I am looking forward to your AKL pictures. I love this resort! I had the privilege of staying there one time when Jill surprised me for a Mother's Day trip, and of course I have visited there many times to eat or shop or just roam and take pictures. It was so nice to sit out on the balcony in the morning. It was just so relaxing and inviting that it made it harder to want to get up and go to a park. I was happy just sitting there soaking up the AKL atmosphere.
OMG- Where is the baby!....oh, yeah, that's right!-PTR link- 5/24!
- Thread starter CandleontheWater
- Start date
CandleontheWater
Forever in love with Hathaway Browne
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Episode 3- Zebra butts!
So off we went away from the lobby and toward our room. We were in room number 5320, which was on the fifth floor. We were lucky in that our room was not to far from the elevators, and we were able to walk by some big windows giving us a preview of what our savannah view was going to look like.
Hidden mickey in the carpet
Well we got into our room and the very first thing I did was run over to the balcony, pull back the curtains and take a look outside- this is what I saw!
Zebra butts!
It was just glorious! I couldnt believe there were zebras right outside of my window!
I couldnt believe I was lucky enough to stay here, I never wanted to leave!
I had been all about getting to the parks, and my plan was to be there by noon, but now, all I wanted to do was sit back and look out over the savannah.
DH came out and admired the zebras with me, but for him the pull of food and wine was stronger than zebras, and he really wanted to get moving.
I reluctantly went back inside, took some pictures of the awesome room
view from the front door
sink area
bathroom
bed
headboard detail
dresser
table and chairs
Pull out couch
tile detail by kitchen area
towel animal!
then we put on some sunscreen and packed my park bag, which is so much easier than lugging around a huge diaper bag!
And we headed down to the bus stop
We had really good bus luck all week, and within minutes an Epcot bus pulled right up.
With no stroller to fold up or toddler to chase down, I remembered why I love Disney transportation! So quick and easy!
Once inside I noticed that the Spooky Buddies decided to join us
Now I was preparing myself for a really long bus ride. I mean, everyone talks about how far away AKL is, and how long it takes to get anywhere and how out of the way and inconvenient the resort is.
Well, I dont know where they were staying, but I couldnt believe how fast we got to Epcot. I had gotten my phone out, and was checking the wait times in the parks, when DH began nudging me.
DH What are you doing!!??
Me: Umm, checking the lines app
DH Why dont you get off the bus
Me: What??? You mean we are here, already!
The whole time we were there it was like that, Id be all prepared for a long ride, and then wed be there in no time. I swear the travel time from AKL to the parks is no worse than from SSR or the Port Orleans resorts. Maybe it helps that you dont make any additional stops, but either way, I had nothing to complain about, and was really pleasantly surprised.
Well my original goal was to be at Epcot by noon, well, we were walking in the gates by 12:15. DH helpfully reminded me that if I hadnt spent 15 mins staring at zebra butts we would have been there by noon.
We made a quick stop at the ticket windows to activate DHs military ticket, and then our first stop was the Land Pavilion. My super handy lines app had alerted me that there were still FPs available for Soarin so down we went.
continued next post
So off we went away from the lobby and toward our room. We were in room number 5320, which was on the fifth floor. We were lucky in that our room was not to far from the elevators, and we were able to walk by some big windows giving us a preview of what our savannah view was going to look like.
Hidden mickey in the carpet
Well we got into our room and the very first thing I did was run over to the balcony, pull back the curtains and take a look outside- this is what I saw!
Zebra butts!
It was just glorious! I couldnt believe there were zebras right outside of my window!
I couldnt believe I was lucky enough to stay here, I never wanted to leave!
I had been all about getting to the parks, and my plan was to be there by noon, but now, all I wanted to do was sit back and look out over the savannah.
DH came out and admired the zebras with me, but for him the pull of food and wine was stronger than zebras, and he really wanted to get moving.
I reluctantly went back inside, took some pictures of the awesome room
view from the front door
sink area
bathroom
bed
headboard detail
dresser
table and chairs
Pull out couch
tile detail by kitchen area
towel animal!
then we put on some sunscreen and packed my park bag, which is so much easier than lugging around a huge diaper bag!
And we headed down to the bus stop
We had really good bus luck all week, and within minutes an Epcot bus pulled right up.
With no stroller to fold up or toddler to chase down, I remembered why I love Disney transportation! So quick and easy!
Once inside I noticed that the Spooky Buddies decided to join us
Now I was preparing myself for a really long bus ride. I mean, everyone talks about how far away AKL is, and how long it takes to get anywhere and how out of the way and inconvenient the resort is.
Well, I dont know where they were staying, but I couldnt believe how fast we got to Epcot. I had gotten my phone out, and was checking the wait times in the parks, when DH began nudging me.
DH What are you doing!!??
Me: Umm, checking the lines app
DH Why dont you get off the bus
Me: What??? You mean we are here, already!
The whole time we were there it was like that, Id be all prepared for a long ride, and then wed be there in no time. I swear the travel time from AKL to the parks is no worse than from SSR or the Port Orleans resorts. Maybe it helps that you dont make any additional stops, but either way, I had nothing to complain about, and was really pleasantly surprised.
Well my original goal was to be at Epcot by noon, well, we were walking in the gates by 12:15. DH helpfully reminded me that if I hadnt spent 15 mins staring at zebra butts we would have been there by noon.
We made a quick stop at the ticket windows to activate DHs military ticket, and then our first stop was the Land Pavilion. My super handy lines app had alerted me that there were still FPs available for Soarin so down we went.
continued next post
CandleontheWater
Forever in love with Hathaway Browne
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Then finally it was time for Food and Wine- we decided to start over by Canada and work our way counter-clockwise. Dhs favorite booth is Greece, so that is where we began.
He was very sad to see that the Spanikopita had been dropped from the menu, but decided to try out the new griddled cheese. I went with the old standby (and still favorite) Chicken Souvlaki.
Here they are, the very first tasties of the festival!
My souvlaki was the superior choice, the chicken was warm and tender, the pita was soft, and the tzasiki was tangy an not to garlicky.
Dhs griddled cheese was cold and congealed. He still ate it, and I even had a taste. It wasnt terrible (it was still cheese after all), but it was a little weird to eat something advertised as griddled cold.
Not to be deterred, we headed over to the old standby- Canada! I had to have some yummy cheddar cheese soup and DH had to get his first drink of the festival a Moosehead beer.
From there we continued our quest onto one of the most prized treats of the whole festival- the Lobster and Scallop Fishermans Pie in Ireland. Dh did not get one last year, and had to listen to me talk about how great it was all year long, so he was intent on not missing out this time around.
Along with the pie, I got my first drink the Bunratty Meade Honey wine. This is sort of a tradition for me, since it was the very first thing I ever ordered at my first Food and Wine festival back in 2006. Dh is not a fan, he thinks it is too sweet, but I think it is pretty yummy!
We took our spoils, and found a place back by the pin cart to rest our drinks and dig into our pie.
It was glorious, even better than last year. I do believe that the chunks of lobster were even bigger and tastier. DH agreed that it was divine, and was kicking himself even harder for missing out last year.
Once we had finished up, we headed over the bridge into France.
I decided not to heed the siren song of Grey Goose lemonade slushies, and instead made a bee-line to Belgium. This is where we made an important discovery- that ordering a beer flight was a much better value than just ordering a beer alone. You get more ounces for your money. One twelve ounce beer was $6.25, but you could get 18oz for $8.00 score!
Dh ordered us up a beer flight, including Stella, Hoegaarden and Leffe and we found a nice trash can to balance them on- Klassy!
We ended up making good use of the trashcans around Epcot. There are definitely not enough tables around WS for the F&W, but there are plenty of trash cans. It became a theme of the trip to shout, quick snag that empty trash can in the shade whenever our food or drinks outnumbered our hands.
Once we had our drinks settled nicely on our trash can, we noticed another couple come out of line with a beer flight and no empty space in sight. I quickly spoke up and offered them some space on our lovely table.
Our new friends were awesome, they settled right in, and we started chatting. They retired to Florida and now are seasonal CMs, with he working at the Jungle Cruise and she at the Haunted Mansion. How cool, right? They were very friendly, and I really enjoyed chatting with them. One of the things I love best about Disney is meeting people along the way during your vacation. Everyone always is in such a great mood, concentrating on relaxing and having fun. Dont you wish real life could be like a Disney vacation?
Once we had finished our beers, it was time for another vacation tradition, my henna tattoo. For those of you who are unaware, you can get henna tattoos in Morocco. The woman who does them is awesome, she does all the designs free hand and they always come out great. I always get the same design Star around my ankle. If I wasnt such a wuss I might actually consider getting it tattooed for real, but I have a fear of needles, and despite how much I do love the design, the whole permanent thing turns me off. I think Im better off sticking with henna!
While I was waiting my turn, I took some shots of the World Showcase Lagoon. This is the view from the henna tattoo booth, not a bad office window right?
While I was waiting there was a woman getting a whole hand tattoo, it was also very pretty, and she mentioned that she gets it done every time she visits also. What a cool Disney tradition!
While I was getting done up, DH took a walk over to America and came back with a Sam Addams cream stout.
He had checked out some of the booths up ahead and wanted to try out Singapore, so once we were done with my tattoo, we headed in that direction.
Henna tattoo!
We decided to try the coconut braised beef, and I had to get myself a Tiger beer. DH always jokes that I pick wine based around whether there is an animal on the label (everyone has got to have a system, right?), so I had try a beer with a tiger on its label!
Once we passed Singapore, we were conveniently in front of the Hops and Barley booth again!
DH got himself another beer, and we went and sat on a bench. The fife and drum corps came out and DH got up to get closer so he could hear, but I was comfy on the bench, so I stayed put (and incidentally heard just fine).
At that moment I just kicked back and appreciated everything around me. I had an animal-themed beverage, I was listening to the fife and drum corps and I was looking out over the World Showcase. This right here is heaven. This was the memory that I wanted to hold on to, that perfect Disney moment when everything was right. This is what keeps me coming back again and again.
When the drum corps was through DH came back over and I was ready to continue on- there were still lots of food and wine out there, and it wasnt going to eat or drink itself!
He was very sad to see that the Spanikopita had been dropped from the menu, but decided to try out the new griddled cheese. I went with the old standby (and still favorite) Chicken Souvlaki.
Here they are, the very first tasties of the festival!
My souvlaki was the superior choice, the chicken was warm and tender, the pita was soft, and the tzasiki was tangy an not to garlicky.
Dhs griddled cheese was cold and congealed. He still ate it, and I even had a taste. It wasnt terrible (it was still cheese after all), but it was a little weird to eat something advertised as griddled cold.
Not to be deterred, we headed over to the old standby- Canada! I had to have some yummy cheddar cheese soup and DH had to get his first drink of the festival a Moosehead beer.
From there we continued our quest onto one of the most prized treats of the whole festival- the Lobster and Scallop Fishermans Pie in Ireland. Dh did not get one last year, and had to listen to me talk about how great it was all year long, so he was intent on not missing out this time around.
Along with the pie, I got my first drink the Bunratty Meade Honey wine. This is sort of a tradition for me, since it was the very first thing I ever ordered at my first Food and Wine festival back in 2006. Dh is not a fan, he thinks it is too sweet, but I think it is pretty yummy!
We took our spoils, and found a place back by the pin cart to rest our drinks and dig into our pie.
It was glorious, even better than last year. I do believe that the chunks of lobster were even bigger and tastier. DH agreed that it was divine, and was kicking himself even harder for missing out last year.
Once we had finished up, we headed over the bridge into France.
I decided not to heed the siren song of Grey Goose lemonade slushies, and instead made a bee-line to Belgium. This is where we made an important discovery- that ordering a beer flight was a much better value than just ordering a beer alone. You get more ounces for your money. One twelve ounce beer was $6.25, but you could get 18oz for $8.00 score!
Dh ordered us up a beer flight, including Stella, Hoegaarden and Leffe and we found a nice trash can to balance them on- Klassy!
We ended up making good use of the trashcans around Epcot. There are definitely not enough tables around WS for the F&W, but there are plenty of trash cans. It became a theme of the trip to shout, quick snag that empty trash can in the shade whenever our food or drinks outnumbered our hands.
Once we had our drinks settled nicely on our trash can, we noticed another couple come out of line with a beer flight and no empty space in sight. I quickly spoke up and offered them some space on our lovely table.
Our new friends were awesome, they settled right in, and we started chatting. They retired to Florida and now are seasonal CMs, with he working at the Jungle Cruise and she at the Haunted Mansion. How cool, right? They were very friendly, and I really enjoyed chatting with them. One of the things I love best about Disney is meeting people along the way during your vacation. Everyone always is in such a great mood, concentrating on relaxing and having fun. Dont you wish real life could be like a Disney vacation?
Once we had finished our beers, it was time for another vacation tradition, my henna tattoo. For those of you who are unaware, you can get henna tattoos in Morocco. The woman who does them is awesome, she does all the designs free hand and they always come out great. I always get the same design Star around my ankle. If I wasnt such a wuss I might actually consider getting it tattooed for real, but I have a fear of needles, and despite how much I do love the design, the whole permanent thing turns me off. I think Im better off sticking with henna!
While I was waiting my turn, I took some shots of the World Showcase Lagoon. This is the view from the henna tattoo booth, not a bad office window right?
While I was waiting there was a woman getting a whole hand tattoo, it was also very pretty, and she mentioned that she gets it done every time she visits also. What a cool Disney tradition!
While I was getting done up, DH took a walk over to America and came back with a Sam Addams cream stout.
He had checked out some of the booths up ahead and wanted to try out Singapore, so once we were done with my tattoo, we headed in that direction.
Henna tattoo!
We decided to try the coconut braised beef, and I had to get myself a Tiger beer. DH always jokes that I pick wine based around whether there is an animal on the label (everyone has got to have a system, right?), so I had try a beer with a tiger on its label!
Once we passed Singapore, we were conveniently in front of the Hops and Barley booth again!
DH got himself another beer, and we went and sat on a bench. The fife and drum corps came out and DH got up to get closer so he could hear, but I was comfy on the bench, so I stayed put (and incidentally heard just fine).
At that moment I just kicked back and appreciated everything around me. I had an animal-themed beverage, I was listening to the fife and drum corps and I was looking out over the World Showcase. This right here is heaven. This was the memory that I wanted to hold on to, that perfect Disney moment when everything was right. This is what keeps me coming back again and again.
When the drum corps was through DH came back over and I was ready to continue on- there were still lots of food and wine out there, and it wasnt going to eat or drink itself!
CandleontheWater
Forever in love with Hathaway Browne
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2007
- Messages
- 3,399
Aaahhh...a nice relaxing flight...I miss those!And don't feel bad, I'm a "bad airplane mom" too....of course, I have to buy Reid his own seat but I don't even consider lugging his car seat on to the plane & attempting to use it. Ginger ale is always my beverage of choice on airplanes.
I love the Halloween decorated luggage carousel. Too cool!
Glad I'm not the only "bad airplane mom", although all that is going to be a moot point in a few short weeks. Although even after Everett turns 2, I don't think I'll be dragging the car seat on the plane unless we'll need it where we are going.
Welcome back!
I am with you! It was just amazing! I didn't think that anything could keep me away from the parks, but I would be happy just watching the animals all day long! It really is a special place, and I hope I have the chance to get back someday. DH loved it too, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed he'll agree to spring for it when we are not staying on DVC points one of these trips.
CandleontheWater
Forever in love with Hathaway Browne
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I admit I'm still somewhat new to the boards so I pretty much know nothing, but do people actually criticize if a parent wants to put their toddler in their lap on a flight?That seems like overstepping... I think it makes sense. You know the kid can't do too much you don't know about if they're on your lap, plus there's room for another passenger on the flight. Just seems like it makes sense to me but... moving on...
Landing in Orlando is an amazing feeling.
The people behind you on the bus... ew. I prefer not to hear/talk about politics ever... whether I'm on vacation or not.
Animal Kingdom Lodge is a dream resort for me, I've never even actually set foot in it but from what I've seen in pictures, it's amazing. Lucky you!
Somehow I didn't manage to catch you in the multi-quote!
I'm with you- no politics on vacation!
It was a dream to stay there! We mostly stay moderate when we are not using our DVC points for our big family trips, so this was a real treat indeed! It is my new favorite, and I didn't think any resort could ever beat out the Contemporary.
shan23877
I make lists about my lists
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2011
- Messages
- 3,381
Great update. Love the food and wine TRs! That lobster pie sounds divine!
Love the tattoo, what a fun tradition. I have a permanent one on my shoulder, and I don't really regret it except when DD asks who's been drawing on me.
I'm glad that you were able to really enjoy your perfect Disney moment. And without a little one clawing at you legs! Such luxury!
Love the tattoo, what a fun tradition. I have a permanent one on my shoulder, and I don't really regret it except when DD asks who's been drawing on me.
I'm glad that you were able to really enjoy your perfect Disney moment. And without a little one clawing at you legs! Such luxury!
afwdwfan
DIS Dad #460
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2010
- Messages
- 14,164
Nothing says welcome to AKL like being mooned by a zebra. 
Great view from the room! One of these days I might actually get a chance to stay there.
F&W looks awesome! I really want to go for that sometime. Between all the drinks and the food I'd probably gain about 20 pounds... might lose about that much in the wallet though. I'm glad you made good use of the trash cans. It's a good thing it was Disney and they're so good at keeping everything clean. I wouldn't want to stand by a trash can full of leftover food if they weren't keeping them emptied out. 
Great view from the room! One of these days I might actually get a chance to stay there.
F&W looks awesome! I really want to go for that sometime. Between all the drinks and the food I'd probably gain about 20 pounds... might lose about that much in the wallet though.
I'm glad you made good use of the trash cans. It's a good thing it was Disney and they're so good at keeping everything clean. I wouldn't want to stand by a trash can full of leftover food if they weren't keeping them emptied out. 
marDgreen88
DIS Veteran
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- Sep 3, 2011
- Messages
- 3,925
Somehow I didn't manage to catch you in the multi-quote!
I'm with you- no politics on vacation!
It was a dream to stay there! We mostly stay moderate when we are not using our DVC points for our big family trips, so this was a real treat indeed! It is my new favorite, and I didn't think any resort could ever beat out the Contemporary.
Wow, you KNOW it's good when it can beat out a Magic Kingdom monorail resort!
Loved this update! The Food and Wine Festival is something I've wanted to try out for a while. Everything looks so good! Well... all but the cheese thing from Greece, that looks a bit odd. I definitely do not blame you for using the trash cans as tables! They provide a nice view and I bet you're not going to find a cleaner trash can anywhere else!
Cute henna tattoo! I didn't even know they did those at Disney. Sounds like a fun tradition.
amandaw
DIS Veteran
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- Jan 2, 2011
- Messages
- 4,426
Your update made me hungry!
Well, first, I love the view from your room. Very nice! That's good to know that you didn't find it to take too long to get to the parks from AKL. Probably around March, I'm going to start looking to see if I can get a DVC reservation by trading through RCI. I wasn't sure if I would want to consider staying at AKL, but I definitely think I'll take it if it pops up.
I loved seeing the menus from the different F&W booths. Everything sounds so good!!!
Well, first, I love the view from your room. Very nice! That's good to know that you didn't find it to take too long to get to the parks from AKL. Probably around March, I'm going to start looking to see if I can get a DVC reservation by trading through RCI. I wasn't sure if I would want to consider staying at AKL, but I definitely think I'll take it if it pops up.
I loved seeing the menus from the different F&W booths. Everything sounds so good!!!
CandleontheWater
Forever in love with Hathaway Browne
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Great update. Love the food and wine TRs! That lobster pie sounds divine!
Love the tattoo, what a fun tradition. I have a permanent one on my shoulder, and I don't really regret it except when DD asks who's been drawing on me.
I'm glad that you were able to really enjoy your perfect Disney moment. And without a little one clawing at you legs! Such luxury!
That is too funny about your tattoo!
It was so nice to just kick back and relax! I never would have had that luxury with DS, he is all "go, go, go!"
Nothing says welcome to AKL like being mooned by a zebra.
Great view from the room! One of these days I might actually get a chance to stay there.
F&W looks awesome! I really want to go for that sometime. Between all the drinks and the food I'd probably gain about 20 pounds... might lose about that much in the wallet though.
The F&W festival is so much fun! It does get pricey, we probably went through about $100 on our first day, and then another $75 on our second. We had a $50 gift card and I thought it would last us the whole day, but we pretty much had it all used up after our beer flight. It was fun though, and money doesn't count when you are charging it to you KTTWC, right?
Wow, you KNOW it's good when it can beat out a Magic Kingdom monorail resort!
Loved this update! The Food and Wine Festival is something I've wanted to try out for a while. Everything looks so good! Well... all but the cheese thing from Greece, that looks a bit odd. I definitely do not blame you for using the trash cans as tables! They provide a nice view and I bet you're not going to find a cleaner trash can anywhere else!
Cute henna tattoo! I didn't even know they did those at Disney. Sounds like a fun tradition.
Trash cans are hot commodities during F&W, you'll never see so many people standing trash cans as you will there!
I knew I would like AKL, but I didn't realize I would LOVE it as much as I do, it is really a special place!
Your update made me hungry!
Well, first, I love the view from your room. Very nice! That's good to know that you didn't find it to take too long to get to the parks from AKL. Probably around March, I'm going to start looking to see if I can get a DVC reservation by trading through RCI. I wasn't sure if I would want to consider staying at AKL, but I definitely think I'll take it if it pops up.
I loved seeing the menus from the different F&W booths. Everything sounds so good!!!
I would definitely check into AKL, the transportation wasn't an issue and it is so beautiful. It really feels like you are in a different place, it has a level of escapism that you won't find even at the Poly or the boardwalk.
RGirl
Change Is Good
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- Jan 7, 2010
- Messages
- 3,263
A little late to the party, but I am really enjoying your report! I love visiting WDW with my DD, but an adult trip is a secret dream. 
Love your AKL view. Another dream except I'm afraid of the transportation - your bus luck has me rethinking that....
Love your AKL view. Another dream except I'm afraid of the transportation - your bus luck has me rethinking that....
jeremysdisneymom
DIS Veteran
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- Jan 3, 2008
- Messages
- 1,956
Isn't the view just great at AKL? I could have set there all day and watched the animals.
Wow, what food choices there are at F&W. We have never been. Maybe I can convince DH to go next year.
Wow, what food choices there are at F&W. We have never been. Maybe I can convince DH to go next year.
I only got two things at F&W this year, since Jill wasn't with me to help eat any of it. I got the griddled cheese - mine was warm - and the Fisherman's Pie. The Fisherman's Pie was purchased mainly because I had never had scallops, and I always like to try at least one new thing at F&W. It was very good.
As I sit wrapped up in a blanket this morning in my fairly cool house, the sunshine in your pictures is looking very inviting.
I got the girls Spooky Buddies for Halloween. Brooklynn is a movie fiend. She loved it. Bella liked it, but she was tired and fell asleep.
I just got them a new Buddies Christmas one the other day - something with Golden in the title. I don't remember exactly. It may end up being Brooklynn's 'on the plane' movie, since we'll be traveling to Disney World on Christmas Day.
As I sit wrapped up in a blanket this morning in my fairly cool house, the sunshine in your pictures is looking very inviting.
I got the girls Spooky Buddies for Halloween. Brooklynn is a movie fiend. She loved it. Bella liked it, but she was tired and fell asleep.
I just got them a new Buddies Christmas one the other day - something with Golden in the title. I don't remember exactly. It may end up being Brooklynn's 'on the plane' movie, since we'll be traveling to Disney World on Christmas Day.TravelAgentJen
Thats what my fam calls me
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- Jul 5, 2011
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- 198
I love your tr, my husband+I are going on one of our own adults only short trip this weekend http://www.wdwinfo.com/images/smilies/yay.gif. I jumping out of my skin I'm so excited! We're right down the street in MD, close!
CandleontheWater
Forever in love with Hathaway Browne
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- Mar 5, 2007
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Episode 4- twelve hours bottle to throttle
We began to meander our way out of America, and past one of the merchandise carts. I saw this little beauty and had DH model it.
I remember when these were everywhere in Frontierland! Does anyone else?
I tried to get him to buy it and wear it around, but he definitely didn’t have enough drinks yet for that type of behavior, so the only course of action was to go find him more to drink!
We walked by the American Garden’s Theatre and saw that .38 special was playing that night for eat to the beat. I knew that I had heard the name before, but I couldn’t place their hit song. I asked DH, who is a professed ‘80s music expert, but he was also drawing a blank. I really wish they would write the one hit under the name, that way you would know who these people are!
As we walked by we saw that there was a couple already lined up for the show! It was now maybe 2 pm, and the first show wasn’t until later in the evening (maybe 5:30?). They were apparently very serious, wearing shirts with the bands name on it and everything. I was tempted to go over and ask them who the band was, but I was afraid of getting sucked into an hours long conversation (it was apparent they were big fans). DH suggested that maybe they were the band’s parents. Maybe they were! But then again you would think that you would be able to get your parents preferred seating, I mean it is just an Epcot concert.
Next stop on our culinary trip around the globe was Poland. We were big fans of the Pierogies on our last F&W trip and they continued to live up to the hype.
While I was waiting on DH to finish his Pierogie check out, I made an important discovery! Did you know that the F&W booths are solar powered! I was completely fascinated by this, and took a picture, and pointed it out to DH when he came back.
He was unimpressed, apparently he noticed YEARS ago that they had solar panels.
We kept moving on, and walked past the train set in Germany. I found out (by reading other people’s TRs) that Disney had decorated the train set for the Flower and Garden festival. Despite being at the F&G and looking at the train set, I somehow managed to miss this detail (I guess it goes hand in hand with solar panels). This time I wasn’t going to miss out, and I went to take a closer look to see if they had decorated for F&W
Low and behold they had! Look at those happy train people, munching and drinking away! If you notice, there are decidedly more tables in the model than there were to be found in total around the whole WS. Lucky train model people, they didn’t have to balance their food on trash cans.
Gratuitous Epcot shot!
Next stop- more beer! DH went and got the Altenmunster Oktoberfest from the brewers collection booth, and although I was interested in trying the smoked wheat beer, I decided to hold off for South Africa.
A few years past the South Africa booth had a wine called “Goats do Roam”. I thought the name was hilarious and the wine wasn’t half bad either. It wasn’t there last year, and much to my disappointment it wasn’t back again this year.
I decided to drowned my sorrows in the La Capra Pinotage- which was also good, but unfortunately did not have the benefit of animals on the label or a cutesy name.
I don't look very sad, do I?
double fisting! Now its a party!
Once we had secured our libations we took a look around “The Outpost”. I checked out the pin board, but didn’t make any trades, and DH looked at the African soccer jerseys. DH collects soccer jerseys from around the world, so I encouraged him to buy one, but he decided against it.
We continued to press on because my FAVORITE booth was next- South Korea! The lettuce wrap with roast pork and Kimchi slaw is hands down my favorite F&W offering. I unfortunately took no pictures of it- likely because I was too busy stuffing it down my gullet. Suffice to say that it is delish, and you should not miss it if you go to the F&W.
At this point we decided to slow it down, well at least the food part of food and wine. We had a dinner reservation at Bistro de Paris, and I didn’t want to miss out because I was too full. DH still had a little wiggle room in his tummy, so he got himself one last item- the pork potstickers.
can you spot the dummy!
Sorry, couldn't resist!
Potstickers in hand we went and saw down by the gardens in China. This is one of my favorite spots in WS, one that I don’t frequent with Everett. For some reason toddlers are not impressed by scenery, who would have thought?
It was really peaceful back there, and we were just enjoying the view and each other, when a very unhappy family passed by. The kids were fighting, and the mom was over it, and told them “That’s it, if you kids don’t stop I’m just going to find a new family to vacation with”- Well, I couldn’t help myself- I shouted “You can come vacation with us- we’re fun!” The mom looked over, pointed and said “Yes- them- I am going to spend the rest of my vacation with them”.
I just had to laugh, because we’ve been there as a family. I had very vivid memories of crashing and burning in Epcot with my two younger brothers. Nothing brings out the good, the bad and the ugly like a Disney vacation.
continued in next post
We began to meander our way out of America, and past one of the merchandise carts. I saw this little beauty and had DH model it.
I remember when these were everywhere in Frontierland! Does anyone else?
I tried to get him to buy it and wear it around, but he definitely didn’t have enough drinks yet for that type of behavior, so the only course of action was to go find him more to drink!
We walked by the American Garden’s Theatre and saw that .38 special was playing that night for eat to the beat. I knew that I had heard the name before, but I couldn’t place their hit song. I asked DH, who is a professed ‘80s music expert, but he was also drawing a blank. I really wish they would write the one hit under the name, that way you would know who these people are!
As we walked by we saw that there was a couple already lined up for the show! It was now maybe 2 pm, and the first show wasn’t until later in the evening (maybe 5:30?). They were apparently very serious, wearing shirts with the bands name on it and everything. I was tempted to go over and ask them who the band was, but I was afraid of getting sucked into an hours long conversation (it was apparent they were big fans). DH suggested that maybe they were the band’s parents. Maybe they were! But then again you would think that you would be able to get your parents preferred seating, I mean it is just an Epcot concert.
Next stop on our culinary trip around the globe was Poland. We were big fans of the Pierogies on our last F&W trip and they continued to live up to the hype.
While I was waiting on DH to finish his Pierogie check out, I made an important discovery! Did you know that the F&W booths are solar powered! I was completely fascinated by this, and took a picture, and pointed it out to DH when he came back.
He was unimpressed, apparently he noticed YEARS ago that they had solar panels.
We kept moving on, and walked past the train set in Germany. I found out (by reading other people’s TRs) that Disney had decorated the train set for the Flower and Garden festival. Despite being at the F&G and looking at the train set, I somehow managed to miss this detail (I guess it goes hand in hand with solar panels). This time I wasn’t going to miss out, and I went to take a closer look to see if they had decorated for F&W
Low and behold they had! Look at those happy train people, munching and drinking away! If you notice, there are decidedly more tables in the model than there were to be found in total around the whole WS. Lucky train model people, they didn’t have to balance their food on trash cans.
Gratuitous Epcot shot!
Next stop- more beer! DH went and got the Altenmunster Oktoberfest from the brewers collection booth, and although I was interested in trying the smoked wheat beer, I decided to hold off for South Africa.
A few years past the South Africa booth had a wine called “Goats do Roam”. I thought the name was hilarious and the wine wasn’t half bad either. It wasn’t there last year, and much to my disappointment it wasn’t back again this year.
I decided to drowned my sorrows in the La Capra Pinotage- which was also good, but unfortunately did not have the benefit of animals on the label or a cutesy name.
I don't look very sad, do I?
double fisting! Now its a party!
Once we had secured our libations we took a look around “The Outpost”. I checked out the pin board, but didn’t make any trades, and DH looked at the African soccer jerseys. DH collects soccer jerseys from around the world, so I encouraged him to buy one, but he decided against it.
We continued to press on because my FAVORITE booth was next- South Korea! The lettuce wrap with roast pork and Kimchi slaw is hands down my favorite F&W offering. I unfortunately took no pictures of it- likely because I was too busy stuffing it down my gullet. Suffice to say that it is delish, and you should not miss it if you go to the F&W.
At this point we decided to slow it down, well at least the food part of food and wine. We had a dinner reservation at Bistro de Paris, and I didn’t want to miss out because I was too full. DH still had a little wiggle room in his tummy, so he got himself one last item- the pork potstickers.
can you spot the dummy!
Sorry, couldn't resist!
Potstickers in hand we went and saw down by the gardens in China. This is one of my favorite spots in WS, one that I don’t frequent with Everett. For some reason toddlers are not impressed by scenery, who would have thought?
It was really peaceful back there, and we were just enjoying the view and each other, when a very unhappy family passed by. The kids were fighting, and the mom was over it, and told them “That’s it, if you kids don’t stop I’m just going to find a new family to vacation with”- Well, I couldn’t help myself- I shouted “You can come vacation with us- we’re fun!” The mom looked over, pointed and said “Yes- them- I am going to spend the rest of my vacation with them”.
I just had to laugh, because we’ve been there as a family. I had very vivid memories of crashing and burning in Epcot with my two younger brothers. Nothing brings out the good, the bad and the ugly like a Disney vacation.
continued in next post
CandleontheWater
Forever in love with Hathaway Browne
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2007
- Messages
- 3,399
After viewing that poor stressed out family, I figured they needed a drink- and since the mom did not actually take us up on our offer- we went and got a drink in their honor instead.
Where better to get drinks than the Margarita stand in Mexico! I have much love for the lime/strawberry combo. I am also pretty picky about one other thing- if the lime is on top I want a salt rim, and if the strawberry is on top I want the sugar rim. Vice versa just doesnt work. Luckily I got a wonderful CM, who fixed my margarita just the way I like it! Heaven!
Margaritas in hand we decided to get out of the heat and spend some time inside Mexico.
now you are talkin' my language
I just love that pavilion, and it brings back happy memories for DH and I, because we ate at the San Angel Inn the night that DH proposed.
We hung out by the fountain and just took in the lovely atmosphere. It was really nice to sit back next to a fountain with a drink in hand and not have to worry about a curious toddler falling in.
Once we had almost finished our margariatas we decided to head out and get our ride on as Stacey would say. We saw a photopass photographer standing by the entrance to the Mexico pavilion and we got him to take our picture as we exited.
Where were we headed to- why Mission Space of course! It is DHs favorite ride, and definitely in my top 5. I think it is really funny that he loves it so much because he is really freaked out by space. Being a military pilot he has friends who dream of getting into the space program, but he always says he would not be interested, he doesnt want to ever be in a place where he cant breathe. He also doesnt like the idea of scuba diving, so I guess he is pretty attached to his oxygen. Me, a little less so, Id go to space in a heartbeat. If they ever are looking for space pioneers, Ill be the first to sign up!
On the way over to Mission space, I was stopped short by this unusual sight. I know that I had been drinking, but was there really a cranberry bog in the middle of Epcot- bizarre! All I could think about was what a good workout that person was getting, all that water resistance and walking back and forth all day- maybe I should hop in and give it a whirl, I could use a little help burning off my food and wine indulgences.
Soon we were at the entrance to mission space. There was no wait to speak of, so we grabbed our orange team more intense training passes, and headed inside.
Before long we were teamed up with two other people and lucky DH got his favorite role of pilot.
Me: Ummm- havent you been drinking, what are the regulations for a Mars Mission
DH: Well, it is supposed to be twelve hours bottle to throttle
Me: I think you might be flying under the influence- I hope it will not reflect poorly on your performance
DH: Well, we are cutting it a little close- well just have to see what happens
*Spoiler alert*- he crashed our deep space shuttle into a snow bank and nearly propelled us off a cliff
This is why you should not drink and fly!
On the way through the gift shop I spotted this hidden mickey
and this goofy guy
Yes, I made him put that on his head!
After that harrowing experience it was time for us to leave Epcot so we could head back to the resort and freshen up for our dinner that evening.
We made our way out, found a taxi, and were back at AKL in no time.
Up next- the longest dinner in history (only a slight exaggeration)
Where better to get drinks than the Margarita stand in Mexico! I have much love for the lime/strawberry combo. I am also pretty picky about one other thing- if the lime is on top I want a salt rim, and if the strawberry is on top I want the sugar rim. Vice versa just doesnt work. Luckily I got a wonderful CM, who fixed my margarita just the way I like it! Heaven!
Margaritas in hand we decided to get out of the heat and spend some time inside Mexico.
now you are talkin' my language
I just love that pavilion, and it brings back happy memories for DH and I, because we ate at the San Angel Inn the night that DH proposed.
We hung out by the fountain and just took in the lovely atmosphere. It was really nice to sit back next to a fountain with a drink in hand and not have to worry about a curious toddler falling in.
Once we had almost finished our margariatas we decided to head out and get our ride on as Stacey would say. We saw a photopass photographer standing by the entrance to the Mexico pavilion and we got him to take our picture as we exited.
Where were we headed to- why Mission Space of course! It is DHs favorite ride, and definitely in my top 5. I think it is really funny that he loves it so much because he is really freaked out by space. Being a military pilot he has friends who dream of getting into the space program, but he always says he would not be interested, he doesnt want to ever be in a place where he cant breathe. He also doesnt like the idea of scuba diving, so I guess he is pretty attached to his oxygen. Me, a little less so, Id go to space in a heartbeat. If they ever are looking for space pioneers, Ill be the first to sign up!
On the way over to Mission space, I was stopped short by this unusual sight. I know that I had been drinking, but was there really a cranberry bog in the middle of Epcot- bizarre! All I could think about was what a good workout that person was getting, all that water resistance and walking back and forth all day- maybe I should hop in and give it a whirl, I could use a little help burning off my food and wine indulgences.
Soon we were at the entrance to mission space. There was no wait to speak of, so we grabbed our orange team more intense training passes, and headed inside.
Before long we were teamed up with two other people and lucky DH got his favorite role of pilot.
Me: Ummm- havent you been drinking, what are the regulations for a Mars Mission
DH: Well, it is supposed to be twelve hours bottle to throttle
Me: I think you might be flying under the influence- I hope it will not reflect poorly on your performance
DH: Well, we are cutting it a little close- well just have to see what happens
*Spoiler alert*- he crashed our deep space shuttle into a snow bank and nearly propelled us off a cliff
This is why you should not drink and fly!
On the way through the gift shop I spotted this hidden mickey
and this goofy guy
Yes, I made him put that on his head!
After that harrowing experience it was time for us to leave Epcot so we could head back to the resort and freshen up for our dinner that evening.
We made our way out, found a taxi, and were back at AKL in no time.
Up next- the longest dinner in history (only a slight exaggeration)
CandleontheWater
Forever in love with Hathaway Browne
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2007
- Messages
- 3,399
A little late to the party, but I am really enjoying your report! I love visiting WDW with my DD, but an adult trip is a secret dream.
Love your AKL view. Another dream except I'm afraid of the transportation - your bus luck has me rethinking that....
You aren't late! We are just beginning, welcome aboard!
An adults only trip is awesome! Dh and I used to go all the time pre-kids and it was wonderful to have the chance to relive all those found memories.
I was afraid of the buses also, but I found getting around to be very quick and easy. I don't know if we just got lucky or what, but I wouldn't let the transportation hold me back from such an awesome resort.
Isn't the view just great at AKL? I could have set there all day and watched the animals.
Wow, what food choices there are at F&W. We have never been. Maybe I can convince DH to go next year.
I wish I was still there sitting on the balcony! It made going to the parks really tough!
The F&W festival is awesome! I think it is the single most awesome event that Disney puts on all year!
I only got two things at F&W this year, since Jill wasn't with me to help eat any of it. I got the griddled cheese - mine was warm - and the Fisherman's Pie. The Fisherman's Pie was purchased mainly because I had never had scallops, and I always like to try at least one new thing at F&W. It was very good.
As I sit wrapped up in a blanket this morning in my fairly cool house, the sunshine in your pictures is looking very inviting.
I got the girls Spooky Buddies for Halloween. Brooklynn is a movie fiend. She loved it. Bella liked it, but she was tired and fell asleep.
I can imagine the griddled cheese would have been much better warm. I'm glad that you had it served that way! I was wondering if it had just cooled off, or if they decided to just serve them cold. I'm happy to hear that we just got a bad one and that they were not ALL bad!
I think Spooky buddies is very cute, and Everett seems to like it. He doesn't have a great attention span when it comes to TV, so I'll turn it on and he'll watch the "goggies" for a few minutes before he moves on to something else. It is worth turning it on just to hear DH's crazy tirades against dogs in costumes!
What a crazy thing to get worked up over! Your trip is so close! I'm really excited for you! I hope you have a wonderful time! Where in MD are you? Everett was born in Bethesda and we had friends who live outside of Baltimore, so we've spent some time over the border
KatMark
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Aug 5, 2007
- Messages
- 42,443
I have NO clue how I missed so many updates (I can't even say it was because I was updating my own TR because I've not done a lot of that).
Glad byou got to relax on the plane and enjoy the flight and free soda without having the little one.
Sorry for the awful ME bus ride. I don't like talking politics period...and cedrtainly don't want to listen to it on vacation.
Your room looks great at AK (we were in Kidani as opposed to you being in Jambo). Like you, I did not want to leave my balcony (luckily we were not doing the parks those days).
Great photos of you and DH at Epcot at the F&W. One of these days I really want to get there for F&W.
You had some really yummy looking goodies.
Glad byou got to relax on the plane and enjoy the flight and free soda without having the little one.
Sorry for the awful ME bus ride. I don't like talking politics period...and cedrtainly don't want to listen to it on vacation.
Your room looks great at AK (we were in Kidani as opposed to you being in Jambo). Like you, I did not want to leave my balcony (luckily we were not doing the parks those days).
Great photos of you and DH at Epcot at the F&W. One of these days I really want to get there for F&W.
You had some really yummy looking goodies.
shan23877
I make lists about my lists
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2011
- Messages
- 3,381
.38 SPECIAL????!!! I loved them when I was in high school (but they were a bit past their prime even then). I believe that I even went to one of their concerts with my mom. Hold on Loosely is the most famous song I think.
Booze + Double Fisting = Good Time. That's one math problem that I learned in college.
Love the funny hat photos, and that your DH was having enough fun to try them on.
I wish we'd run into you guys when I was threatening to vacation without my family. I'd have joined you.
Booze + Double Fisting = Good Time. That's one math problem that I learned in college.
Love the funny hat photos, and that your DH was having enough fun to try them on.
I wish we'd run into you guys when I was threatening to vacation without my family. I'd have joined you.
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