Mickey, Minions & more. 2 week holiday. Updated 9/14 - FINAL THOUGHTS

[heaven2dc]

As always just love your TR's! Congrats on the weight loss! Wish I had your determination!

Loved the pics of Universal - I can't wait to see the new Minion attraction when it opens here in CA in April. I definitely am going to take advantage of buy a day/ get 2014 free ticket. My 2 1/2 yr old granddaughter just loves the Minions so we are hoping to pull together a big family trip in Jan 2015 and will include Universal Studios as we have never been there.

The Mummy ride looks scary! (I peaked at the video) And so short! Did you like it after all?

 

[scottny]

Fun update!

Love the fountain - we always stop and watch.

We have not been on Ellen in AGES. Maybe we should when we go in 2015. I was just stunned at how different the US parks look at Christmas - don't get me wrong, there are the trees and decorations, but Christmas and shorts is VERY different from the Christmas in heavy winter coats, boots and wooly hats.

Thanks.
I could sit all day watching it. I also like watching othe rpeoples reactions to it.
It is definitely a ride to do every few years. LOL
The temps were in the mid to high 80's the entire time we were there except for the last 2 days when it only reached low 70's. I think bundled up and hot chocolate for Christmas.

I love that fountain as well! I love to watch the water dance around. I think so many people miss out on it and don't realize how cool it is!! Oh well, their loss! I will take my time and watch the dancing water!

I can't wait to try the new flavors at Cool Club.

I agree. A lot off people walk by unless it is going off at that exact moment then they just do not know.
I could not try them being I cannot have carbonation.

Ooh that fountain is glorious!!!

Hahaha, there is nothing quite like the Beverly experiment.

Yeah, Ellen's Energy Adventure is starting to look a bit, um, dated.

That's some massive crowds watching Joyful. I do know I would have enjoyed it, but I just kept missing them.

I agree.
it is funny seeing first timers try it.
A bit? They are all still around so they should do a new video of it or something.
I didn't watch it very long but from what I heard they were great.

Love those dancing fountains

Can't wait to try new flavors at club cool

Never been on either side of Mission Space. Too afraid....hear it is real tight in there

I wish I could. I probably could do a little sip of each now.
It is tight but I don't find it too bad. You get pushed right up to the screen.

Aoa has great Christmas decor. they were putting it up for the first time on our last day there in 2012. I was so happy to have gotten to see it before we left.

I do think the walk to the LM rooms is long, I think because you are outside it seems longer. I would like to stay again, but not until rooms are discounted. I can't pay full price for that and that walk. LOL.

I have not been on the "Ellen" ride in years. I don't think we have ever taken Claire on it and she just turned 9. I am thinking it was the 90's the last time I rode it. I should put it on my list for next trip.

It was very nicely decorated.
I didn't find it long but then I did not go through the buildings to get to it. Made a left when we exited the bus. it is expensive, especially for a value.
It is a fun ride but not every trip.

You got great pictures in mission space and look at you taking pictures on the ride. I need to try that. Truth be told I don't ride the orange side and the green is a little ho-hum so I haven't ridden it in several trips.

I love Jamie Lee too and Ellen's Energy Adventure is a great place of a snooze!.

All those Christmas decorations are making me already miss Christmas.

I tried on most rides. I say some get better towards the end of the trip.
I am afraid to try the orange side.
I know a lot of people who snooze in there.
it will be here soon enough then we will all say "where did that year go"?

Great pics!

Thank you.

Joining in!!! Love the report so far!

Thank you.

Oh Universe of Energy...it is one of those great attractions that is paused in time. I actually enjoy and and love those big moving seat vehicles. I also love that it is dark enough for some shut eye during the heat of the day!

I've never done Mission Space as I'm pretty claustrophobic. I've thought about trying the green side though...what did you think of it? I'm just worried about getting in there and feeling out of sorts.

I don't think you missed much with the new flavors, I'm still partial to Mezzo Mix and the watermelon one!

I love Epcot at Christmas time...although the leaning trees were so weird, I felt like they were everywhere!

so true.
The seat pushed you up really close to the screen. It took me a minute to get my bearings the first time but then I enjoyed it.
I LOVED THE WATERMELON ONE. See how excited I got.
I think they should have fixed it. I miss when in the older days they had display when you walked the walkway down to the tree with all the lights and they played music and danced. I loved that. I have video and watch it occasionally.

Great Epcot day so far! I love that fountain, I like the one by the entrance, too.

I had heard that there were new flavors at Club cool, do you know what they are? Too bad you couldn't have any but I guess you can't have too much carbonation since your surgery. I bet you were sad to miss Beverly! LOL

I like Mission space, I did the green side in 2011, that was my first time. I was there in 2004 when it was still fairly new but we didn't go because we couldn't get anyone to tell us what exactly it did and in 2010 my DH wouldn't go (in 2011 there were others with us that went with me). I would like to try orange some day.

I like Universe of Energy, too, it is definitely better with Ellen in it but I miss the songs from the original one...

it was fun so far. That one is also nice.
No I don't, Sorry. I am sure allears has them. No carbonation but I might try little sips next time. I was heartbroken.
Vinny wants to try the orange side. Maybe he did???
I don;t remember the original.

As always just love your TR's! Congrats on the weight loss! Wish I had your determination!

Loved the pics of Universal - I can't wait to see the new Minion attraction when it opens here in CA in April. I definitely am going to take advantage of buy a day/ get 2014 free ticket. My 2 1/2 yr old granddaughter just loves the Minions so we are hoping to pull together a big family trip in Jan 2015 and will include Universal Studios as we have never been there.

The Mummy ride looks scary! (I peaked at the video) And so short! Did you like it after all?

Thank you and thank you. The determination was the removal of 80% of my stomach. No choice. Best decision I ever made.
it is a very cute ride. It is a fun park to go to and it is a break also from Disney.
I did like it after the shock of it wore off. I knew it was a coaster but did not expect that. I would definitely go on again.

 

[scottny]

Week 12 photo



I only lost .3 ounces this week but that is expected.

 

[Trentmom]

You are looking great

 

[PrincessAlways]

Woohoo!!! Disney property! So did you like AoA??? The theming looks so good!

I enjoy watching the waters dancing to music!

omg......the tree IS leaning!!!

 

[scottny]

You are looking great

Thank you.

Woohoo!!! Disney property! So did you like AoA??? The theming looks so good!

I enjoy watching the waters dancing to music!

omg......the tree IS leaning!!!

I will give my review when we leave AofA.

I love that.

It really was. A lot.

 

[MEK]

Scott - you look great! Congratulations on making it to week 12!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Great update. I always like people watching at the Cool Club. I loved seeing all the pictures of the Christmas decorations.

Mission Space is the only ride that I get motion sickness on to date. It was the only ride we did where we walked straight through the store at the exit to find a spot to sit and recover.
We did the orange side; and we came out on the green side. Literally. My face turned a green colour and I had to sit down for a good 10 minutes before I could move without feeling like I was going to throw up.
Funny...but I haven't felt the urge to repeat the experience since.




Congrats on the weight loss. You look great and that's one heck of an achievement to have stuck to the diet.

 

[pas130]

Club cool is a great spot to stop and cool off, but I agree with Renee some of those flavors are

Mission Space, yeah...I haven't been on since they split it into colors...I did not do well on that ride, I even totally listened and looked straight ahead...my son was loving every moment. Now, I hang with the little ones and play games

A loss is a loss!!! You should be extremely proud Scott! How neat is it to see the pics from Week 1 to Week 12!!!

 

[scottny]

Scott - you look great! Congratulations on making it to week 12!

Thank you.

Great update. I always like people watching at the Cool Club. I loved seeing all the pictures of the Christmas decorations.

Mission Space is the only ride that I get motion sickness on to date. It was the only ride we did where we walked straight through the store at the exit to find a spot to sit and recover.
We did the orange side; and we came out on the green side. Literally. My face turned a green colour and I had to sit down for a good 10 minutes before I could move without feeling like I was going to throw up.
Funny...but I haven't felt the urge to repeat the experience since.

Congrats on the weight loss. You look great and that's one heck of an achievement to have stuck to the diet.

Thank you.
I have never tried that side and I will not. I get vertigo and I have a feeling it might set it off. That is not good.
I don't blame you.

Club cool is a great spot to stop and cool off, but I agree with Renee some of those flavors are

Mission Space, yeah...I haven't been on since they split it into colors...I did not do well on that ride, I even totally listened and looked straight ahead...my son was loving every moment. Now, I hang with the little ones and play games

A loss is a loss!!! You should be extremely proud Scott! How neat is it to see the pics from Week 1 to Week 12!!!

I just wish I could have tried some of the new ones.
The green side is very calm I feel.
I see the difference now and am very happy.

 

[scottny]

Originally this day was to be Animal Kingdom but then they announced Neil Patrick Harris as the narrator for the CLP so I changed us to Epcot and booked us for lunch package. First we have to walk over to lunch.


I never get tired of seeing the little details Disney does.


We are getting close to our lunch location.


Here is what the new restaurant looked like then, Spice Road Table. I was so wishing it would have opened when we were there but next time we go I will definitely try it. It just opened recently.


Let’s go back. Don’t want to be late.


We made it.


We walked and gave my name and were told to wait a minute.


We were then seated right on the opposite side of the wall for check in.


Peace to you.


Then of course us.


Then some entertainment came out and played of us.


What did you all eat? You ask. Here you go.

Scott:
Drink - Moroccan Mint Tea - freshly brewed green tea, sweet and full of fresh mint flavor $2.50

App - Moroccan Jasmina Salad - mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers in mustard vinaigrette $6.99

Chicken Kebabs - grilled brochettes of chicken breast with olive salad and dried fruit sweet couscous $16.99


Vinny:
Drink – water
App: Seafood Bastilla - baked layers of thin pastry filled with grouper, shrimp, mushrooms $9.99

Ent - Roast Lamb Meshoui - lamb shank braised in natural juice served with roasted eggplant puree, zucchini and tomatoes $18.99


Renee:
This is one of the occasions I took pics of her food and the receipt does not say what she had but here are the pics.


The meal would have been $85.18 but we had 2 night dining plan so we used the credits here.
Review:
I thought it was good. The iced tea was delicious. My kebobs were delicious and I had lemon couscous. Vinny said his was good and I think Renee said it was good. Nothing was the best we ever had but it did the trick though I think she didn't care for the couscous but liked mine.

At one point a belly dancer came out.


We were finished and then went to the restrooms and then left the restaurant after we got our pass for the CLP.

Up next,

We fly over California

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I love the Disney details too. That's the Disney difference.

I become more and more enamored with Morocco each and every time I see it. So beautiful and somewhat under-appreciated.

I've never eaten there before, but that last photo may have moved it up in the rotation.

 

[Trentmom]

Yay for getting to see NPH. Love him

I am little picky, but food at Makarresh actually looked pretty good

 

[glaserjm]

I think that might be one of the first TRs I've read where someone has eaten and posted pictures at Restaurant Marrakesh! We like Tangerine Café, but have never really thought about eating there. I think the food looks pretty good from the pic and I typically like the spices in Moroccan cuisine...maybe worth a try sometime!

So jealous you got to see NPH...looking forward to seeing pics!

 

[KatMark]

Okay, my computer goes down with no internet and I'm three udpates behind.

First, I already posted on FB, but where is Scott? I can hardly find you in your before and after pictures. You are doing an amazing job.

we've arrived at Disney.

I love the theme of AoA...Disney really did a great job. Love the Christmas decorations.

I am so happy they've added Starbucks and I don't have to drink that crappy nescafe or whatever it is they serve.

I love your fountain too. And great pics on Spaceship Earth.

I like Universe of Energy. I like the Jeopardy thing, but do agree it could use an update. I'd like to see them keep the theme though because I do love Ellen. It's a good ride to get out of the heat or rest your feet too.

I just can't do Mission. I usually go and have my cappucino while Mark rides it.

We tried the QS restaurant in Morocco; I didn't care for it. But I'm just not a fan of that kind of food in general. I'm glad you enjoyed your meal.

I can't wait to hear about your CP experience.

 

[PrincessInOz]

I totally would have booked in anything to go see NPH in the CP. Heck....I would go see him anywhere!

That meal looks great. I've never really felt the urge to eat at the Marrakesh. Maybe next time.

 

[mickeystoontown]

I don't blame you for switching around your park days. I'd definitely go with seeing Neil Patrick Harris over a safari any day.

The food at the restaurant doesn't look too appealing to me but I'm not one to go by since I'm a bit of a picky eater. The restaurant looks beautiful though.

 

[jenseib]

I am always afraid to try that place. It sounds good, but I don't know if i would actually like the taste. I am pretty sure Claire wouldn't, so for now I put it off. Someday it will be on my list though.

 

[scottny]

I love the Disney details too. That's the Disney difference.

I become more and more enamored with Morocco each and every time I see it. So beautiful and somewhat under-appreciated.

I've never eaten there before, but that last photo may have moved it up in the rotation.

Yes it is.
it is really beautiful. It seemed more people were going into it to check it out. Could be for Aladdin and Jasmine.
It is a good restaurant. Their are others better but it was good. At least trying once to see if you like it.

Yay for getting to see NPH. Love him

I am little picky, but food at Makarresh actually looked pretty good

Me too.
it was good. The kebobs were really good.

I think that might be one of the first TRs I've read where someone has eaten and posted pictures at Restaurant Marrakesh! We like Tangerine Café, but have never really thought about eating there. I think the food looks pretty good from the pic and I typically like the spices in Moroccan cuisine...maybe worth a try sometime!

So jealous you got to see NPH...looking forward to seeing pics!

it is so under appreciated.
We love Tangeriene Cafe.
You should try it once. I like to give all restaurants a try before I cross off the list forever.
Coming up with them soon. Lorrie just posted pics and hers are better being she had her zoom lens with her.

Okay, my computer goes down with no internet and I'm three udpates behind.
you are caught up now.

First, I already posted on FB, but where is Scott? I can hardly find you in your before and after pictures. You are doing an amazing job.
Thank you. Still have quite aways to go.

we've arrived at Disney.


I love the theme of AoA...Disney really did a great job. Love the Christmas decorations.
It is really nice. Just wish it wasn't so expensive.

I am so happy they've added Starbucks and I don't have to drink that crappy nescafe or whatever it is they serve.
It was nice to have Starbucks in Epcot. Still not thrilled with the one on Main St. It is now Joffrey's.

I love your fountain too. And great pics on Spaceship Earth.
I would buy a house and put it in the backyard if I could afford it.
Thanks

I like Universe of Energy. I like the Jeopardy thing, but do agree it could use an update. I'd like to see them keep the theme though because I do love Ellen. It's a good ride to get out of the heat or rest your feet too.
I would like it to be the same just done now so they look like they do now. Yes it is.

I just can't do Mission. I usually go and have my cappucino while Mark rides it.
Some are like that. I could never do orange.

We tried the QS restaurant in Morocco; I didn't care for it. But I'm just not a fan of that kind of food in general. I'm glad you enjoyed your meal.
I cannot wait to try the new place. That menu looks delicious. You might like that one better.

I can't wait to hear about your CP experience.

I totally would have booked in anything to go see NPH in the CP. Heck....I would go see him anywhere!

That meal looks great. I've never really felt the urge to eat at the Marrakesh. Maybe next time.

He is here on Broadway in April in "Hedwig and the Angry inch". I want to go.
It is a good place but not a must every trip.

I don't blame you for switching around your park days. I'd definitely go with seeing Neil Patrick Harris over a safari any day.

The food at the restaurant doesn't look too appealing to me but I'm not one to go by since I'm a bit of a picky eater. The restaurant looks beautiful though.

NPH or safari.
My tastes have changed since the surgery. Last time I hated cous cous and this time I really enjoyed it.

I am always afraid to try that place. It sounds good, but I don't know if i would actually like the taste. I am pretty sure Claire wouldn't, so for now I put it off. Someday it will be on my list though.

You never know till you try. I think they have a regular kids menu there also.

 

[tazdev3225]

I have to stop reading updates on FB. I always forget to come on here and comment.

AOA looks really nice but solo trips Jim doesn't like values. I guess since he stays in cheap hotels once a week or so with work.

Your meal looks good but I don't think it will ever be on our list of places to try. Jim can be very picky and I have to watch him with spices. He had a taco at Taco Bell on New Years Eve and we almost wound up in the ER. He broke out in head to toe hives and his tongue swelled up. Thankfully Benadryl worked. Since I can't pinpoint the spice we are eating plain.

Yay for NPH can't wait for pics. Oh yeah I was there. Still can't wait for pics.