He Was Bitten, Bitten By The Bug! A Nov-Dec '12 TR **WRAP UP 7/26**

[KatMark]

Finally catching up after a week gone with illness and work. I think I posted on FB that I'm sorry you still don't know what is wrong with kitty; and I'm sorry to hear about your sister...I can't even imagine what she must be going through (I'm a picky eater too).

I'm sorry you weren't feeling well in Epcot; you got some great pictures as you walked around though. We really enjoy Universe of Energy with Ellen; we saw it in September for the first time in probably three years, but plan to go back every trip...especially since we weren't all that impressed with Test Track.

 

[PhoenixStrength]

Finally catching up after a week gone with illness and work. I think I posted on FB that I'm sorry you still don't know what is wrong with kitty; and I'm sorry to hear about your sister...I can't even imagine what she must be going through (I'm a picky eater too).

I'm sorry you weren't feeling well in Epcot; you got some great pictures as you walked around though. We really enjoy Universe of Energy with Ellen; we saw it in September for the first time in probably three years, but plan to go back every trip...especially since we weren't all that impressed with Test Track.

Glad you are feeling better! My sister is doing alright with it now that she has found some gluten-free options for things she loves. She's still a bit frustrated at times, but doing alright. And Sweetie is still acting normal for now so I'm happy for that!!

I enjoy Universe too, it's funny and while it is long it never feels that long to me.

 

[PhoenixStrength]

DAY TWO, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30TH, PART THREE


When I left off I had just finished at Universe of Energy. Where to head to next? Well, I had an ADR coming up at Coral Reef, so I headed over to The Seas!

The post sign said a 20 minute wait, which it pretty much was. As I got in line I wanted to get more pictures of the sea life along the wall...

But then I couldn't, as they had walls up while they did some work.

I did make a little buddy as I walked in though!

I had 2 older woman behind me that kept bumping into me, grabbing me as they fell (no, they weren't drunk they just weren't coordinated at all!!!) and complained about the wait time, despite the fact that it was no longer than what was posted. I wanted to say something to them but held my tongue instead.

After 18-20 minutes I was in my clamboat and attempting to take decent pictures. Here are the best I could get!

I still had about 40 minutes until my ADR so I walked around inside the pavilion for a while. I headed to the undersea viewing for the manatees first and was surprised to see them VERY active!! They were both swimming around a ton and not acting like they normally do. The CM there said they get bursts of energy at times and we happened to catch one of them. I only managed to get one good pic while they swam around.

I headed into the aquarium area next and took pics of all of the sea life in the various tanks.

Dory!!

Nemo!

And their friends...

CONTINUED IN THE NEXT POST



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[PhoenixStrength]

More sea life from the aquariums!

I headed over to the large tanks next. As I walked up a large Ray swam past.

A Hidden Mickey, with a larger view of the tank (and the ray!).

And some more fishies!

And on the other side was the dolphin, who was swimming around so much that this was the best picture I could get!

By then it was time to head out and around the building for my ADR. I had a 1:20pm ADR for lunch, and it was 1:11pm when I walked in.

I checked in at the desk (and the CMs were much nicer than the one at CRT the evening before. I was handed my buzzer and had a seat where 3 other families were waiting. In less than 5 minutes I was led inside. I was SHOCKED at my table, as they put me right against the aquarium! I hadn't requested it, so I was thrilled I got so lucky.

I soon had a buddy who joined me for a few minutes.

My waiter, Steve (who was fantastic!), came over and got my drink order. While he was getting my drink a CM tried to seat a couple at the table next to me. Keep in mind I was right against the aquarium. Here is the table next to me:

It was maybe 4 feet from the tank? The couple threw a FIT!!! They complained like crazy that the table was unacceptable and they wouldn't take any table not against the aquarium. The CM apologized and said they hasn't asked for one and that the majority of the tables were much further away than that one. They said they would wait for a table against the aquarium to come open and walked back out to the waiting area. The poor CM didn't know what to do except follow them back out.

Steve then brought over my drink and some bread. I told him what had just happened and he just shook his head and said he hoped they weren't seated in his area then as they sounded pretty high-maintenance! Thankfully for him they weren't (though they didn't get a table for 15-20 minutes!) but I feel bad for the server that did get them.

Soon another couple was brought over to that table and they were THRILLED to get that close. We talked quite a bit over the course of the meal and they were both so nice. It was their third time eating at CR, but they had never been on the front tier before and were taking lots of pictures of the tank.

After I ordered my appetizer and entree a diver came over to our window of the tank. He posed for me, and did funny stuff for the other tables in front of my window too, like drawing a heart in bubbles for the couple next to me, and blowing in a seashell for a kid a couple tables over. He was great!

My appetizer soon arrived! I got the Crab Cakes with tropical fruit salsa and tequila aioli (on the side and I never used it!). I'm spoiled living in Maryland to have the BEST crab cakes to eat, but these ones were pretty good. I went into it knowing they weren't MD crab cakes, and that definitely helped me to like them more.

It really was quite delicious. The tropical "fruit" salsa actually had quite a bit of onion in it and it kind of ruined the flavor, but the crab cakes themselves were very good.


CONTINUED IN THE NEXT POST




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[PhoenixStrength]

While I ate I noticed that there was one of the diving tours going on in the aquarium tank. It was just the snorkel one, where everyone stays on the surface, but you can see the people in several of the pictures I took!

And another tank shot!

My entree soon arrived. I had ordered the Seared Chicken Breast, which was served over spaetzle with vegetables mixed in, and all in chicken broth. It was so delicious!!!!!!!!!! I really loved all of it, from the perfectly cooked chicken, to the yummy spaetzle and the melt in your mouth veggies mixed in. I loved it so much that I only remembered to take a picture of it about 2/3 of the way thru it!

While I ate I took a bunch more tank shots!


A large grouper

Blurry shark

Turtle

The tour group

Once I finished my lunch (which was A LOT of food!) I ordered my dessert, the new Orange Cheesecake with Blood Orange Sauce.

It was a perfect ending to an incredible meal. So yummy that despite being full I ate it all. The blue thing sticking out of the top is pulled sugar, with orange flavoring. It was quite good too.

I took a couple more pictures while enjoying my dessert, one of a sea turtle and one of a ray. The turtle looks a little weird as I tried a different setting on my camera to get it.

While eating my server Steve let me in on a couple "secrets". One is that there are 5 turtles of various size in the tank, which almost no one knows as it's difficult to see them all with how big the tank is. The second secret is that the bread they serve is actually not made on Disney property. They use an offsite bakery that delivers it to them.

I forgot to mention that this ADR was part of the Candlelight Processional package. When I finished my meal Steve gave me my ticket for the CP line to use later.

I finished eating and walked out at 2:25pm, around an hour after being seated. I got one last shot on my way out, of the doors.

NEXT TIME: Characters, Mexico and 3 Wise Men!




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[mickeystoontown]

Steph, your pictures came out soooo much better than mine. The coloring in mine was off.

You really did score on the table at the Coral Reef. Too bad the mean/snooty couple didn't realize what a great table they could have had.

Your meal looks really good. I hope that the orange cheesecake is still on the menu when we go in May. I love anything citrus flavored.

 

[KatMark]

What awesome pictures if the various different fish....you got great ones.

I am do happy that you enjoyed your meal at Coral Reef. I remember you debating it when I talked about the restaurant in my September. I enjoyed the crab cakes, but next time tell them sauce on side.

 

[SAT887]

Great table! What grumpy people though. I don't get people at all. If you want something ask for it - and be nice! We had such fun eating here - I love the aquarium.

 

[Pluto0809]

Boo for the rude ladies behind you in line! I think there needs to be a new rule "no complaining in Disney".

You got some great shots in the Aquarium. I think I have the same one of the Frog Fish, I don't think he ever moves.

Bonus for a table right at the aquarium. You lunch at Coral Reef looks yummy, I can't wait to eat there next month!

 

[afwdwfan]

I'll admit, I probably would have complained about a 20 minute wait for Nemo too. I've never seen the line that long for that one, and there's no way I'd have believed the sign.

Those are some great aquarium pictures!

That was a very nice stroke of luck to be seated next to the aquarium. It is a shame that the other couple couldn't appreciate their proximity, but if being 4' closer is such a priority that they're willing to waste 20 mintutes waiting, then so be it. I do agree that I feel sorry for their server though.

 

[PhoenixStrength]

Steph, your pictures came out soooo much better than mine. The coloring in mine was off.

You really did score on the table at the Coral Reef. Too bad the mean/snooty couple didn't realize what a great table they could have had.

Your meal looks really good. I hope that the orange cheesecake is still on the menu when we go in May. I love anything citrus flavored.

The Orange Cheesecake is now part of the dessert menu, it took the place of a different cheesecake they had, so it should still be there when you go! I check AllEars last night while writing the update and their menu was just updated this month and the cheesecake is still on it! It is very yummy!

What awesome pictures if the various different fish....you got great ones.

I am do happy that you enjoyed your meal at Coral Reef. I remember you debating it when I talked about the restaurant in my September. I enjoyed the crab cakes, but next time tell them sauce on side.

When I asked for the aioli on the side my server told me it is now standard to put it on the side, but it won't hurt to make sure by requesting that!

Great table! What grumpy people though. I don't get people at all. If you want something ask for it - and be nice! We had such fun eating here - I love the aquarium.

I don't understand it either. 95% of the tables aren't against the aquarium, so if it's that important ask for it. Don't complain for not getting the table you want if you don't ask for it!

Boo for the rude ladies behind you in line! I think there needs to be a new rule "no complaining in Disney".

You got some great shots in the Aquarium. I think I have the same one of the Frog Fish, I don't think he ever moves.

Bonus for a table right at the aquarium. You lunch at Coral Reef looks yummy, I can't wait to eat there next month!

I like that rule!

I was looking at my previous trip photos and you may be right about the Frog Fish as it's in the same place every trip!

Yay for eating there next month! I really, really enjoyed it and definitely would go back again on a future trip.

I'll admit, I probably would have complained about a 20 minute wait for Nemo too. I've never seen the line that long for that one, and there's no way I'd have believed the sign.

Those are some great aquarium pictures!

That was a very nice stroke of luck to be seated next to the aquarium. It is a shame that the other couple couldn't appreciate their proximity, but if being 4' closer is such a priority that they're willing to waste 20 mintutes waiting, then so be it. I do agree that I feel sorry for their server though.

They didn't just complain about the wait though. They complain about the lighting, how many people were in the park (not that many at all, I actually found it to be quite quiet), kids in the park, etc. They were just complaining for the sake of complaining.

I agree that if it was important then ask for it. I just felt bad for the girl trying to seat them as she obviously thought she was giving them a great table and they freaked out on her. She even asked if they requested an aquarium table and they said no, so she asked how they were supposed to know they wanted one then. I felt so bad for her as she looked ready to cry and I really hope they weren't that rude to their server once they were seated.

 

[ronnmel]

I,m always baffled by the sense of entitlement of some people. Plus, how did they expect people to know they wanted to be RIGHT at the tank if they told no one? I'm glad they moved and that you didn't have to spend your meal listening to them complain.

I never see any turtles, so I never would have guessed that there were 5 of them!

 

[PhoenixStrength]

I,m always baffled by the sense of entitlement of some people. Plus, how did they expect people to know they wanted to be RIGHT at the tank if they told no one? I'm glad they moved and that you didn't have to spend your meal listening to them complain.

I never see any turtles, so I never would have guessed that there were 5 of them!

Exactly how I feel about the entitlement issue that some people have.

I thought 2, maybe 3 at most since I had seen the really big one they have, as well as a smaller one. I never would have guessed 5 either.

 

[PhoenixStrength]

DAY TWO, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30TH, PART FOUR

After finishing my yummy meal at Coral Reef I decided to head to the World Showcase. But first, a quick stop here.

There was a short line, but only about 10 minutes tops before I was taking my picture with Mickey, Pluto and Minnie (mix of shots from my camera and PP).

I didn't get any photographic proof, but Mickey LOVED my shirt (which has him on it!) and Pluto was a huge flirt, kissing my hand, "licking" my cheek, etc. Minnie was just a quick pose and done.

I started once again to head to World Showcase, but was stopped by a bored PP askin if I wanted my picture taken. He did a horrible job with my camera (both he took were blurry and not at all zoomed in) but one of the PP pics looked good. Notice the shades as I was staring directly in the sun at that point!

I kept heading toward WS, getting a couple of shots of more Christmas topiaries and the Epcot Christmas tree, which was HUGE!

Finally I made it to Mexico!

I made my way inside and got a few shots of the indoor area, which I really love! There were lots of Christmas decorations up too, which I got a couple of pictures of.

I checked out the line for Gran Fiesta Tour, and there was none, so I headed in. Ididn't even have time to take pictures in the line as I was put right on the "boat".

I did get to take pictures along my ride thru Mexico, while keeping an eye out for Donald of course!

CONTINUED IN THE NEXT POST


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[PhoenixStrength]

More pictures from Gran Fiesta Tour:

I walked around the pavilion for a little while more, but left without buying anything this time. When I went outside I saw the Three Wise Men were telling the Mexican story of Christmas. If you don't know each country in the WS has storytellers around Christmas that tell the customs and story of Christmas for their country. The Three Wise Men were telling theirs, and I listened for a while, having only missed about a minute of the beginning.

After they finished I headed on to Norway. I took a few pictures of the buildings and statues before taking a bathroom break.

I started to head toward Maelstrom, but stopped when I say that the Norweigan storyteller was out. Their story is quite amusing actually! They don't have Santa as much as a mischievious elf whose name I couldn't pronounce let alone spell! So instead here are pictures of the storyteller and the elf, who kept messing with her the whole time!

As soon as she finished I headed over to Maelstrom, trying to beat the rush that I'm sure would head there next. But it didn't matter, as there was already a massive line even without those listening to the Storyteller getting there. How long??? Well, here is a shot I took from the end of the line.

Yes, I am outside there, and all the way back to the walkway. And yes, they had the lines all open inside too. The wait was over 60 minutes! I walked up to ask the CM if it had broke down and that's why the line was long, and she said it hadn't broken down all day, and she had no idea why it was so long! I decided not to wait but took a few more pictures of Norway and the decorations before moving on.

Once finished with Norway I took some pictures of the lagoon, and the globe for Illuminations, which had just been moved out.

NEXT TIME: THAT'S THE LINE!?!!!




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[mickeystoontown]

Those are some great pictures with the characters! I love it when the characters really get into..well..character. I've said it over and over again, but I really want to go to Disney during the holidays so I can see all of the beautiful decorations.

 

[PhoenixStrength]

Those are some great pictures with the characters! I love it when the characters really get into..well..character. I've said it over and over again, but I really want to go to Disney during the holidays so I can see all of the beautiful decorations.

I love that too. I don't do much character interactions on normal trips, but during MVMCP I do and I did a few others this trip, and 99% were fantastic. None were bad, just some not as into their character.

You really, really need to go during the holidays!!! The decorations and special events are so fantastic.

 

[SAT887]

Your TR makes me miss our trip! I love how you took pictures of so many decorations!!

 

[ronnmel]

How cute of Pluto to flirt with you!

Those storytellers sound really interesting.

I can't believe people would really wait in line 60 minutes for Maelstrom. There are so many other things to do in World Showcase that have zero lines! No matter the ride, if the line is outside the building, I think it's too long.

 

[PhoenixStrength]

Your TR makes me miss our trip! I love how you took pictures of so many decorations!!

Well, I went during Christmas, of course I was taking pictures of the decorations! Plus I knew people who've never been would love it.

And writing this is making me miss my trip too.

How cute of Pluto to flirt with you!

Those storytellers sound really interesting.

I can't believe people would really wait in line 60 minutes for Maelstrom. There are so many other things to do in World Showcase that have zero lines! No matter the ride, if the line is outside the building, I think it's too long.

Pluto was adorable. And the storytellers were cool. Very interesting to hear what other countries do for the holidays.

I would never wait 60 minutes for Maelstrom. It was just so weird that I walked on Gran Fiesta, and right next door Maelstrom had an hour wait for no reason at all!