Thank you, we had a lovely time, Debbie!
The weather was astonishing...warm & sunny...with the fresh scent of sea air and the sounds of the ocean.
The Capresso coffee center makes a cup of coffee which is absolutely "OUT OF THIS WORLD" (mmmm). I use Starbucks Dark roast beans, which this machine freshly grinds, tamps and discards internally with each cup! I'm just fascinated with this piece of technology. I've also learned expresso is NOT a type of bean, it is all in the PROCESSING of the bean. I am in LOVE....with this little Jura Impressa (LOL).
The Popcorn machine is more than a novelty as well, and we ALL love it!!
You're welcome to stop by anytime for a FRESHLY-BREWED cup of java (bring your SDS mug!), and a bowl of some FRESHLY-POPPED corn!
*We may visit DL again this weekend, leaving Friday. Since we have the AP's...we always have good cause! (And...because we are so darned close!!).
Ozzie & J~ Thanks for the links! Wow...how sad someone feels a character actually "intentionally" attempted to insult, molest, grope, or otherwise attack them in some way. I just have never seen anything even close. Many times, they have "goofed" around with me and my family. I recall in 1998 when Pluto was in MGM, and he made motions with his paws to "clear the area" as DD approached. He got down on one knee...and professed his love (using signals and dramatics) and kissed her hand. He tapped his paws over his heart, and pretended to faint. He then kept on with the game, and followed us...in a funny "stalking" charade. When we would stop and look, he would pretend he was looking at the sky or the ground (in a very overly-exaggerated and emphasized manner). It was HILARIOUS! We would have never thought for one moment to protest or find deviousness in such behavior. For all we know...it was a young girl in the suit just having fun (as PLUTO). It was the cutest thing, and DD recalls it with fondness.
I sometimes grab the characters and give them a squeeze...and LOVE it when they make the "kissing" sound when I go to kiss them goodbye. I believe they are accosted MUCH MORE by the public...than the other way around. It's a tough job, taking on the lovable ways of these animated animals. They are always expected to be "UP" and act a certain way. I KNOW it can be tiring and also frustrating, when they have to deal (constantly) with the RUDE and ABRASIVE behavior of many of the children/parents waiting in lines/crowds to GREET them.
If they have ever touched me in an area which is deemed inappropriate, it has been purely accidentally. The suits are large, bulky, and oversized, providing minimal vision. With the playful movements they make...accidents are bound to happen. But, it is plainly what they are "ACCIDENTS." Unintentional acts. I would HATE the thought of these characters ever being "pulled" from their duties because a FEW of the public found them to be a nuisance/disturbing/malicious. They provide SO much joy to the guests, and are especially kind to anyone handicapped or otherwise obviously physically/mentally challenged. These encounters have brought tears to my eyes, as I watch the exchange between the child/person and the character. But all of this could disappear, if guests began complaining too often.
This has actually happened in the past, as the double-decker busses which used to drive around Epcot...ceased to exist. All due to lawsuits by folks saying they were "bumped" or "hit" by the bus. Someone even sued Disney because one of the bulbs on the parade (Spectromagic) broke as it passed and "scared" her and her family. Disney offered a settlement and a free vacation. Good Lord....there is NO LIMIT/SHAME in some folks.
Enjoy the week~!
TTFN...DF99
