Ladies, are you EVER going to leave?? 10 days of Food & Wine fun! *NEW 1/29 PG 34*

[Disneymoon09]

this may be a stupid question, but is the international gateway just like a regular entrance?

 

[PNO4TE]

this may be a stupid question, but is the international gateway just like a regular entrance?

It is at the back end of Epcot, accessible by walking from the Epcot area resorts: BC, YC, BW (and the Swan and Dolphin).

 

[Native NYer]

Grey Goose slushies are the best

Garden Grocer is the best! Their service is so great.

The gift from your friend was so sweet!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

I want my own entrance into World Showcase too......

sorry no cute French Waiters but that Grey Goose Slushie looks pretty good...I've had the Grand Marnier Slushie before and really liked it...maybe I'll have to go all out next time and go for the Grey Goose...

Another great gift from friends...

Ahh...I don't think you've actually ridden SSE unless it stops somewhere along the course of history...

I'm dying to see what your favorite burger turns out to be...

(I love a good cheeseburger...I like them done medium...which you aren't technically supposed to do...with thin salty well cooked fries and a nice glass of merlot if I can get it......no wine in MK...

waiting to read about the adventurer's club...

 

[MeMom]

A bath bomb from Basin that I just used recently at home and not only did it smell so amazing but it also had hidden Mickey confetti in it. I loved that little touch of Mickey at home! And the cutest Mickey Halloween candle holder that I am using right now!

I almost bought that candle holder.

 

[Lizziejane]

I'm lovin' this report!! I have to admit though, I'm curious about the Adverturers Club thing - the only Adventurers Club I know of closed last year. Didn't it?

 

[praisehisname]

The loo. I will say I preferred the set up at Beach Club Villas and AKL with the sinks outside of the toilet/shower. Makes getting ready smoother in the morning. The phone next to the toilet cracks me up. I can tell you there is NO call I need to be on that badly!

That's funny about your bathroom...when we were there in September 2007 our sinks were outside the toilet/shower area. Plus, we didn't have a wet bar area. Is that only in the king rooms?

Phew! I'm finally caught up!

Denise

 

[MRYPPNS]

Hi Christine!

I just now found this....

.....I'll catch up asap

 

[MEK]

I
I really, sincerely hope that we find ourselves in the World at the same time again and can spend some more time together. Oct 2010- subliminal message - book it now

sublimal, huh? Oh I am sooooooooo there next October. I'll have to spring for a new AP by then, but then I use it for the soccer mom trip in 2011.

I
IGlad you made it to the airport on time. I was nervous for you! But I reminded myself that you two crazy kids like to cut it close!!

I know you were and it actually started to make me a little nervous. When we got off the monorail I started having visions of my June airport arrival and I said to Denny, "Hurry.....We're late.....Let's go". He was like, "calm down".

I just realized that I already commented on your most recent update. See what happens when I read things late at night. OMG. I don't remember anything! Here I'm thinking I totally missed your update, but I really am all caught up!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

WOOT for another amazing update!! You got some great pictures on SSE!! Don't worry I have more photos to add from the opposite side of the caveman wall and will be getting to those soon!!!!

What great photos of EPCOT...never gets old being able to look at them!!!

What a great gift from Heather!! I was so glad I was able to meet up with her, you are right she is one great lady!!!

Okay well you have inspired me I have got to get an update going!! Things have been really intense here but I think everything has finally settled down so I need to get onto my TR!!!!

Thanks for such a great update C!

Thanks, Jen! I will look forward to your bravery and pics of the 'caveman wall!' I never get tired of Epcot pics either... although I will say on this trip I did start to ask myself, "how many pictures of ___ do you really need?" And then I took the picture anyway!

Another great update. I'm such a rule follower too, I don't think I could do the flash photo either.

You really really make me want to stay at Beach Club so I can use your entrance.

What a nice gift from Heather! DISers ROCK!

Isn't it terrible? Our parents ruined us. I even have a hard time pulling the rope by Indiana Jones... the sign says "don't."

I cannot say enough nice things about Beach Club. To the point that I'm not sure if I can stay anywhere else. Part of me would love to try the Poly but then I think, it's not the BC. So spoiled.

DIS'ers DO rock!

C-

I have hardly dis'ed all week between a busy work week, a parade, and three high school soccer games (actually 6 if you count jv and varsity separately). I was psyched to see an update from you. I can't believe you chickened out on the caveman wall on spaceship earth and I'm glad that I'm not the only one who can't seem to located my home state on the screen without ending up in Puerto Rico! I thought I was the only one with super klutzy fingers.

Looking forward to reading about the Adventurer's club. Also - I am thinking of using the garden grocer in May, so I appreciate the great review.

I know - such a chicken. But thankfully you and Jen have the photos! That screen is really sensitive - it's hard to get your state right. There's a lot of pressure!

I'd wholeheartedly recommend Garden Grocer and will definitely use them again!

Geez, another present? Lucky you! I too have one of those Mickey bags. I finally decided to put it in my car because I was always forgetting it.

I am very curious about this trick photo on SSE.

I agree, I'm a very lucky girl with some pretty terrific friends! I love the reusable Mickey bags. I smile everytime I use mine!!

Did you go check out the caveman pics?

Wonderful update!!

So happy you finally got your bubbly AND one of those tasty sounding Grey Goosey!!

I was sitting on the fence with GG, but I think I'm comfy with going with them now; thanks for the review!!

Isn't Heather a wonderful writer?? I adore her TRs!!! I hope I can meet her in person someday too. Hi, Heather! How totally thoughtful of her to send all those sweet goodies for you! And just think a whole dinner with a DISer friend!! How cool is that?!

I'll have to check out that HM in SSE. It sure might be one. Have to check out MEK's photo of the wall too. Dying to see what that is.

Can't wait to see how dinner goes.

I was happy to finally get some bubbly and GG too! GG was super smooth - beats paying $3 a bottle for water!

What a great start to your trip! You totally packed it in from the moment you arrived and we're only 3/4 of the way through the first day!!!

I totally think of the International Gateway as Christine's Gate. I'm sure the signs will be up by Christmas.

That was one fantastic vicarious burger and fries, and I loved vicarious shopping!

So glad you loved your gift bag. I had big fun putting it together!

Hi Heather! I know, I was thinking the same thing. Chapt 4 coming up and we're still on day one! I think I'll call Disney today to see how work is progressing on my sign. I'm not sure why it tickles me so much but I just love it. And believe me I gave thanks for it more than once during this trip.

I ADORED the gift bag. Loved it, loved it, loved it! And I was burning my Halloween candle last night as the trick or treaters came and went. It was so thoughtful of you-- thank you so very much.

I'm so glad to hear you not only got your champagne welcome toast but also enjoyed the deliciousness that is the Grey Goose Slushie

What is it about pics of WS that just seem to make you relax instantly? I always just have to pause a moment and sigh!

Sounds like a wonderfully relaxing afternoon and how sweet of Heather! Can't wait to hear about your evening...

There is something about WS! I'd like to find some of the background music that is playing as you walk around - particularly the "french music" they are playing at "my" gate as you walk in. That relaxes me instantaneously. And for some reason I get a little thirsty.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Loved your update, so happy you got your bubbly and the Grey Goose Slushie!

Aren't the Beach Club hallways crazy? It's quite a maze but if it's hot or raining there is no beating walking inside!
Another for Garden Grocer, I think we've used them on our past five trips and have never been disappointed.

Anxious to read about your Adventurer's Cub evening!

They are SUCH a maze. I felt like such a dork the first few days trying to find either my room or the elevator depending on my direction! But I it there - maze and all!

Not only is it a F& W Solo trip (I heart solo trips) but you did the Adventurer's Club thing too! I can't wait to hear all about it!

F&W. How I love thee. Thanks for joining the party!!

Adorably cute gift from Heather!!!

I love your photos from International Gateway -- I have some similar ones, but they didn't turn out nearly as good as yours did!

Grey Goose and champagne! Perfect!!!

Don't you just wish we were back there? I'd even take the sweltering heat again if it meant we could go back!

this may be a stupid question, but is the international gateway just like a regular entrance?

No stupid questions! Just like a regular entrance - there's even a guest relations "office" where you could buy tickets if you needed to. You enter by the bridge that connects the UK with France. If entering before WS officially opens, there's a rope that prevents you from going over into France and around the other side a rope by Mexico that prevents you from going any further. I'm not a rope-dropper but there seems to be some debate as to whether using this entrance is a disadvantage if running for a Soarin' FP (guess those from the front of the park can get there sooner if the gateway CM doesn't give a "head start.")

It's also fun to take a little break from Epcot (gasp!) and check out the Boardwalk.

It is at the back end of Epcot, accessible by walking from the Epcot area resorts: BC, YC, BW (and the Swan and Dolphin).

Oh, Elin... don't you wish we were back there??? I saw your wine cave pics on another thread -- that looked so fun!! Perfect for a fall weekend!

Grey Goose slushies are the best

Garden Grocer is the best! Their service is so great.

The gift from your friend was so sweet!

I wonder if I could make a grey goose slushie at home? I'm pondering refinishing my basement and one of those slushie machines sure would look great behind the bar!

I want my own entrance into World Showcase too......

sorry no cute French Waiters but that Grey Goose Slushie looks pretty good...I've had the Grand Marnier Slushie before and really liked it...maybe I'll have to go all out next time and go for the Grey Goose...

Another great gift from friends...

Ahh...I don't think you've actually ridden SSE unless it stops somewhere along the course of history...

I'm dying to see what your favorite burger turns out to be...

(I love a good cheeseburger...I like them done medium...which you aren't technically supposed to do...with thin salty well cooked fries and a nice glass of merlot if I can get it......no wine in MK...

waiting to read about the adventurer's club...

Oh yes, try the Grey Goose too. I prefer it to the Grand Marnier (which is no slouch); the grey goose just seemed a little lighter and more refreshing in the intense heat.

Why does SSE always stop? Is it for guests who have trouble exiting the cars or is the ride just old???

Do you think they'll ever change the alcohol in the MK rule? Interesting that they keep it, b/c I'd think they're missing some revenue opportunities.

I almost bought that candle holder.

It was a wonderful Disney addition to my Halloween last night. I thought they had more Halloween merchandise than usual this year - some really cute stuff!

I'm lovin' this report!! I have to admit though, I'm curious about the Adverturers Club thing - the only Adventurers Club I know of closed last year. Didn't it?

Welcome! Happy to have you here. You're right - that's the Adventurer's Club. The WDW Radio Show "rented" it out for a private one night only event and I was lucky enough to attend. Although it officially closed a year ago, it has remained fully decorated and essentially vacant save for a few special events. My understanding is that it closed permanently the day after our event.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

That's funny about your bathroom...when we were there in September 2007 our sinks were outside the toilet/shower area. Plus, we didn't have a wet bar area. Is that only in the king rooms?

Phew! I'm finally caught up!

Denise

Interesting, Denise. That could be. I know that I've heard that b/c of the architecture of BC that there are many, many, many different room sizes and configurations. Another item to add to my request list. "I'd like a king size bed, full balcony, water view, closer to Epcot, not too far from the elevators, with the sinks separate from the toilet/shower." Think that's too complicated??

Hi Christine!

I just now found this....

.....I'll catch up asap

No worries, Heidi! It's not a race. I think we'll be here for a good long while! I want to make the Disney magic last as long as I possibly can!

sublimal, huh? Oh I am sooooooooo there next October. I'll have to spring for a new AP by then, but then I use it for the soccer mom trip in 2011.



I know you were and it actually started to make me a little nervous. When we got off the monorail I started having visions of my June airport arrival and I said to Denny, "Hurry.....We're late.....Let's go". He was like, "calm down".

I just realized that I already commented on your most recent update. See what happens when I read things late at night. OMG. I don't remember anything! Here I'm thinking I totally missed your update, but I really am all caught up!

Hurrah for next October!! Oh dear, I'm sorry to have made you nervous. I'm just a rule-following, watch-watching nerd. "They" say you have to be there at least an hour early and I'm the sucker who believes them. And then I sit impatiently in the airport and wait when I could be in the parks!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

As I’ve mentioned previously, I’d never been to the Adventurer’s Club before. I’d heard about it, certainly. But never visited. So I was a bit apprehensive about whether I’d “get it” and really “appreciate” this special evening. I knew I’d enjoy an evening with DIS buddies- Lynn & Chuck, Heather, Alisa (DisneyDeeva) and others but just wasn’t sure I’d know what the heck was going on. And, as it turned out, I really didn’t but it was fun anyway!

I arrived at Downtown Disney late thanks to the many stops that the Beach Club bus makes along the way. While I LOVE the location for Epcot and DHS. And even for MK when I walk thru Epcot and take the monorail. I hate the shared bus with Swan, Dolphin, Boardwalk and Yacht Club for the other parks. Spoiled, it’s true. So anyway, I’m late. Story of my life. I was surprised to find that the bus stops on the marketplace side are closed (not sure how one refurbs a parking lot?) but anyway West Side was the first and only stop. Once there, I did manage to find one of the travel agents who organized the event and she was very nice and walked me over to the party.

She explained that we were the first “seating.” That people were already in line for the buffet dinner. We should eat and following that there would be a show followed by dessert on the patio and then we’d come back inside to join with the second seating for some “mingling.”

As I walked into the Club I was struck by the detail. Such interesting décor.

But there was food to be eaten so investigating would have to wait.

I saw Lynn, Chuck and Heather in line ahead of me – they were kind enough to tell me where they’d be sitting. Thank goodness I wrote down what we ate otherwise I’d never have remembered. It was a buffet dinner – salad, couscous, green bean salad, mashed potato (yummy!), a carving station and corn bread. I’m sure I’m missing some things but that is what I remembered. My dinner was salad and mashed potato. What? It’s vacation.

It was so nice to catch up with Heather, Lynn & Chuck. We’d all met for the first time last year but it was as if no time had passed at all and we were back together in our happy place having a grand old time. I also met Heather’s friends Janice and Bill who were super nice; we’d be dining together again the next night at Liberty Tree Tavern before the Halloween party. It was fun hearing about everyone’s vacations thus far and plans for the rest of their trips.

After dinner there were various “characters” mingling. They were familiar to the AC regulars but new to me. Miss Sugar Snap was a particularly big hit. Chuck will tell you that he was just trying to get seconds at the buffet but I’ll let the pictures do the talking and you can judge for yourselves.

Just kidding, Chuck! Clearly Miss Sugar Snap was on the prowl and could not help herself! You were just an innocent bystander! And Miss SS has nothing on Lynn!

Some more of the room detail ( I learned that famous imaginer Joe Rhode had done much of the decorating… very cool!):

Over the bar:

We learned the song and the “secret” salute. I have to imagine it’s a little more fun when followed with a shot!

Soon it was time to go into the salon or the library (the big room for lack of the proper term) for the “hoopla.” This was cute. Again, I’m sure that the regulars got more out of it than I did as I was still figuring out who everyone was and what their “story” was. Each of the “characters” sang a song and continued to play in character heckling the others. We sat up front and I was a bit nervous that I’d be “called upon.” There was a boy scout who seemed to take a shine to me but that’s all I’m going to say. And hopefully there’s no photographic evidence to support it.

This is “Hathaway Brown” he was singing a song about having no pants on.

I can just imagine what this place was like with alcohol!!! The songs were certainly scripted but the rest was improv, which was fun. They dropped in quite a few jokes about their recent “time off” which got lots of laughs. You could tell that they were having a really good time being back in the club and back in character.

So after the hoopla we headed out to the patio for dessert and the second seating headed in for their hoopla. The sunset was gorgeous. This picture hardly does it justice but this is what I’ve got.

Out here while grabbing dessert, Disney Deeva recognized me by my Vera. Nothing says DIS’er like a Vera!

Later on when back in the main salon and “mingling”

They ran some smaller “shows” in some of the smaller rooms after both groups had gone through the “hoopla.” I went to one and during the second I actually just sat in the main room and chatted with some new friends. Is it me or is it so much easier to make friends at Disney?

Shrunken head detail at the bar

At one point the goddess Babylonia (a stone statue on the wall) started to speak and had some “inside info” she used to call Mr. Lou Mongello into the spotlight and asked him to perform a few antics. It was cute and got lots of laughs. Lou was a good sport. I’ll take a minute to say here a) what nice people he and his wife are and b) that I am so jealous that he’s found a way to make WDW part of his everyday life. That would be a dream come true for me!

Toward the end of the night, the actors said a very heartfelt goodnight. There were even some tears. It was very sweet and you could tell that they had enjoyed one last evening in the Adventurer’s Club as much or maybe more than everyone else.

Eventually the long day and lack of sleep got to me and I decided it was time to say goodnight. As I was walking out I got this photo of Chuck, Lynn and Heather from above.

On the way out we each got a special Adventurer’s Club backpack (no picture – sorry!) and inside of it was one of Lou Mongello’s audio guides. Very nice way to end the evening – I love swag.

So – what did I think of the Adventurer’s Club?? Was it what I expected? I’m not sure if I was expecting anything and a little something is nagging at me that makes me think that maybe I went in here as a “kid”? Did they let over 18 in here? I’m thinking my brother and I went with my parents once? Anyone know? Anyway, the detail in the rooms is incredible and the acts are very fun. But as someone who is shy, would never, ever want to be part of the act and basically just wants to sit back and eat/drink/chat with friends, I’m not sure that the AC would have been on my list of regular places to visit. But that is NOT to say that I didn’t thoroughly enjoy the evening.

As with “all” special WDW fan events I’ve attended, there is something special about being with a group of people who you know “get it.” No one things you’re strange for being in WDW without kids or that it’s your destination of choice. And we all speak the same language with our special WDW shorthand and abbreviations. That is a super cool feeling! Disney people are the best people!!

I was “home” (and it really does feel like home!) in time for the 2nd hour of the Grey’s premiere. Oh, poor George.

Then it was sweet Disney dreams in anticipation of my first full Disney day.

Up next:
Food & Wine & Tattoos

Thanks for reading!

 

[jenjolt]

Loved this update!!! What great detail inside the Adventurer's Club!! I too have never been and sadly will probably never get to go...but it looks like a fun place! And you are right nothing beats being able to relax and enjoy time with friends ESPECIALLY at Disney!!!

I personally have to say thank you for your gift...because I have GREATLY enjoyed the Adventureland Audio Guide....AMAZING!!!! So THANK YOU!!!

Grey's was very sad that night! I was watching it as I was finished packing so I could get myself on the road the next day!!!!

Can't wait for more C!!!

 

[Lady Lallie]

What a great update!

The AC looks like it was so much fun but I agree with you, I don't know if I'd ever have gone because I hate being picked out of a crowd but it looks like serious fun!

Poor George.

 

[ILuvCrush]

Great update C!!


I only went tothe AC once...and honestly didn't stay long. I didn't get it at the time. I wish I had given it a better chance...ortried itagain.but alas, that was before my DISer days

I'm glad you had fun!... of course, with Lynn and Chuck, Heather,and Alisa...seriously how could you not!!

Paula

 

[oybolshoi]

Terrific update! Jay and I miss the AC so much ... why oh why did Disney close it down?

And yes ... until 9PM they allowed parents to bring their children to the AC because we always saw kids there whenever we went.

 

[Lizziejane]

Yep, we took our kids to the Adventurers Club. As I recall, our oldest son was in the worst mood possible - his girlfriend had just dumped him over the phone. He was 15, she was 18!! Annnnyway, both kids started off luke-warm about the place, but by the end of the evening, they were having a great time. They're both in their 20's now, and were disappointed to hear that there would be no AC this time around.

 

[Native NYer]

The Adventurers Club looks like fun.
Can't wait to read more!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Hi C!
The AC looks very interesting. I'm afraid I'd be quite lost though...
It does look like it would be fun to go with friends with experience!
Anita