My Year of Disney BEGINS: a little Running, a little Drinking: PTR **1/12-W&D-Day 8**

[DMGeurts]

Trying to catch up over here.... I read your last few updates... AK is also my favorite park - I know a lot of people can easily skip it, but it's just so unique and beautiful - and it has my favorite coaster, so it has to be #1 on my list... Usually - what we try to do when we visit AK is a PPO ADR at TH, then immediately get in line for KS (standby), then ride EE as single riders as much as possible before our FP window arrives, then ride it as much as we need to (single rider again) after our FP... Then the rest of our day is very much a "meandering thing"... We just wander and do what we feel like doing... Usually it's FoLK, ITTBAB, and the trail that goes under the ToL - one of our favorites, I was happy to see it mostly open again and "less roped up" when Suzi and I were there in November - however, I don't think it will ever be as wonderful as it used to be? Ak is just an amazing park, and I also love being there at night - which is a RARE treat... Since the park often closes early - the only time a person really ever sees it in the dark is during the winter months - and it's so beautiful all lit up... I am excited to some day see the evening show they are planning.

We've only ever ridden Dinosaur once - in 2008... At that time, I can remember it being something I could "take or leave"... But this upcoming trip with Allison - we have a FP for it - it's our last one of the day, so we will see if it's something we feel like waiting in the park for, or if we will just let it expire?

Your food looked amaizng! I love trying out new resort restaurants... Sadly - I always find new "must dos" and then I am stuck trying to fit them into my trips next time. LOL

Yay for your single digit dance - I am doing mine too!

D~

 

[huggybuff]

Oh, no! I hope you can feel better in time for your trip. That is really bad timing.

Thank you!!

Lots and lots of fluids!

Feel better soon

Thanks, I'm trying to push fluids like you said. Now for some pixie dust.

 

[Elevationist]

You guys, I'm sick. *#!@$%

Noooooooooo!!!!!!

I started feeling oogy yesterday afternoon and had to leave work early today. Fever, chills, runny nose, scratchy throat, cough. I'm waiting for some Nyquil to kick in right now. I've got 6 days to kick this thing out of here or else I won't be a happy camper.

Go to your doc or Urgent Care! Get you some good drugs to knock it out fast. I came home from Disney sick as a dog, and Day/NyQuil wasn't touching it. I went to my doc and he gave me an antibiotic, a steroid, and a cough syrup with Vicodin in it. I was GOOD within 48 hours, dude! If you weren't so close to Disney, I would tell you to ride it out with OTC meds, but you need a strong arsenal to get yourself right in less that a week!

 

[huggybuff]

AK is also my favorite park - I know a lot of people can easily skip it, but it's just so unique and beautiful

I can't understand wanting to skip it. I think it's so different from everything else, that it's a must-do.

and the trail that goes under the ToL - one of our favorites, I was happy to see it mostly open again and "less roped up" when Suzi and I were there in November - however, I don't think it will ever be as wonderful as it used to be?

I didn't get to these trails on our AK day. I've heard on various podcasts about the problems with ToL and a limb that fell down and they never reopened up all the trails after that.

We've only ever ridden Dinosaur once - in 2008... At that time, I can remember it being something I could "take or leave"... But this upcoming trip with Allison - we have a FP for it - it's our last one of the day, so we will see if it's something we feel like waiting in the park for, or if we will just let it expire?

You know what I would vote for.

Your food looked amaizng! I love trying out new resort restaurants... Sadly - I always find new "must dos" and then I am stuck trying to fit them into my trips next time. LOL

Yeah, you think you're knocking it off the list by eating there, but then you love the place and it never leaves the list!

Yay for your single digit dance - I am doing mine too!

I have four days now. Insanity. It really hasn't hit me yet that I'll be at Disneyland in less than a week's time.

If you weren't so close to Disney, I would tell you to ride it out with OTC meds, but you need a strong arsenal to get yourself right in less that a week!

Awww, thanks for all the good advice. I stayed home today, under the covers, and just rested. I hope tomorrow is a better day!

 

[huggybuff]

Wine and Dine - Day 7 - Wednesday - Part 1

My day began with a premature wakeup at 2:30AM. While I was up, I decided that I was hungry enough to eat the Zebra Cupcake that I'd purchased the previous day at DAK. The frosting slid to one side as it had been in my trunk during dinner at the Turf Club.



Even at that time I realized I was starting to feel a little iffy, but when I officially woke up a few hours later, I was sick in earnest. Stuffed up head, runny nose, achiness, fatigue - the whole bit. The cold ended up hanging around for about three weeks, but this was the day I felt the absolute worst, which was a huge bummer since it was slated to be my Eating and Drinking Around the World day at F&W. I managed to soldier on and picked up the BFF at AoA around 10:15AM. We weren't really interested in anything but the World Showcase and that opens at 11AM for the most part.

We entered EPCOT and headed straight back and right, towards the Canada booth. We both got the “Le Cellier” wild mushroom beef filet mignon with truffle butter sauce and the Canadian cheddar cheese soup. During the seminar on Monday, EPCOT's Executive Chef said that they'd sell over 90,000 portions of the beef during the course of F&W. I enjoyed the beef and the soup, but everything I ate and drank was tasted through the haze of being sick, so nothing really stood out.





After we demolished our filets we stopped at a coffee cart to get the BFF some caffeine. I went with the Tropical Delight Mango w/ Coconut Syrup & Grey Goose Vodka.




We made our way back around to Canada and proceeded around World Showcase counter-clockwise. Our first stop was the UK tea store. I got some good ideas on items that the BFF would like when I get back there in February. After perusing the UK shops we followed the path to France and took a few pics together with the PhotoPass photog.



As long as we were in France, I decided to knock an item off my bucket list and visited Les Halles, ordering a Frangipane Triangle (a pastry with almond flavor filling that’s full of butter, sugar, and eggs). Nice and flaky!




We couldn't leave France without visiting L'Artisan des Glaces. At least I got to use the excuse that it would feel good on my throat. I got a scoop of Mint Chocolate in a cone. I didn't take a pic for fear it would melt, so it's DFB again...



After the ice cream we checked out the France booth. I was considering the Escargot Croissant, but wasn't quite brave enough to try it at that point. We did, however, decide to go for the La Passion Martini Slush: vodka, Grey Goose Le Citron, cranberry and passion fruit juice. The BFF really enjoyed hers and it ended up being her only alcoholic drink of the day. Partypooper.

 

[huggybuff]

Wine and Dine - Day 7 - Wednesday - Part 2

For the next 45 minutes we made quick work of Morocco, Japan and America, breezing through the shops and without stopping at any booths. I was getting hungry and was ready for some of the famous ravioli from the Italy booth. (Ravioli alla caprese: Cheese ravioli, tomato sauce, mozzarella, parmesan and basil.) This was a huge portion and very filling at that.




When I finally finished the ravioli we made our way down the path to Germany and I stopped at the beer cart for a brew. I think I got the Oktoberfest. It was a full sized beer, much larger than the size of the ones sold at the F&W booths. Shortly thereafter, a woman weaved her way over to me with a smaller F&W sized cup of beer in her hand, pointed at my beer, and said, "Now THAT'S a beer!" She was so jelly.

We walked past China and entered Norway. It was time to check another item off the bucket list - School Bread! DFB: A sweet bread roll is injected with vanilla pudding or custard, then covered with sweet icing and toasted coconut. Even with being sick, this was still one of the best treats of the trip. I do love my coconut.




I think at this juncture I was pretty much physically done but we still had at least 2 hours to kill before our ADR at Biergarten. We sat in Norway for awhile and then made our way past Mexico and into Future World. For some reason we didn't even think of using the Fast Passes we had set up for Test Track or Spaceship Earth. I know why I was so out of it, but not sure why the BFF didn't think about it. At any rate, we walked through one side of Innoventions, Club Cool and then hit Fountain View (Starbucks). We found a place with lots of seating and nice A/C to sit and relax with our coffee for awhile.

A little after 5PM we began slowly making our way toward World Showcase again. I suggested taking the boat across to Germany, so we waited at the dock until the rest of our group joined us about 15 minutes later. We hopped on the boat and we were off to Biergarten. I remember not caring for the smell very much on that boat, but it did its job and we made it to Germany with time to spare. Here's a pic of the night's entertainment:




The meal is kind of a blur for me since I was feeling pretty poorly by that point. I barely remember what I ate and didn't take any pics. I do remember having a grapefruit beer though. After dinner BFF+Fam took some PhotoPass pics and visited a few shops on the way out of EPCOT. I was long past ready to hit the road and we finally did. The plan was for them to drive me back to my resort and then pick me up early the next morning for the drive to Universal. Bed never felt better than it did that night.

Coming Up...Hogwarts, a Hungarian Horntail and a High Class Hillbilly

 

[Dis_Yoda]

F&W Enjoyment while sick is never a good time! It looks like you trucked through it all and did get to try at least some different items!

 

[Elevationist]

While I was up, I decided that I was hungry enough to eat the Zebra Cupcake that I'd purchased the previous day at DAK. The frosting slid to one side as it had been in my trunk during dinner at the Turf Club.

Still looks good to me! NOMS!!!!!

Mmmmmmm. These are a highlight of F&W for me! I am so looking forward to this in October!

Ooooh! This looks good!

We couldn't leave France without visiting L'Artisan des Glaces.

Sadly, this one remains on my bucket list. When I was there last month, the line was absolutely out of control! (As were all queues in the park that day...)

Yummy! I got one of these at F&W 2014 and I loved it!

Mmmm, school bread. I haven't indulged in one of these since 2009. I'm overdue, don't you think?

 

[huggybuff]

F&W Enjoyment while sick is never a good time! It looks like you trucked through it all and did get to try at least some different items!

Yeah, I think I held up pretty well until the late afternoon. Oh well, it's a good excuse to get back to F&W in the future!

Sadly, this one remains on my bucket list. When I was there last month, the line was absolutely out of control! (As were all queues in the park that day...)

You've got to get there! I need to get back too. For both the pressed brioche ice cream sandwich and the ice cream martini.

Mmmm, school bread. I haven't indulged in one of these since 2009. I'm overdue, don't you think?

Oh yes, it is time. If I were skilled with the gif.s like you then I'd use Bruce Buffer in the octagon screaming, 'It's TIMMMMMMMEEEEEEEEE!!!'

 

[Dis5150]

Ugh I hate being sick at Disney! I got sick the 3rd day of our 7 day trip last February and everything I ate after that was meh. Ruined Dole Whips for me! I troopered on as it was DD26's and my first trip and I didn't want to ruin it for her, but honestly I just wanted to go back to our resort and sleep!

So sorry you were sick during W&D and hope you feel better before this weekend too!

 

[huggybuff]

So sorry you were sick during W&D and hope you feel better before this weekend too!

Thank you! I feel like everything is draining now, so a few more days should do it. *fingers crossed* I'm annoyed to have missed my last few runs though.

 

[huggybuff]

Wine and Dine - Day 8 - Thursday - Part 1

I woke up this day feeling marginally better, but still not great. But nothing was going to stop me - it was Harry Potter time! After getting ready, I was picked up at my room and we drove to the Turf Club once again (except we parked in the actual Turf Club parking lot, not a half mile away). It turns out that the Artist's Palette, the quick service spot for SSR, was just down the hall from the Turf Club. Put that in the News to Me column, lol. So I got the Breakfast Croissant Sandwich - scrambled eggs, bacon and American cheese served on a flaky croissant. It was a yummy way to start the day!




After our filling breakfast we made the 20 minute or so drive over to Universal and parked in the preferred parking section, saving us a bit of walking. I was impressed by how new and fresh everything seemed on our way into the park. We'd gotten a bit of a late start and didn't get into Islands of Adventure until after 10AM. We headed directly back, and right, to Hogsmeade.



I loved how hidden the land was until you're pretty much right in it and I could actually feel my eyes adjusting to the layout. Maybe it was the forced perspective.




We rode Forbidden Journey right off. While I can appreciate the ride, I wouldn't say that I had 'fun' on it. It was a bit too jerky for my taste and without that rush you get on a rollercoaster type ride. Next we went on one of the two dragon themed coasters, the non-family friendly one, the Dragon Challenge. (Marvel at the blazing Goblet of Fire and the shining Triwizard Cup as you take on the Dragon Challenge. Choose your dragon: an aggressive Chinese Fireball or a ferocious Hungarian Horntail. Then climb aboard and hold on tight as the two dragons twist and loop in a intertwining roller coaster chase across the sky.) BFF's son really enjoyed this one, so we rode it twice in a row. Probably one time too many for me!

Afterward we picked up our belongings from the locker area and promptly got in line for a Butterbeer. I got the frozen version. I liked it but next time I'll try either the warm version or the regular. Be warned that if you want water in the HP world you have to buy 'Gillywater' and it's $4.00. You won't find Aquafina or Dasani...everything is themed. Next, we browsed a few shops and made a lengthy stop at Honeydukes, the candy store. I picked up some fudge to test it against the Disney fudge. (HP's is less dense but still yummy.)

We decided it was time to visit Diagon Alley so we made our way to the train station.



The effects on the train are amazing! You get to look out the 'window' and see the scenery (and characters) go by, while on the door side, you see shadows of Harry, Ron and Hermione as you eavesdrop on their conversation. It is so well done and special! Soon we were leaving the train at London Station and entering Diagon Alley. It is amazing! The fire-breathing dragon alone kind of puts it over the top. It was lunchtime by this point so we decided to get in line for the Leaky Cauldron. I ordered the Fish and Chips, the Sticky Toffee Pudding and the Dragon Scale beer. The food was excellent! I was so impressed and surprised by it. (I found the two food pics online.)

 

[huggybuff]

Wine and Dine - Day 8 - Thursday - Part 2

After lunch we poked around some shops and passed by Ollivanders. There was no line and were immediately escorted into the show room with a small group. The actor playing Ollivander's assistant chooses someone to come up and go through the wand selection ceremony and he chose BFF's son for it. The whole thing was very well done and I could tell he enjoyed it a lot. Of course they bought the wand that 'chose' him. I bought a wand as well, the Ivy. Ivy: Ivy wood is associated with tenacity, stamina and endless patience. Ivy people are strong and determined; they set goals and achieve them. Ivy people should take care that their ability to easily overcome obstacles does not lead them unwittingly into ever more challenging situations.




We did some more window shopping in Knockturn Alley (quite spooky) and passed by the Gringott's Bank ride. I was kind of interested in it, but I could tell no one else was so we soldiered on and out of HP land, into Universal Studios proper. We walked most of the park, stopping to see the Terminator 2 show (meh) and ride Minyon Mayhem, yet another 4D ride. Along the way we took some pics in 'Hollywood'.




We looped back to Diagon Alley so we could ride the train in the other direction. London Station is very cool!










There wasn't anything else we wanted to do in Hogsmeade so we began walking toward the front of Islands of Adventure as the sun began to set. We exited the park and explored City Walk, finally settling on Cowfish for dinner. They serve burgers and sushi and a fusion between the two. I got the HIGH CLASS HILLBILLY - SOUTHERN STYLE BAR-B-Q-SHI: Pulled pork, caramelized onion and BBQ sauce, potato wrapped and flash fried. Topped with housemade bacon coleslaw and chives. I have certainly never had anything like it before, but it was tasty.




With another full day under our belts we headed back to AoA to drop off my peeps. Then I drove back to SSR to get ready for an even longer day to follow.

Coming Up... Re-saturation, Rum and Roses!

 

[Elevationist]

Yay, and person chosen by their wand! How exciting!

My best friend loves Cowfish and raves about it. Your dish looks wild!

 

[huggybuff]

Your dish looks wild!

I think it looks like brains.


OK, I'm off to the airport in a bit! DL here I come!!!

 

[Dis_Yoda]

I think it looks like brains.


OK, I'm off to the airport in a bit! DL here I come!!!

Yay! We arrived last night

 

[SarahDisney]

Okay, time to play catch up...

1 - The food at Tusker House looks yummy, and I'm glad your BFF's son had some good interactions with Daisy and Goofy (although it is sad that you didn't get any character pictures).
2 - In terms of Indiana Jones/Dinosaur ... I've actually never done either one. But from what I understand, it's the same technology and ride vehicle, but the comparisons should stop there. Every report I see from people who have done both says that Indiana Jones is far superior to Dinosaur.
3 - The food at Turf Club looks great - and huge portion size is always a plus in my book!
4 - Looks like you got to try a lot of yummy stuff at F&W despite the sick! Kudos for soldiering on for as long as you did!
5 - Yay Harry Potter!!! I visited Hogsmeade a few years ago (shortly after it opened) and loved it. I really have to get back there some day ... (and, y'know, see Diagon Alley)

I know today is the day you're off to DL ... have an awesome trip and good luck with the races!!!!!!

 

[Elevationist]

OK, I'm off to the airport in a bit! DL here I come!!!

Have a GREAT trip, girl! I hope your cooties are all better, and that you have nothing but AWESOMENESS while you're there!!!

 

[DMGeurts]

Loved your updates!!! It looks like you found waaaaay better food in F&W than I did... That ravioli looks delish!

Such a bummer that you were feeling sick here - and now you are sick again... I sure hope that you are over it now that you are headed to DL.

Eeek!!! Thanks so much for the Universal update!!! I cannot believe we will be doing that for the first time next week!!! So excited! But no water???? This is not good - I can't drink weird stuff... Guess I'll have to live off of Butterbeer that day? LOL Not that that's not weird. LOL

But we MUST find the Mystery Machine while we are there - Allison will FLIP! My girls are still HUGE Scooby Doo fans!

I hope you have a great time in DL and you have an amazing race!!! I am cheering for you!

D~

 

[Elevationist]

But no water???? This is not good - I can't drink weird stuff... Guess I'll have to live off of Butterbeer that day? LOL Not that that's not weird. LOL

The "Gillywater" that you can buy is just regular purified bottled water. They just called it "Gillywater" to keep it themed to the books.