From the Sea to the World - Completed!

[Flossbolna]

When is your next trip again? Any plans to finish this report before you go? And what about some DLP pictures?

You - of all people! - should now that I have been busy over the last weeks!!

But Michael and I just talked about this report and I promised that it would be done by the end of April! Hopefully next week I will find some time to start updating again!

 

[Steppesister]

Boarding the Ship:

WOW! What a splendor! The ship is truly beautiful. I'm so sorry that the check-in CM didn't give you a very good first impression- I wish the first face of any business would realize just how important they are to setting the tone of a guest experience.

Anyway, the area this with the staircases is just stunning. As is the restaurant. I'm sure the carpet makes for a less noisy dining experience than your typical Disney Parks restaurant.

I'm interested how your room works out since you didn't get the upgrade you were hoping for.

HI, KATHARINA!!!!!! I see your name almost every day because I tore off your address from an envelope you sent me a few years back and always wanted to keep it! Although, it's probably different now. anyhow, I do think of our lovely day/evening together very often!

And Magdalene, I actually think of you every DAY! I am using the little green bag you gave me (with the pedestrian guy) for my lunch bag for work. Thank you so much again for such a useful gift!!!!

 

[eandesmom]

Well I am SO happy someone got this bumped back up (thanks Katharina!) as I had missed this update in my traveling Santa craziness.

It's interesting. We went to Biergarten on our first trip with all 4 kids. I thought it was just ok. Jeff loved it and the kids, in general liked it but didn't necessarily rave about it. I loved the atmosphere and entertainment but as someone who geneerally doesn't like buffets, other than the Bavarian Cheesecake (which isn't Cheesecake...it's Quark Cake) that I poured the berries over, nothing knocked my socks off.

We were there again for New Years Eve. At the time I didn't know if it was just that I was starving or if the food really was that good, or how authentic it was. Reading your update makes me think the food really was that good! I did like the cheesy spaetzle but agree, a stronger cheese would have been better. Since I didn't know any better...I had seconds. They did have both kinds of potato salad I think as well. I agree that the schnitzel was dry but really other than that, I loved everything and had to be rolled out the door. It couldn't have been a better place to have our NYE feast!

That birds nest was rather unfortunate but lovely timing to be looking at your Flower and Garden pictures, makes me very excited to be going this year and experiencing the carts for myself!

Cynthia will be very happy that you were enjoying coffee on the verandah.

I am 2 months late in saying so but yes I am!

I was thinking of her every time i had some coffee on the balcony!

A very good time to be thought of

 

[englishrose47]

Keeping up not wanting to miss an update !!!!

 

[GoofyFan1515]

Keeping up, not wanting to miss an update!




Wait, didn't I hear that somewhere..............

 

[englishrose47]

Keeping up, not wanting to miss an update!




Wait, didn't I hear that somewhere..............

Smart Alec !!!!

 

[nodnol]

You - of all people! - should now that I have been busy over the last weeks!!

But Michael and I just talked about this report and I promised that it would be done by the end of April! Hopefully next week I will find some time to start updating again!

So, did you write an update yesterday evening?????

Boarding the Ship:
HI, KATHARINA!!!!!! I see your name almost every day because I tore off your address from an envelope you sent me a few years back and always wanted to keep it! Although, it's probably different now. anyhow, I do think of our lovely day/evening together very often!

yes, I guess we moved since then, although the past becomes more and more blurry the older I get and I can't really recall which year was what. But I remember meeting you!!! I hope we can repeat it sometime somewhere.

 

[Flossbolna]

So, did you write an update yesterday evening?????

Do you see one posted here???

No, I was busy watching Big Bang Theory which I got for Christmas. Also a very important task! But I have the best intentions to work on the TR tonight!!!! Maybe I will even find some time during the weekend!

 

[GoofyFan1515]

Do you see one posted here???

OUCH! Sisterly love?

No, I was busy watching Big Bang Theory which I got for Christmas. Also a very important task! But I have the best intentions to work on the TR tonight!!!! Maybe I will even find some time during the weekend!

Welcome back from all your travels! Good to be hearing from you again.

And for getting Big Bang for Christmas! Is this a show you get to watch in Germany normally, or you've just heard about it and now you have it to watch and check it out???

 

[Flossbolna]

After lunch we were ready to head back to our wonderful villa and enjoy the pool. Of course we first had to walk through a whole theme park to get to the exit. And it was a very pretty theme park thanks to the Flower & Garden Festival. So you get to enjoy some of the views as well:

China had some cute pandas:

Norway a troll:

I wonder whether they will get an Olaf this year?

And then there were plenty of green monsters – trying to advertise Monsters University which came out last spring:

But my favourite view by far were the little flower islands in the lakes between Future World and World Showcase:

We also saw some more “Cars” insects:

And then Michael’s friend was nice enough to drive us back to AKL so that we could skip the busses. I must say that walking across the hot parking area and then getting into a hot car was not so great. There is something nice about being able to enter a cooled bus. However, it was nice how quick and efficient the car ride was – it always seems that the busses from Epcot take the longest route possible back to AKL.

After some wonderful pool time we headed to the Magic Kingdom for the evening:

The park was open late tonight, it was officially closing at 11pm and then there were EMH until 1am. When we got there, it already was getting late, it was around 9pm, and when we consulted the Times Guide we realized that we already had very reduced options for dinner. The only two places staying open later were Cosmic Rays and Casey’s. We did not want to eat at either of them. So we decided to head directly to Pinocchio’s to catch them while they were still open. However, the Electrical Parade was going on just when we arrived. I was wishing I was in Disneyland Paris, as that park has wonderful arcades behind the shops on Main Street to enable you to bypass Main Street – especially useful when there is a parade going on! But we somehow managed to make our way through the shops and into Fantasyland. At Pinocchio’s we decided to share a pizza and a salad:

We still weren’t that hungry after our huge lunch, so this was plenty for us. I found the pizza a bit too dry for my taste and had too much cheese on it and the salad was basic. So Pinocchio’s is still not a must do in my book. But it was ok.

By the time we were finished with our dinner it would have been time for Wishes and we briefly thought about seeing it. But then we decided that we really had not done a lot of rides so far in this trip and that we rather wanted to ride some rides! We had heard before our trip that Splash Mountain had had a recent refurbishment, so this was high on our list! Splash Mountain had previously been in quite a state with a lot of effects and animatronic not working anymore, so we were hoping that it would be back to looking wonderful. And we were not disappointed! I was surprised how bright and loud it was! Also my favourite effect in the Laughing Place with the jumping water was working again! I was very happy! Michael saw one thing that did not work – but we saw it working later again. I just hope they keep the attraction in better shape now!

Since everyone was busy watching fireworks, we were able to just walk onto Splash Mountain without a wait and when we were done, there was no one waiting so we got to go on a second ride without getting off! I love it when that happens!!

After this however we did have a show to see: The new projection show on the Castle. It is called Celebrate the Magic. It used to be the show that incorporated supposedly the pictures of normal tourists. They have now abandoned that concept and it is just different animated pictures with music and it is very charming! I can only recommend to go and see it!!

At DLP they combine something similar with water fountains (like World of Color in DCA) and some fireworks to a wonderful show called Disney Dreams.

After this it was finally time to go and check out the new stuff at the MK. Or at least what was new for me then! We headed to Storybook Circus first.

Our first stop was in the shop where we picked up a packet of caramel corn which was delicious. We kept snacking on that while we explored the area. One thing I noticed in the shop was that in order to look like a circus tent the floor was very light carpet that was designed to look like canvas or so. That was a lovely design idea, but the problem was that it already had so many spots and looked very dirty. So it made me wonder whether it was truly a good design idea… Lines were non-existent by now and we first got on the Barnstormer.

It was my first time ever on this ride – and it is indeed a kiddie coaster. I don’t have to try it again. Next we went on Dumbo.

I am really torn in my feeling towards Storybook Circus. It looks lovely, lots of colour and lights. But I feel that it is rather lacking. The circus theme for a theme park seems such an easy thing to do. The Barnstormer was really quite a bare coaster and I do not like the new Dumbo location. Half the fun of Dumbo was soaring over Fantasyland. Now you can watch the Speedway. Not a good replacement in my opinion. I wish they would have done more with this area! The original plans that were leaked had the area as a Fairyland themed to Tinkerbell and friends with a new ride. I think I would have liked this better! It also would have been wonderful if they had added the Sorybookland boats and Casy Jr Circus train like they have at DL and DLP!

Next new thing was the Little Mermaid ride. There was again no wait, but we had a long walk through the whole queue line. It felt like walking through there took longer than the ride itself. But I was happy that we were able to just walk through and that we did not have to stand in line! The ride itself has all the lovely music from the film, but I found the scenes a bit too much colourful plastic for my taste. It was a bit overwhelming. Definitely not a must do for me in the future.

We walked around what was open of New Fantasyland a bit more and somehow it felt to me as if while it was very pretty to look at, it lacked substance. And it also made the rest of Fantasyland look a bit sad. I have never been a huge fan of the MK’s Fantasyland. Having had my first Disney experiences at DL and DLP I got used to very detailed Fantasylands. The tournament facades that the MK uses to a large extent always seemed plain and lazy theming to me. Now there are bits and pockets of extreme prettiness and unfortunately to me they make the rest stand out even more.

We ended the night with rides on It’s a Small World and the Haunted Mansion and then we started to head out of the park. When we were in Town Square the bell rang 1am and there was the announcement that the park closes now. So we closed down yet another park!

Next: A Typical Alpine Winter Day

 

[Flossbolna]

Hi everyone!!

As you can see, there is a new update. Finally after a more than two months break. Life has just been filled with all kind of Christmas, work and other activities. But the next weeks should be quieter and I do have my mind set on trying to get this TR done as soon as possible. The Christmas break also brought a visit to Paris and Disneyland Paris with it. Which was a wonderful trip and I hope to find the time after I finish this trip to write a little bit about that even though I did not take notes. But there are lots of pictures!!

The reason why this TR needs to be finished is that the next cruise is booked and it is not too far away in late spring. You will have to wait for more details on what and where after I am back from that vacation as my travel mate is not too keen on our plans to be posted publicly on the internet. But I do promise to report back after my return for a new trip report. I am expecting to have a lot to tell then!!

So, thanks for your patience. I hope I have not lost all my readers in the mean time! And I promise to get caught up on everyone's TRs as well! I know that there is plenty interesting to read about!!

Love your review of the Biergarten! It is one of DH and my favorite places there. We have a tentative plan to go back in 2014 sometime and I really want to try all new places, but we will most likely have one repeat-- I don't think we could be there and not go. Glad to hear it is mostly authentic.

I was really surprised at how good it was - no wonder that you like it so much! I think it is a great buffet!

I've never heard of that, maybe our Dad told you, when we were little - before we found out we shouldn't believe everything he tells us?

I have no idea where I heard it - I alway thought it was known by everyone?

Happy New Year!

Thank you Karin! I totally missed out on wishing my readers a happy new year...

Happy New Year Magdalena !!!!!

Thank you Rosie!!

 

[Flossbolna]

Hail, hail, the gang's all here...! Iiiiiiiii'm baaaaaa-aaaaaack. Taking it slow and easy, and only subscribing for now on yours and Glenn's. We'll see how it goes.....

I've missed this place and all the lovely people!

It is so great to have you back here!!!

By Air to the Sea:

Lovely chapter! The only other airline that serves as nice a spread (liquor and food) is your very own Lufthansa.

Welcome to the US!

Thanks! I do like Lufthansa a lot, but Air France seems to constantly beat them on price. I once again booked with AF as they were 250 € cheaper than LH. But I do get to fly on an A380!!

Chapter 2:

Yay for a chauffeur! How awesome is that?! I don't like Cool Whip; the real thing is so much more amazing. Your view was fabulous! Wow! I know exactly how tired you were....

A personal chauffeur is even better than Magical Express!!

I kind of suspect that I would not like Cool Whip either - but I guess after making it such a point of discussion I will have to try it at some point!

The view of the cruise ships was really special. Would have beeb even better if you wake up on the last morning to see your own ship outside the window!

Olives or Grapes

I still think we'd travel well together. Because that's my kind of morning right there! Coffee, pooltime, out-of-the-ordinary breakfasts, and unidentifiable tidbits while lounging.
Pineapple mojitos sound amazing! Especially around a tropical pool.... if I close my eyes hard enough, just maybe.

I never thought that this would be my type of travel. But I found out that I am doing very well combining this with bouts of activity!

The next chapter after Olives or Grapes (but I can't remember the name of):

Outlet Malls... meh. Shopping just isn't my thing, but I do love that little box. That was one of my favorite rides as a small child.

Funny, we had Arby's for the first time in about 15 years the other day. Good choice!

Steak- we have that more often. A lot more often. Yum!

The box sits on my dresser and it always puts a smile on my face. It is such a cute little thing! And I like the ride a lot as well! The DLP version is quite special as it has onboard sound. It is even classified as the first Disney coaster with onboard sound!

Water Chapter:

It's so weird how the East Coast (particularly the Southern East coast) is so very different from the majority of the West Coast. Ours is very rocky and rugged and wild comparitively. Pretty in a very different way. Come visit sometime!!!!!

Your 5 Guys looked good, but I"m afraid I can never go back. Last time I was there I got a long, icky hair in mine and I nearly threw up. In fact, I'm just not a big fan of burgers in general anymore. That was about 6 years ago. Their fries are definitely perfect though... thick cut and so fresh!

Hope you're enjoying Paris!!!

Ok, your 5 Guys experience is really bad!!! I will have to forget about it immediately as I still want to eat there. I am still a big fan of burgers, so it is a great place for me!

Having been to parts of the American West Coast I can very well understand what you mean! For general enjoyment of landscape purpose I think those rugged coast lines are far prettier. But for a day at the beach, I take the sand and the turquoise water any day!! have you seen the Cozumel pictures yet? For me this was the most beautiful beach of them all. Castaway Cay on the other hand is the most perfect beach experience!

Boarding the Ship:

WOW! What a splendor! The ship is truly beautiful. I'm so sorry that the check-in CM didn't give you a very good first impression- I wish the first face of any business would realize just how important they are to setting the tone of a guest experience.

Anyway, the area this with the staircases is just stunning. As is the restaurant. I'm sure the carpet makes for a less noisy dining experience than your typical Disney Parks restaurant.

I'm interested how your room works out since you didn't get the upgrade you were hoping for.

And Magdalene, I actually think of you every DAY! I am using the little green bag you gave me (with the pedestrian guy) for my lunch bag for work. Thank you so much again for such a useful gift!!!!

Isn't the ship pretty? It is even prettier in person. I was so in awe all the time. I absolutely love it that they went for that old fashioned luxury feel.

If you read on you will find out that that first experience was really an aberration. I think I read somewhere that those CMs at the port (except Port Canaveral) are not real Disney CMs, just cruise terminal staff. So that might explain it. And I think I was just a bit too nervous and expecting too much. If I had not taken notes about it and then written about it, I probably would not even remember it by now!

How lovely that you still use the bag I gave you! I like giving people useful things! And by the way, the wonderful piece of fabric you gave my parents still has the perfect place on their little shelf. It usually has a silver tablet on it on which the tea pot stand when I come to visit my parents for 5 o'clock tea on Sundays (our weekly "ritual").

 

[Flossbolna]

Sorry, I need to head to bed - will finish the other replies soon. I promise!!!!

 

[Poolrat]

Glad you are back.

I know how busy you were during the holidays and with moving and then trips and such. Can't wait to hear all about DLP and then the cruise.


I did enjoy the Flower and Garden festival and love the displays they do.

Great MK night. You got a lot done and managed to shut down the park good for you. I have not done that in a while- I always say I am going to and then poop out beforehand.

 

[Steppesister]

Some general thoughts on the latest update (I'll continue my read-through of earlier updates too, but more leisurely):

This was such a a great chapter! Particularly because I have done ZERO research on what all the newest Lands entails and have. I really appreciated your comments towards your general impression, and your attention to theming details. I should probably spend some time perusing the maps and picture forums again before I go again.

Counter service places are always ... meh. Disney is certainly the one place you get what you pay for. Gotta say though, like Brook, I do love me a cup of corn dog nuggets.

YAY for the mop up of Splash! It was getting rather run down- and that was 3 years ago! I'm looking forward to seeing it again someday!

It's been forever since I"ve been during Flower and Garden, but before I go back to that season, I want to milk out Fall and all it has to offer first. MNSSHP is way high on my list... still. But I do so love the topiaries! And to time it with a Food and Wine would be fabulous.

I"m so glad your parents still have that Blankistani National Treasure. It is a one of a kind very special thing. Please tell them hello for us on your next Sunday tea time.

 

[Steppesister]

yes, I guess we moved since then, although the past becomes more and more blurry the older I get and I can't really recall which year was what. But I remember meeting you!!! I hope we can repeat it sometime somewhere.

Then I shall toss that old one out. I can always write to you here... unless a random Christmas gift might want to find its way to your house someday.

I believe we met you all in August, 2010, if that helps. It would be fabulous to meet again someday! I will never forget our time in Nuremberg; our tour of the underground wine tunnels and our merry dinner later that evening!

 

[englishrose47]

Great Update Magdalena !!! For me the New Dumbo was great !!! We were walk ons and that was unheard of with the old Dumbo ad nowthey have 2 it is great!!As for Goofy'sBarnstormer , I rode it once and was PETRIFIED, I figured how bad could a kid's rollrcoaster be and it was terrifying !!! I do enjoy the evening EMH as rides are usually walk ons and that is wonderful!!!

 

[wiigirl]

Great pics!

 

[nodnol]

I think I like the monsters best, or the panda bear!

It looks so warm and summery on the pictures. I'm sorry, but that's what fascinated me most under current circumstances

Splash mountains sounds good! I remember you complaingn, when we went together, that so many elements didn't work... So hwo did it work out this time, did you again manage to stay dry while your travel companion got wet? The real wet, not your wet...

 

[Poolrat]

Katharina....

Hope you have a wonderful Day !!!!