Nory Report III: In the Third Person! After 3 Years, the Final Update! NEW 2/6

[eandesmom]

Nory sounds tired. I hope Nory finds some liquid refreshment at the Food and Wine festival. While it may not be book worthy it might help one get their prophecy on.

 

[KatMark]

Great update! Your pictures are awesome...I love the MK all done up for Halloween. I'm not a fan of the back seat in Space Mountain either and Tomorrowland is my least favorite land as well (I enjoy Buzz and the Wedway People Mover, but I do NOT like Carousel of Progress, Laugh Comedy was did it once and I'm done, Astro Orbiter--ugh, etc.).

 

[PlutosRHM55]

Wow, you really don't like Tomorrowland at all. That's my favorite land in the park, by the way. I don't know why I like it so much, but Space Mountain is one of my favorites, I love the Laugh Floor, the TTA is a nice ride to relax on, Buzz is a must-do, Carousel of Progress is a classic and I love the song... so as you can tell I have a lot of reasons why I like the place, but I respect your opinion. I'm sorry your Space Mountain ride wasn't that great. I'm still surprised I haven't been bothered by the jarring, maybe its because I enjoy the fact you are suddenly pulled in one direction than another. *shrugs* I love the pictures you took on Main Street of the buildings and the scarecrows. I think the one with the parasol is my favorite. When I look at it for some reason "U Can't Touch This" starts playing in my head. Seriously, it looks like she's about to start doing Hammer Time or something. Haha The things I think of when looking at pictures. Can't wait to read more, update soon!

 

[firecracker725]

I have to agree with you on Tomorrowland. Well, except for Buzz. I Buzz.

 

[glennbo123]

Nice update Nory. Was the band going down that little alley? If so, where did they go...I thought it was a dead end?

 

[tinacaplan]

I can't believe you don't like Tomorrowland! Its my favorite part of MK, I think. I'm a big COP fan, though, so... There's a great bit beautiful tomorrow and all that!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Sounds like it was definitely time for a break from the MK. Wow, photographing every window? That sounds like a bit of a project! I'm glad you didn't get trampled by the Main Street Band!

 

[TanzUnited99]

Great pics! Looking forward to seeing where Nory watched Hallowishes from and if the view was better this time round.

 

[norybell]

Wow, I had no idea I was being so controversial!

It's not that I dislike Tomorrowland! I love the COP, and the TTA, and Space Mountain (though apparently not when I'm too tired!). It's just my least favorite of the lands! Mostly because the theming just doesn't do it for me...it's the only area in the MK where I don't feel transported.

Nory sounds tired. I hope Nory finds some liquid refreshment at the Food and Wine festival. While it may not be book worthy it might help one get their prophecy on.

It is quite possible that I was overdue for a glass of wine!

Great update! Your pictures are awesome...I love the MK all done up for Halloween. I'm not a fan of the back seat in Space Mountain either and Tomorrowland is my least favorite land as well (I enjoy Buzz and the Wedway People Mover, but I do NOT like Carousel of Progress, Laugh Comedy was did it once and I'm done, Astro Orbiter--ugh, etc.).

It's really amazing, how much better Space Mountain is in the front! Like a whole other ride, practically. I have yet to do the Laugh Floor, or Stitch's Great Escape (from what I've heard, I might never!), though I did finally get up in Astro Orbiters in April -- it was fun, though so high!

Wow, you really don't like Tomorrowland at all. That's my favorite land in the park, by the way. I don't know why I like it so much, but Space Mountain is one of my favorites, I love the Laugh Floor, the TTA is a nice ride to relax on, Buzz is a must-do, Carousel of Progress is a classic and I love the song... so as you can tell I have a lot of reasons why I like the place, but I respect your opinion. I'm sorry your Space Mountain ride wasn't that great. I'm still surprised I haven't been bothered by the jarring, maybe its because I enjoy the fact you are suddenly pulled in one direction than another. *shrugs* I love the pictures you took on Main Street of the buildings and the scarecrows. I think the one with the parasol is my favorite. When I look at it for some reason "U Can't Touch This" starts playing in my head. Seriously, it looks like she's about to start doing Hammer Time or something. Haha The things I think of when looking at pictures. Can't wait to read more, update soon!

The idea of a pumpkinhead doing the running man is pretty hilarious!

I have to agree with you on Tomorrowland. Well, except for Buzz. I Buzz.

See, Buzz has never really done it for me...maybe because "aiming correctly" is not in my personal skill set!

Nice update Nory. Was the band going down that little alley? If so, where did they go...I thought it was a dead end?

The band was going down that little alley...but I can't for the life of me remember what happened when they reached the end of it! Must've gone through a door, or something.

I can't believe you don't like Tomorrowland! Its my favorite part of MK, I think. I'm a big COP fan, though, so... There's a great bit beautiful tomorrow and all that!

Oh, I love COP, too!

Sounds like it was definitely time for a break from the MK. Wow, photographing every window? That sounds like a bit of a project! I'm glad you didn't get trampled by the Main Street Band!

I did get to the photographing-every-window project eventually...and you'll all have to suffer through it with me!

Great pics! Looking forward to seeing where Nory watched Hallowishes from and if the view was better this time round.

I ended up in my new general Wishes viewing spot, on that little path between Main St. and the Tomorrowland Bridge. It doesn't give a straight-on view of the castle, but it's always soooooo much less crowded that I think it's a great spot!

 

[All7OfUs]

I will take your side on Tom.Land. Just doesn't float my boat either. Although I do enjoy the CoP, and its catchy little tune, and an occasional ride on SM, I just don't LOVE the other stuff there, like I do say in Lib. Square or Frontierland.

I wanted to get a whole bunch of window display photos last trip, but only ended up with a few. I know how getting hot can change one's mind pretty quickly!

I love that marching band; brings some memories of good times! I think there's an exit gate at the end of that alley.

 

[melk]

Nice update Nory. Was the band going down that little alley? If so, where did they go...I thought it was a dead end?

I am picturing the scene in Animal House when the marching band marches down the alley, keeps marching and they all end up walking into each other

And I'm with Nory, Tomorrowland, although appreciated because it is part of WDW, is not my favorite.

 

[glennbo123]

I am picturing the scene in Animal House when the marching band marches down the alley, keeps marching and they all end up walking into each other

Exactly!

 

[brookelizabeth]

It's official: I'm going to Disneyland! For the first time ever! I am so excited!

And it's all thanks to Brook. Thanks for the Disney enabling, Brook!

Even though you posted this about 2 months ago: You are very welcome! Did I miss a quick review in the chatter of how the trip went? I'd love to hear all about it! I hope it was GREAT!!!! Are you doing a little TR?

Congratulations on the new job! That is exciting! I hope things are starting to slow down a bit for ya. 4 day work week and 3 weeks of vacation That is simply awesome.

I am COMPLETELY enjoying all your updates. All those little details that you have caught! I always mean to explore Frontierland like you did, but for some reason, I've only hit up a few of the shops (and that was only on this past trip!), and pretty much just breeze through it.

The splash on Splash was way DOWN on my trip last week. We wanted to get soaked and just got misted. Must just depend on the CM working it...? Still a cute ride though!

 

[norybell]

Don't you all love my ridiculously belated responses?

I will take your side on Tom.Land. Just doesn't float my boat either. Although I do enjoy the CoP, and its catchy little tune, and an occasional ride on SM, I just don't LOVE the other stuff there, like I do say in Lib. Square or Frontierland.

My feelings exactly. The area just doesn't have as much of a vibe for me. I think it might have something to do with the fact that it's whole theme is based on something imaginary, whereas the other lands have more of a historical element? Makes them feel more real to me.

I am picturing the scene in Animal House when the marching band marches down the alley, keeps marching and they all end up walking into each other

And I'm with Nory, Tomorrowland, although appreciated because it is part of WDW, is not my favorite.

I should be keeping a tally, here! Though I wouldn't want to start a Tomorrowland War of some sort!

Even though you posted this about 2 months ago: You are very welcome! Did I miss a quick review in the chatter of how the trip went? I'd love to hear all about it! I hope it was GREAT!!!! Are you doing a little TR?

Congratulations on the new job! That is exciting! I hope things are starting to slow down a bit for ya. 4 day work week and 3 weeks of vacation That is simply awesome.

I am COMPLETELY enjoying all your updates. All those little details that you have caught! I always mean to explore Frontierland like you did, but for some reason, I've only hit up a few of the shops (and that was only on this past trip!), and pretty much just breeze through it.

The splash on Splash was way DOWN on my trip last week. We wanted to get soaked and just got misted. Must just depend on the CM working it...? Still a cute ride though!

Hi Brook! It's so good to see you over here!

Disneyland was interesting. Odd, really. I have mixed feelings about it! I'm going to try to get a mini-TR up one of these days...finally uploaded all my photos last week, so it's in the works.

Thanks for the congrats! Things are still crazy with the new job, but it's gradually growing a little less overwhelming. I'm tending to obsess over it too much (in a very "new broom" sort of way), and I spend way too much time working on my days off, but once I have all the basic systems set up and in place, I should be able to relax a lot more (and get back to the DIS more often!). Thankfully I just got to hire an assistant (never thought I'd have my own assistant!), who starts next week, and once she's used to things, that should help enormously!

I should be updating again soon!

 

[All7OfUs]

Don't you all love my ridiculously belated responses?

Disneyland was interesting. Odd, really. I have mixed feelings about it! I'm going to try to get a mini-TR up one of these days...finally uploaded all my photos last week, so it's in the works.

Yeah; I love that someone else is putting up ridiculously late responses lately. It's an exclusive club, though, so that ought to make you feel better.

I'm going in 2 weeks; it'll be very fun to have our mini-TRs embedded and see each other's impressions.

 

[norybell]

Yeah; I love that someone else is putting up ridiculously late responses lately. It's an exclusive club, though, so that ought to make you feel better.

We should have T-shirts made, or something.

I'm going in 2 weeks; it'll be very fun to have our mini-TRs embedded and see each other's impressions.

I didn't even know you were going -- shows how behind on TRs I am! How long will you be there for?

I'm getting caught up today, though. I have officially designated this afternoon as a "Disney Afternoon" -- exclusively for TR-reading and novel-writing.

Oh, and walking the dog. And maybe doing the dishes.

 

[norybell]

Barely five minutes had passed before an Express monorail pulled into the Magic Kingdom station, and after a brief transfer at the Transportation and Ticket Center, Nory was soon disembarking at Epcot. She walked down the long, long ramp from the station, suffered through yet another bag check, and strolled into Disney's world of the future.

Whereas walking down Main Street and seeing Cinderella's Castle always fills Nory with intense feelings of nostalgia and childlike joy, walking into Epcot always provokes a different, but equally wonderful, reaction: peace. On the vast paths that rarely feel too crowded, with the dramatic swoops of the electro-orchestral soundtrack filling the air and the perfect symmetry of the geodesic dome towering above, walking into Epcot always feels, to her, like coming home.

It helps that she considers very few rides in the park to be must-dos, much as she enjoys some of them. Epcot, in her mind, is primarily the perfect place for a wonderful, beautiful, relaxing walk.

In honor of the Food & Wine Festival, large reproductions of cakes and wine glasses greeted her, papered in bright pastel maps of the world.

I'm not crazy about these, she had to admit to herself. They look like oversized hatboxes. The year before, the Food & Wine displays had looked more like stained glass. This year, they reminded her of decoupage. Nory likes decoupage -- she had done a bunch of it herself, for her wedding -- but perhaps not in pastels!

She slowly ambled through Future World, toward the World Showcase, for what was becoming her traditional first-day circuit of Epcot's international half. Knowing a Soarin' fastpass would be out of the question so late in the day, she instead picked one up at Test Track. She hadn't ridden it in years, and wasn't particularly interested in riding it that night. But it's always wise to have a fastpass in your pocket.

A not-remotely-rare sighting of the not-remotely-elusive Duffy Bear.

She started her World Showcase tour in Canada.

A pale moon rose over the low roofs of the United Kingdom.

She paused in the UK's gardens, bopping her head and tapping her foot to the tail end of The British Invasions set of Beatles covers.

She admired the lagoon from the World Showcase Plaza, and wondered if she'd regret not staying at an Epcot resort -- with its easy walking access to Epcot -- for the first time in her adult life.

In France, she decided it was late enough to start some real relaxing, and made a beeline for the refreshments kiosk. A rope was set up in front, with one end clearly marked Enter Here and the other end marked Exit. A gentleman was placing his order at the counter; a few women stood in front of the Exit sign, chatting. Nory couldn't tell if they were waiting to order; they looked like they might be, but since they were standing in the wrong place, she couldn't be sure.

She walked up to the proper beginning of the line, stood next to the Enter Here sign, and looked at the women to see how they would react. They didn't seem to notice. Meanwhile, another man came up and stood behind them, clearly thinking they were the line.

Now, Nory didn't mind if the women went first -- they were there before her, after all. Maybe they didn't read English. In New York delis, people typically stand wherever and are helped in the order they arrive -- between the customers and the cashiers keeping track, things generally stay in the right order. Nory has never thought this was a particularly ideal system, but at least she was used to it. So when the CMs finished helping the first man, she looked over at the women. They were still chatting, obliviously. Nory took a half-step toward the counter. The woman in front of the group finally noticed what was going on, shot Nory a really mean look, and hustled to get in front of her. Then she placed her somewhat-lengthy order in perfect English, with a Southern drawl.

Well, that was totally unnecessary! thought Nory. Then she eyed the man whod been standing behind them. I hope I dont have to go through this with him, too!

Luckily, the two CMs -- young, dark-haired French girls sporting dimples and apologetic smiles -- knew exactly what was going on.

"Can we help you, miss?" they pointedly asked Nory when the group of women had gotten their orders, making it clear to the man that she was next.

Nory stepped up and ordered a Grey Goose Slushie. As they made it, the girls apologized to Nory, saying that she had been in the correct place all along. Nory laughed and reassured them that it was no problem, really. But they insisted on giving her an extra-large slushie, anyway.

Soon Nory was sipping the delicious combination of vodka and lemonade slush. But she quickly encountered a problem: A strange roughness on the edges of the plastic glass kept rubbing against the corners of her mouth, almost painfully.

I should have asked for a straw.

She continued to sip while she strolled. The weather was perfect, the kind of temperature that you dont even notice because its exactly right.

***

NEXT CHAPTER: An Elusive Bottle

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

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Epcot is so serene, I love it there. Oh how I hate line awkwardness! At least the CMs noticed and you weren't left to your own devises against the reverse-line people! An extra-large slushie is an excellent treat, I say!

 

[All7OfUs]

Lovely stroll around to France. I love how you describe EPCOT as giving a peaceful feeling, as opposed to MK evoking one of whimsy and excitement.

I agree, those large hardscape things are odd- just like you say, oversized hat boxes. The topiaries for F&G are so much better!

Odd that those women had such a strange way of standing in the wrong place, then being offended at someone who was in the right place. But maybe a tad bit of extra libation was worth the confusion.

Nice pan shots all around!!

 

[norybell]

Epcot is so serene, I love it there. Oh how I hate line awkwardness! At least the CMs noticed and you weren't left to your own devises against the reverse-line people! An extra-large slushie is an excellent treat, I say!

"Serene" is the exact-right word for it!