Sabotage de la Diet - *9/10* Amish Grace

Oh I love POFQ! I loved The Princess and the Frog, too. You are totally right in your spoiler comment. Do they have anything P&F in POFQ? I love theming/resort specific as we know!

I am glad you didn't let your turncoat feelings take over lol. I love your writing, very enjoyable read!
 
Loved your trip report, especially your description of the lady at Le Cellier squawking in your ear. I know that "enhanced" your dining experience! :lmao:

She ruined the SO's first meal at Le Cellier in the most excruciatingly entertaining way. I mean, she hit all her marks. Loud, unfunny, smelly, and Central Florida expert. She knew all the secrets. And she wasn't going to be overcharged for her cheese soup under ANY circumstances. :lmao:

YES! And I cried like a baby at the end. Poor Ray. And yes, I was a lone adult crying in a sea of toddlers. Wait, that in & of itself is reason enough to cry. Good movie though.

It wasn't until I saw it again on Blu-Ray that I was truly certain of the movie's magic. Ray may be the most romantic character/storyline they've ever created. I would like him to officiate my wedding!

Woah - that ice cream cookie sandwich looks fabulous :cool1:

I am sure that your next post will contain some kind of post sugar rush crash in the middle of Downtown Disney :rolleyes1

Who needs water? :confused3

Oh I love POFQ! I loved The Princess and the Frog, too. You are totally right in your spoiler comment. Do they have anything P&F in POFQ? I love theming/resort specific as we know!

I am glad you didn't let your turncoat feelings take over lol. I love your writing, very enjoyable read!

Thank you Lulul! They do not have anything P&F related, I wonder if any additions will be made. it would be great to see Louis added near the pool area.
 
Aaaahhhh, I am finally up to date on your oh so fab TR! Thanks for moving it to the trip reports board. I love perusing your pictures and feel like I don't have to visit Harry Potter land now, I have been there! Oh, I will go eventually....
I want an ice cream sandwich right now! With snickerdoodles please!
Can't wait for the next update!
 
PS: I noticed that you mentioned DL earlier...do you happen to have a DL trip report or any DL restaurant reviews/recommendations?

I completely disregarded this earlier. Unfortunately I don't have any TRs or dining reviews. But I did get to try Club 33 during my last visit...maybe I should do an extremely delayed report. :) I was only there for a day, so I think a return trip is in the cards.
 

Ah--you are so reminding me of my home (POFQ when it's just me). I can't wait to go back.

I think you are right about WWoHP for the first year. Perhaps I should take Sweetie just to Universal (gasp at the thought) over a weekend in the off season. . .
 
Still with the no water or protein.............:faint: Although I do have to admit, I would love to have that sugar cookie ice cream sandwich goodness instead of something practical like a regular sandwich anyday.

Hope all goes well at DTD with your all hopped up on sugar self & you don't pass out or have a 2 year old like meltdown.:scared:

I think you guys needed a level headed companion to say hey let's eat a real meal! :teeth:

Still loving your writing style. You make me giggle!

And Ray/Evangeline..........:sad1: So sweet!
 
Oh my gosh!! That ice cream sandwich looks AMAZING. I want one. NOW.

I love how the GIANT bags of Harry Potter stuff take up half of the table. Did you guys buy one of everything? :laughing:
 
Yay! I see my promotion of your fab TR was successful! Kara, I knew you would love this LOL.

Whoa at the sugar cookie ice cream sandwich. That is almost too much for my poor little on-a-diet heart to handle right now. I know you can get a chocolate chip cookie sandwich at the Main St Bakery but I never even thought of having a sugar cookie one... uh oh. You've changed my life.

I have to mention my favorite unlicensed characters are the ones that would like to be licensed, but are not. Meaning, when people get Disney tattoos. Legally they can not get the *exact* character tattooed on their body. So they end up getting a Mickey that looks a little...off. Maybe his ears are a little bit too small. Or he has no tail. Or they get a Cinderella who looks a little bloated. It's just too funny. I know there's some guy who Disney allows to get the exact characters on his body, since he's fully covered with them. I saw him on one of those Ripley's shows I think. Google him, The Disney Tattoo Guy. Anyway enough of my rambling. Can't wait for more!
 
Hi!

I am loving this report!

I'm a bit late to this awesome place. I have been meaning to get over here for a week or so. I am just now to page 4, because I've been having to tear myself away every so often to actually do some work work, like I'm paid to do, :ssst: but I wanted you to know I'm here and gosh, I've got an awfully large amount of commenting to do.

Let's see:

My first thought as I read your updated first post was, "Hey, we're the same age!" Not until I glanced again did I realize that no, I'm not 29 anymore, not since March. :headache: I'm not 30 in my head, though, so no big deal!

Your list of top best smells in Disney mirrors my own! My #1? Rome Burning. There is nothing else that smells like Pirates of the Caribbean, unless of course it is El Rio Del Tiempo, even if it's not called that anymore.

Let me just say that the Disney Dining Plan was the downfall of our vacation this year. If you keep reading my TR I'm sure to get into it later...It was our 1st time and we won't be doing it again.

I used to love to have lunch in Cinderella Castle. This year was our first time back since the 'Princess Invasion' (great term, by the way!) It is nothing like it used to be and they did not have my beloved pretzel bread. Curses!

Le Cellier it will be next year!

Another of my favorite places I thought they'd screwed up was Tusker House. After reading your review I think we'll have to do it instead of Boma next time. I am so glad to hear you say good things about it. Seriously, I have framed pictures of the inside of Tusker House hanging in my bedroom. They look good. I loved that place.

You are a great writer!

(These may be seemingly out of order comments, but I jotted them down as I read, so they are actually in thought order.)

What a beautiful picture of the tables in Crystal Palace! Love that sunlight streaming in the windows--what a perfect place for a birthday breakfast!

I've heard you can dine with the 'Steps' at 1900 Park Fare in the Grand Floridian.

And yes, I always check the prices on those Norwegian sweaters! Does anyone ever buy those?

They stopped allowing people to ride up front of the monorails after that horrible accident last summer where two monorails collided. So it wasn't a snub.

Great Tronorail picture! I wish we'd seen it in time for me to get a great shot like that. It does mess up the view from inside, but I think it's worth it for the look on the outside. Tronorail: yes; balloon overlay: no.

And you know I have to take up for my Bay Lake Tower. Have you been inside?

One more thing, for now:

Harry Potter! OMG....I started the books after seeing the 1st movie, pretty big fan. I cannot wait until I can go! So...I skipped all of your words after you got in line and tried in vain to shield my eyes from your pictures. I'd like to be spoiler free, but I could not not look. That place looks unbelievably amazing!

I've got 1 hour left at work....maybe I can catch up! :goodvibes
 
Wow, over-did that last comment much?

I think I'll take a ride on the Cajun Space Ship, sounds like my kind of place! :smooth:
 
Aaaahhhh, I am finally up to date on your oh so fab TR! Thanks for moving it to the trip reports board. I love perusing your pictures and feel like I don't have to visit Harry Potter land now, I have been there! Oh, I will go eventually....
I want an ice cream sandwich right now! With snickerdoodles please!
Can't wait for the next update!

I'm glad you found the report! And you and the SO are on the same page, he's also a snickerdoodles fan. They're hit or miss with me, I'm just a plain ol' sugar cookie fiend.

Ah--you are so reminding me of my home (POFQ when it's just me). I can't wait to go back.

I think you are right about WWoHP for the first year. Perhaps I should take Sweetie just to Universal (gasp at the thought) over a weekend in the off season. . .

Oh yes, hold out for awhile (I know that'll be tough for you :laughing:). But when you do go, maybe go on a weekday? I'm sure the weekends will still be heavy with locals.

And isn't POFQ an oasis? Small, intimate, one bus stop in the morning. First to return at night. Mostly.

Still with the no water or protein.............:faint: Although I do have to admit, I would love to have that sugar cookie ice cream sandwich goodness instead of something practical like a regular sandwich anyday.

Hope all goes well at DTD with your all hopped up on sugar self & you don't pass out or have a 2 year old like meltdown.:scared:

I think you guys needed a level headed companion to say hey let's eat a real meal! :teeth:

Still loving your writing style. You make me giggle!

And Ray/Evangeline..........:sad1: So sweet!

Ray/Evangeline, the romance to end all romance. It almost gives Rick and Ilsa a run for their money. I wonder if Louis knows "As Time Goes By".

And yes, we needed guidance, but more specifically me. Though we were both bankrupt in the protein department, at least the SO had the presence of mind to drink agua.

Thanks for reading! Glad you're enjoying. :goodvibes


Oh my gosh!! That ice cream sandwich looks AMAZING. I want one. NOW.

I love how the GIANT bags of Harry Potter stuff take up half of the table. Did you guys buy one of everything? :laughing:

:rotfl: I wish I had! I couldn't get enough of the individually themed souvenirs. The packaging alone was just so unexpected and well-done. I don't regret my purchases one bit, which is strange for me. Everything feels so out of date in the best way possible. A 2010 experience with an old fashioned sensibility.

I don't know if they make those cookie things everywhere, it's really not a drastically new concept, but the fact that it can happen is mindblowing. Really. And a sugar cookie ice cream sandwich? I'm sold. I would have liked to do away with the mickey confetti, but I guess it's celebrate the zit on your face year of a million dreams. There's logic to that somewhere.

Yay! I see my promotion of your fab TR was successful! Kara, I knew you would love this LOL.

Thanks so much for this!

Whoa at the sugar cookie ice cream sandwich. That is almost too much for my poor little on-a-diet heart to handle right now. I know you can get a chocolate chip cookie sandwich at the Main St Bakery but I never even thought of having a sugar cookie one... uh oh. You've changed my life.

I know! That's why, after all is said and done, I gained 10 pounds. Talk about staying true to your pre-TR title! I always gain weight at Disney because... well, I allow it to happen. I guess if you're gonna do it, you might as well do it on one of those ice cream sandwiches. When the CM asked what cookie I wanted, either chocolate chip, oatmeal or sugar cookie, I was as stunned as you are. I love sugar cookies, but never thought of the possibility.

It's like the reverence the three-eyed aliens have for The Claw.

I have to mention my favorite unlicensed characters are the ones that would like to be licensed, but are not. Meaning, when people get Disney tattoos. Legally they can not get the *exact* character tattooed on their body. So they end up getting a Mickey that looks a little...off. Maybe his ears are a little bit too small. Or he has no tail. Or they get a Cinderella who looks a little bloated. It's just too funny. I know there's some guy who Disney allows to get the exact characters on his body, since he's fully covered with them. I saw him on one of those Ripley's shows I think. Google him, The Disney Tattoo Guy. Anyway enough of my rambling. Can't wait for more!

This is like a Discovery Channel factoid, I had no idea! Is there an intellectual property law governing all tattoos? Oh that could make for some sadness... I use that word occasionally to describe how amazing "just off" characters are. Like my drawings at the Animation Academy. It's Pluto's younger brother, Sid.

Hi!

I am loving this report!

I'm a bit late to this awesome place. I have been meaning to get over here for a week or so. I am just now to page 4, because I've been having to tear myself away every so often to actually do some work work, like I'm paid to do, :ssst: but I wanted you to know I'm here and gosh, I've got an awfully large amount of commenting to do.

:wave2: Yay! Welcome to the side show. :)

Let's see:

My first thought as I read your updated first post was, "Hey, we're the same age!" Not until I glanced again did I realize that no, I'm not 29 anymore, not since March. :headache: I'm not 30 in my head, though, so no big deal!

Who said I was 29? I'm 26, until I can admit to myself that yes, just because your hairline is receding doesn't make you Jude Law. Even though my best friend now has gray hair and fancies himself Anderson Cooper. The Latino Anderson Cooper, no less.

Your list of top best smells in Disney mirrors my own!

I tell you, if they aren't getting us with salt and fireworks, it's the darned smells!

Let me just say that the Disney Dining Plan was the downfall of our vacation this year. If you keep reading my TR I'm sure to get into it later...It was our 1st time and we won't be doing it again.

I have so much to read once I'm done with this baby. I'm crazy OCD though when it comes to finishing a project... multitasking is me enemy. I'm trying to make friends with it though. I can't wait to read. Of course, you know how I feel about the Dining Plan. Though I may give DVC some innocent smacktalk (jealousy...:flower3:), those darlings have NOTHING on the Dining Plan.

I used to love to have lunch in Cinderella Castle. This year was our first time back since the 'Princess Invasion' (great term, by the way!) It is nothing like it used to be and they did not have my beloved pretzel bread. Curses!

Sigh... couldn't Disney have left well enough alone and kept those ladies busy at breakfast? No, the accountants got involved and said "You could make a mint". Bah!

Le Cellier it will be next year!

Maybe it's just because I got back, but now that I know you can get the soup and breadsticks to go, I just may opt for that route next time. Okay, it's because I'm scarred by that lady. I wish I could embed audio here, wait, I think I can? I'd record a snippet of my impression. Though I'm sure you can imagine. Which reminds me, I always wanted to do an audio podcast-like version of a trip report, but never got around to it. Moving on...

Another of my favorite places I thought they'd screwed up was Tusker House. After reading your review I think we'll have to do it instead of Boma next time. I am so glad to hear you say good things about it. Seriously, I have framed pictures of the inside of Tusker House hanging in my bedroom. They look good. I loved that place.

Trust me, I thought Tusker House was the best counter service on property, so I was similarly ambivalent about it's changeover to a buffet. Again, comparing Tusker to Boma is another Sophie's Choice moment, but that curry chicken dish at Tusker is a game changer. But the soups at Boma -- I could go back and forth. Bottom line, try it. Your photos are calling.

What a beautiful picture of the tables in Crystal Palace! Love that sunlight streaming in the windows--what a perfect place for a birthday breakfast!

Despite what anyone has to say about Crystal Palace (I've read a lot of negativity, though heaven's to betsy I don't know why), if you're amongst the first few people there, it's a perfect experience. The pace is relaxed, the characters aren't rushed, and yeah... just one of a kind Disney classic.

I've heard you can dine with the 'Steps' at 1900 Park Fare in the Grand Floridian.

OMG. Get. Out. SQUEAL! Does this mean I'm prematurely entering the Grand Floridian premises on my next visit? What I wouldn't give to see the three of them make a surprise visit to Cinderella's Golden Lunch. Can you imagine? Cinderella losing her... poise, and getting down to scrub the floors all over again. Come on, who wouldn't pay money for that? I would.


And yes, I always check the prices on those Norwegian sweaters! Does anyone ever buy those?

One day i'm gonna buy one and have it framed. "You are the virst to buy this sveater. And you shall be the last."

They stopped allowing people to ride up front of the monorails after that horrible accident last summer where two monorails collided. So it wasn't a snub.

Great Tronorail picture! I wish we'd seen it in time for me to get a great shot like that. It does mess up the view from inside, but I think it's worth it for the look on the outside. Tronorail: yes; balloon overlay: no.

Tragedy notwithstanding, it's a shame that we can no longer do this. The ride, not the collision. And yay tronorail, boo balloons!

And you know I have to take up for my Bay Lake Tower. Have you been inside?

I'm just bitter. They may look imported from Miami, but I have seen photos of the views/rooms and it's inarguable to deny the appeal. But me and DVC.. it's complicated. And a complete pipe dream!

One more thing, for now:

Harry Potter! OMG....I started the books after seeing the 1st movie, pretty big fan. I cannot wait until I can go! So...I skipped all of your words after you got in line and tried in vain to shield my eyes from your pictures. I'd like to be spoiler free, but I could not not look. That place looks unbelievably amazing!

I've got 1 hour left at work....maybe I can catch up! :goodvibes

Oh no! That's the most substantial part of the trip sofar! But good on you for holding out. I hope that we can compare notes after you go!

Wow, over-did that last comment much?

Please, this is the land of plenty. The more the merrier!

I think I'll take a ride on the Cajun Space Ship, sounds like my kind of place! :smooth:

The good people of Sassagoula Parish (or whatever) will always keep their doors open to those in need of air conditioning and benches and green and fountains. Even DVC members. (I kid, I kid)
 
Hi Billy,

I'm feeling under the weather tonight so I won't be too wordy, nor too witty;) but wanted to let you know I'm still with ya and your're doing great. You've got quite a following now!!:goodvibes

If my stomach weren't feeling quite so yuck, that ice cream cookie sandwich thingy would look SO good! However, young man, I see no reference to you drinking even a drop of water . . . you worry me!

I have yet to see Princess and the Frog (I know, I know, what's wrong with me???) but I love POFQ's theming. It's far and away the best mod and I've been known to hoard my DVC points and spend a night or two at POFQ.

Now I'm going to rest my weary head and finish watching the home run derby. I have money on somebody . . . problem is I don't know who. Don't ask.
 
Hi, new to your TR and I have to say I'm loving it. I have to second the sugar cookie at the Puck, best one I've had on property! One more question....
And, my prayer that it wouldn't rain on my parade:

praying.jpg

Where did you get the Mickey ears with the soccer player topper???? :rotfl:
 
Okay so I had alot of reading to do to catch up! I had been following your dining report but then we went on vacation for a week (sadly, not to WDW). Now I'm all caught up! Awesome job!! Being the great mom that I am, I just dragged my 17 year-old daughter out of bed to read your report on Harry. She's a huge fan. Tee-hee-hee. I assured her it would be worth rolling out of bed before noon.
 
Yum, the sugar cookie ice cream sandwich looks really good. I don't know how you made it without water, especially after that thing. Every time I have ice cream I must have ice cold water nearby because it makes me SO thirsty! It's crazy, I know :laughing:
 
Hi Billy,

I'm feeling under the weather tonight so I won't be too wordy, nor too witty;) but wanted to let you know I'm still with ya and your're doing great. You've got quite a following now!!:goodvibes

If my stomach weren't feeling quite so yuck, that ice cream cookie sandwich thingy would look SO good! However, young man, I see no reference to you drinking even a drop of water . . . you worry me!

I have yet to see Princess and the Frog (I know, I know, what's wrong with me???) but I love POFQ's theming. It's far and away the best mod and I've been known to hoard my DVC points and spend a night or two at POFQ.

Now I'm going to rest my weary head and finish watching the home run derby. I have money on somebody . . . problem is I don't know who. Don't ask.

Oh no, feel better! I hope the food talk didn't upset the yuck too greatly and that you were able to focus on the derby (and figure out your wins/losses!) I don't have any money on anyone, but I know I owe people money. That’s why I decided to swallow my pride and admit I needed glasses. I kept saying hi to people I owed money to.

Oh, and a DVC point hoarder who collects it all for some time in the Disney city by the bayou? Lori, you just rock all around… I’m glad you’re keeping an eye on my mischief. Now rest up, Netflix Princess and the Frog and thanks for being fabulous. By the way, I browsed on over to the DVC boards and felt like I was in the company of the Illuminati. I really make it more complicated than it needs to be, I’m sure…

Water is for sissies. No jokes now! :rolleyes1

Hi, new to your TR and I have to say I'm loving it. I have to second the sugar cookie at the Puck, best one I've had on property! One more question....

Where did you get the Mickey ears with the soccer player topper???? :rotfl:

Special World Cup Limited Edition! I get so caught up in the lady to the left checking her shoe for dog poo that I didn’t notice this! :rotfl2:

Okay so I had alot of reading to do to catch up! I had been following your dining report but then we went on vacation for a week (sadly, not to WDW). Now I'm all caught up! Awesome job!! Being the great mom that I am, I just dragged my 17 year-old daughter out of bed to read your report on Harry. She's a huge fan. Tee-hee-hee. I assured her it would be worth rolling out of bed before noon.

Oh no! I remember sleeping ‘til noon… the good old days... like this past Sunday. ;) I hope she liked it! And thanks for reading Ms. Blume!

Yum, the sugar cookie ice cream sandwich looks really good. I don't know how you made it without water, especially after that thing. Every time I have ice cream I must have ice cold water nearby because it makes me SO thirsty! It's crazy, I know :laughing:

I don’t know either! I mean, water is an absolute necessity for me – ice cream or not ! It must have been something in the Butterbeer. Thanks for reading!
 
Oh no, feel better! I hope the food talk didn't upset the yuck too greatly and that you were able to focus on the derby (and figure out your wins/losses!) I don't have any money on anyone, but I know I owe people money. That’s why I decided to swallow my pride and admit I needed glasses. I kept saying hi to people I owed money to.

:lmao: Thanks for the good wishes. I'm all back to normal today, and I lost the derby, but my man Big Papi won, so I'm a happy girl.:goodvibes I live in Red Sox Nation, you know.;)

Oh, and a DVC point hoarder who collects it all for some time in the Disney city by the bayou? Lori, you just rock all around… I’m glad you’re keeping an eye on my mischief. Now rest up, Netflix Princess and the Frog and thanks for being fabulous. By the way, I browsed on over to the DVC boards and felt like I was in the company of the Illuminati. I really make it more complicated than it needs to be, I’m sure…

It IS more complicated than it needs to be! No, really, it's not bad at all. Remember, I'm your personal DVC fairy godmother, so anything you need . . .

Water is for sissies. No jokes now! :rolleyes1

I'm not joking, go get some water!! You're awesome, can't wait for more report!:hug:
 
:lmao: Thanks for the good wishes. I'm all back to normal today, and I lost the derby, but my man Big Papi won, so I'm a happy girl.:goodvibes I live in Red Sox Nation, you know.;)

I was a good Red Sox fan growing up in New England. Jose Canseco was my hero before I discovered Joan Crawford.

It IS more complicated than it needs to be! No, really, it's not bad at all. Remember, I'm your personal DVC fairy godmother, so anything you need . . .

I need to know if the counsel would ever let me in. Then i'd get to put up these banners of giraffes, and pigs with mouseears. What are those all about? Are they sacrificed?

I'm not joking, go get some water!! You're awesome, can't wait for more report!:hug:

:hug: Next installment comin' soon!
 
Before pressing on, I gotta be kind and rewind. If the SO and I had not run into Lady Tremaine and her daughters in the Magic Kingdom back on Day 2, I never would have been able to share it in this trip report, and I never would have discovered that they all appear at a character dinner over at the Grand Floridian. Get. Out. Where have I been? To quote Addams Family Values, “Get out of the cabin, I mean, I think I’m gonna kill myself.” Out of excitement! I know, morbid, but it thrills me to no end. Cinderella who? And then – GET THIS – Cinderella and Prince Valium appear too! All one big happy reality-TV family. Can you imagine the drama? I wonder if it’s anything like “Tony and Tina’s Wedding”. Real Housewives of New Jersey move over. I am so hanging with the stepsisters, they my peeps, yo. And I’ve always thought that stepmother was the cruelest villain of them all. When she figures out the crap that’s been going down in her house behind closed doors and locks Cinderella in the tower? That’s real life people, not magic. Real life bites. Real life is scary. Lady Tremaine is a VILLAIN. And I can’t wait to hug her and pose for pictures.

I know, I know, where’s the trip report. But see, now the wheels are turning in my head… must get to 1900 Park Fare. But the dilemma? I have this reverence for the Grand Floridian which was born from my utter dazzlement and respect for Some Like It Hot, the Titanic, and well, the fact that it’s the flagship hotel and all that. That being said, save for the DVC Illuminati plantations built by the Masons, I have set foot in every resort but the Grand Floridian. I could end up having my heart trampled, nerves shot, and hopes deflated when I actually do stay there. But that’s light years to Enron now, so it’s a non-issue.

Or is it.

If Disney summons that 40% discount in January during the cheapie-cheapie period, you can all look forward to my next trip report. Me in the Grand Floridian? I mean, in the words of Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa (who I want to be when I grow up), “How bad could that be?” I have had dreams about walking into that lobby and flying like Mary Martin.

I discussed it with the SO who naturally questioned my sanity (the cost… not the Mary Martin thing). Even with a discount, we’re talking big bucks. The most I’ve ever paid for accommodations stateside anyway. But I explained that it would be a trip all about the hotel and Afternoon Tea and pool (okay, maybe not pool… freezing) and Victoria and Albert’s. Oh yes. Why not? But so soon… it’s like Barbra in Funny Girl saying “No, it’s too quick… I haven’t suffered.” But then reality seeps through, don’t jump the gun. But those stepsisters. In my wildest dreams I never thought it’d be Drizella and Anastasia getting more airtime than Victoria and Albert.

And I will be 30 next year. Agh. So, there’s that. Loathe to admit it, but it crept up on me. What better way to celebrate than by finally going over to that Victorian palace on the lake? I leave it up to my fellow Dis’ers. Should I DIS or DISS this idea? I don’t want to be an astronaut, I don’t want to climb Mount Everest. I do want to have afternoon tea in a restaurant resembling a Titanic café. It’s psychological… the "need to stay there" clause. In the last analysis, a pricey hotel stay coupled with GF meals is honeymoon trajectory. Might as well collect oneself til then and go all out.

Speaking of which, you know those Disney Spa leaflets left in your room; cucumber facials and hot stones and such? Every time I see it I wanna try something. I've never had a treatment though I have been to two spas in Vegas, Bellagio and THEHotel/Mandalay Bay. Don't misunderstand me, they were great hotels (and during the off-season, about the same price per night as any Disney moderate) and the spas were lovely. But Disney marketed this idea to me when I watched my first vacation planning video - sponsored by Delta - back in '92. To me, that's the WDW frozen in time. Wouldn't you know that the deluxe categories and experiences are the most expensive still. Oh there are Wilderness Lodges and new theme parks and new water parks and villas everywhere you turn. But The Spa at GF, like everything else there, is extravagant and a pipe dream. I don't know if I'd necessarily enjoy it, but I've always wanted to go.

I consider myself fairly low-key. Why then must this be so high-maintenance? Disney sold it to me! And now they want my money. And until I get a bath bomb smelling verbena yet manly, ha, I'll keep gazing longingly at that Spa pamphlet. And it isn't just money, it all seems complicated.

After the sugar cookie ice cream sandwich pit stop at Sassagooooula Floatworks, we tied our bags of Potter goods onto two newly acquired Firebolts from Dervish and Banges and sent them off to our room. Naturally a few people asked what happened and we reassured them that it was all a part of the Disney magic. Tinker Bell was pissed we'd outsourced alternative pixie dust, but she got over it. And if she wanted to hold a grudge, I told her I'd stop clapping. That got her attention. But really Tinkerbell, when I saw a commercial for your new Fairies franchise accompanied by Green Day's "Time of Your Life" I lost my fluff. You are supposed to be a mischievous little James Barrie character, not something out of The Hills. And your role is silent! Here's a "bell" to "tinker", now go fly down the wire to Tomorrowland and make me cry. Love you.

Now, how to get back to Downtown Disney. Those of you who started reading this back on the dining board may remember that tonight was originally to be all about the bread and macadamia butter. But open-minded though the SO may be about a great many things, when it comes to food, I've discovered that he is picky. No, not picky, BORING. "I just know what I like", he says. Bah. Oftentimes I read about picky eaters on dining reports, but may I substitute the word "boring"? Here's why. Yes the butterbeer and pumpkin juice went practically untasted. Yes he will only order Alfredo sauce at an Italian restaurant. But when he wholeheartedly gives something a chance -- I mean more than a sniff and one bite of food -- he actually enjoys it. Case in point, lobster. Hates lobster. Wouldn't try it again for all the tea in China, or so he said. I take him to a place in New York for a Lobster Roll second only to the ones I enjoyed in Maine and Massachusetts as a child, and he dubbed it his Favorite. Meal. Ever.

Also, he hates sushi. Raw fish really, because he's into cooked rolls, but then he tried the spicy roll I had at California Grill this time and wished he ordered it. It contained raw fish. Steak, taters and Alfredo sauce be damned...there's a great variety out there. Just don't give me anything but a sugar cookie, okay? Unless you have food allergies in which case, alfredo-on.

Kona Cafe sounded too Asian for him (Sticky rice, pineapples and teriyaki - NORMAN BATES! Aagggghhh) despite their fusion cuisine, and this was our last night so I figured we'd go to Downtown Disney. Make a night of it and have good ol' fashioned grub. Now how to get there. There's a line at the boat dock but we wouldn't want to run the risk of making too many bus stops at Alligator Alley or whatever. Justice was blind and we got in line for the fairy ferry. Not you, Tinkerbell. Stop having drinks with Anne Hathaway! My God, she's gossiping with Perez Hilton and The Situtation. Oh Tink, you bad bad pixie.

I was feeling fairly spiffy, recently sugared and refreshed. But then we noticed that after a half hour, three boats had gone by. And oddly enough they were leaving with empty seats. Turns out the group ahead of us was something like 11 people, and they wanted to sit in one boat together. Nothing wrong with that. Well instead of asking if there was anyone else in line who wanted to fill any available seats, the boat just took off. Mind you, we were the last stop before DtD. Two guys did figure this out and were able to squeeze through onto one of the boats (but now I was severely crashing again and the SO was just smiling and happy. If he were a dog, his tongue'd be out and he'd been completely oblivious about everything). A fourth boat arrives and again there are only 7 or so free seats. Still the group won't separate. The SO and I push through ("excuse me" fell on deaf ears) and there's this whole hubbub behind us.

"We've been waiting for an hour and you keep letting people through!"

Don't you think that at some point you'd get the memo that your group wasn't gonna all fit on one boat. And also, that you were holding up the line. And also, that the ancient captain and 18 year old first mate couldn't find North if it bit them in the mouseears? Why not go over to riverside and get in line there? Anyway..we waited betwixt the dock and the boat before proceeding. One of the dudes in their party looked like he could have taken us out with one pinky. Their ringleader pivoted from side to side, looked at her blackberry a few times, texted feverishly, looked back at the boat, and then back at us. Finally she got the idea to split up. Thought process to the rescue!

Wouldn't you know that the ENTIRE boat ride, ringleader flipflop girl and her DS/SIL/BFF/whatever proceeded to talk about how “Sally and Madison could have TOTALLY got on the boat because there was room before they got on.". Oh it sucks to be the "they". So much unnecessary drama and complete lack of intervention from the Disney CMs. And why should there be? The captain was retired, driving his wife crazy, and decided to go back to work...his dream job as a little boy was to be a captain. So he's living out the twilight of his years doing just that. And good for him! He put in his time at Winter Park Accounting. But customer service? Bah. And the 18-year old pimply cousin of the beignets dude from day one? He just wants to make sure he tethers the boat correctly and remembers the number or passengers onboard. He wants to work at Pixar one day, and good for him. But customer service? Bah.

I blame the large group. After three boats, get a clue, and stop trying to turn a lazy river cruise into Toy Story Mania. Maybe we should gone over to Riverside ourselves.

But aside from the melodic melodies of the naysayer ladies behind us (who had also wrangled their counterpart Biff into the conversation by this point. He was seated across the bench next to ours, so there was now a cross-fire discussion. Oh just kill me now.), ahem, it’s always nice to see the treehouse villas. I must have forgotten that earlier WDW video from my childhood, the one that preceded the Delta-sponsored epic commercial entitled “A Dream Called Walt Disney World”, which I’m sure has found a place on the internet by now. It featured the treehouses (I know the originals have rotted and dissolved, but these looked perfect to me) and exotic Florida peacocks, and the brassy musak of dining aboard the Empress Lily. And that’s where we here headed! No, not Fulton’s, but we were headed to Downtown Disney. Yay!!!
 
Great update. It truly aggravates me that people make a "they" issue. When you are traveling with a big group, then you have to expect to possibly split up from time to time.

I love the boat ride to Downtown Disney, but if she had somewhere she needed to be, she would have been better off taking the bus.
 












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