Sorry Gaston, They are MUCH More Interesting Than You!*6/8* NEW Trip Report Link p154

[Mndisneygirl]

Didn't get a chance to comment on the update earlier today when I read it but I was at the doggie pictures and Pat's cool glasses!

Way to score on the Soarin Fps!! Too bad your feet were giving you trouble MEK, but good to rest them.

 

[petals]

Luvin the update. Those chocolate sculptures look amazing!

 

[amazingact21]

Sometimes, the best thing to do while at WDW is to just cut your losses and opt for an early night. Makes you feel a thousand times better the following morning. At least, I'm hoping for your sake it did!


Those chocolate creations are awesome. It's one of those rare times where I don't want to eat the sweets the second I see them.


I love, love, love those drink holders! Were they a Food and Wine specific merchandise? I sure hope not. And if not, I'm hoping they have them whenever I make it back to WDW. Everyone pretty much lives at my parent's pool during the summer, and those little stands would be ideal for a hot FL afternoon. Genius.... (I apologize for going on and on about this, I just love how Disney sells some of the coolest items.)

 

[natebenma]

What a great night and a riot of an update!

The picture of Cynthia and Pat on the dog path is HILARIOUS!

The chocolate sculptures are amazing!

Congrats on scoring some Soarin' pixie dust. That's the holy grail of donated FPs.

Sorry to hear your feet were bothering you. Hope that getting some rest helped.

 

[Moira222]

I will say though after posting the French Onion soup I had at Les Chef's here, and then again at Royal Palace on my PTR I was craving it so did have to make it last night. These trip reports are killing me in the kitchen.

Or at least helping me come up with ideas since I never know what to make anyway.

I often find myself trying to recreate a dish I've seen on the DIS. its dangerous!

Doggie See Doggie Do......

Well, I finally made it make to the DIS board to do an update. It was a crazy, busy week because of the video for Nick's soccer banquet. I also made shadow boxes for the seniors and that required multiple trips to the craft store since I needed 10 shadow boxes and the most I could get at any given time was 5.

wow you really had a nutty weekend!!

I lost interest in the dog sign quickly, but Cynthia and Pat didn't. See what I mean....... (the followed the dog path)

And then I looked again and saw this.........

Too freaking funny!!!

Our next stop was the Chase Lounge for Visa Holders

is thsi always at epcot? I've never seen it but looks like a great place to sit for a few minutes. where is it?

On the way out we stopped to drool over the giradelli chocolate creations.

They were all pretty darn amazing!

wow they are amazing! I see they are behind glass...so no one accidentally licks them?

A young teenage girl and her family asked if we would like their Soarin FP's. They were due for 7:30, which happened to be the exact time! Can you say SCORE!!!!!!!!!

how awesome that karma came back around in a good way for you!!!
I get that all of a sudden tired feeling --it always seems to hit me like I've walked into a wall or something. Its so hard to call it when you want to do more.

Your Rehoboth photos are gorgeous ME!

 

[Poolrat]

And these two photos just say Pat to me.

Glad I could entertain. I had been in the festival center before but missed those the first time.

A fun afternoon for sure.

 

[MEK]

Hahaha you guys were having way too much fun on that doggie path!!! Sounds like you were having a great time together!

They were having too much fun, weren't they? I tell ya - I turned my back on them and they were already into trouble.

Weren't those chocolate sculptures awesome? People are so talented!

Seriously. They really are. I can't imagine being able to do anything close to that.

Hopefully your feet weren't bothering you too much for the rest of the trip!

Nah - they got better as the trip went on. I was so happy about that!

It looks like you ladies were having a wonderful time! I hope the fun never stopped

We really did have a blast that afternoon. Heck - our whole trip was so much fun!

Great pics, thanks for sharing!

Thanks! Glad you like!!!!

I have to ask, why is there a dog path? is for service dogs? Thats the only reason I can think of dogs being there in the first place. I'm glad the girls made good use of the area though.

I have NO idea why there is a dog path there. Crazy, isn't it? This is the first time I've eve noticed it. I guess its for service dogs? Yes Pat and Cynthia enjoyed their visit to the doggie path.

IGreat score with free fastpasses! I got Toy Story ones last trip and was so excited too.

It's so fun to get Fps, isn't it? That was such a major score!

IYour off topic pictures are gorgeous! What a beautiful area.

Coming for you that is an extra special compliment. Thank you! I am lucky to live so close to the beach and I enjoy visiting in the off season when there are so few people around. We usually don't get very many sunny days like that, so what a bonus.

What type of place do you work in????

She works in a group home and she said one of the residents thought she needed a man. well.....OK then!

Hmmm... interesting.

I sort of understand it, but then again - what difference does it make?

Well, those TT cars do drive themselves...

Why yes - yes they do.

It was not what I expected to see when I turned around - that's for sure.

Beer goggles!!

Aren't they awesome?

You drank lemonade, with no alcohol in it???? :

Sad, but true. I had to hydrate somewhere.

First world problems...

One step above an outhouse.

That is just cruel... chocolate that you can't even eat...

That chocolate really did look amazing! It was a bit of a tease

I've only been given FP's once, and it was for Jungle Cruise when there was a 15 minute wait, but I still remember getting them and definitely appreciated the gesture. It really is a nice thing to do!

It is so great to give and receive FP's. I was so thrilled to get those. It made my night.

Well, there's an easy way to cure that...

Well, I had already done enough of that, don't you think?

Hmm... ok, that's a problem.

It is in Disney world, that's for sure!

I know that feeling. I'm sure you wouldn't be the only one they'd have to do that for during F&W though...

Yeah - probably not. The CMs probably are used to people falling asleep all over the place.

And it was really just 9 pm to her.

I know. That west coast time really does work to one's advantage when they come east.

 

[MEK]

Sorry I'm not getting to replies as fast as I would like. Tomorrow!

 

[englishrose47]

I could sworn I commented on the update , but anywho LOVED the Pat and Cynthia pix !!! The chocolate creations were YUMMY!!!

 

[amandaw]

That dog path picture is hilarious!

We checked out the Chase Lounge as well but it was much more crowded. Looks like y'all went in there at a good time.

The night sounds like a lot of fun!

I wish I had tried the Coq au Vin in France. I was just too full!

 

[eandesmom]

Sorry I'm not getting to replies as fast as I would like. Tomorrow!

good since I haven't even started my update yet!

 

[eandesmom]

As you all know, on our way to the Chase lounge, we decided to investigate what was down here

Even though we clearly didn't have service dogs. It was so odd, it just dead ended into nowhere, though as Pat mentioned there was a door (which was locked, not that we tried to open it or anything like that). If it was meant to be a special service dog potty area, there was no evidence (baggie stand) and I do have to wonder how the dogs would find it in the first place, unless they weren't in service as sight dogs and their owners could read the sign. At any rate, Pat and I did our business and I hope that no animals or owners were offended in the making of our very silly picture.

And then of course, once inside, took some more

You can’t have too many pictures of someone wearing beer goggles can you?

The couple in the lounge were just too cute. They did seasonal work for Disney in their retirement, seemed like a pretty great plan to me!

Somehow, I completely missed the amazing chocolate sculptures, I can't get my head around it other than to think I was on the phone with a kid regarding homework, or carpools or something along those lines. It is very possible I wondered off. The lounge, honestly, to me was pretty boring other than the adorable couple. A place to rest and get free soda (I had water) and use the facilities and if you are lucky, charge your phone. One iphone charger seemed a little silly but the thought was nice.

I attempted a fountain picture as we strolled out

And then had to take a picture of our pixie dust!

I was so excited to go on Soarin'. After almost a full day in the parks, and an evening before, all I had ridden was Dumbo, Barnstormer and the Train. And the monorail of course. Plus I hadn't been on it since my last girls trip which had been 18 months prior. Far too long! I have to admit something though. Folks have mentioned the screen quality and I had never noticed it before. I did this time and it made me sad. Didn't take away from the magic of the ride, but I did notice it.

Somehow, despite the fact that we had been eating non stop all day we were hungry and Mary Ellen was about toast. France was closest with the best options. I had the same item she did, with a glass of chardonnay.

Coq au Vin sure Gratin de Macaroni (Red Wine Braised Chicken, Mushrooms, Pearl Onions and Macaroni Gratin).

Yeah, blurry. I'll be honest on this one. I liked it, don't get me wrong. It was a nice example of a coq au vin. It was a huge serving so a super great value and it was tasty and filling. I think maybe because it’s a dish I’ve made so much I wasn’t as wowed? I’m not sure. I know I was a little mad at myself for getting it simply as I wanted to try things that were maybe a bit more exotic or that I know I’d never make at home. But it hit the spot for sure.

That said, it also came with a small side of macaroni and cheese that was to die for (cannot see in the blurry picture, I'd have eaten a whole plate of that.
It was getting close to Illuminations and poor Mary Ellen's feet had just had it. She headed out and Pat and I decided to get a dessert item for the show. I was thinking after the show would be lovely, but Pat informed me that the kiosks all closed when Illuminations started. Good to know!

I had something very specific in mind, pumpkin mousse!

I headed over to America where I got one of these (I don't recall if Pat got anything here or not)

Angry Orchard Hard Cider – Crisp Apple

to go with this

Pumpkin Mousse with Ocean Spray Craisins Brand Dried Cranberries and Orange Sauce

First of all, I'd been avoiding bubbles of ALL kinds for about 8 months. I'd had a couple glasses of bubbly on the cruise but other than that, none. Ordering the cider was breaking that rule and I was a bit worried I'd pay for it later. Still, one has to live a little, right? It was vacation.

Second of all, this was quite possibly my favorite combination of food and drink the entire trip. I would have loved a larger glass of the cider, it came in 3 sizes and I got the smallest. I am not a sweets person so this combo of sweet and savory with all the lovely fall flavors of fall was just amazing. Seriously, perfection. Plus I think the mousse was...$1.50? BEST deal of all of food and wine, hands down.

We tried to find a spot for Illuminations and enjoy our treats. I know we did but Pat will probably remember better exactly where.

I attempted a few pictures

And clearly shouldn't give up my day job!

While this was going on, I’d been texting with Jenny (rentayenta) and had planned to meet in Mexico after the fireworks. We headed over there and quickly found Jenny and her lovely family! It is always so much fun to meet someone live that you've come to really feel like you know online and it feels like you've known them forever. Jenny is one of those folks! They were traveling with another family (spacing on Jenna’s DISname, yikes!) that had become close friends also through the DIS many years ago and have been vacationing together a few times since. We met on the pyramid and decided to head down to the Ditch for a drink. The kids were going to ride Donald. I’m going to steal some of Jenny and Michael's pictures here as they turned out far better than mine!

Pre drink order shot, Pat, myself, Jenny, Jenna and Jenna’s DH (Jenny’s DH Michael taking the photo)

Possibly the kids checking in (and Pat getting a close up of her concoction), Donald was a zero wait, Jenny's DH Michael is in the back.

Now, unbeknownst to all of us, Michael bought the whole table their drinks. He's sneaky like that! Thank you Michael, what a lovely treat! I’d been a bit bummed I had missed out on a Ditch rita the night before so it was even lovelier to have one with such a fun group.

My choice

No flash

Flash

Classic
El Mayor premium silver Tequila, orange liqueur and lime mix, served on the rocks with salt on the rim

The kids couldn't hang out in the Ditch with us, Donald had been short and they were hungry. Their plan had been for F&W kiosks for dinner as it was EMH but none of us realized that until it was a bit too late. We all headed out to try and see what could be found, there had to be something, right?

But first, a photo op of the DIS girls

Jenny, myself, Pat and Jenna. I am so grateful to the DIS for introducing me to these wonderful ladies! And hey, an picture of me with a margarita, in my margarita shirt. Score!

We strolled out the WS, the kids forging on ahead, dashing down countries to see what was open. Or not. The kids being Jenny's and Jenna's which was a total of 7 kids combined as one of Jenny's had her bff along (it was her bas mitzvah trip). Jenny’s oldest, Gabby, led the charge but wasn't getting anywhere. I was impressed. There was very little whining despite the late hour and no meltdowns yet. Even if they were starving they were hiding it darn well and clearly still having fun and with great attitudes. I can only pray that next year with all the nephews they are half as well behaved. Finally we ended up in Morroco and found Tangerine Café to be open. YAY!

Not only was it open but the staff was ready to PAR-TAY!

So was Michael!

Bellies full for most of the crew (Jenna’s daughter Emma wasn't thrilled with the options so I think they took off to see what else could be found and may have ended up at Fountainview which was still open) we started to make our way out of the park. Jenny’s crew was planning to hit Soarin' and then head back to THV. My plans were to walk out with them but skip the ride and head to the bus and back to VWL. Pat left us at the IG for her short stroll home to BCV.

So did I really head straight to the bus? Of course not! With some serious arm twisting, I mean pinky, I was conned into my 2nd hang glide of the night. I have to admit, between hanging out in Morocco and heading to the ride, I was missing my kids, they would have totally hit it off with the crew, who didn't seem remotely phased by random people hanging out with their mom. I'm used to a big bunch (oldest of 6 myself) and it was nice to be with a big group that was so clearly having a blast. Once we got to Soarin', Jenny's crew had an agenda though. FRONT ROW baby! We waited for it, and filled up the entire row. So much fun and a really wonderful end to an absolutely great day for me. The smell of oranges still in the air we headed out to the buses. At which point I saw a WL one waiting. Not wanting to miss it I said the most hurried goodbyes ever and booked it to the bus. or as fast as a non runner in flip flops can book it that is. Whew! Made it. It did stop at FW on the way back so by the time I got to the villa and in bed it was about 12:30 (or 9:30 my time!). Definitely later than I’d planned, I hit the hay quickly and was out cold in no time. The question was….how would this impact my morning agenda?

 

[HockeyMomR]

Mary Ellen - great update. I totally commiserate with your feet issues. I have had plantar fasciitis for about a year. When feet are done for the day they are done. I do have some great supportive sandals. Not as cute as I used to wear but feet
Love them.

Love your pixie dust story about the soarin fast passes. Wonderful!

 

[dizneeat]

Wow! What a great update!

You are so right about Soarin'. That screen could do with a serious makeover, but the ride is still a lot of fun!

Looks like some yum food and a visit to the Ditch! You definitely know how to live!
Getting back late? Ah, no problem, you were on vacation.

 

[afwdwfan]

(which was locked, not that we tried to open it or anything like that)

Of course you didn't...

If it was meant to be a special service dog potty area, there was no evidence (baggie stand)

Well, forget about the baggie stand, I'd be more concerned about stepping in the other kind of evidence.

You can’t have too many pictures of someone wearing beer goggles can you?

Well, I've never really thought about it, but I guess not.

I think maybe because it’s a dish I’ve made so much I wasn’t as wowed? I’m not sure. I know I was a little mad at myself for getting it simply as I wanted to try things that were maybe a bit more exotic or that I know I’d never make at home. But it hit the spot for sure.

Well, I can understand the desire to try new things while at F&W, but sometimes when you're hungry, you just need that known commodity that will hit the spot.

Now, unbeknownst to all of us, Michael bought the whole table their drinks. He's sneaky like that! Thank you Michael, what a lovely treat!

Wooohooo! Free Fast Passes and free drinks all on the same day!


I'm glad you all hit it off so well and had such a good time finishing the evening with them!

 

[jecskc]

I saw that dog sign when we were in Epcot the other day and I was like ....wha ???? My guess is it is for guide dogs or "therapy dogs".

Also, I loved those wine holders. Perfect for the beach. And speaking of the beach, I loved your fence photos on the beach !!!

 

[Poolrat]

Going through my pictures....


I guess I thought that hat was great too.

The fountain.

Hidden Mickey on the pants leg of the boy.

Past Figment

Cosmo for me

Cynthia - I guess we had the same thing. ^ and v

FIRE

The end of the world

Cucumber Margarita- Yes Thanks Michael....

And yes the entertainment in Morocco. Cynthia didn't you have the app that actually found that this was the only place open in World Showcase???

I got some video - pretty neat actually. Click on the picture.




It was a fun night.

 

[MHTeacher]

Great update! The doggie path had me cracking up!

Those chocolate sculptures look amazing! I can only imagine how they'd smell!

 

[eandesmom]

And yes the entertainment in Morocco. Cynthia didn't you have the app that actually found that this was the only place open in World Showcase???

I totally forgot about that! Yep, I did.

Me and my apps



gotta tell you though, came in handy more than once on the dining front

 

[annmarieda]

Gotta ask... why was that the only place open in WS? And why would it be open later than others?

And the cucumber drink... was it good?

I know... I am just full of questions.