Our Disney Trip to Sara-topia! Sept/Oct MNSSHP & F&W trip(link to dining review 11/1)

[jecskc]

Day 7 – Part Six

Then on to Germany. I really like Germany. So I took lots of photos.

DS wanted a pretzel and I needed a beer, so we got some. I was a little peeved that their dining plan system wasn’t working and I had to pay for it instead of using a snack credit. I mean we had saved our snack credits specifically for Food and Wine.

I forgot to take photo before we ate it. It was really good and the beer, an Oktoberfest, was really cold and refreshing.

So then I went over the Karamel Kuche and got DD some chocolate covered mashmallows with caramel drizzled over them

Which she really enjoyed. I had a bite and I liked it, too. And for DH and I, I got a dark chocolate covered caramel with salt on top. Isn’t is beautiful ??

This was soooo yummy. The salt made it taste good with the beer. True story. Also, this would taste amazing with a cup of coffee. The same thing happened there with the snacks credits and I had to pay OOP. Annoying !!

We snagged a nice little shady table in front of Der Teddy Bear, so we camped there for a little while and got some rest. People were stalking us for our table. "Excuse me, are you leaving soon?" We were like, Um ...no. For realz people ??

DD did her Kidcot and DS fired up another Kim Possible mission. I took more photos.

DH got a beer stein

and a decorative glass.

The train on the way out.

Moving on to Italy. I hit the food kiosk here and got some ravioli and a frozen primavera. DS snagged us a nice shady bench and we ate.

Snack credits still not working and I had to pay OOP - AGAIN !! The manager was at the register trying to solve the problem and I told her it was really BAD that we couldn’t effectively use our snack credits. She said she was sorry and I knew that it really wasn’t her fault, but I was very frustrated with it. I wasn’t mean, though.

Anyway, I ordered two of the ravioli dishes and I got one bite. The kids LOVED these things and ate them so fast. I drank the primavera as the kids weren’t into it. It was good, but could have used some booze in it. DS asked if we could get some more ravioli, but I wanted to move on. More Italy photos.

We have a ressie here at Thanksgiving. I can’t wait to try it.

I don’t get the brick tower here. It seems so out of place. I am sure there is a magical reason it is there. I’ll have to look it up. Googling ……..

OK here’s the explanation

Enter this beautiful pavilion filled with architecture reminiscent of the city of Venice and feel the allure and romance of this remarkable locale. Find true attention to detail in the bridges, gondolas, colorful barber poles, the Neptune fountain in the central Plaza del Teatro and a stunning 83-foot version of the bell tower, Campanile of St. Mark's Square. Buon giorno!

So that is interesting. Another Italy photo.

 

[Poolrat]

The train on the way out.

I am glad I am not in your pictures right about here. I went the other way around the world but when I came to Germany I was determined to get a picture pf the F & W decorations in the train village.

I was bent over the railing trying to get my camera to cooperate but the angle was all wrong and I couldn't get the shot but anyone walking by would get a great view of my rear!!!!

I was like - MMMmmm how did I miss that ?!?!? and then you said no booze and I thought That's how!

 

[jecskc]

I am glad I am not in your pictures right about here. I went the other way around the world but when I came to Germany I was determined to get a picture pf the F & W decorations in the train village.

I was bent over the railing trying to get my camera to cooperate but the angle was all wrong and I couldn't get the shot but anyone walking by would get a great view of my rear!!!!




I was like - MMMmmm how did I miss that ?!?!? and then you said no booze and I thought That's how!

Sorry I missed that Germany photo of you ..

Yeah, it was still really warm that day and I thought the kids would like it. But they were more interested in the Ravioli. I should have held out for more alcohol.

 

[Poolrat]

Sorry I missed that Germany photo of you ..

What is sad is that my rear may pop up on someone else's report.
It was crowded and many Disers out there.

Yeah, it was still really warm that day and I thought the kids would like it. But they were more interested in the Ravioli. I should have held out for more alcohol.

I found rather late in the day that the strawberry Margarita was a rather substantial serving. Wish I would have seen it earlier.

 

[jecskc]

What is sad is that my rear may pop up on someone else's report.
It was crowded and many Disers out there.



I found rather late in the day that the strawberry Margarita was a rather substantial serving. Wish I would have seen it earlier.

They were big. I think they should the Parisian Cosmo Slushie that size ... just sayin'.

 

[Poolrat]

They were big. I think they should the Parisian Cosmo Slushie that size ... just sayin'.

Or the Cherry Colada. Those Colada cups were bathroom cup size.

 

[jecskc]

Or the Cherry Colada. Those Colada cups were bathroom cup size.

That sounds yummy. I need to try that one.

 

[jecskc]

Day 7 – Part Seven.

DD got her bear stamped in Italy and we headed over to the good ole USA.

We never spend enough time here either, so I made the point to take more time to look around. We went through the museum and stuff. I wanted to see the American Adventure and listen to the singers, but the kids were ready to move on. Plus, it was 30 min to the next show, so I said, “next time”. We went to the gift shop

Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses, yearning to breath free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore,
Send these, the homeless, tempest tossed,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door.

DD got her bear stamped.

After that, we moved on to Japan.

The kids really love the gift shop here and DS wanted to do another Kim Possible mission.

Construction on the restaurant here.

We got DD’s bear stamped

And then it was on to Morocco.

Between Japan and Morocco, there is a drink kiosk that the kids always want to get a blue slushie. There it is on the left.

DD in a fez. See her mouth ?? Evidence of blue slushie.

DS and his blue slushie.

The blue slushies always help the kids to get through the next couple of countries. But they make their lips, teeth and tongues very blue. It wears off after about an hour though.

While we were resting, DD was complaining about a blister and sure enough, she had quite a big one growing. There was a very nice lady next to us from Raleigh and she gave us a band aid. And she needed to take her DD to the bathroom, so we watched her stroller for her until she got back.

We really met a lot of very friendly people on this trip. Didn’t really encounter any rude ones at all, except that lady on Spaceship Earth with the flash photos. LOTS of crying babies, though. There was one everywhere we went. I don’t know if I never noticed it before, or if there were just more younger kids around on this trip, but they were there and they were squalling. DH said they were like fire ants. One would give a signal and they all started biting – or crying as the metaphor applies. Anyway, it seemed like they were everywhere this trip. I’m so glad mine don’t do that anymore.

 

[jecskc]

Day 7 – Part Eight

Beast

Still have never gotten a photo with him.

Next up France !!

DD always wants to stop at the kiosk that serves these ice cream cones. It is vanilla and chocolate swirl and they are really good.

France is my favorite Food and Wine kiosk. Mainly because it has my favorite drink, the Parisian Cosmo slushie !!

And their food is good, too. I got the coq au vin and even though it didn’t look very appetizing, it tasted really good.

I thought the short ribs that they had the last two years were better though. I contemplated getting another Parisian Cosmo slushie, but I didn’t want to wait in line again. We were all getting pretty tired by this point.

The umbrellas. I love the doll-sized ones. Those would be perfect with an American girl doll.

We got some Photopass photos on the bridge between France and UK.

Next up was the United Kingdom.

Look at DS knocking on that door. I just noticed that. Haha.

It’s so pretty here.

As we entered the country, DD informed us that she didn’t get her bear stamped in France. So DH took her back over there to get that done while DS and I grabbed a bench in the garden in the back.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

I really want to try one of those dark chocolate salted caramels...they look SO good!

You weren't kidding about those blue slushies, they are very blue!!

 

[jecskc]

I really want to try one of those dark chocolate salted caramels...they look SO good!

You weren't kidding about those blue slushies, they are very blue!!

I would love one of those right now with my coffee. They were sooo good. The kids love the blue slushies. I have many a blue slushie photo. This one is my favorite

It is DS, DD and their cousin from last year.

 

[jecskc]

Day 7 – Part Nine

It was nice and peaceful back there and we were able to get a bench in the shade. DS wanted to take some photos so …. here they are.

This is what he thought about Duffy.

BAD DS !!! Poor Duffy !!

12 year olds. Sheesh. Some more that he took.

DH and DD got back and DD ran through the hedge maze. She got her bear stamped and we moved to Canada.

Off Kilter

Construction up top

We were too tired to walk up there. But I love it.

I just love the landscaping here. So pretty.

DH took the kids to Kidcot and took photos

while I went to the Canada Booth and got us some soup.

I just love this soup. How can you go wrong with cheese, bacon and beer ?? Sooo yummy. I got a Molson to go with it. Too bad that they don’t serve that soup with pretzel rolls at the F&W booth. The soup is even better with those.

We had planned on eating more, but our Kona Breakfast filled us up so we weren’t very hungry. And I was sad that we had not planned to do this another day because there were so many things I wanted to try or experience again.

 

[kcandbella]

You got some GREAT photos from around WS!!! I wish we had gotten to spend more time there. The blue mouths are too funny!

 

[jecskc]

You got some GREAT photos from around WS!!! I wish we had gotten to spend more time there. The blue mouths are too funny!

I never feel like I get enough time there. We are staying at Boardwalk for Thanksgiving and it will be so nice just to walk right over. Looking forward to spending some serious time in WS.

 

[jecskc]

Day 7 – Part Ten

At this point, we were exhausted and headed towards the front of the park. Since DD was in shopping mode this trip, we HAD to stop by Mouse Gear. So we entered the store on the side entrance. And I have seen a thread one the Dis that talks about how it smells in there and I never really noticed it…. until now. And they are so right !! It smells like … well …. Poo, poo in there. You don’t notice it near the middle of the store or near the main entrance in the corridor on the way to the Land. But if you go through that side entrance ?? You can really smell it. Ew.

Anyway, I spotted these

And I had to have them. So I went to buy them and I was in line and holding them by their strings and one of the strings broke and the ornament fell and shattered. And I thought they were plastic. I know better now. So I got another and we got it cleaned up. A very nice CM helped me and said it was fine, ‘cause, you know, I felt bad.

As we were in line, by BFF texted me and told me to check out the AP Food and Wine pin.

So we head over to the pin shop and look around. And DS wants this one.

So I got it. And I saw this.

2011 Annual Pass Exclusive Food and Wine Pin

And I liked it, so I bought it. I had souvenir regret after we left, though because DS showed me one of those pins that has a grape soda top on it. You know, from UP ?? And I didn’t buy it and now I want it. I’ll get it in November when we go for sure.

As we almost get to the entrance, DD spots characters. Characters with no line. This is a good thing. First there was Stitch. The kids love Stitch.

He was very playful with them.

Then there was Daisy Duck.

Then we tried to get DS to get a picture with her. But he wouldn’t do it unless DH got in there.

Some photos I took on the way out.

And then we headed back to Sara-topia. The kids wanted to try out the High Rock Springs pool and the slide there.

 

[Poolrat]

Day 7 – Part Ten

At this point, we were exhausted and headed towards the front of the park. Since DD was in shopping mode this trip, we HAD to stop by Mouse Gear. So we entered the store on the side entrance. And I have seen a thread one the Dis that talks about how it smells in there and I never really noticed it…. until now. And they are so right !! It smells like … well …. Poo, poo in there. You don’t notice it near the middle of the store or near the main entrance in the corridor on the way to the Land. But if you go through that side entrance ?? You can really smell it. Ew.

I noticed it too.

 

[jecskc]

I noticed it too.

It really smells bad. I wonder what it is and why they haven't done anything about it. It is very noticable.

Love the smilies

 

[Pixie Princess]

I'm super behind! What a bummer about your Kona experience. I've wanted to try there, but I know it would be a breakfast thing, and there is only so many b'fast meals I can justify in one trip! I mean honestly. DD was begging on the last trip to go to Boma and back to WCC for b'fast. Sheesh! I told her we'd try walk up (I almost wrote stand by LOL!) for WCC for dinner. We needed to try something different if we went there. Speaking of WCC, how cute is that horse parade thingy? DD and her friend did it when we went back in May, and she was mortified. She was thankful so few people were in the restaurant. She's a trip! She'll get up in front of all kinds of people and get in a math contest with a bird at FOW, but is embarrassed at the though of riding a wooden horse around a restaurant.

DD loves the China pavilion...or should I say she loves the gift kiosk outside the pavilion. Somehow we've managed to dodge the gift shop inside the pavilion. We have yet to see the movie over there, and something tells me when we do, that we'll discover the gift shop as well. *sigh* I have seen the terracotta warriors though. Pretty cool!

Okay..in November, you must, must, must see the American Adventure. It is a wonderful show! Don't make me come down there and drag you to it! Oh wait, on second thought....

As an FYI, I would avoid the outdoor pizza window in Italy. I know you have a ressie for Via Napoli, and that pizza is completely different than the pizza at the outside window. That stuff is just blech. DD LOVES pizza and even she didn't care for it. Too much crust (words I never thought I'd say) and cheese.

I'm so jealous you got to see Vern Yip. I love him. I completely forgot about him being there that first weekend!

I'm only part way through Epcot day, so back to reading. More random thoughts later.

 

[Pixie Princess]

DD is all about that slushie stand between Morroco and Japan. She mentioned it on this last trip, but not until we were around Norway. Umm, no we are not schlepping back over there for a slushie. Her fave is red, and I usually take a picture of her ruby red tounge and lips.

She also loves the Mitsokushi store. She is all about anything Japanese. We've decided that she needs to look in to whether there is a College Program at Tokyo Disneyland like there is here in the US. Surely there is right?

I agree they should sell the pretzle bread with that cheese soup. Of course I wouldn't eat the soup, but I'd buy it anyway just to get the pretzel bread. Dang that stuff is the bomb!

Jumping back to France, I tried the Cosmo Slushie. It was good, but has nothing on the Grand Marnier slushie. If you haven't tried it, give it a whirl. I can't imagine you'd be disappointed even if you didn't like it as much as the Cosmo.

What luck that you ran into line free characters! On 10/1 we ran into Stitch just hanging out in Tomorrowland with no line to speak of. He wasn't in his normal meet and greet spot, just walking around. It was pretty cool. Hardly anyone was there b/c folks were securing spots for the 10:00 presentation. When we first got back there, Chip and Dale were over at Club 626 dancing away with one child and her parents. No one else was around to join in, and I'm sure that little girl was having the time of her life having the characters to herself.

It is always so hard to leave yourself enough "room" to truly enjoy the F&W. I had to pass up a couple of dishes I really wanted in order to not leave the place miserably full. Usually we'll hit a couple of booths on our Future World day, but this go around the schedule didn't work out that way.

 

[jecskc]

I'm super behind! What a bummer about your Kona experience. I've wanted to try there, but I know it would be a breakfast thing, and there is only so many b'fast meals I can justify in one trip! I mean honestly. DD was begging on the last trip to go to Boma and back to WCC for b'fast. Sheesh! I told her we'd try walk up (I almost wrote stand by LOL!) for WCC for dinner. We needed to try something different if we went there. Speaking of WCC, how cute is that horse parade thingy? DD and her friend did it when we went back in May, and she was mortified. She was thankful so few people were in the restaurant. She's a trip! She'll get up in front of all kinds of people and get in a math contest with a bird at FOW, but is embarrassed at the though of riding a wooden horse around a restaurant.


Just for the record I really liked my pancakes at Kona, it was just DH's eggs that were icky. And DH wasn't feeling the servers there. Said they weren't cheerful at the hostess stand.

Hahahha on "standby" at WCC. My DD was into the horse race. She was cute.



DD loves the China pavilion...or should I say she loves the gift kiosk outside the pavilion. Somehow we've managed to dodge the gift shop inside the pavilion. We have yet to see the movie over there, and something tells me when we do, that we'll discover the gift shop as well. *sigh* I have seen the terracotta warriors though. Pretty cool!

Okay..in November, you must, must, must see the American Adventure. It is a wonderful show! Don't make me come down there and drag you to it! Oh wait, on second thought....


For realz !! Please DO come down and drag me to it !!

As an FYI, I would avoid the outdoor pizza window in Italy. I know you have a ressie for Via Napoli, and that pizza is completely different than the pizza at the outside window. That stuff is just blech. DD LOVES pizza and even she didn't care for it. Too much crust (words I never thought I'd say) and cheese.

You have told me that. There are mixed reviews about Via Napoli on here for sure. But we will wait and see for ourselves. We have found that we like most places. Even those that get bad reviews sometimes.

I'm so jealous you got to see Vern Yip. I love him. I completely forgot about him being there that first weekend!

It was cool to see him. I was tempted to get in line, but it was REALLY long.

I'm only part way through Epcot day, so back to reading. More random thoughts later.

DD is all about that slushie stand between Morroco and Japan. She mentioned it on this last trip, but not until we were around Norway. Umm, no we are not schlepping back over there for a slushie. Her fave is red, and I usually take a picture of her ruby red tounge and lips.

She also loves the Mitsokushi store. She is all about anything Japanese. We've decided that she needs to look in to whether there is a College Program at Tokyo Disneyland like there is here in the US. Surely there is right?

You would think. Something for her to check into. Myt kids love that store, too.

I agree they should sell the pretzle bread with that cheese soup. Of course I wouldn't eat the soup, but I'd buy it anyway just to get the pretzel bread. Dang that stuff is the bomb!

I can't believe you don't like that soup. Girl ...

Jumping back to France, I tried the Cosmo Slushie. It was good, but has nothing on the Grand Marnier slushie. If you haven't tried it, give it a whirl. I can't imagine you'd be disappointed even if you didn't like it as much as the Cosmo.

I do sometimes contemplate the orange one. But I find that I always gravitate back to my beloved lemon one.

What luck that you ran into line free characters! On 10/1 we ran into Stitch just hanging out in Tomorrowland with no line to speak of. He wasn't in his normal meet and greet spot, just walking around. It was pretty cool. Hardly anyone was there b/c folks were securing spots for the 10:00 presentation. When we first got back there, Chip and Dale were over at Club 626 dancing away with one child and her parents. No one else was around to join in, and I'm sure that little girl was having the time of her life having the characters to herself.

It is always so hard to leave yourself enough "room" to truly enjoy the F&W. I had to pass up a couple of dishes I really wanted in order to not leave the place miserably full. Usually we'll hit a couple of booths on our Future World day, but this go around the schedule didn't work out that way.

Yes, we didn't eat as much as I thought we would. It turned out to be a good thing, though since we ended up having to pay OOP for most everything.