From Europe to Africa in America - A Sisters' Expedition

[Flossbolna]

Exciting news Magdalene! Wow 2.5 weeks at Disney lucky duck! Will Katharina be joining you in October?

Another ninja post! Yes, 2.5 weeks is a really long time. I kind of want to stay long enough to really have time to just enjoy things without feeling the need to run around. Of course I am thinking I could also add things into the trip (like a trip to the mall, or Universal, or Kennedy Space Center) since I am staying for such a long time... But so far my plan is to just concentrate on Disney!

We will see how things work out for Katharina, but it would be nice if she could come as well, possibly for a shorter time. We talked about her arriving later and then flying back together.

Great news!! I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you that everything works out okay. Late October would be a fantastic time of year for a visit. My parents went that week a few years ago and had beautiful weather, and no crowds at all. They loved it.

If you have the points for it, I'd definitely try for a Boardwalk view, especially if your going to be there long enough to enjoy sitting out on your balcony people watching. On the other side though, some of the rooms on the pool side have Epcot view where you can watch the fireworks at night. You really can't go wrong either way.

Thanks! I watched the daily weather for Orlando on my Iphone over the recent years and thought it looked very promising! Part of me really wants to splurge on the Boardwalk view, I think I would enjoy it! On the Villas side it looks like it is actually the Boardwalk view rooms which have a chance of an Illuminations view due to the curve of the Boardwalk... But then I am not sure how often I would be in my room at 9pm...

 

[marvali]

Well, getting close to caught up! I made it through the first 40 pages, or at least the condensed version. Sorry I missed all the German lessons! You know how much I love those!!!

I knew from Liesa's TR that you were moving, but didn't know why. It is good to know if I ever get to visit Nuremburg, and run into any trouble, there is a gullible judge I can fool into believing my innocence!!! (Unless of course I bring Rosie or Glenn with me, in which case it will have been them causing the trouble anyway, so no problems for me......)

Some really great updates and pictures of your trip! Wow all the empty parks and multiple rides without even needing the fastpasses!!

 

[manntra]

I was thinking that you wanted to be there for your birthday Perfect way to spend your special day
I would be so happy if our dates manage to overlap. It would be wonderful to meet you I am torn between going during F&W or changing it up and going closer to Christmas. I will leave it up to my niece and what she wants to do....after all the nice thing with DVC is that you can keep going back and eventually fit everything in!!
I have only stayed at the BW once. It is a beautiful resort and has lovely decor. I had a BW view and it was nice to look out over the water and see all of the lights at night....although now I would likely have a standard view to save on points
One of my favorite restaurants was actually Shula's. It came highly recommended by another Diser and I was not disappointed. It was an amazing steakhouse and was a delicious meal. I would take this over a steak at Le Cellier any day!! We also really enjoyed Via Napoli. We have an abundance of Italian restaurants in my town but this was also delicious...and had very cute waiters

Tracy

 

[Flossbolna]

Well, getting close to caught up! I made it through the first 40 pages, or at least the condensed version. Sorry I missed all the German lessons! You know how much I love those!!!

I knew from Liesa's TR that you were moving, but didn't know why. It is good to know if I ever get to visit Nuremburg, and run into any trouble, there is a gullible judge I can fool into believing my innocence!!! (Unless of course I bring Rosie or Glenn with me, in which case it will have been them causing the trouble anyway, so no problems for me......)

Some really great updates and pictures of your trip! Wow all the empty parks and multiple rides without even needing the fastpasses!!

It's been a long time since you made fun of the German lessons, but I am glad that you enjoyed them nevertheless!

You are already done with catching up then, I hope you make good use of the links (please let me know if something does not work or there is a link missing!). They are a bit of work to add, I find, but I love it when others provide them, so I think it is my duty as a good TR host to provide them!!

I am glad that you enjoy the updates and the pictures. Off season touring has really spoiled me! I have been three times at that time of year now and it is just wonderful - if the weather cooperates. I am looking forward to experiencing October/November next year, but expect some more crowds.

And sorry, but I won't help you out if you get in trouble here - I am now working on civil law cases. You would have to infringe a patent or a trademark in order to have your case heard by me!!

I was thinking that you wanted to be there for your birthday Perfect way to spend your special day
I would be so happy if our dates manage to overlap. It would be wonderful to meet you I am torn between going during F&W or changing it up and going closer to Christmas. I will leave it up to my niece and what she wants to do....after all the nice thing with DVC is that you can keep going back and eventually fit everything in!!
I have only stayed at the BW once. It is a beautiful resort and has lovely decor. I had a BW view and it was nice to look out over the water and see all of the lights at night....although now I would likely have a standard view to save on points
One of my favorite restaurants was actually Shula's. It came highly recommended by another Diser and I was not disappointed. It was an amazing steakhouse and was a delicious meal. I would take this over a steak at Le Cellier any day!! We also really enjoyed Via Napoli. We have an abundance of Italian restaurants in my town but this was also delicious...and had very cute waiters

Tracy

So, we should really keep this in mind as possible DISmeet in 2011! The way my dates are planned at the moment, I would be able to experience MNSSHP and MVMCP in one trip!

Thanks for the input on the BW! I have never been someone who spent money on a view (well, 10 $ more for a pool view at AKL was ok), so I can see that I will be the same with my points as well. But I am not very concerned about it, I will just be happy with what I get!

I have heard good things about Shula's, too, and have considered trying it. It just seems sooo expensive to me. But I love good steaks and I think this would be a very "American" experience. And it is close to BW. And I can see Via Napoli to become the next hot ticket in Epcot from all the great reviews it gets.

 

[marvali]

It's been a long time since you made fun of the German lessons, but I am glad that you enjoyed them nevertheless!

Hey, I never made fun! I always thought those were really cool! I like stuff like that. That is part of what I really enjoy about World Showcase; learning about other people, their lives and customs. That is why I hope to catch a lot of the Story Tellers when we go in December!

You are already done with catching up then, I hope you make good use of the links (please let me know if something does not work or there is a link missing!). They are a bit of work to add, I find, but I love it when others provide them, so I think it is my duty as a good TR host to provide them!!

I didn't think to leave a post to do that in my PTR, but I will have to make it a point when I do the TR! They do come in handy, but in this case I scrolled through the pages and read all the updates, plus some of the banter to get a feel for the whole thread. I think I would have missed too much otherwise.

I also meant to mention I really enjoyed the mutual input from both you and Katharina! It is interesting hearing it from both perspectives. A little like the American Idol story in Glenn's TR where both girls gave their view of what happened, which was a lot of fun to read!

And sorry, but I won't help you out if you get in trouble here - I am now working on civil law cases. You would have to infringe a patent or a trademark in order to have your case heard by me!!

So I guess stealing Liesa's idea of finding letters on signs for my TR is not a good idea.........

 

[Flossbolna]

Hey, I never made fun! I always thought those were really cool! I like stuff like that. That is part of what I really enjoy about World Showcase; learning about other people, their lives and customs. That is why I hope to catch a lot of the Story Tellers when we go in December!

Good to know! I think the Story Tellers are a great thing for the WS!

I didn't think to leave a post to do that in my PTR, but I will have to make it a point when I do the TR! They do come in handy, but in this case I scrolled through the pages and read all the updates, plus some of the banter to get a feel for the whole thread. I think I would have missed too much otherwise.

Wow, that's quite some commintment to go through all the pages! I think there isn't that much banter going on in my TR, but there are some additional comments and such which might be interesting, that's true. I think, once I am done, I will go back and read the whole thing myself (and then be ashamed at all my typos and such! ).

I also meant to mention I really enjoyed the mutual input from both you and Katharina! It is interesting hearing it from both perspectives. A little like the American Idol story in Glenn's TR where both girls gave their view of what happened, which was a lot of fun to read!

Yes, Katharina is very popular around here! And it is a lot of fun, to do this TR thing together. I always send her my update by email and then get it back with her comments. And I am always excited to read what she added.

So I guess stealing Liesa's idea of finding letters on signs for my TR is not a good idea.........

Don't worry, the DIS server is located in the US, so I don't have jurisdiction there!

 

[princesshannahsmom]

You will probably notice that I do not post very often. Very little in fact. And VERY rarely do I post on trip report (although I lurk on them (A LOT!)).

However, you trip report drew me in and I have read the entire report in the last two days and I must thank you for this report.

You both sound like wonderful ladies and what I would not give, now, for a trip to Germany! You both make it sounds so beautiful and wonderful and I think I must start saving my pennies now for a trip to Germany in the future! My DD (princess hannah (hence the screen name)) would be thrilled with a trip to Germany. My uncle was posted in Germany (in the Army) for four years and he was always sending my DD special treats from there, so it has been her dream for some time now to visit Germany.

You see, we have NEVER been out of the United States and although Tokyo was at the top of our list for our first trip outiside of the US, I think, reading your reports has placed Germany at the VERY top!

All of that said, I was noticing as I read your trip reports that your English is most times better than my own, and certainly better than most of the individuals from my "neck of the woods"!

You both truly sound like gems! Thank you again for a VERY intriguing trip report!

 

[Flossbolna]

You will probably notice that I do not post very often. Very little in fact. And VERY rarely do I post on trip report (although I lurk on them (A LOT!)).

However, you trip report drew me in and I have read the entire report in the last two days and I must thank you for this report.

You both sound like wonderful ladies and what I would not give, now, for a trip to Germany! You both make it sounds so beautiful and wonderful and I think I must start saving my pennies now for a trip to Germany in the future! My DD (princess hannah (hence the screen name)) would be thrilled with a trip to Germany. My uncle was posted in Germany (in the Army) for four years and he was always sending my DD special treats from there, so it has been her dream for some time now to visit Germany.

You see, we have NEVER been out of the United States and although Tokyo was at the top of our list for our first trip outiside of the US, I think, reading your reports has placed Germany at the VERY top!

All of that said, I was noticing as I read your trip reports that your English is most times better than my own, and certainly better than most of the individuals from my "neck of the woods"!

You both truly sound like gems! Thank you again for a VERY intriguing trip report!

Hi princesshannahsmon and Thank you very much for your lovely and touching post, especially since you are more of a lurker! I am really very thankful for all my readers here and am amazed on how many people comment on how I was able to give them more appreciation for Germany! I love my country (with all its problems and despite its dark past) and truly enjoy being a bit of an "ambassador" for it via my TR here on the DIS.

Feel free to jump in with any comments if you feel like it, I love to hear from my readers!

 

[All7OfUs]

I didn't even go back and check to see what I had posted last, but did want to make sure (double sure) that I had congratulated you on the impending DVC buy-in!!! WOOT!! I am so uber excited for you, just think- an almost guaranteed yearly trip sure makes the chances of us meeting up again go way up!!! I am pumped!

Is Marv trying to hork my idea??? Should I have patented it ?

 

[Flossbolna]

I didn't even go back and check to see what I had posted last, but did want to make sure (double sure) that I had congratulated you on the impending DVC buy-in!!! WOOT!! I am so uber excited for you, just think- an almost guaranteed yearly trip sure makes the chances of us meeting up again go way up!!! I am pumped!

Thank you, Liesa! I am very excited myself. I already got the closing documents and sent the money on its way by wire transfer, so it looks like closing might happen very soon. And I agree, having a "second home" half way between your home and mine is a great way to facilitate future meetings!!

Is Marv trying to hork my idea??? Should I have patented it ?

Yes, I think you should have - but possibly this is more an idea which falls under copyright than patent??

 

[marvali]

FINALLY all caught up!!! So many things I wanted to comment on that I probably will never remember them all, but here they are in the order they pop into my head again.

Your picture on page 3 where you talk about not getting much sleep the night before.....for most people it is the "whites" of their eyes that get bloodshot normally, not the pupils......... (ok, that seemed a lot funnier a few days ago when I actually read page 3)

Agree on cilantro! Not something I enjoy tasting either! Wow too strong and dominates the rest of the food tastes.

Speaking of Mexican food, there is also Mexican cornbread that I really like. It has kernels of corn and jalapeno cooked into it, and adds a very interesting addition to the sweet of normal cornbread!

While I'm thinking about it, Very Happy Belated Birthday! So funny you mentioned Katharina's as the wrong day! I actually noticed it immediately because the first time I read it in the TR, I had taken note that it was two days before DS13's.

Really loved the update of your tour through Germany in WS. So interesting all the comments about authentic stuff, and specific information about certain items. I love learning stuff like that about different cultures. I'm sure there are many Americans who tour all of those countries and do think it is all very authentic! I can't wait to spend more than my usual time in Germany on our upcoming trip with my newfound knowledge!!! Like the updates about Norway too!

Congrats on the DVC purchase! Hope you hear something on ROFR soon, and it is in your favor! Welcome Home!

I agree Jambo House has a great gift shop! We have walked around in there a couple times, and I bet we still haven't seen all the neat stuff! I hadn't noticed that refrigerator magnet Katharina got before! I'm guessing if we take a trip by there this time, and DW sees it, we will soon have one on our refrigerator too (or maybe before Katharina actually gets her's up)

You need to visit Kidani and sit/relax in the library there. When we stayed there last summer I spent a few mornings up earlier than the family, enjoying a cup of coffee (well, as much as you can enjoy that coffee anyway) and reading. You can stay inside where the fireplace is, or sit out on the balconey in rocking chairs and watch the animals! Loved this place!

Funny that the weather was so cold for you! When we were there over New Years last time, I was worried about the temps too! Kept a watch on the forecast right up until we left. We typically had days where you could wear shorts, and a fleece and you were very comfortable. The night we did Osborne Lights, I was wondering if it was going to be cold enough to make the snow that comes down on you from the roof tops! It is definitely one of the Magical moments at Disney!

I have heard many reviews of WCC. Can't wait to get there! I have heard some people say the brisket was not very good like you, and others who said it was the best part of the platter! I guess it is just hit or miss, and unfortunately you got it on a bad night! The smaller room in front of the fireplace worked out great for you, but with my family, I'm really hoping for the main dining room and a very active server to make it fun!!!

I'm sure there was much more, and I will remember things I wanted to say as soon as I post this, but that's all for now.......

EDITED:Well, I was right! Need to add......dirndl pics, dirndl pics, dirndl pics!!!!!

 

[Flossbolna]

FINALLY all caught up!!! So many things I wanted to comment on that I probably will never remember them all, but here they are in the order they pop into my head again.

I know what you mean - that's what I felt like when I jumped into Liesas PTR!

Your picture on page 3 where you talk about not getting much sleep the night before.....for most people it is the "whites" of their eyes that get bloodshot normally, not the pupils......... (ok, that seemed a lot funnier a few days ago when I actually read page 3)

I thought it was pretty funny even now!

Agree on cilantro! Not something I enjoy tasting either! Wow too strong and dominates the rest of the food tastes.

I am always so glad to hear that other people feel the same. My theory is that there is something in cilantro which some people can taste and others can't. Weired stuff!

Speaking of Mexican food, there is also Mexican cornbread that I really like. It has kernels of corn and jalapeno cooked into it, and adds a very interesting addition to the sweet of normal cornbread!

That sounds delicious!!

While I'm thinking about it, Very Happy Belated Birthday! So funny you mentioned Katharina's as the wrong day! I actually noticed it immediately because the first time I read it in the TR, I had taken note that it was two days before DS13's.

I guess what confused me that 2/2 is still a birthday date in the family, but my mother's. It is really amazing how many people I know who have their birthday in the first few days of February. My host mother in Denmark has the same birthday as my mother, as well as one of my friends... And then there is a colleague on 2/1 as well as my best friend's husband...

Really loved the update of your tour through Germany in WS. So interesting all the comments about authentic stuff, and specific information about certain items. I love learning stuff like that about different cultures. I'm sure there are many Americans who tour all of those countries and do think it is all very authentic! I can't wait to spend more than my usual time in Germany on our upcoming trip with my newfound knowledge!!! Like the updates about Norway too!

I am glad you enjoyed it! Katharina and I really had a lot of fun touring and taking all these pictures, specifically with the TR in mind due to our experience with the PTR.

Congrats on the DVC purchase! Hope you hear something on ROFR soon, and it is in your favor! Welcome Home!

Thank you!! I am so excited. I heard that I passed ROFR last week and already have all my closing documents. I faxed them to the title company already and now I have to wait for them to receive my wire transfer of the funds as well as the seller's documents (these have to be notarized). It would be wonderful if closing could happen on Wednesday! I imagine that otherwise most of the US will close down from Thursday to Sunday? It is Thanksgiving week this week, isn't it?

I agree Jambo House has a great gift shop! We have walked around in there a couple times, and I bet we still haven't seen all the neat stuff! I hadn't noticed that refrigerator magnet Katharina got before! I'm guessing if we take a trip by there this time, and DW sees it, we will soon have one on our refrigerator too (or maybe before Katharina actually gets her's up)

It would be a great choice for your fridge!

You need to visit Kidani and sit/relax in the library there. When we stayed there last summer I spent a few mornings up earlier than the family, enjoying a cup of coffee (well, as much as you can enjoy that coffee anyway) and reading. You can stay inside where the fireplace is, or sit out on the balconey in rocking chairs and watch the animals! Loved this place!

Sounds like a great place! I am thinking about spending the first few nights of my trip at AKV next October. It is still a resort which I really love and I feel that I missed out a bit on what it can offer that last trip due to not being able to use the pool.

Funny that the weather was so cold for you! When we were there over New Years last time, I was worried about the temps too! Kept a watch on the forecast right up until we left. We typically had days where you could wear shorts, and a fleece and you were very comfortable. The night we did Osborne Lights, I was wondering if it was going to be cold enough to make the snow that comes down on you from the roof tops! It is definitely one of the Magical moments at Disney!

I have been to WDW during that time frame 4 times now and it never was constantly so cold as during this one trip. Everyone commented on it how unusual it was and they really had a lot of damage to the plants as well. One security guard once said at bag check that he did not move to Florida in order for the rain from New Jersey to follow him.

I have heard many reviews of WCC. Can't wait to get there! I have heard some people say the brisket was not very good like you, and others who said it was the best part of the platter! I guess it is just hit or miss, and unfortunately you got it on a bad night! The smaller room in front of the fireplace worked out great for you, but with my family, I'm really hoping for the main dining room and a very active server to make it fun!!!

Oh yes, I am sure your sons would have a lot of fun with the main dining room! When I will go there again, I really will insist of getting a table in the main dining room. I think that possibly always being a group with just two adults (and foreigners on top) they think that they do me a favour to put me into this small room... I also have this secret strategy of possibly in one future trip to have a DISmeet at WCC because I think with a larger group (of natives) I have better chances of experiencing the fun!

I'm sure there was much more, and I will remember things I wanted to say as soon as I post this, but that's all for now.......

EDITED:Well, I was right! Need to add......dirndl pics, dirndl pics, dirndl pics!!!!!

Ok, I let someone else comment on this....

 

[Flossbolna]

At the end of the last chapter I let you guess which resort we picked as our destnation:

The resort of our choice was: Port Orleans French Quarter!

Our plan was to explore a bit there, have lunch and then head back to AKL. We were really impressed when we arrived how nice the resort looked already in the entrance way:

This is already inside the lobby:

The check-in desk:

The windows of the resort shop:

The entrance of the food court:

And then the food court itself:

We had lunch here, but Katharina had a hard time finding something suitable for her. It seemed like every dish either had tomatoes or cheese (or both) in it...

I got a wonderful chicken quesadilla, which came with a side of beans and rice:

This was hot and tasty and the rice was even pretty spicy. But it was a very large portion. It would have been perfect to share between the two of us...

Katharina however had to get a very plain turkey sandwich. It was a generous serving of ham, but it was so chilled that it was rather tasteless. I think

It was really bland, I ate only as much as I had to in order to stop feeling hungry. I think I am also very spoiled by British sandwich shops... It might not have been too bad, only cold.


At least we had a very nice CM serving us and the food court was not crowded at all!

After lunch we continued our tour over the grounds of POFQ:

Of course it would have been nicer if it had been less gray, but we still very much loved the look of the resort!

We got a good laugh from a “laundry train” we saw:

It was a lot of these green laundry containers, which were pulled by a vehicle along the river...

Then it was time to head back to AKL and I saw another one of these themed soda machines:

I think those are just great and show to which detail Disney goes!

Go to: Bonus Update: A Weekend in Munich

Next: Chapter 25: Even more resort exploring – and a dinner! Part 1

 

[All7OfUs]

Thank you, Liesa! I am very excited myself. I already got the closing documents and sent the money on its way by wire transfer, so it looks like closing might happen very soon. And I agree, having a "second home" half way between your home and mine is a great way to facilitate future meetings!!




Yes, I think you should have - but possibly this is more an idea which falls under copyright than patent??

Well, I see you have a new update- after this meeting I'll be back to read....

 

[Flossbolna]

Thanks to everyone who participated in the game!

I counted the following guesses:

Wendy: POFQ
Glenn: POFQ
Liesa: CSR
Rosie: Boardwalk
Pat: Contemporary
Marvin: WL
Tracy: Port Orleans

So, Wendy and Glenn share the first place and Tracy comes in second since she only guessed half of the name of the resort!

Congratulations!!

CSR was actually the other moderate we considered and which made it to the last round together with POFQ and AKL. But all of you managed to pick resorts that fall in the category of places I would love to try one day!

If you first and second place winners are interested in receiving a small prize, you can PM me your adress and then one day you might find something in the mail (international airmail can be a bit tricky and lengthy at times, especially before Christmas)!

 

[glennbo123]

Woohoo! What a nice surprise! I had forgotten about this little contest. When I started reading, I was thinking, "I think I guessed POFQ. I hope I guessed POFQ!"

It looks like a very nice resort. Unfortunately, what I've seen of it is only what is visible from the boats, going from POR to Downtown Disney, and stopping to pick up/drop off POFQ passengers.

 

[Poolrat]

We stayed at POFQ in Sept and love the grounds. The rooms however, need updating.

I loved POP and the thermostat and of course the refurbed rooms are great.

FQ still has the old style unit that does not shut off at a certain temp. So if it on cool it will cool until you turn it off or in our case freeze at night. Not to mention it is noisy.

I think that may have been enough to annoy me at FQ but I seem to think there was another thing.

Ah yes. The only elevator in our building ( # 1) was on the river side. Of course we were on the other side. For us no biggie we walked up and down the stairs except when we checked out with luggage. Why would you not put the elevator in the center of the building?

 

[All7OfUs]

Lovely, LOVELY resort! I love all the iron work made to look like lace.

Did you try some pralines or beignets??

I saw many a "laundry train" as well. Cracked me up every time.

Congrats to the winners!! Good job!

 

[marvali]

Katharina however had to get a very plain turkey sandwich. It was a generous serving of ham, but it was so chilled that it was rather tasteless. I think

[/SIZE][/B][/COLOR]

I hate to be picky, but wouldn't that make it a HAM sandwich???

POFQ looks like a really nice resort! Well themed! That is also one place we had considered staying, but now that we own DVC, I guess we will just have to visit and take pictures.

I actually started to change my previous answer after I finished reading the rest of your TR. Sadly, I still don't think I would have said POFQ so glad I didn't doubt myself!

Congrats on passing ROFR!!! Again, Welcome Home!!!

 

[vamassey1]

Lovely pictures. We stayed here in Feb and really loved the grounds. It's like New Orleans only a whole lot cleaner.