/ the hi=umor/sarcasism it won't fly for Nathan and his Asperger mind...though he would haveloved that fried chicken

sounds like Cousin Richard was a hoot and really made your experience top notch and how fun he sat and chatted w/ you for so long too, I love CM's like that

I bet that will be one of the best parts of your whole trip


onto HP...is that a Canadain title Philospher's Stone in the US it's Soccerer's Stone we are HP fans here too, especially Nathan he has read the series at least a dozen times over

hope the rest of your time there is fun

PS come say "hi" over at my Oct trip TR link below

J~

Hello hello!! I will pop over to your Oct. TR asap.
Philosopher's Stone is actually the title of the book as JK Rowling intended it. In every country (to my knowledge) other than the USA that's what it's name is. I have no idea why American publishers changed the name of it

(eta: Just found this: "Scholastic Corporation bought the USA rights at the Bologna Book Fair in April 1997 for US$105,000, an unusually high sum for a children's book.[14] They thought that a child would not want to read a book with the word "philosopher" in the title and,[29] after some discussion, the American edition was published in October 1998 under the title Rowling suggested, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.[14][30] Rowling claimed that she regretted this change and would have fought it if she had been in a stronger position at the time.[31] Philip Nel has pointed out that the change lost the connection with alchemy, and the meaning of some other terms changed in translation, for example from UK English "crumpets" to US English "muffin". While Rowling accepted the change from both standard UK English "mum" and Seamus Finnegan's Irish variant "mam" to "mom" in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, she vetoed this change in the later books. However Nel considered that Scholastic's translations were considerably more sensitive than most of those imposed on UK English books of the time, and that some other changes could be regarded as useful copyedits.[27] Since the UK editions of early titles in the series were published a few months earlier than the American versions, some American readers became familiar with the British English versions after buying them via the Internet" Interesting!)

Few notes for ya Tink, sorry I haven't been posting, things been hectic. I have been reading tho!!! First, I LOVE 50's prime time!! I actually just made us a ressie for there for New Years Eve with a friend of ours who has never been!! She doesn't know yet!! Second, I'm SOOO glad you enjoyed WWHP. Any fan needs to see it, and yea, that ride is awesome except for the spiders LOL The whole area feels like you walked right into the book or movies!! The first time we went there, I got a Pigmy Puff, he sits by my bed, and my cat comes and loves on him quite often when I'm reading in bed. It's cute!! Glad you updated again, and glad you had fun at 50's. I've seen Richard before, but never had him as a waiter. they're sooo much fun, and Chris LOVES the PB&J shake they have there!!

Allo allo allo! Good to see you back. I'm the same, trying to read and keep updated but not commenting. I had so much fun at 50's, I would absolutely go back!!

 

[TanzUnited99]

I can't believe you got to see WWoHP for a second time - I'm soo jealous!!

I can't wait to finally visit but in the meantime am looking forward to the London tour becoming available!! The books are awesome! Oh no on the hassle of getting in and the CMs not being helpful.

Great pics of Forbiddon Journey and I love MILs expression at the end...hilarious!

 

[poisonapple_PRINCESS]

I AM SOOOOO JEALOUS!!!!

That photo of you and your books is gorgeous! Such an awesome photo!

Love your photo's! I'm DYING to see more! I have to live through you since I wont be able to go on my trip!

 

[teekathepony]

I can't believe you got to see WWoHP for a second time - I'm soo jealous!!

I can't wait to finally visit but in the meantime am looking forward to the London tour becoming available!! The books are awesome! Oh no on the hassle of getting in and the CMs not being helpful.

Great pics of Forbiddon Journey and I love MILs expression at the end...hilarious!

If it makes you feel any better, I am crazy jealous of your London tour!!

I AM SOOOOO JEALOUS!!!!

That photo of you and your books is gorgeous! Such an awesome photo!

Love your photo's! I'm DYING to see more! I have to live through you since I wont be able to go on my trip!

Well thank you, re: Picture! It was an oldie from a "365 project" I did where I did a self portrait every single day for a year. That got old real quick! lmao, but it's 100% photoshopped. I take terrible pictures so I got real good at sprucing them up!
Ok... when I first read your last two lines I panicked big time! I thought it meant "I won't be able to go on my trip" as in for some reason your whole trip was canceled, but then I rushed to your PTR and saw nothing, re-read it as "I won't be able to go to WWoHP on my trip" and relaxed, lmao!