Thanksgiving in my happy place?? Don't mind if I do! (RL Update 4/22)

[Stacybaeasm]

I'm really wondering what Epic opening will do for the Disney crowds. We'll be at Epic opening day and then have 2 other Uni/IOA days. We're doing Disney before Epic opens.

Good job on getting your meal choices.

Crowd calendars for that week are currently higher than I thought they'd be. I'm hoping it is just based on historical data and doesn't factor in the Epic Universe impact. But hey - a day at Disney is a day at Disney. No matter the crowds, I'm going to have fun.

 

[vamassey1]

But hey - a day at Disney is a day at Disney. No matter the crowds, I'm going to have fun.

I agree. I would rather a crowded Disney Day to no Disney day.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Been off the Dis for a little bit and am playing catch-up. I'm so sorry that you were miserable with the leg cramps. It sucks when something like that happens especially on a trip and during a special event to boot!

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Been off the Dis for a little bit and am playing catch-up. I'm so sorry that you were miserable with the leg cramps. It sucks when something like that happens especially on a trip and during a special event to boot!

Honestly, the more I think about it, the more I did EVERYTHING wrong on this day. While it was my first Christmas party, it wasn't my first party. I know better and still did it all wrong. Next year - I will plan better!

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Day 4, Part One
Breakfast with Mickey
​

Wednesday morning I was up fairly early after a late night at the party. I had booked breakfast at Toppolino's for 8:40am. Originally, Barb was going to come with me but she had to pick up Lil Bit by 11am so we wanted to leave plenty of time. However, once Barb found out it was a character meal, she noped right out. She thinks meeting fur characters is for children. Ok, I am a child at Disney (with adult money) and I want to hug Mickey in his artist outfit. Barb was going to sleep in and then go get Lil Bit and head home. The "solo" part of my trip was commencing.

After the Skyliner fiasco yesterday (ok, not really but the line was LONG), I wanted to get out there early because I WILL NOT be late for a reservation!!! And, of course, there was no line this morning. That's ok. It gave me time to walk around Riviera a bit and take pictures of those great mosaic murals.


I headed inside and up to Toppolinos. This was my first time at the restaurant. Wow - it is lovely. I checked in with the host, explaining a) I was very early (almost 30 minutes early) and b) I was down to a party of 1. I also said I didn't mind waiting until my time but I wanted to give them the right count for my party as early as I could. I know it sometimes takes some moving around when you change party size - even a 2 to a 1 because they try to balance out the guest count for servers. I took a seat in the waiting area and there was the cutest little girl with her mom and aunt, waiting. She was maybe 1 or 2 but was all done up in a frilly dress and bows in her hair. And boy was she a flirt!! She flirted with every human that walked by her for the 10 minutes I was out there. We had a great time playing peek a boo.

And restaurant luck was on my side this morning. I only waited about 10 minutes before they took me to a table. I was in a section off to the side - close to the window where the food comes out. But the section was pretty quiet - a family of four to my left and a bigger family in front of me but that was it. And I enjoyed my table. As a former server for many years, I love to watch a well-oiled machine. So, when the characters weren't around, I could watch the servers pick up food and go in and out of the drink station. I could also see into the kitchen a bit.

In a flash, the server came to my table with the pastry bucket and took my drink order. That bucket is cute and those pastries...yum. Croissants, chocolate chip muffins, and mini cinnamon rolls (I think). I ate a chocolate chip muffin right away as I was looking at the menu. Soon, the server was back with my diet Coke (had I learned my lesson about the leg cramps - clearly no) and she quickly took my order - 2 eggs scrambled with cheese, crisp bacon, and delicious potatoes. Were these the most expensive eggs ever? Sure but totally worth it.

Sorry - I clearly started eating before I took the picture but at least I remembered!!! And soon, the characters started to come around.


Oops - picture limit. Continued in the next post.

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Day 4, Part Two
Breakfast continues
​

I always have to give the characters credit - 1) They see an adult female by herself and still give her as much attention as the kids around and 2) They really know how to pose for a selfie!!! I had the best time getting hugs, complementing them on their outfits, and taking pictures. Soon, it was time for their dance and parade.


You can see how empty the dining room is. I was really surprised since it was 8:30 on the day before Thanksgiving! Anyway, breakfast complete, bill paid, and a diet coke to go (seriously, will I ever learn??), the server invited me to go outside to see the views before I left. And WOW was it worth it!!

After enjoying the view for a bit, I headed out and back to the Skyliner. It was time to head to Epcot for a day completely on my own!

Up next - maybe this time I will remember Guardians.

 

[mickeystoontown]

We had breakfast there too and it was very good. We found that the characters had a good bit of "character" and were fun to interact with. The day we went, it was rainy so we chose not to go out and take a look around. Not that I would have given my issues with anything higher than one story but it would have been nice to stand at the door and say I did. LOL

 

[Stacybaeasm]

We had breakfast there too and it was very good. We found that the characters had a good bit of "character" and were fun to interact with. The day we went, it was rainy so we chose not to go out and take a look around. Not that I would have given my issues with anything higher than one story but it would have been nice to stand at the door and say I did. LOL

Yeah - height issues would make that not a fun time!

 

[vamassey1]

Great Selfies with the characters. You look like you're having so much fun.

We did this with my DD and grands last July and I think it was our favorite meal. The food was great, the characters were so attentive and we all enjoyed that view before leaving.

I sure hope you got some water as the day progressed.

 

[ThreeBoyMama]

Love your selfies and the post breakfast views are beautiful!

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Great Selfies with the characters. You look like you're having so much fun.

I was having a blast!! I'm that weird adult that LOVES to meet characters - fur and face. To me, in that moment, they are real. And I am constantly in awe of the CMs who are friends with all the characters that just accept a middle-aged woman hugging them and talking to them as if they are real and we are friends. (Although there have been times when I actually WAS friends with the CMs because they were students).

We did this with my DD and grands last July and I think it was our favorite meal. The food was great, the characters were so attentive and we all enjoyed that view before leaving.

The food was amazing!! Those potatoes! I don't remember the description of them but they were delicious. I also applaud the servers there. They knew exactly how to pace things and stay out of the way when the characters were around.

I sure hope you got some water as the day progressed.

Well, umm, drinks were had. Stay tuned.

 

[vamassey1]

Well, umm, drinks were had. Stay tuned.

Not sure if that was a good thing.

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Day Four, Part Three
Epcot!!!​

Two trip report updates in one week?? Who am I?? Someone who is avoiding their to-do list and refusing to acknowledge how much I have to grade. Instead, I'm going to think about Disney!

We left off leaving Toppolinos and heading back to the Skyliner (diet coke in hand). I love the ride to Epcot and it was late enough in the morning that I had a gondola to myself. Soon, I was entering International Gateway and trying to decide what to do. I hadn't booked any FP$$$ multipass for today but I DID have the single pass for Guardians at 1:15pm. I decided that since I was right there, I was going to Remy. I have never done that ride and today was the day!! Plus, I knew there was a single rider line so I wouldn't have to stand in the VERY long line I saw. I skirted around all the people and headed up toward the ride and to the single rider entrance, only to be told by 2 very nice but very French CMs that the ride was down. Well, that explains the line. Ok, I'll just go out and explore and then come back here on my way out. No biggie. Since I was alone today, I could do what I wanted, when I wanted.

Back into France proper, I realized it was too early for my favorite drink - Grand Mariner Slushie. I mean, I have no problem day drinking on vacation but it was only a bit after 9am so the stand wasn't even open. I started wandering away from France - going the long way toward the front of the park. Not on purpose, but because I never remember that going from France to the UK is a MUCH shorter distance to the front of the park. Oh well, let's explore. Oh wait, as I was leaving France, I saw that Belle was out. Belle is my favorite princess of all. So I stopped and got some photos and talked about libraries and books with my girl.

As we talked about our mutual love of books, she asked what I was reading. Umm...my dear princess, the book I am currently reading is not for little ears. So, I gently explained it was a more "adult" book and probably shouldn't be left around Chip. She laughed and wished me luck on building my own library (do you know you only need 1000 books to qualify as a library?? Hold my beer...err...grand mariner slushie). I thanked her and continued around.

When I got to Morocco, I realized I had not had enough water that morning so I stopped at the little window and got a bottle. The CM working there was from Minnesota!! It was really quiet in this part of world showcase, so I spent a little time doing the obligatory Minnesota talk (where are you from? Oh, do you know so and so?) Sure, it's a big state, but I have NEVER talked with a fellow Minnesotan and not found something or someone in common. Water obtained, I found a spot on a wall and sat to drink my water for a bit.

Continuing on, I stopped to check the time for Voices of Liberty but there wasn't a show for a while. Gosh do I love to hear them sing, although I do miss the full period costumes. But those voices in that rotunda?? I cry every time.

As I passed through Italy, there was a photopass photographer just hanging out by the bridge. I said hi and then decided to get a picture. Well, he was BORED and asked if I had a few minutes because he would do a full on photo shoot. I normally hate having my picture taken but Disney is a different story so take all the pictures you want. He moved me around from background to background and spent probably 15 minutes or so taking photos.


He was so great and I had a wonderful time. After thanking him profusely, I continued on. It is only as I am sitting here this morning that I realize I really should have gotten his name and left a cast compliment. I never think to do that. I have got to be better about that.

Continuing around, I came to Germany and wandered into Karamel Kuche. I ALWAYS want to go in here but there is usually a line so I skip it. Today, no line. In fact, no one else inside. As I entered, the CMs greeted me with "Guten Tag." Hey - I had 3 years of German in high school (no comments about how long ago that was.) So I responded in kind. I explored the display cases of delicious looking things and picked out a couple. I tried to do as much as I could in German. Those CMs were so polite - not wincing at my horrible accent or my switching from German to English to German. As I got to the register to pay, they complimented my German. I laughed and said thank you for being so nice. I massacred your beautiful language but I had to try for my HS German teacher. Goodies in hand (I didn't write down what I bought but I remember the caramel butter bar, a turtle, and maybe a chocolate covered caramel with sea salt??), I continued wandering toward the front of the park.

Up next: More photos and don't lie to Grandpa!

 

[mickeystoontown]

What a nice CM to take the time to do a mini photoshoot. The pictures came out great! Good for you putting your ability to speak German to good use. I am sure you did just fine.

 

[Stacybaeasm]

What a nice CM to take the time to do a mini photoshoot. The pictures came out great! Good for you putting your ability to speak German to good use. I am sure you did just fine.

The photographer was amazing. He was giving directions, working with the tilt of my head, all the things that good photographers do. I know a lot of the photo pass folx aren't trained in photography but this guy either DID have a photography background or had been doing this for awhile at Disney. It was so much fun!!!

As for my German, well, it's been a LONG time since I've used it for more than following along on an opera score. But it was fun none the less. Bless those CMs. I'm sure they had a laugh later like who was that lady who remembered like 3 words?? But hey - they made the magic happen!

 

[disneyAndi14]

I saw that Belle was out. Belle is my favorite princess of all. So I stopped and got some photos and talked about libraries and books with my girl.

Belle is my favorite princess and I love to read! I have a new Belle tshirt for my May trip, it has Belle with books and it says My weekend is booked. I’m excited to wear it!
I love your Minnesota conversation every time I come back from Disney my husband asks did you see anyone you know haha It is so common in Minnesota to run into someone you know but Not Disney!
I love the pictures in Morocco It is always nice to get a PP who takes the time with you!

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Belle is my favorite princess and I love to read! I have a new Belle tshirt for my May trip, it has Belle with books and it says My weekend is booked. I’m excited to wear it!

That sounds like a really cute t-shirt! Where did you get it? And Belle is just a great princess all in all. Smart, loyal, wants a library for a gift instead of jewels or dresses or whatever, and SHE saves HIM!

I love your Minnesota conversation every time I come back from Disney my husband asks did you see anyone you know haha It is so common in Minnesota to run into someone you know but Not Disney!

I seem to run into Minnesota people in the parks all the time. Especially now that I don't live there. LOL.

I love the pictures in Morocco It is always nice to get a PP who takes the time with you!

He was great!

 

[vamassey1]

As we talked about our mutual love of books, she asked what I was reading. Umm...my dear princess, the book I am currently reading is not for little ears. So, I gently explained it was a more "adult" book and probably shouldn't be left around Chip. She laughed and wished me luck on building my own library (do you know you only need 1000 books to qualify as a library?? Hold my beer...err...grand mariner slushie). I thanked her and continued around.

Belle is my favorite too. I'm a big reader. Your visit sound perfect.

When I got to Morocco, I realized I had not had enough water that morning so I stopped at the little window and got a bottle.

I'm very happy to see this. I was really worried. I hope it helped with the cramps.

He moved me around from background to background and spent probably 15 minutes or so taking photos.

These are really good photos!

Goodies in hand (I didn't write down what I bought but I remember the caramel butter bar, a turtle, and maybe a chocolate covered caramel with sea salt??

Love this store. I would get everything you got.

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Belle is my favorite too. I'm a big reader. Your visit sound perfect.

It was. Those CMs are AMAZING, especially when faced with a full-grown adult, no kid in sight.

I'm very happy to see this. I was really worried. I hope it helped with the cramps.

It helped but not enough. I'm already trying things to help in May when I go.

These are really good photos!

Thanks!

Love this store. I would get everything you got.

I never really get in there because it is always so busy. But I do love the smell every time I walk by.

 

[SwanVT2]

I am enjoying reading your trip report! Ha, ha you are the one who just replied to my Thanksgiving/Feb. post!