Oh, Just A Few GALLONS of Pixie Dust! - A July/August 2012 TR

[shan23877]

That Napoleon looks awesome! I always plan to snack around WS, but for some reason I'm always full when we're there! I must stop in the Caramel Shope and in France for treats next trip.

I consider myself a pretty good eater. I like food. However, I have no desire to eat in Morocco. It's a little scary to me.

 

[AGPrincess]

Playing catch-up, once again - loving these Epcot updates!! My brother and I adore Rocky Top Tennessee - we first heard it from the Voices of Liberty. Now at any random moment one of us will start singing it and then the other will join. My brother also says he intends to have the Voices of Liberty perform at his wedding some day, a notion I strongly approve of.

Fancy. It's French, so I'm not surprised.

This just had me . So true. Also, these photos are taking me straight back to World Showcase. They look so sunshine-y and summery, I feel like I'm right there (except without the punishing heat ).

What a friendly looking gargoyle, am I right? Maybe not friendly. Sleepy? Bashful? Dopey? None of the above? I really think we should name him. Any ideas? Make it good, he could become a DIS icon!

We love taking pictures with this guy - usually with our tongues stuck out! He does have attitude, and you're right, he needs a name! I vote Monsieur Langue (that's Mr. Tongue in French).

(Yeah, I do realize that getting a snack doesn't require a backstory. That's just the way I do things.)

Backstories add flavor to snacks and give them that extra deliciousness. Love hearing about the Patisserie and Marie but GASP! How could you not see the movie???

It starts with a view of the French cliffs, and then you cut to a river, overhung with green branches and soon a beautiful castle comes into view in the distance and a disembodied French voice says "Among gentle spirits of zee air, my France awakens with the early dawn." and then - I have every scene of it memorized I love it so much, but I won't subject you to them all. Still, the manic bicycle riders, the 80's outfits, the MUSIC. You have GOT to see Impressions de France next time you go. In my highly biased opinion, it's pretty much the best movie. ever.

lol, sorry. Rant over. Can't wait for more!

 

[merbobear]

For some reason, you saying that the American Adventure movie was long just gave me the most brilliant idea!

Back story: I love the World Showcase, it looks so beautiful, so much entertainment, so many wonderful things to look at, smell, taste, etc...But my WS touring experiences have never been great. My dd is almost 5 and she has been "just turned 3" and "just turned 4" when we were at Disney World with her in the past. She just has not been enjoyable to tour the WS with for various reasons (mainly that she wanted to be doing things that are more fun for just-3 and just-4 year olds).

So anyway, I have vowed to myself and on the Dis that THIS will be my year to actually enjoy the WS..but how? Part of enjoying it will include character M&G with Adison and also riding the Maelstrom and Gran Fiesta with her (which she has done in the past and liked). Other parts will include watching all of the movies, listening to the Voices of Liberty, photographing all of the flowers (We go during F&G) and just in general meandering around at my own pace absorbing it all. Adison will almost definitely not be down for the second part of my "enjoyment." lol...she's a kid! Mike (dh) doesn't care one way or another if he sees movies, he's more of a thrill seeker...

So...grand idea! I suggested to Mike today that we do a tour of the WS with Adison in mind and we do everything she wants to do. Meet Mulan, wear viking hats...all of the kiddie friendly activities. And then they go off and do something fun together while I take my own time touring the WS by myself. It sounds so lovely that I just want to be there now (wait..I always just want to be there now!). So thanks for the idea! And sorry for the very long back story, but I have a feeling you understand the need for long, winding and tangent-filled back stories! lol

 

[merbobear]

Oh, and speaking of back stories...I have wanted to try that darn Napoleon too and always miss it or skip it for some reason or another (hmm...toddler tantrums, perhaps? lol). I am going to go into hyper-plan mode and literally make a list to bring with me of what I want to do in each pavilion, so I don't miss a thing!

 

[Self_resqing_princz]

Honestly, every time we go to that bakery, everyone on my husband's side of the family orders the same thing: a Napoleon.
However, I usually get a strawberry shortcake or something... because usually nothing in there looks good to me. I know, I know... blasphemous!

 

[SoNotAPrincess]

I'm all caught up!

I love Morocco...it may be my favorite pavilion. I do not have an adventurous palate, so I've never eaten in the restaurant, but they have some seriously awesome pastries at Tangierine Cafe!

Your photo with Marie is très adorable!

 

[marDgreen88]

I love the Moroccan pavilion! It's so pretty! But, we haven't eaten there either.

So glad you got to meet Marie....cute picture! Love the Aristocats so much.

I keep saying that I'm going to get a yummy treat from the bakery in France and it never happens. I seriously need to correct that on our next trip.

I know! It really is. Hahahha, I honestly never hear of anyone eating there!

Thank you! I'm glad too. She's too cute.

Yeah! That's exactly what happened to me, and I FINALLY did! Hahah. I recommend it! I've been seeing a lot of pictures of the treats they have now that the refurb is done, and they look yummy! I think you can get breakfast there now too!

And I'm caught up, once again! yay! Oh, and Happy new year!

Storybrooke....loved it. Love that it's back too. And I feel the same way about the OUAT Mulan. All I can think of when I see her is Real World. Wierd to think that's how she got her start.

The whistling clown - funny, I think we saw him doing an ebening performance in the lobby of the Boardwalk once. We were on our way to dinner and stopped to watch him do his thing.

THe Napolean - my hubby's must-get dessert (or one of them) when we go to WDW. Once we get close to France, he just takes off to grab one.

Oh, and I found you on Instagram, so I am now following you.

YAY!!! I'm so glad. Happy New Year back to you!

Wait... seriously? She got her start on Real World?! That's insane! I always thought she did little bit roles that were usually a little... 'adult' friendly hahaah, but she's doing a really good job as Mulan! I don't enjoy Mulan's character, but she still does a good job, ya know?

Oh really? That's funny! I bet his show is cute but goodness, I just couldn't handle the high-pitchedness of it all! Hahah.

That's hilarious! They are SO yummy. I have a feeling that's what I'll do whenever I get on the monorail now... "OH I HAVE TO GO TO CONTEMPO!" I'm just too in love with that cupcake from there.

YAY! I followed you back (a few days ago but whatever! Hahah).

The new place just opened yesterday with lots of new food choices and plenty of indoor seating. Now it is called Les Halles Boulangerie Pattiserie. I look forward to seeing it and taking lots of pictures in March.

I have had a Napoleon. Good stuff!

Morocco is such a good place to 'escape' in WDW. Walking around those back streets only passing a few other people, yet knowing there are thousands in the park as a whole - that's kind of cool.

Yeah! I've been seeing lots of pictures and it looks really nice! It'll be good to have the extra room in there!

VERY good!

I agree! It's definitely crazy when you think about it like that.

What a beautiful day in Epcot! I know what you mean about exploring Epcot - I always see things on TR's that I have never seen before, and when I go explore them, I find new things that I haven't seen before lol I do really love that about the WS though. That Napoleon looks delicious!

It really was such a beautiful day! I really improved my farmer's tan that day, too. I agree, there's always something new to see there! It's really awesome. The Napoleon was really good! I couldn't finish it, but still!

I know what you mean about being afraid to eat at Morocco. I've heard great things about their Quick Service restaurant, but I'm too wimpy to try. I will say, though, my sister in-law got the lamb Shawarma Platter, and I took a bite of it, and it actually wasn't bad. Believe it or not that was my first taste ever of lamb, and I thought I'd hate it more than I did.

The France bakery is one of my favorite snack shops in Disney! (Dare I say, I like it a little more than Karamell Kuche) I just love the variety they have there. It's very difficult to choose just one snack, because they all look amazing.

Love your photo with Marie! She looks very sassy! (I still don't get why they moved her from France....)

Hahha I'm so glad I'm not alone in this. I feel like starting with the quick service location is a good idea... if you like it, you'll know that it's possible that you'll like the table service options, too!

Ya know, I've never even been inside Karamell Kuche! Isn't that crazy? But I really like the French bakery, too! I can't wait to see the new and improved version.

Thank you! Hahah she is definitely sassy. Hahha yeah, I don't get that either!

That Napoleon looks awesome! I always plan to snack around WS, but for some reason I'm always full when we're there! I must stop in the Caramel Shope and in France for treats next trip.

I consider myself a pretty good eater. I like food. However, I have no desire to eat in Morocco. It's a little scary to me.

It was very good! Hahah yeah! I guess for me, it's because I'll normally either be waiting to eat at a table service place, or I'll have JUST eaten at one. One of these days I want to do that, too!

Hahah I know what you mean! I'm like determined to try it though. I MUST.

Playing catch-up, once again - loving these Epcot updates!! My brother and I adore Rocky Top Tennessee - we first heard it from the Voices of Liberty. Now at any random moment one of us will start singing it and then the other will join. My brother also says he intends to have the Voices of Liberty perform at his wedding some day, a notion I strongly approve of.

Thanks girl! Ahh that is such a fun song! You and your brother sound awesome. HAHAHA if only! That would be amazing! It's like, "oh hello, Voices of Liberty, do you do weddings?"

This just had me . So true. Also, these photos are taking me straight back to World Showcase. They look so sunshine-y and summery, I feel like I'm right there (except without the punishing heat ).

Oh my goodness, I know! It's just so... JANUARY right now, ew. I want to be in the World Showcase in the summer!

We love taking pictures with this guy - usually with our tongues stuck out! He does have attitude, and you're right, he needs a name! I vote Monsieur Langue (that's Mr. Tongue in French).

Hahah I love it! That's a good one!

Backstories add flavor to snacks and give them that extra deliciousness. Love hearing about the Patisserie and Marie but GASP! How could you not see the movie???

It starts with a view of the French cliffs, and then you cut to a river, overhung with green branches and soon a beautiful castle comes into view in the distance and a disembodied French voice says "Among gentle spirits of zee air, my France awakens with the early dawn." and then - I have every scene of it memorized I love it so much, but I won't subject you to them all. Still, the manic bicycle riders, the 80's outfits, the MUSIC. You have GOT to see Impressions de France next time you go. In my highly biased opinion, it's pretty much the best movie. ever.

lol, sorry. Rant over. Can't wait for more!

HAHAHA. Oh my goodness, I love it. I promise, promise, PROMISE that I will see the French film on my next trip! We really were planning to watch it, but Marie and FOOD distracted us! Next time! Hahah and please, never apologize for ranting. I enjoy it!

For some reason, you saying that the American Adventure movie was long just gave me the most brilliant idea!

Back story: I love the World Showcase, it looks so beautiful, so much entertainment, so many wonderful things to look at, smell, taste, etc...But my WS touring experiences have never been great. My dd is almost 5 and she has been "just turned 3" and "just turned 4" when we were at Disney World with her in the past. She just has not been enjoyable to tour the WS with for various reasons (mainly that she wanted to be doing things that are more fun for just-3 and just-4 year olds).

So anyway, I have vowed to myself and on the Dis that THIS will be my year to actually enjoy the WS..but how? Part of enjoying it will include character M&G with Adison and also riding the Maelstrom and Gran Fiesta with her (which she has done in the past and liked). Other parts will include watching all of the movies, listening to the Voices of Liberty, photographing all of the flowers (We go during F&G) and just in general meandering around at my own pace absorbing it all. Adison will almost definitely not be down for the second part of my "enjoyment." lol...she's a kid! Mike (dh) doesn't care one way or another if he sees movies, he's more of a thrill seeker...

So...grand idea! I suggested to Mike today that we do a tour of the WS with Adison in mind and we do everything she wants to do. Meet Mulan, wear viking hats...all of the kiddie friendly activities. And then they go off and do something fun together while I take my own time touring the WS by myself. It sounds so lovely that I just want to be there now (wait..I always just want to be there now!). So thanks for the idea! And sorry for the very long back story, but I have a feeling you understand the need for long, winding and tangent-filled back stories! lol

Wow! I'm afraid that this comment will pale in comparison to what you just wrote, but wow! I don't know how it happened, but I'm very glad that my update inspired you so much! I really hope that it works out for you... that sounds like a great plan! Hahah YES! I completely understand! I love it. You can comment on here with long, winding and tangent-filled back stories ANY TIME!

Oh, and speaking of back stories...I have wanted to try that darn Napoleon too and always miss it or skip it for some reason or another (hmm...toddler tantrums, perhaps? lol). I am going to go into hyper-plan mode and literally make a list to bring with me of what I want to do in each pavilion, so I don't miss a thing!

Ooh! That is a brilliant idea. I really want to do that for next time I go, too! There's always so much to remember that I always end up forgetting SOMETHING. Great idea!

Honestly, every time we go to that bakery, everyone on my husband's side of the family orders the same thing: a Napoleon.
However, I usually get a strawberry shortcake or something... because usually nothing in there looks good to me. I know, I know... blasphemous!

Nothing? Oh my! I always think the 'sacrastain' (NO clue how to spell that!) looks really good! OH! I don't know if you've heard about the fact that this very bakery re-opened a few days ago with an expanded menu (AND building) and they have breakfast now! I bet you could find something now!

 

[marDgreen88]

I'm all caught up!

I love Morocco...it may be my favorite pavilion. I do not have an adventurous palate, so I've never eaten in the restaurant, but they have some seriously awesome pastries at Tangierine Cafe!

Your photo with Marie is très adorable!

Ahh, just missed your comment! BUT YAY! I'm glad you're caught up!

It really is a beautiful pavilion! I definitely want to spend more time there in the future! Hahah, I don't either! I really, really want to eat there though! I'm suddenly very determined to do that! I'll let you know how it goes.

Aww thank you! I just love her!

 

[marDgreen88]

The One With Superca... Supercalif...

August 2, 2012

We said "au revoir" to France and hightailed it on out of there. To the United Kingdom!

The UK Pavilion just so happens to be my second favorite. (That's a special thing to know... )

I just love the atmosphere of the place, the character greetings they have there, and the entertainment. (BUT WE'LL GET TO THAT IN A MINUTE!)

We were walking along, not really sure what to do, when who should we spot but MARY POPPINS!

My family has always loved that movie. We've been watching it for as long as I can remember and BEYOND that, and my dad even says it's his favorite movie ever. MUST BE GOOD!

That being said, I'm a real weirdo. See, there are certain face characters that I'm weird about. (I'm going to type the word 'weird' a third time so you'll really get it. ) Meeting the princesses is one thing. They are people being animated characters. With Mary Poppins, however, they are people being people that they are not. Basically what I'm trying to say is, none of them are Julie Andrews (MY IDOL). I don't know. If it was anyone but her I probably wouldn't be so weird about it. I'm not even sure why I'm saying all of this, to be honest, because we automatically got in line to meet her. I MEAN, she was Mary Poppins, after all! It's in our blood. She has a magnetic pull to her. (It must be her umbrella. He has such a way with words.)

Now, even though it wasn't actually Julie Andrews that we were meeting, it was still my first time meeting Mary Poppins at all, and therefore I was NERVOUS. (Like I said, I'm WEIRD! I embrace it.)

We all met her individually. My mom went first, and I was after her. I wasn't even listening to what Mary and my mom were talking about because I was trying to think of what I would say to her. I didn't want to say something lame like, "OH HI YOU'RE PRACTICALLY PERFECT IN EVERY WAY!" I'm sure she's heard that at least thirty thousand times, after all.

So my mom got her picture with Mary (which apparently got lost or deleted, because I can't find it anywhere).

Then it was my turn.

She asked me my name, and I told her...

Mary: "Well! Our names have the same first letter!"

Marissa: "The first three letters are the same!"

Mary: "It seems you enjoy spelling. Do you happen to know how to spell my favorite word?"

And listen yall, I totally DO. So I was like, "Yes, I do!"

Okay. Listen. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, you know? I know how to spell that word. I've known forever how to spell that word. I KNOW HOW TO SPELL IT.

So we start spelling. "S-U-P-E-R-C-A-L-I-F-R-A-G-I-L-I-S-T-I-C..."

...and then Marissa gets a brain far. A BIG brain fart.

I started out well, and listen, I can type it without thinking and write it on paper, but when I’m trying to spell it out loud, WITH Miss Poppins herself, I fail. Enormously.

So I'm just standing there spouting off letters while Mary is just flawlessly continuing on.

..."E-X-P-I-A-L-I-D-O-C-I-O-U-S."

Basically I was in awe. (And she wasn't even Julie Andrews!)

Even so, it was still one of my favorite character meet and greets EVER! I just loved it. And let me tell you, between now and whenever I go back to the UK Pavilion and meet Mary Poppins again, I will be practicing spelling that word aloud. AND I WILL DO IT. MARK MY WORDS!!!

Anna met her too, but I really can't tell you what happened or what they talked about! I was in a daze, apparently.

After that glorious (and slightly embarrassing) spelling bee, we went on our merry way to see the rest of the UK!

The World Showcase Players were just about to start a show when we were passing, and we decided to stay and watch! I'm so glad we did, too, because it was HILARIOUS.

I think they follow a format and do it the same way every time, but the show basically depends on the people they pick from the crowd. I won’t say too much, but there was one person from the crowd they picked to be ‘the king.’

Apparently they thought that he looked like an actor who played Batman (forgive me, I can’t remember the name of the actor) and so every time they mentioned the king, he had to stand up in his little carriage and say, “Ring-a-ding-ding, I’m Batman.”

I think normally the person playing the king would sa,y “Ring-a-ding-ding, I am the king.” At one point, it had been a while since they mentioned the king. When he said "I am Batman", one of the players said, “Oh, I forgot he was Batman.” Bahahaha!

The show was really, really funny and I would totally watch a performance again! I would recommend stopping to see it next time you’re in the World Showcase if you’re not in a hurry! (Although, the only reason you should really be in a hurry while you’re in the World Showcase is if you’re heading to an ADR. Or if your Maelstrom fastpasses are about to expire. )

I don't even know what this is supposed to be a picture of.

Our next destination was...

LOOK at that sky!!! I promise you, I didn't do anything to this picture.

We decided to watch the Canada movie! It was the same kind of situation as the movie in China in that it was presented in Circle Vision. Those kinds of movies are SO cool, and they really make you wish you could actually go there! This particular movie was hosted by Martin Short, and we all enjoyed it!

Unfortunately, when the movie let out, we realized that it was getting pretty late into the evening. It was our last night, and we had SO much to do back at the villa. I was (EXTREMELY) bummed, but we made the decision to leave Epcot so we could take care of everything.

We stopped in Mouse Gear on the way out to have one last look, but we didn't buy anything. Then I stopped in the bathroom next to Spaceship Earth... and I didn't even have to use it. I just wanted to stay in Epcot a little longer. I've mentioned that I'm weird, right? As long as we're clear on that.

Then I had to take pictures with my favorite thing in the world.

(I'm sorry, but those are some fake smiles if I've ever seen them! Hahahah... I was REALLY sad.)

I JUST LOVE IT SO MUCH! AHHH Epcot. I seriously did NOT want to leave. There was something about this trip that really made me appreciate Epcot SO much more than I used to. I'm completely in love with it.

It was inevitable though. We had to leave. We stopped for one last picture on the way up the monorail ramp. (It's dark, but also pretty cool. Yeah.)

I was starting to get seriously depressed on that monorail ride back. I tried not to think about it too much though. We still had some good fun ahead of us.

I think there was something in the air though, because there was a little girl on the monorail sitting across from us who was CLEARLY upset about something. She wasn't acting bratty, but she was visibly pouting. Then all of a sudden, she started smiling.

Why? Because behind us, there was a little BABY... playing PEEK A BOO with her.

OH. MY. GOOD. LORD. It was the CUTEST thing I have ever seen. I mean, it was a BABY. And he was cheering up this seven or eight year old girl. They seriously played peek a boo for like five minutes. I wanted to cry because of all of the cuteness. I may have. Who knows anymore?

We arrived back at the TTC, and my mom and Anna decided that they wanted to ride the ferry to Magic Kingdom and walk back to the Contemporary. Well, I didn't really want to do that. See, I rode the ferry on the trip before this one, and if you're giving me a choice between the monorail and the ferry, do you REALLY think I'm going to choose the ferry?

NOPE. It was going to be one of my last monorail rides of the trip. You think I was going to SKIP IT? Go blaspheme somewhere else, then, because here, I always choose the monorail. Hahaha, I take this stuff very seriously.

They went and caught the ferry, and I did what any DISer would do...

I took pictures of the TTC. You know you're Disney obsessed when you get sentimental about seeing the TTC for the last time on a trip.

Really though.

I ended up being the only person in my section of the monorail, which made it THAT much more awesome.

Continued in Next Update​

 

[Disney9.9.10]

I hate the trip end/post trip blues I always want to cry like a 3 year old when I leave! I'm glad that you gained a new perspective on Epcot though! I feel like I learn new things about it every time I read a TR. And what an awesome meet and greet with Mary!

 

[SoNotAPrincess]

I totally agree with you on the Mary Poppins thing. Seriously, Julie Andrews is practically sacred at my house.

That's not weird is it? It feels weird. Is it weird?



I feel the pain of those lowdown-gonna-be-leavin'-Disney-way-too-soon blues!

 

[beachmama3]

I wish I was in World Showcase right now!! Love the UK, but have never seen the Players. Will have to make it a point to find them next trip!

Yay for meeting Mary Poppins!! I am telling you, you are going to LOVE the musical. I won't give anything away, but it's a little bit different from the movie, but fantastic in its own way. I can't wait to hear what you think about it! My son and I meant to bring the Playbill with us in August and have Mary sign it, but we forgot.

Spaceship Earth pics are always awesome.

And I am with you, the monorail is the best. The boys and I sometimes just ride it for fun. Like four times on our last trip. haha

I am off to catch up on Once Upon a Time!

 

[shan23877]

Sounds like an awesome M&G! We've only met Mary at meals and in the MK. I loved the one we met at 1900 Park Fare though.

I'm so sad that your trip is winding down. Might you have another in the works?

 

[wdwgirl03]

It does sound like you had an awesome meet and greet with Mary Poppins! The only reason I can spell supercalifragilisticexpialidocious is because of the song from Broadway show! I thought that whole number was awesome and it was amazing how they could spell it so fast. So I had to download that song so I could learn it too...OK, so maybe that makes both of us weird now. LOL!

Aww I want to be in Epcot now. My parents called before and they were just leaving Epcot. Why could I not go with them?

 

[MEK]

I started reading your update last night as I was falling asleep with my computer in my lap. I am so happy I decided to read this morning, because this was such an awesome update.

You had me laughing over your stage fright meeting Mary Poppins and your spelling fopah and you had me getting ready to tear up over you Epcot departure.

Can't believe its you last night. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

 

[monica23535]

I am always sad to leave Epcot for the last time in a trip, it is my favorite park.


Great interaction with Mary Poppins, I'm not sure i would have been able to spell that under that kind of pressure lol

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Sounds like a great World Showcase stroll to wrap up your Disney time! Of course Monorail > Ferry, especially for your last ride of the trip!! The monorail announcer wins it every time!

So cute about the baby cheering up the little girl!

 

[lauren_elizabeth]

That UK show is seriously the only performance I've ever stopped to watch... and that was back in 2006! They ARE hilarious! My brother was picked to play a role, but I don't remember what he did. I just remember laughing a lot!

Love Mary Poppins story! I bet she was super impressed that you even spelled out half of it... so many people wouldn't be able to do that

Booooo on it being your last monorail trip and your last night. I hate those!!!

 

[celeste.]

I just caught up with all of your updates that I hadn't read yet. I've been slacking on the Dis lately, but I just got back from a trip so I know I'll be on it more often now, haha!
Great updates, so sad your report is almost over!

 

[MeMom]

I don't even know what this is supposed to be a picture of.

Sometimes, you just take a picture for what you are feeling in the moment. It's not about a classic icon or a character, a cool looking lizard you happen upon, a Hidden Mickey you found in a drink spill, or anything special, but rather something you are just feeling right then that you want to capture. I like the picture. I can feel the breeze and hear the birds. I like the mix of shade and sun and the background view of the other countries across the lake. I see those people just having a chillout time. Glad you took it.

I seriously did NOT want to leave. There was something about this trip that really made me appreciate Epcot SO much more than I used to. I'm completely in love with it.

It was inevitable though. We had to leave.


I was starting to get seriously depressed on that monorail ride back. I tried not to think about it too much though.

I hate to leave, too.