I've finally finished it! My first trip report!

[I'm No Fool]

Who: One Mom, One Daughter, and a Son (that’s me), all adults
When: 3/26-3/31
Where: POFQ

Quick note before I begin: I grew up about 9 miles from Disneyland, so we’ve been there more times than I can count. We’ve also been to DCA once. This is why we skipped some major attractions. Others we skipped because we don’t like the rougher rides.


Part I

Thanks to the wonders of DME we all safely arrived at POFQ. After a quick glance at our rooms we headed over to the boat to take us to DTD. We had dinner at Earl of Sandwich, and thanks to these boards we didn’t waste our credits there. I had the Beef & Bleu, while Mom and Sister shared the Caribbean Jerk Chicken, cole slaw, and tomato soup. At only 95 cents they were impressed with both of the quality and quantity of the soup. I don’t like tomato soup, so the fact that I thought it reminded me of Spaghetti-O sauce should probably be ignored. For dessert we went to Goofy’s Candy Company and each had our own make-your-own treat. For sugar to cost ratio these treats are definitely worth it.

The next day (Monday) we had a quick breakfast at Sassagoula so we could get to AK for EMH. This plan didn’t work, because we got there at 9. We headed straight for Kilimanjaro Safaris. We saw the FP time was an hour, so we each grabbed one and used the time to walk through the Pangani Trail and look through a shop. We then returned to Kilimanjaro, which we all enjoyed. Next we headed over to Everest, more just to look at it as we didn’t think we’d have time to ride it. However, we discovered the single rider line, and so we were in the line and off the ride in about 5 minutes. Single rider line rules! We now had plenty of time to get to the Lion King show. We especially enjoyed the David Melech hand jive audience participation part (those of you who went to Hebrew school know what I’m talking about). Since it was now lunchtime we headed over to Tusker House, where we all had the turkey wrap w/soup, chocolate or carrot cake, and big bottles of water (which we saved for refilling for the rest of the trip). After lunch we rode on Dinosaur (posted standby time: 20 minutes, actual time: 10 minutes).

We then realized we had done everything we wanted to do, so we took the bus to MGM. We went straight to the Backlot tour, where the wait was minimal. As it was now time for our scheduled ADR we headed over to Mama Melrose. For appetizers we split the calamari, the bruschetta, and the oven baked caprino cheese. For main course I had the wood grilled chicken, hold the peppers, while the others had the spaghetti fra diavolo, thus having more calamari than Kelli Pickler will have in her entire life. For dessert my sister and I had the cheesecake, while our mom had the coffee tartuffo. Now fully stuffed, we stumbled over to the Great Movie Ride. Having done all we planned to do that day (as we would be coming back on Wednesday) we took the boat to the Boardwalk Inn, for drinks at the Belle Vue Room. My sister had the mango mojito, while my mom and I had one of the house specialties, the name of which I can’t remember but I think it was similar to a raspberry White Russian. There we were entertained by a guy who balanced glasses on the edge of a sword while we enjoyed a game of Scrabble. After that we returned via buses to POFQ.

 

[I'm No Fool]

Part II

This time we were able to take advantage of the EMH and got to Epcot early enough to have breakfast at Electric Umbrella, where we all had French toast sticks. Now satiated, we wended our way to Test Track, where we saw the wait was only 20 minutes. After cruising through Test Track, we made our way to Ellen’s Energy Adventure, which we also liked. This was followed by a quick visit to Innoventions and Club Cool, where my sister actually did not find Beverly as repugnant as promised. [Sister adds: Yes, I drank it willingly. Three times.]

As per our carefully planned schedule we hopped on the monorail for MK. We made our way to Buzz Lightyear, which we FP’ed. We used the time to have lunch at Cosmic Ray’s. I had the double bacon cheeseburger, they had the veggie burger, and we all had chocolate cake, which we each sensibly only ate half of because we knew more dessert would be coming later in the day. It was now time to head over to Buzz. After enjoying one of the newest attractions we went to one of the oldest, Carousel of Progress. Following our trip through technological history we spotted the White Rabbit near the Teacups, and we decided to meet with him. He pointed to my sister’s watch and indicated he was late. I told him to tell the Queen of Hearts that I thought croquet was a stupid game and this seemed to upset him.

We then made our way to Adventureland and the Jungle Cruise, which we also FastPassed. While waiting for the return time we rode on Haunted Mansion, always a classic. Then it was back to the Jungle Cruise, also always a classic. Before that, though, we stopped by at BTMRR to pick up another FP. I’d like to say right now that the walk from HM to BTMRR is unnecessarily long, what with that lagoon in the way. The walk is much better at DL.

After Jungle Cruise we shopped at the Emporium (actually my sister did, I didn’t) and had frozen bananas and popcorn with our snack credits. Now full of gifts and food we went to see Philharmagic, where we got wet (this is will be a recurring event). We then headed over to the Hall of Presidents, but we were too early (or too late, depending on your point of view). So, in our one instance of spontaneous planning, we decided to go on a Fantasyland ride. We would have liked to have gone on Mr. Toads’s Wild Ride, but the Magic Kingdom doesn’t have it anymore! So we settled on Snow White, mostly because it was closest to HoP, and the line looked short. We then realized that we only had time for either HoP or BTMRR. Even though I had wanted to see Messrs. Fillmore, Arthur, Polk, et. al., I felt picking them over Thunder Mountain would be beyond lame. Having chosen nonlameness and the excitement of Thunder Mountain it was time to leave, as we had ADR for HDDR. We took the boat there, found our way to the building, and waited outside. Eventually they let us all in. We all enjoyed the food, the sangria, and the show, which was silly but fun. We would have liked to have eaten more shortcake, but unfortunately we were beyond stuffed and couldn’t. We definitely appreciated the direct buses to the resorts. Thus ended the day.

 

[I'm No Fool]

Part III

Following a breakfast of beignets we returned to MGM. Our first attraction was the LMA stunt show. After watching carefully choreographed car chases we went over to Indy to pick up FP’s. We then browsed the shops on Hollywood Boulevard, followed by The Little Mermaid Show, complete with water spray. It was now time for lunch, so we made our way to Starring Rolls, where we all had lox and bagels. We all agreed that the amount of lox provided made the meal an excellent value. For dessert I had a key lime tart, my mom had a napoleon and my sister had a bananas foster style parfait. Having not only our fill of smoked fish and pastries, but also having plenty of time before Indy, we did the Sounds Dangerous show. It was interesting, but they sure do like splashing you with water when you don’t expect it at WDW, don’t they?

It was now time for Indy. After watching Dr. Jones defeat the bad guys we went to see the Magic of Disney Animation, although we didn’t do the animation class. We had dinner reservations in Epcot so it was now time to go, but not before we stopped by Herbie’s Drive In to get a pork bun with one of our snack credits. It was small, but that was good as we would be having a big dinner soon.

This time at Epcot we headed straight for World Showcase. First stop, Canada. We saw O Canada, took a quick trip through the gift shop (it’s small compared to the other countries) and located Le Cellier for our dinner the next day. Dinner tonight, however, would be at Marrakesh. For appetizers I had the beef brewat rolls, my sister had the harira soup, and our mother had the seafood bastilla. As for the main course, our mother had the lamb couscous, my sister had the Mediterranean seafood platter, while I had the Night in Casablanca. And we all had the mint iced tea. Lastly, for dessert my sister and I both had the crepes Atlas, while Mom had the Moroccan Symphony (i.e., different shaped baklava).

Having eaten enough food to feed half of Rabat, we stumbled through the shops of Morocco. We then walked over to France to see that movie, browse in their stores, and pick up a pastry for later. I forgot what it was called, but it was twisty, crispy, and had chocolate chips. We didn’t stay in France long, as we had tickets for La Nouba. So we hopped on a boat to Boardwalk, and then a bus to DTD. At last we made to La Nouba. We had very good seats, right at the bottom of the middle tier. We all enjoyed it, and I just want to add that even if you think the show suffers from a surfeit of whimsy you have to appreciate the skill of all the performers. After the show we went back to POFQ but before we turned in for the night we had martinis at the Scat Cat Club -- chocolate for Mom, tiramisu for Sis, and watermelon for me.

 

[I'm No Fool]

Part IV

We started the day by using our extra CS credits for breakfast. My mom and I both had the blueberry waffles, while my sister went for the strawberry pancakes. Following breakfast we grabbed a bus for our third trip to Epcot. Our first stop was Living with the Land, where there was no wait at all. We found it educational, as well as relaxing and air conditioned. I see why it’s a FP attraction, especially during the summer. Since we had just learned about the land we decided to learn about the sea, so off to the Living Seas we went. The line was too long for Turtle Talk, so we skipped it. Following Livings Seas we rode on Spaceship Earth, which only broke down for a few seconds. After that we rode on Journey to Imagination, which had no wait at all.

Having done Soaring at DCA, and not wanting to do Mission Space we went to World Showcase, first stop Norway and Maelstrom. Once again the wait was minimal and so we were quickly on our way through the land of Vikings and trolls. When the movie ended we went to the gift shop. I bought a Troika bar, which is a dark chocolate bar filled with marzipan and jelly. After our first of the day’s many trips through gift shops we walked through the Stave Church, where we learned much about Vikings.

At this point we backtracked from our journey around the world and went to Mexico. The line for the ride was really long. Just kidding. There was no line, thus giving us more time for shopping. I bought some goat milk caramels, while my Mom bought a ceramic parrot for her neighbors. We then returned to Norway for lunch at Kringla Bakeri, where we all had smoked salmon sandwiches, salad, and rice cream. We were going to get the Chef’s selection with the soup, but you can’t with the DDP. We also picked up some lefse for later. (I know the school bread is highly recommended, but the lefse seemed easier to carry around.)

We then passed by Germany, Italy and China and headed straight to American Adventure. Following the show we headed back to those countries. We didn’t spend much time in Germany. We spent a lot of time in Italy, mostly because the rest of my family wanted to look at jewelry. I picked up a few candies. In China my sister found a doll for a friend of hers. We also stopped at the Lotus Blossom Café to get drinks and eat the lefse. It tasted like a soft tortilla rolled up with butter and cinnamon. It was almost time to leave, as we needed to get back to POFQ to change for dinner at Le Cellier. As a result we didn’t see Reflections of China. (Mom wanted one dinner where we dressed somewhat nicely). So we headed around the other side of the WS, stopping very quickly at Japan and United Kingdom. Our plan was to spend more time at UK before dinner, but we wanted to see where the characters were, as I wanted to see Alice. This is because I’ve read both books and so she was the only character with whom I felt I could have an actual conversation. We didn’t see anybody outside, so I decided to go to the toy store, under the assumption that a CM there would know where the characters would be. We didn’t need to ask, as we saw Mary Poppins in the back of the store. We didn’t talk to her, but now we knew where Alice would be, assuming she would be there when we got back.

We went back to the hotel to get changed for dinner. At the gift shop I bought the hot chocolate variety pack and a Grumpy beer mug. We then returned to Epcot and made our way back to the UK. We went to the toy store and there was Alice! We told here we talked to the White Rabbit but not Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, who had been standing next to the Rabbit. She said they were silly. My sister asked about Dinah, and Alice said she was sleeping. We also discussed the pointlessness of poems about oysters. We got our picture taken, but unfortunately it didn’t come out very well. We thanked Alice and left the store. We then went to the tea shop, where I realized I forgot to ask Alice something. So while my mom and sister were picking out Darjeelings I went back to the toy store to ask Alice which pill makes you larger, and which one makes you small. Again I’m kidding. I asked her if it bothered her that her ride isn’t at MK. She said it did, as it was the best ride. I agreed, and told her that maybe the Queen of Hearts could help, if she could be convinced the ride was about her. Alice said it might work. I said goodbye to Alice again, and rejoined my family. Later I remembered I also wanted to ask her if it bothered her that the princesses get all the attention. At the tea shop my sister bought various teas, while I bought a package of wine gums, which are just chewy fruit candies that don’t taste like wine at all.

Our ADR time had now arrived, and so we made our way to Le Cellier. We all had the cheese soup and the maple crème brulee. Between those two courses I had the maple barbecue filet mignon, my mom had the mushroom filet, and my sister had the strip steak. We also split an order of creamed spinach. To drink my sister and I both had a beer, while Mom had a glass of wine. We all thought the meal was excellent, and once again we were all stuffed. We decided to skip IllumiNations, as we didn’t want to deal with the crowds afterwards. So we head back to the hotel to pack and sleep. The next morning Mom and Sister had earlier flights so they left first. I had French toast for breakfast. Finally it was time for DME to take me to the airport, thus ending the vacation.

 

[OhMari]

Wow, glad you had a nice Trip. So do you recommend dressing up for Le Cellier? or can you go casual.

 

[I'm No Fool]

Wow, glad you had a nice Trip. So do you recommend dressing up for Le Cellier? or can you go casual.

Casual is fine for anywhere in Epcot. My mom just wanted to have one dinner where we were wore something better than jeans and a t shirt, and Le Cellier was the best choice out of the 4 TS meals. By better in my case I just mean a buttoned shirt and dockers.

Plenty of people will tell you Le Cellier is a special place, and some people think special places deserve special clothes. If you're not one of those people I wouldn't worry. (And even if they cared the Canadians would be too polite to tell you. )

 

[jaycns]

Thanks for including food reviews with your trip report!

 

[I'm No Fool]

Thanks for including food reviews with your trip report!

You're welcome. Are there people who write trip reports and leave out the food? Weird.

 

[GADISNEYGIRL]

You're welcome. Are there people who write trip reports and leave out the food? Weird.

Thanks for sharing!! Actually, some people write separate dining reports (on the Dining Board). I like it both ways!

 

[byoung]

Thanks for reporting>

 

[MagicMe]

Thanks for the report! We're heading down this fall and look forward to our ADR's at Marrakesh and Le Cellier (never been to either).

 

[pumba]

I love Le Cellier too and we try to wear the nicer of our disney clothes. I love to have the cheese soup with the pretzel bread and then prime rib. What a way to eat...
Thanks so much for your report and I look forward to going back soon. We were there in may

 

[Minniespal]

Enjoying reading your reports ~ Thanx for sharing.

 

[stacy347]

Great reports, thank you!!