Rabbit, Hatter & Chessie Go Rogue in Christmasland.New5/11 Meet my Nemesis, Splash M.

[MEK]

A coworker gave me a gift card to the Starr Restaurants and I was considering Frankford Hall as a possibility because I know Denny would love the beer part of it. My I think I am actually going to use it in the Starr restaurant (can't remember the name) at the Art Museum. Haven't been there in forever, so I think that might be fun.

Yeah for braving RnR! I always close my eyes in the beginning, too but I try to open them the rest of the way. Great ride. Over too fast.

Love the hat! You should have gotten it.

That cupcake looks yummy and yeah for lunch at Sci Fi!

 

[Disney9.9.10]

Good for you for conquering RnR! I'm not a thrill rider at all, but I do find the same as you - the build up is usually worse than the ride itself. Love the droids that you guys made! Also, thank you for sharing your opinion on the BC Marketplace - those are things you don't usually find out until you stay somewhere.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Sounds like a great time at the German restaurant!

Good for you for conquering RRnC - I have absolutely no advice for keeping your eyes open, because I am far too much of a chicken to even attempt going on the ride!!

 

[Angies1274]

Great updates!!

La Hacienda looks very yummy!! You accomplished a lot on your first day! It's too bad that you had to miss CP but I think you made the right choice...especially after getting up so early that morning.

Yay for conquering RNRC!! I'm so glad you liked it!! Oh...how I wish I could have rode it on our trip. Oh well...there's always next time. Besides it's a great excuse to go back!

Aww....love Sci-Fi! Good food (at least the burgers and shakes) and a great atmosphere...what more can you ask for!

Can't wait for more!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Way to go on RnRC!! I absolutely LOVE the beginning of that ride! So much fun!!

The Make-Your-Own Droids are so fun! I saw that for the first time on my girls trip in October. We all made some. I made one for each of they boys & they really liked them. I'm sure they will have fun building their own in April.

 

[jecskc]

Made it through the first couple of posts and I had to comment. Coffee love and Downton Abbey ??? What could be better ?? Besides a Disney trip of course !! Going to back read more ......

 

[jecskc]

Loving your TR !! Looking forward to more !!

 

[amazingact21]

Way to go on riding RNRC. That anticipation of the unknown can be really scary. I think everyone remembers the first time they rode that ride. At least, I do. All you can think about is that take off and just how flipping fast it is!


Sci Fi is a great lunch restaurant, and their shakes are delicious!

 

[KatMark]

I have to catch up on your TR and will do so soon, but wanted to wish you and your beautiful family a Happy New Year.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Hi, Patricia!!! Happy New Year! I am finally here and thoroughly enjoyed catching up on your TR!

"Do you know when something seems like an awesome idea at the time you plan it... but that's because it's a while a way and you aren't actually faced with the reality of doing it yet?"

Yes! Yes! All the time!!!

"May I stay forever?"

I always feel like that at Disney!!!

David and Connor share the Cheesy Smile Syndrome! Connor is always doing that to me!

I love the Morocco pavilion -- I started salivating over your platter! Yum!

The Daruma dolls are so cool! I want to get those for the kids on our next trip.

We have owls from Japan, too.

The salivating turned into outright drooling over your mole roast pork and sweet potato dinner. I love mole sauce!

I can so identify with the meltdown -- I have been there many times before.

Yeay for riding RnRC! I rode it for the first time this summer, and I could have written the same things about my feelings beforehand.

They were sold out of the droid factory parts when we were there. Yours turned out so cute!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Happy 2013 All! Here's wishing (and praying) for Good Health, Hope & Happiness for Everyone in the Upcoming New Year! ​

A coworker gave me a gift card to the Starr Restaurants and I was considering Frankford Hall as a possibility because I know Denny would love the beer part of it. My I think I am actually going to use it in the Starr restaurant (can't remember the name) at the Art Museum. Haven't been there in forever, so I think that might be fun.

Frankford Hall was a lot of fun-convivial environment & casual... but if I had a gift card I would probably go to one of his other more (for lack of a better word...) Signature Dining (lol) places...If you go to Granite Hill in the PMA I'd be curious to hear your thoughts... I think you and Denny might like Dandelion ... It's got an upscale English Pub feel... the food is EXCELLENT..., the atmosphere is charming and fun and there is a huge English bar with lot of English beer on tap

Yeah for braving RnR! I always close my eyes in the beginning, too but I try to open them the rest of the way. Great ride. Over too fast.

It was fun and I'm hoping to keep the eyes open for more of it next time...

Love the hat! You should have gotten it.

Next time... lol...

That cupcake looks yummy and yeah for lunch at Sci Fi!

cuppy was very good and we always have fun at Sci Fi...

Good for you for conquering RnR! I'm not a thrill rider at all, but I do find the same as you - the build up is usually worse than the ride itself. Love the droids that you guys made! Also, thank you for sharing your opinion on the BC Marketplace - those are things you don't usually find out until you stay somewhere.

Oh the build up in my head is so much worse than the actually ride Those droids were pretty good.... but not as cute as watching the boys get into making them... I would stay at BC in a heart beat... it's just that the CS is limited but it is near so many great restaurants...

Sounds like a great time at the German restaurant!

Good Fun...

Good for you for conquering RRnC - I have absolutely no advice for keeping your eyes open, because I am far too much of a chicken to even attempt going on the ride!!

I'm think about using toothpicks like they use to show people using to keep their eyes open in the old cartoons...

Great updates!!

La Hacienda looks very yummy!! You accomplished a lot on your first day! It's too bad that you had to miss CP but I think you made the right choice...especially after getting up so early that morning.

LH was very good and I know my limits and I thought it was better to have a good next day...

Yay for conquering RNRC!! I'm so glad you liked it!! Oh...how I wish I could have rode it on our trip. Oh well...there's always next time. Besides it's a great excuse to go back!

Yeah I have to admit feeling a bit pleased ( & relieved) with myself...

Aww....love Sci-Fi! Good food (at least the burgers and shakes) and a great atmosphere...what more can you ask for!

I know...we love it too... It gets some rough reviews... but if you stick to the basics... you can't beat the atmosphere...

Can't wait for more!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Way to go on RnRC!! I absolutely LOVE the beginning of that ride! So much fun!!

Do you love that take off? Can you keep your eyes open? Hmmm... that's the part I need to work on... keeping my eyes open through that... it was fun once I got past that part...

The Make-Your-Own Droids are so fun! I saw that for the first time on my girls trip in October. We all made some. I made one for each of they boys & they really liked them. I'm sure they will have fun building their own in April.

I'm sure some Disney CM got a bonus in their check for thinking that idea up... perfect blend of Disney, Star Wars & Lego like bricks... I might even make my own next time...

Made it through the first couple of posts and I had to comment. Coffee love and Downton Abbey ??? What could be better ?? Besides a Disney trip of course !! Yep three of my favorite things... Going to back read more ......

Loving your TR !! Looking forward to more !!

Glad to have you along...Thanks for delurking...

Way to go on riding RNRC. That anticipation of the unknown can be really scary. I think everyone remembers the first time they rode that ride. At least, I do. All you can think about is that take off and just how flipping fast it is!

It is pretty flipping fast... I think that at least for myself that the anticipation of a new ride is usually way worse than the actual ride... I also think that its better for me to just be able to get on pretty quickly without waiting in line too long and overthinking it...

Sci Fi is a great lunch restaurant, and their shakes are delicious!

Totally agree... and didn't have a shake this time but there are really good...

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

I have to catch up on your TR and will do so soon, but wanted to wish you and your beautiful family a Happy New Year.

Awww... Thanks Kathy and the same right back at you...

Hi, Patricia!!! Happy New Year! I am finally here and thoroughly enjoyed catching up on your TR!

Jackie! I'm so glad to "see you" and that you're here... Happy New Year to you as well...

"Do you know when something seems like an awesome idea at the time you plan it... but that's because it's a while a way and you aren't actually faced with the reality of doing it yet?"

Yes! Yes! All the time!!!

Great minds...

"May I stay forever?"

I always feel like that at Disney!!!

Yes...

David and Connor share the Cheesy Smile Syndrome! Connor is always doing that to me!

sigh... yes... It really is hard to get a natural smile out of him... so much more natural when I catch him off guard...

BTW... I think that if David were to meet Connor... based on his older age and experience... he would think of him as a Buddha like figure of wisdom...

I love the Morocco pavilion -- I started salivating over your platter! Yum!

Such a lovely pavilion...

The Daruma dolls are so cool! I want to get those for the kids on our next trip.

Very cool tradition... David just did his today... and I'm considering picking them up for all of us next trip... they weren't crazy expensive & its a really nice non-"party" New Year's tradition... I was thinking about making a thousand cranes to make a wish... but I'm not sure if I have the fortitude...


We have owls from Japan, too. Now that the boys-especially David found them and he knows I like owls I have a feeling I'll be seeing more of them down the road...

The salivating turned into outright drooling over your mole roast pork and sweet potato dinner. I love mole sauce!

I could drink mole sauce... well almost...

I can so identify with the meltdown -- I have been there many times before.

Yes, and its better to catch it before it snowballs out of control...

Yeay for riding RnRC! I rode it for the first time this summer, and I could have written the same things about my feelings beforehand.

Going to do it again...?

They were sold out of the droid factory parts when we were there. Yours turned out so cute!

Thanks... sorry they were out... but the great thing is that if they are a success... (which I'm guessing they are...) They'll probably be around for a while...

 

[KatMark]

Great update; I don't think until Carsland is done will TSM ever settle down with the fastpass times.

I'd have done the reverse of you...skip RnR and ride TOT; I just can't handle that coaster anymore...kills me every time, but love me the TOT ride. But I can understand why you rode differently for David.

I love the little guy with the Santa hat on in the Star Tours dump shop (I know nothing about Star Wars so don't know any of their names).

That cupcake at Starring Rolls looks heavenly.

 

[Flossbolna]

Happy New Year!!

I am so behind on the DIS - and I haven't read your TR at all since the first update. I really want to have the time to enjoy it and somehow life has been very hectic through the holidays. But Katharina alerted me about your Frankford Hall update and I have read that! Looks like a fun place. Some things there seem very original, especially the very wide beer selection they have! Oh, and the water being served in a beer mug. But then, I had to smile about some of the items on the menu and especially that sorry bread role the sausage was being served in... Hey, but I expect you to have the same reaction to my local American restaurant called Chong's Diner.

I hope to find the time to catch up with the rest of your TR soon, before it is over!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Life returned to normal today - meaning Henry went off to school, so I'm attempting to catch up...on everything. I hope you, and your family, had a wonderful holiday!

I just wanted something little... so I chose a fan... my name is written in Japanese on the back...

[/CENTER]

Mine:

I really like it - and when it's hot, that baby pumps out some serious air.

I am now a RnRC Beast... not... maybe a Bunny Rabbit?


Make your own mini droids...with lego like parts...with Dis accessory add ons...

Super fun...

OMG... I thought the boys were going to implode with the excitement of the thing...​

I know JUST what you mean! Henry and Joe are the same.

Love the little hats! They didn't have them last time we made one - just the body parts.

 

[Moira222]

So was Frankford Hall really yummy? Its so sad that a state (and esp our area) settled primarily by Germans has so very few German restaurants. We don't do Philly that often but I will try to remember this in case we do. Looks like a great day to be out, and yeah, that Santa looked great.


I do know what you mean about the counter service at YC/BC - esp after you've been to some of the other resorts with great counter service spots. We learned fast to just bring our own instant oatmeal & make it with the resort's hot water. (ok we are cheap!)

I like your recap of RnR. I have never done that ride. I do get motion sick so it makes me nervous. DH has been trying hard to talk me and DD into it for our next trip. I told him I'd go if she does. hopefully it won't make me too nauseous!

I LOVE the little mickey ears for the lego droids. did you buy any or just play? I love that the stores don't mind you playing there. I always feel guilty at other stores when DD wants to play.

Sci Fi Dine in -- I do wish they'd add more/new clips. Dinner takes about an hour so it would be nice to not see any repeats. We haven't done this in a while but I do remember the fun campy throwback feel to the whole place. and the huge malted milkshakes!

 

[eandesmom]

Fun update with your Germany in Philly outing.

the take off pretty much freaked me out... and I did keep my eyes closed... not on purpose it was like I couldn't open them... about 1/2 way through I did open them...and when I did... I quite enjoyed the rest of it... I really need to figure out how to keep my eyes open and and not instinctively close them... Any suggestions?

Ride multiple times in a row using the single rider line! No waiting, no FP! It is a practice makes perfect and then you can really enjoy the trill of the take off and see the whole thing. I used to screw my eyes shut at first too. It is by far my favorite ride at WDW.

We made our way down to Starring Rolls... because I wanted to try one of these (Starring Rolls was jammed... it was about 9:45 and seating was at a premium.... I'm assuming a lot of people have their breakfasts here?

The Red Velvet was pretty darn tasty... nice moist cake, cream cheese icing,... I thought the butterfinger crumbles added nice texture but I was conflicted if they made it a bit tooo sweet... overall though a winner....

That does seem sweet on red velvet, which I adore. Hmmn.

I have to say this really is one of the best drop shops ....

Are those the cutest things EVER or what? Oh my goodness. I might need a Santa Yoda. I had no idea the droids could get ears!

I love Sci Fi because David loves it so much in there-its infectuous... those film clips... I wish Disney would sell copies of that reel that plays... I believe it's about a half hour... & surely there are enough B Sci Fi flicks from the 50s and 60s that they could update and make a new one for the Diner...

I had a salad and Eric had a burger and we split...David had a burger...( I know this place takes a lot of knocks over its food but we've found the burgers to be tasty as well as the shakes... which is perfect for what it is... a drive in... I think its an attraction on its own...)

I agree, Jeff loves that place to death and for burger and shakes, while overpriced, it is a ton of fun.

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Great update; I don't think until Carsland is done will TSM ever settle down with the fastpass times.

Thanks... Yes I agree I think that TSM is just such a big draw because the little ones can ride it... a Carsland would definitely calm some of the TSM craziness down... cause then everyone will be going to it...

I'd have done the reverse of you...skip RnR and ride TOT; I just can't handle that coaster anymore...kills me every time, but love me the TOT ride. But I can understand why you rode differently for David.

I actually like ToT and love the theming but its funny I get a wobbly feeling in my legs from it...

I love the little guy with the Santa hat on in the Star Tours dump shop (I know nothing about Star Wars so don't know any of their names).

LOL... the little guy is Yoda... He's a pretty important character and usually pretty serious... He's like a sage/teacher for the Jedi (the knights-good guys) Which is what makes having him in a Santa hat extra funny...

That cupcake at Starring Rolls looks heavenly.

It was really good...I saw Nicki's gingerbread cupcake... and I was pretty jealous of that... love gingerbread...one of the things I look forward to at Christmas time... since it only seems to come out then...

Happy New Year!!

And to you too!

I am so behind on the DIS - and I haven't read your TR at all since the first update. I really want to have the time to enjoy it and somehow life has been very hectic through the holidays. But Katharina alerted me about your Frankford Hall update and I have read that! Looks like a fun place. Some things there seem very original, especially the very wide beer selection they have! Oh, and the water being served in a beer mug. But then, I had to smile about some of the items on the menu and especially that sorry bread role the sausage was being served in... Hey, but I expect you to have the same reaction to my local American restaurant called Chong's Diner.

lol... I wondered what you'd think of it...I remember you writing once about the rolls you have at home that they put the different sausages on... and they all seemed firmer and I recall a pretzel roll also? Trust me I would love that... but you have to work with what you have... I'm just curious what items on the menu seemed out of place...? I think we have a mini German food fade going on here because I know a place opened in our large farmer's market that has a German butcher who is supposedly making authentic things and a less causal restaurant opened as well... hoping to try them out...

& yes Chong's Diner does bring a smile to my lips... I happen to like a good authentic American Diner and most of them don't have names like Chong's ...although I'm not judging unless I see what they are serving...

I hope to find the time to catch up with the rest of your TR soon, before it is over!!

LOL... I'm writing on the slower side for me... so it'll probably be going for a bit...

Life returned to normal today - meaning Henry went off to school, so I'm attempting to catch up...on everything. I hope you, and your family, had a wonderful holiday!

We did I hope you guys did as well... I was in your neck of the woods earlier in the week... We did the Rockefeller Center tour...not the studio tour but the tour of the art and architecture and it was FABULOUS...... we also went to the Big Apple Circus and ate at Flex Mussels... little seafood place...really good... New York just has endless things to do...



Mine:

I really like it - and when it's hot, that baby pumps out some serious air.

LOL... they're actually pretty similar in design...Great minds... & yes it can produce a pretty good flow of air...



I know JUST what you mean! Henry and Joe are the same.

Love the little hats! They didn't have them last time we made one - just the body parts.

OMG I'm not sure who was more into it... It was pretty cute... The hats are pretty cute... I'll bet they'll continue to get all kinds of new accessories to put on...

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

So was Frankford Hall really yummy? Its so sad that a state (and esp our area) settled primarily by Germans has so very few German restaurants. We don't do Philly that often but I will try to remember this in case we do. Looks like a great day to be out, and yeah, that Santa looked great.

Yes we enjoyed it very much... It's on the casual side...but it's got a great atmosphere and isn't to hard on the wallet... There is a butcher/counter service place that just opened in Reading Terminal Market that I want to check out as well as a new restaurant -smaller and a little more upscale but still on the casual end that I want to try... seems like a little trend...

I do know what you mean about the counter service at YC/BC - esp after you've been to some of the other resorts with great counter service spots. We learned fast to just bring our own instant oatmeal & make it with the resort's hot water. (ok we are cheap!)

It's not cheap it also just doesn't pay to buy things at the counter that aren't any better or different than what you could do in your own room... I'm planning on def bringing breakfast foods with us our road trip in July... & good coffee for the coffee makers...

I like your recap of RnR. I have never done that ride. I do get motion sick so it makes me nervous. DH has been trying hard to talk me and DD into it for our next trip. I told him I'd go if she does. hopefully it won't make me too nauseous!

if you're nervous about motion sickness you can also take dramamine in the morning... works wonders... try it before hand though just to make sure it agrees with you... the day you ride a coaster for the first time prob not the best time to try... It agrees with me, Eric and Em but not David... luckily he doesn't need it for the rides though...he used to have a problem with long car rides...

I LOVE the little mickey ears for the lego droids. did you buy any or just play? I love that the stores don't mind you playing there. I always feel guilty at other stores when DD wants to play.

We did buy but it was part of David's "souvenir" budget... they way they currently have it set up is that there are two stations next to each other...(for two family groups) and there is a CM supervising so you might have to buy... but I'm not sure... Oh I wouldn't feel guilty so long as she's gentle... My kids have read many a book at our local Barnes & Noble... so long as they treat them gently...( I buy a lot too- I have a wicked book addiction...)

Sci Fi Dine in -- I do wish they'd add more/new clips. Dinner takes about an hour so it would be nice to not see any repeats. We haven't done this in a while but I do remember the fun campy throwback feel to the whole place. and the huge malted milkshakes!

Yes... I would love a new update...and it is its own attraction...it's fun... the food is good if you stick to the basics...

Fun update with your Germany in Philly outing.

Thanks...


Ride multiple times in a row using the single rider line! No waiting, no FP! It is a practice makes perfect and then you can really enjoy the trill of the take off and see the whole thing. I used to screw my eyes shut at first too. It is by far my favorite ride at WDW.

LOL... in other words practice makes perfect...



That does seem sweet on red velvet, which I adore. Hmmn.

Yes... I love Red Velvet too... I don't think the butterfinger crunchies were necessary IMHO...


Are those the cutest things EVER or what? Oh my goodness. I might need a Santa Yoda. I had no idea the droids could get ears!

Yes I almost broke down and got a Santa Yoda...



I agree, Jeff loves that place to death and for burger and shakes, while overpriced, it is a ton of fun.

It really is good Kitschy Fun...