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

[tinacaplan]

Well, its been said before...congratulations, Nory. Sounds like an interesting job and working four days a week is a major score!

 

[onelilspark]

Congrats on the new job!

 

[norybell]

Congrats Nory on the new job! And yes, that thought *might* have gone through my head about your updating due to your new work hours... Just kidding!

It sounds fabulous, well apart from the disgruntled people of course. And three weeks vacay too? Well, that's a lot of Disney trips right there sister! I'm sure you'll do a great job, especially since you have the background for it. Good for you! Now go tell Boba Fett to take you out for dinner to celebrate!

Congratulations, Nory! It sounds very interesting and it also sounds as if they should have given it to you in the first place.

That's awesome, Nory! I do hope things settle down, and that you don't get too overwhelmed meantime. 3 weeks vacay sounds awesome!! Lots of Disney time in there!

Sounds like a great opportunity for you Nory! Go get 'em!

Congratulations on your new position Nory! It sounds like it's a wonderful opportunity! And as it has been pointed out, 3 weeks is certainly ample time for a Disney trip...or a few of them...

Congratulations on the new job Nory!

Awesome news Nory!

Well, its been said before...congratulations, Nory. Sounds like an interesting job and working four days a week is a major score!

Congrats on the new job!

Thanks, everybody! It's been a challenging (and exhausting) week, but it's fun to feel actually engaged in my work for a change.

But today's my day off, so it's time to get caught up on the DIS!

Joining up right now! I love reading solo TRs, they always sound like a ton of fun, nobody else to worry about just yourself. They also are very different experiences so its good to read about how the experience goes. I love all your photographs, especially the ones of the castle. What type of camera do you use? I also like how you write this like a story and it's in third person, very cool. Can't wait to read about your dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern and other adventures! Update soon!

On this trip I was using my Sony superzoom DSC-HX1. I've gotten my first DSLR since then!

 

[norybell]

Nory stepped into the restaurant, modeled after an eighteenth-century American inn, and checked in with one of the colonially-garbed cast members at the podium. They told her to take a seat, that they'd call her name when her table was ready.

It didn't take long for Nory to realize the flaw in this plan.

A CM in a blue calico dress and a puffy white cap stepped forward and yelled: "Hear Ye, Hear Ye, blah blah blah blah Cooper Family!"

At least, that's what Nory thought she said. She couldn't be sure. Under the vaulted wooden ceiling, the CM's voice echoed too much to hear clearly, much less understand.

Every few minutes, the CM would repeat her Hear Ye declaration, and every time, Nory would strain her ears, trying to make out the family name announced. And it got even worse when the CM switched shifts with another, younger girl, clearly a bit uncomfortable with her role, who hollered, as quickly as possible: "hearyehearyeblahblahblahblahblahfamily!"

Nory began to worry she'd miss her name. But after about ten minutes she finally caught it, and seconds later she was being awkwardly led to a small table in the back room of the restaurant. She'd noticed, the year before, that some cast members were better than others at chatting with a solo traveler. And this hostess wasn't a natural.

The room décor seemed, to Nory, a little basic, with presidential memorabilia and framed pictures along the walls -- she decided she liked the atmosphere better at Columbia Harbor House, her typical counter-service lunch spot in the Kingdom. But maybe she'd feel differently about Liberty Tree if she were sitting anywhere near a window.

Her waitress was very friendly, and Nory must have been a little dehydrated, because her Diet Coke tasted absolutely delicious. She'd spent hours drooling over Disney food pictures on the Internet, so she already knew what she was ordering.

Tri-Corner Sandwich - roast beef and swiss cheese with Liberty Slaw, horseradish cream sauce and arugula served on herbed focaccia with fresh fruit or tavern fries $12.99

She wasn't crazy about it. It was okay, but nothing special, and the horseradish was a bit sharp to her taste. She ate half, just because she knew she needed to eat something.

"Is everything all right?" the waitress asked.

Nory felt a bit guilty. "Oh, it's great!" she replied. "I just needed to save room."

"I know, it's a really big sandwich. But I guess this means you're having dessert?"

"Yep. I've been looking forward to trying it, I've heard so much about it..."

"The Ooey-Gooey," the waitress interrupted. "It's amazing, really it is." And she hustled off.

Nory read a book on her Kindle while she waited. A few minutes later, she was enjoying one of the yummiest desserts she'd ever had.

Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake - vanilla cake with a gooey toffee filling, vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce $6.49

She vowed to only eat half. She didn't want to be sick all afternoon. But she couldn't do it. She ate every bite of the cake, which had the slightly-crispy crust of a perfectly-baked cookie and the slightly-chewy inside of a perfectly-baked brownie, all mashed together into a warm, gooey, circle of goodness. With sprinkles. Halloween sprinkles. She could have eaten a second one, if it were placed in front of her. Good thing is wasn't!

As she was waiting for her check in the frigid air conditioning, a woman from the table next to hers -- a mother and father with their adult daughter -- came over and asked, "Is that a Kindle?"

"Yeah, it is," Nory replied, a bit surprised, but perfectly happy to chat with someone for a few minutes.

"We just got a Nook, and we love it! Do you like yours?"

And thus began Nory's first random-stranger conversation of the trip. It's one of the things she loves most about the place, that you can talk to someone you've never met before and probably will never see again, but because you're together in such a happy, safe place, it's ridiculously easy to get along.

They spent a few minutes comparing the virtues of Kindles, Nooks, and good old-fashioned paper books (old-fashioned books win!). Then the group said good-bye, and Nory paid her check, using her Tables in Wonderland card for the very first time.

After leaving the patriotic world of Liberty Tree Tavern, Nory meandered over to Splash Mountain and picked up a fastpass. Then she meandered back through Liberty Square and into Fantasyland.

She'd been in the Magic Kingdom for a few hours already, and had yet to ride a single ride. She was about to rectify that situation.

***

NEXT CHAPTER: Nory's Castle

 

[KatMark]

Great update, Nory. Now you have my head spinning if we should LT back on our list because we've not done it since 2007 (hard decision because we really LOVE The Plaza). But DH would just love that dessert and I know that's not what he ordered the last time.

You have it so right...it is so easy to talk to people at Disney because it is such a happy place.

 

[PlutosRHM55]

I think that may be a record for being in the MK that long without a ride. I don't know how I could do it. Either I'd be walking into the park, dragging whoever I was with to a show, then I'd run off to Space Mountain. Or just come into the park and run to Space Mountain. I could never pass up waiting so long for a ride. Though, it sounds like you had a decent meal at LTT. I've heard some rave reviews about it so I want to try it out and the food looks great through your pictures. I hope the characters are back by then Isn't it great to have those random conversations? It is amazing how comfortable you can be talking to people (strangers) when you are there. I'm usually not very outgoing but at Disney I am Can't wait to read more (and hear what your first ride is)! Update soon!

 

[onelilspark]

I swear I've been stopped randomly by people more because of my Kindle than any other reason...

 

[norybell]

Great update, Nory. Now you have my head spinning if we should LT back on our list because we've not done it since 2007 (hard decision because we really LOVE The Plaza). But DH would just love that dessert and I know that's not what he ordered the last time.

You have it so right...it is so easy to talk to people at Disney because it is such a happy place.

LTT edges out the Plaza for me for two reasons:
1. That ooey-gooey cake. It may quite seriously be my favorite dessert ever!
2. The fries are better. I swear, they really are. I've tested this thoroughly!
The burger's also really good!

I think that may be a record for being in the MK that long without a ride. I don't know how I could do it. Either I'd be walking into the park, dragging whoever I was with to a show, then I'd run off to Space Mountain. Or just come into the park and run to Space Mountain. I could never pass up waiting so long for a ride. Though, it sounds like you had a decent meal at LTT. I've heard some rave reviews about it so I want to try it out and the food looks great through your pictures. I hope the characters are back by then Isn't it great to have those random conversations? It is amazing how comfortable you can be talking to people (strangers) when you are there. I'm usually not very outgoing but at Disney I am Can't wait to read more (and hear what your first ride is)! Update soon!

I think at this point I've been to the MK so many times in the past two years, I really feel no urgency to do anything! Which is nice.

I swear I've been stopped randomly by people more because of my Kindle than any other reason...

Isn't it weird? You'd think it'd taper off sometime soon...

 

[glennbo123]

I have to agree also about it being easier to talk to strangers at Disney World. It's just easier, in that safe, happy place.

 

[Poolrat]

I have to agree also about it being easier to talk to strangers at Disney World. It's just easier, in that safe, happy place.

Exactly.


What do you mean no rides??? Didn't you hav to ride over to TSI and back?

 

[3prettyprincesses]

It must be so amazing (and liberating) to tour MK exactly how you want to! I'm a teeny bit jealous of Nory, just a tad. I can understand your lack of actual ride encounters, especially given how beautiful the MK looked all decked out for Halloween. In my dream trip, I'd spend a lot of time just walking and snapping pictures. Sure I'd hit rides but I wouldn't be in a mad dash to do so.

I seriously laughed when I read about your LTT experience! Those colonial CM's shouted out names, many of which sounded sort of like ours. I found myself straining and stressed out with every name being bellowed out! I kept looking at DH and asking "what name did they just say?" There really should be a better system other than screeching.

I've only had the ooey-gooey toffee cake once and it was heavenly! My only peeve were those rock hard sprinkles. I swear, you could chip a tooth on those things! I'm not even convinced they're really sprinkles, I think they scrape the Splash Mountain facade and then dump the shavings onto desserts. Blech!

I agree with you (and everyone else) that it is much easier to converse with total strangers at Disney! People are generally in a better mood there and more willing to be kind (unless you're in the stampede for TSM!). I had one lady tell me her life story in the bathroom in Fantasy Land once and DH was like, what on earth took you so long!

I don't know how I feel about the Kindle or Nook. I'm definitely a bibliophile, I love books! But I also love the idea of having an efficient reading system.

Great update, can't wait to see what rides you hit!

 

[norybell]

I have to agree also about it being easier to talk to strangers at Disney World. It's just easier, in that safe, happy place.

Isn't it? Sometimes, when I'm in a particularly good mood, I find myself trying to chat with random strangers in real life the way I do at Disney...it never works out quite so well!

Exactly.


What do you mean no rides??? Didn't you hav to ride over to TSI and back?

That's true! I guess that counts, right?

It must be so amazing (and liberating) to tour MK exactly how you want to! I'm a teeny bit jealous of Nory, just a tad. I can understand your lack of actual ride encounters, especially given how beautiful the MK looked all decked out for Halloween. In my dream trip, I'd spend a lot of time just walking and snapping pictures. Sure I'd hit rides but I wouldn't be in a mad dash to do so.

I'm not gonna lie: It's a really, really nice way to do Disney!

I seriously laughed when I read about your LTT experience! Those colonial CM's shouted out names, many of which sounded sort of like ours. I found myself straining and stressed out with every name being bellowed out! I kept looking at DH and asking "what name did they just say?" There really should be a better system other than screeching.

That's exactly what it was -- stressful!

I've only had the ooey-gooey toffee cake once and it was heavenly! My only peeve were those rock hard sprinkles. I swear, you could chip a tooth on those things! I'm not even convinced they're really sprinkles, I think they scrape the Splash Mountain facade and then dump the shavings onto desserts. Blech!

I wonder if you could ask for it without the sprinkles? I agree that they're the only bad part.

 

[TanzUnited99]

Tanz loves the pics of LTT but would also be worried of missing her name with the blah blah blah fiasco!

Am glad Nory ate every spoonful of that Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake as it looks amazing!!

Yay on being entertained by a conversation comparing Kindles, Nooks and good old fashioned books!

 

[tinacaplan]

Hi, Nory! I have to say that, especially being from the Northeast, where we're not exactly known for our warmth, that talking to random strangers at Disney is a HUGE part of what makes it so darn special. I've had lovely conversations with folks while waiting in line that probably would never happen anywhere else. We've also had a great time with the people we've sat with at Biergarten, as well.

 

[All7OfUs]

Nice update, Nory. I don't see too many reviews of LTT, and I have to say the dessert looks amazing. I would probably be happy with 3 or 4 bites, so would have to split with oneone, but it did look good!!

I have to say, the last picture taken through the arch is my favorite. If only you could photoshop out the people who had the audacity to get in it.

 

[norybell]

Am glad Nory ate every spoonful of that Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake as it looks amazing!!

I could really use an Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake right now, I'm tellin' ya!

Hi, Nory! I have to say that, especially being from the Northeast, where we're not exactly known for our warmth, that talking to random strangers at Disney is a HUGE part of what makes it so darn special. I've had lovely conversations with folks while waiting in line that probably would never happen anywhere else. We've also had a great time with the people we've sat with at Biergarten, as well.

Isn't it the nicest thing? If only life were like that all the time!

Nice update, Nory. I don't see too many reviews of LTT, and I have to say the dessert looks amazing. I would probably be happy with 3 or 4 bites, so would have to split with oneone, but it did look good!!

I have to say, the last picture taken through the arch is my favorite. If only you could photoshop out the people who had the audacity to get in it.

Crazy people, getting in the way of my pictures!

I highly recommend LTT. They have a great burger. And, I think, better fries than the Plaza!

 

[Poolrat]

Nice update, Nory. I don't see too many reviews of LTT, and I have to say the dessert looks amazing. I would probably be happy with 3 or 4 bites, so would have to split with oneone, but it did look good!!

I will share one with you !!!

 

[clearskies]

I am behind again catching up on your last post Nory. You got some very nice pictures of a relatively dimly lit restaurant. I am impressed with your pre-DSLR camera (of course as well as the person controlling it).

Though it is a great picture of your lunch, the Tri-Corner Sandwich is just not doing it for me. That focaccia bread doe not look as appealing to me as I would have thought. I am thinking Columbia Harbor house is still the lunch choice for me in Liberty Square. I love the Anchors Aweigh Sandwich there!! Oh, I can see the draw to get your hands on the Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake but that is sadly off limits to me due to dietary restrictions. Sigh....

Looking forward to some ride action coming up....

 

[lovegrumpy]

Subing. Love how you are writing the report.

 

[melk]

I can't believe I just found this TR! Found it yesterday and am now caught up.

First, congrats on your job! Love, love, love your photos. I think I told you on your last TR that because of your pics I went out and got the Sony and I absolutely love it. Now I just need to plan a trip to use it again! We are tentatively planning a CA trip next summer so I cannot wait to see your photos from Disneyland. Have a fabulous time .

Thanks too for all the pics from Tom Sawyer Island. We haven't been over there in about 12 years and at that time we were chasing two toddlers so it's all just a blur. I vow that next trip we are going over there just to explore and relax!

Am loving the TR and the book sounds great...can't wait to read it .