The 75% All New Trip! - All done! Bonus Material finished, Link to new TR!

[Pinkocto]

Great pictures of the decorations, bummer the GF ones are giving you trouble. Cute about the hidden Olafs. I like the pin.

Thanks so much for taking the time to visit. I'm sorry we didn't schedule more time together, that trip came up on me way too fast. I'm so glad mom was able to meet you and Fran Yes, when people say that I'm happy or over the top, or anything along those lines, I always follow that up with, 'you haven't met my mom'

I am intrigued at this incredibly expensive sake. I hope it was good! The restaurant is pretty but I don't think I'll be racing to eat there.

 

[skier_pete]

Hey there - joining back in since returning to the real world. (Booo!)

Did you think Morimoto was worth it? I don't know that it appeals much to me.

 

[pkondz]

We even bought a Gingerbread cupcake for later.

I was going to say "That sounds good", but... oh well.

I couldn’t convince Fran to get in this photo op with me.

Darn. Would've been fun.

I was bummed this wedding party was monopolizing the fireplace and the freaky chairs. But I made the best of it.

And that photog looks less than impressed!

On our way to the Beach Club Fran's battery indicator started to dip dangerously low.

Uh, oh. Is this the same battery that you'd replaced?

Here we were finally at Beaches and Cream!

Yes!!! Love it there.

This place really is small!

And that's one of the things I love about it.

We did good huh?

You sure did! Kay and I didn't do nearly so well.
Then again, we each had our own.

They had the coolest display IMHO.

That is the best display ever! Love it!

After that we visited the gift shop and I got these spiffy earrings.

Nice.

When we got back we thought the maintenance guy had taken our ruined clothes, but instead he put them in the dryer and dried them to further cement the damage so that I could not remove the stains.

Thanks dude. Thanks a lot.

She loves Wiener Schnitzel

Who doesn't???

I called Disney Dining to see if they could fix this and it was possible, but the only reservations were for 9PM. We weren't that hungry yet so it was OK.

Phew! Glad it worked out. but...

We were half an hour early and they could seat us. There was absolutely no one in the dining room! Why could they not give us an ADR before 9PM?????

What the H is that all about?!?

Her Pork schnitzel was huge!

Two of them??? Two?!?!?

Tonight I slept through the whole night!

Yay for sleep!

I went with coffee and they brought me a French Press full!

Nice!

She's wearing a Santa hat!!

The Bloody Mary came with practically an appetizer itself in the garnish! There was a jumbo prawn, crab leg, slice of thick cut bacon, two blue cheese stuffed olives, and celery stick.

Holy cow!

Both of us selected the French Onion Soup.

Yummm... Want. Now.

For our entrees she selected the Lobster Eggs Benedict which I tasted. The eggs were perfectly cooked and there was just enough Hollandaise. The ham balanced the lobster very nicely.

mmmm.... bennies. With lobster! Must try that.

Fran killed Minnie!!!!

This entire sculpture is made of white chocolate.

It's gonna take me a while to eat all that. But I'm willing to give it a shot.

we have even begun to shred the old tax papers.

No. Way.

Then we headed out in search of Trader Sams. Unfortunately it was only 2PM and they didn't open until 4PM. I had heard of this but completely forgot. I mean what is up with that? The one in California opens a noon which makes much more sense!

So you stormed the doors, tearing them asunder!

When we got back to the room she sent the scooter company an email notifying them that she intended to protest the charge with the credit card company as she was not receiving the services promised, ie a fully working scooter.

Fran does not fool around.

I ordered a carafe of what turned out to be an INCREDIBLY EXPENSIVE sake. I knew Junmai Gingo was Japanese for better quality sake, but if we'd been talking Tequila I would have ordered not only Anejo but one that had been aged in the most pristine wood and maybe even gold!

Or if Champagne is your beverage it was like a split of Dom perignon reserve if they made them. Even the bottle of Madame Pomeroy's Champage that we purchased at Remy was cheaper than this!

Holy crap! Was it worth it? Or was it at least close to worth it?

While we were waiting for our food, I took some pictures of the open kitchen.

Love open kitchens. Love to watch all the action.

This was weird, how often do we strike out at shopping?

I'm going to say.... never?

 

[franandaj]

I love that they use real flowers at the resorts. And this looks so festive.

I can't even a gone what the flower budget for the Grand is! They always have such huge and beautiful arrangements there!

I remember you well, ginger bread house! Left quite a bit of money in the little shop. And I did not even like the gingerbread there.

I was glad the line was so long that day. I didn't even try.

What a way to decorate a tree. AWESOME!!!! Thanks for sharing.

I think these were my favorite decorations, especially as themes go.

How could this happen????? No shopping???????? Wish it would happen to me.

We have a reservation at Morimoto's for our next trip too. Thanks for reviewing all the right restaurants for me.

It isn't something that happens often! I liked the restaurant and would probably go back again after a while, but I know better what to expect as far as sake. The food was excellent. Just small portions. We ate everything in sight!

I can never get tired of the gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian during the holiday season. Very nice pics from the GF, Contemporary and Poly. The Frozen gingerbread is nice and that is a nice pin that you got.

I was very glad to see the GF Gingerbread house for myself!

The food at Morimoto Asia looks very nice and appetizing.

The food was great I just need to know that the sake is rather expensive.

Is Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs? I don't remember ever hearing of it before.

It is in Disney Springs and just opened last fall.

Loved the tour of the monorail resorts! Love all the Christmas decorations and gingerbread houses. I didn't see any hidden Olafs at the Contemporary's gingerbread house. Can you point any out?

Love the pin! I collect pins too.

I thought on of my pictures clearly showed one of the hidden Olafs. Wait! I found it! Look at the picture with everyone in it. Elsa is practically pointing at it with her right hand. It's the little white blob in the gingerbread.

I'm so excited for your trip to New Orleans! I live on the other side of the state, about a 3 hour drive from NOLA and have made many trips there!
Your list of places to visit looks great. I've never done Commander's Palace or Luke, but second the following choices:

• Cafe du Monde - awesome any time of day! We've had them for breakfast and we've also had them as a late-night-soak-up-alcohol snack!
• Brennan's - YUM
• Mother's - yes ma'am!

I'm glad you approve! Luke is a John Besh restaurant and ever since he was on Next Iron Chef, I've always wanted to try his food. His flagship restaurant, August was a bit of a stretch even for me! And by the way, to the TR!

It's been 10+ years, but the brunch at the Royal Palace was divine. The jazz brunch at the InterContinental Easter weekend was a great experience as well. I don't know what days you'll be there but here's a link to other brunch locations. We haven't checked it out yet but the Court of Two Sisters has a daily jazz brunch. And I've heard good things about it!

We get there the Monday after Easter. Fran did Brunch at the Court of Two Sisters probably 30 years ago. We thought about there, but will need to come back again over a weekend to experience it.

Other places to check out, among the many:

• Muriel's Jackson Square
• The Ruby Slipper
• Boucherie - DH and I stumbled upon this casual fine dining place on a couple's trip and loved it!
• Chargrilled oysters at Acme Oyster House

I'll keep those in mind. We may have already bitten off more than we can chew, so to speak.

I agree with Audubon Park and the Voodoo museum! Other awesome touristy things to do:

• take a look at the Art in Jackson Square, check out the St. Louis Cathedral
• listen to the street musicians and watch the performers at Jackson Square and around the French Quarter
• take a carriage ride through the French Quarter

The first two are doable, and while I'd love to do a carriage ride, I don't think Fran could get in and out of the carriage.

• Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar - Oldest bar in the Quarter (some say the country, post Louisiana Purchase). Interesting mix of tourists and locals. Candle-lit atmosphere with piano sing alongs. Be careful with the 151-saturated cherries.

• ride the St. Charles Streetcar (exact change needed)

I read about Lafitte's and it said that it was pretty touristy and not anything like it was in the past. Fran isn't much into bars, more a restaurant kind of gal.

Again the Streetcar probably doesn't accommodate scooters. But nice thought.

• go Tropical Isle, get drinks and watch people on Bourbon St.

• have a hurricane at Pat O'Briens and listen to the dueling pianos

Hurricane at Pat O'Briens I might be able to convince her of!

• Marie Leveau Voodoo Tour (great tour!) - also any of the haunted tours are great as you get so much historical information full of flavor

• The National WWII Museum

• Oak Alley Plantation Tour

Oak Alley might be for another time.

I got so excited about y'all visiting NOLA that I didn't read ahead! The Swamp Tour will be a lot of fun!

I didn't want to take time away from NOLA to do this, so I'm glad it worked out as part of the cruise.

PS - I'm enjoying your trip report as well.

Thanks!

Catching up; or rather pretending that I have!

Your food porn is delicious. My screen has been thoroughly cleaned. Just as well I'm having dinner soon.
Love the Christmas decorations as well.
Trader Sam doesn't open till later??? WOW!

Maybe you should get some antibacterial spray for your screen.

Opening at 4PM doesn't fit with Disney's business model of taking as much of your money as they can!

Hope life is treating you and Fran well and the clean-out is finished soon.

Soon. Probably not. But hopefully eventually!

 

[franandaj]

Starting to catch up from this weekend!

The Grand Floridian is always the most holiday feeling of the resorts! I love their gingerbread house! I remember when I was a little girl and their gingerbread house was small enough to just be a showcase piece in the area in front of Grand Floridian Café where the DVC Desk is now. They didn't put it out one year and I remember being super doper upset!

Wow! You really have a history with holidays at the WDW resorts! I didn't start going to Disney regularly until my early 30s and that was only DL. It's only been the last 10 years that we've really started going to WDW regularly.

Finding 13 of the 15 Olafs is awesome!

I actually looked for quite a while, those last two must have been really hidden. Some were pretty obvious.

Love the Polynesian decorations as well!

I think those ornaments were my favorites, they were so whimsical and fitting for the resort.

Your meal at Morimoto Asia seems like it went decent at least. Sorry that your server had no idea the difference between a glass/carafe/bottle! You think they would have been trained better on that! Your food looks like it was pleasant though for a nice light dinner!

Yeah, the meal was good. I wasn't expecting the Chow Mein to be quite so small, but we did leave full. I was thinking that with the prices of the glasses that they really couldn't mean a sake cup, but looking back that had to be what they meant. I don't remember which one I ordered, but I know it was one of the $24-30 something priced versions. In hindsight I should have ordered one of the 300ml (stated on the menu) for $50. I pay $18-26 at home for 300ml. Somehow I guess I was hoping that the carafe might have been at least 200ml, but it was more like 125ml, if I had to guess.

Ok... this got me thinking and I just had to look. They serve breakfast starting at 9. So I guess if you take a bus to WPE and then planned to go back to the resort and hop on a bus to a park, you're screwed. Which doesn't make much sense.

Then again, if Disney wants to trap you somewhere to do some shopping...

I think that's the plan. I know one trip we did go over to WPE for breakfast, but we had planned on shopping so it was OK. Maybe they don't think you will be done before 11AM. Or you could walk over to Congress Springs at SSR. It really wasn't all that long of a distance.

I'm glad things are progressing.

Slowly but surely. Naked Jim has even offered to help us work either today or tomorrow and in the future.

Cool! I didn't realize there were hidden Olafs there!

They had a sign posted (one of my pictures that didn't come out) with all the ingredients, and it said that there were 15 hidden Olafs. If you look at this picture, you can actually see two (if you're not looking from your phone). Elsa is practically pointing at one, and the other is near Anna, on her right and up a little bit. Now that I blow it up, I can see one to Elsa's right, level with the top of her head.

They do the decorations very well.

This really doesn't make sense. The way Disney likes to mint money, this place would easily pay for its operating costs for another few hours and then some!

I know, they sell one of those $50 drinks and BOOM! If anyone else is in there, that hour of sales is made!

I hope it worked...

So, how was it? Worth getting it?

Well, it was tasty, but (and I don't really remember which one I got), but I think (and since I was writing most of the TR as it happened) I got the $24 sake. That's $.20 a ml, doesn't sound like a lot, but when you consider at home I pay about $.05 a ml (if you want to get really technical). I think that's way more than I bargained for. At least if I had ordered the 300ml bottle for $50 it would have only been $.16 ml and I would have got more sake and been more satisfied.

I guess it was the size of the thing for the price and the fact that the server couldn't say, "It's a standard size sake container miss."

That's what I was thinking! Were you guys ok?

I'm not sure...maybe I was stil in shock from my sake!

Playing massive catch up again! The GF is always beautiful but Christmas is even better...Love the decor at the Poly too! I cannot believe that Trader Sams doesn't open until 4 at WDW...it just seems like a lost opportunity to me.

I do love the GF! I hope to stay there in a year. I know the whole Trader Sams not open til 4 thing bows my mind!

I can't believe you guys didn't buy anything! So unlike you! LOL Sorry the Morimoto experience was so meh...for those prices you should be blown away.

It was more the server , first not knowing the sizes of drinks and then bringing the sushi not before the other stuff. That's like not bringing bread before your meal. Rookie move!

You guys are making great progress on the move!

Well I'm not sure "great" is the appropriate word for the progress, but we are making progress. Another load went to the thrift store Monday.

Moving always sucks. Good to hear you've made progress, though!

Yeah, it sure does suck. I'm not doing this again!

Aw, man. That stinks.

I know. They're just little red x's on the screen.

But I thought you didn't see us on this particular day!

Nice! I might have to steal one. We were staying there and took photos of everything except the Christmas tree.

Steal Away!

Morimoto looks very fancy!

Mostly the chandeliers were fancy. It was actually a fairly laid back place.

Um...

So it's expensive, then?

Not sure if you saw where I did the math above for Andy, but it cost 4x a sake I would get at home in a restaurant maybe it was higher quality. Had I got the larger bottle that was more expensive overall, it would have only been 3x as expensive as what I get at home.

Wow! Take the money you would have spent and get some lottery tickets!

We did, and didn't win the power ball jackpot

I can definitely understand!

It was nice to take a shower without a bucket to catch the run off and water while it warms up. Even nicer not to have to take it out and dump it on the plants!

Yay for progress! I can imagine how worn out you are though. I bet it feels good to know you're making a little bit of head-way.

It's a little every time, but I still get overwhelmed every time I go in there.

That is gorgeous! All those little details are just amazing.

Just wait, even better is coming soon.

Did it at least taste good?

It was good. I just think I was miffed in that I wanted a larger serving, but at that price I wasn't going to order a second glass. I would have chosen something more economical. And the fact that I didn't know what I was getting made it even more frustrating.

Fun that you got to see @Pinkocto and meet her cute mom!

The Poly knocks my socks off.

I wish we could have had a proper meet up, but they were traveling with friends.

I can't wait to stay at the Poly in a little over two months!

 

[franandaj]

Great pictures of the decorations, bummer the GF ones are giving you trouble. Cute about the hidden Olafs. I like the pin.

Thanks!

Thanks so much for taking the time to visit. I'm sorry we didn't schedule more time together, that trip came up on me way too fast. I'm so glad mom was able to meet you and Fran Yes, when people say that I'm happy or over the top, or anything along those lines, I always follow that up with, 'you haven't met my mom'

I'm glad we were able to meet up, I just wish it had been for longer and not just a "Hi!" in the middle of the walkway.

I am intrigued at this incredibly expensive sake. I hope it was good! The restaurant is pretty but I don't think I'll be racing to eat there.

I'm probably over reacting, but I was miffed that the server couldn't tell me any information about the size that I was purchasing. I might have just gone for the MoriMotini instead of actual sake. I could have had two for almost the same price!

Hey there - joining back in since returning to the real world. (Booo!)

At least you made it home safe. I had a very nice time with you and your family!

Did you think Morimoto was worth it? I don't know that it appeals much to me.

I liked it for the fact that it was Morimoto's restaurant. It was a bummer that he wasn't there, but I wouldn't expect him to be there all the time. At first I didn't think the menu sounded interesting at all, but after Fran indicated an interest to dine there, I changed my mind. There are other places that I would rather visit for a first time and others that I would also rather go back to first, but I would place it ahead of Wolfgang Puck's Dining room on the "go back" list.

I was going to say "That sounds good", but... oh well.

Yeah, it looked better than it tasted.

Darn. Would've been fun.

Yes, it would have, but Fran doesn't like to do that kind of stuff.

And that photog looks less than impressed!

He was giving me some pretty potent stinkeye.

Uh, oh. Is this the same battery that you'd replaced?

No this was the rental scooter's battery. I was riding her scooter cause I don't like this rental company's scooters, they are way to big and bulky. Guess there was another good reason too!

Yes!!! Love it there.

I want to go back! Maybe October.

And that's one of the things I love about it.

It's smaller than most of our restaurants at home!

You sure did! Kay and I didn't do nearly so well.
Then again, we each had our own.

It was you guys not being able to finish that helped me to figure out what we would order. I knew I couldn't finish one and Fran shouldn't finish one, though she proudly stated she could have. I barely helped finish that one.

That is the best display ever! Love it!

It was my favorite too!

Thanks dude. Thanks a lot.

I know. I still get mad when I do the laundry on those. I try not to wear them if I can avoid it.

Phew! Glad it worked out. but...

What the H is that all about?!?

I know! Do they have a "no ADRs same day between 7 to 9PM" policy to help encourage walk ups, that don't happen because everyone knows you can't walk up at a TS between 5-8PM for dinner as it will be fully booked. It's a Catch 22!

Two of them??? Two?!?!?

No it was one giant "U" shaped schnitzel!

Yay for sleep!

I know finally!

She's wearing a Santa hat!!

She finally got her Christmas Mojo!

Yummm... Want. Now.

Sounds good. I'm going to make a point of having something like that once I lose my 20+ pounds!

mmmm.... bennies. With lobster! Must try that.

It was very tasty!

Fran killed Minnie!!!!

The White Witch from Narnia had already frozen her, so it wasn't Fran who killed Minnie.

It's gonna take me a while to eat all that. But I'm willing to give it a shot.

The only problem with those sculptures is you have no idea how long they have been sitting there. Like the Gingerbread house, how many people touched it waiting in line?

No. Way.

Yes way. In fact you remind me that Fran asked me to give her some of the papers we brought home for shredding when we got home today. Guess what she is doing instead?

So you stormed the doors, tearing them asunder!

Hardly.

Fran does not fool around.

Well, she's a lot of talk...

Holy crap! Was it worth it? Or was it at least close to worth it?

Well I may have over exaggerated a bit. It was more expensive per oz than the Mdme Pomeroy Champagne, and if you saw the math I did in reply to Andy's post, it was 4x more expensive than anything I would get at home. I guess is was OK, but I would have rathered have more of something lesser for the same price.

Love open kitchens. Love to watch all the action.

They are fun to watch!

I'm going to say.... never?

Never say never. But it is very rare!

 

[franandaj]

Day 9

I woke up just before 5AM this morning, but it was way too early to get up so I rolled back over and fell asleep for about an hour. We had generated another whole load of laundry since Friday. It had been warmer than I had planned and I was again down to my last pair of clean capris. I decided to run a test load of towels through the washer to make sure that it wouldn't damage any more clothes.

In the meantime I took a Jacuzzi tub. After cooling down from my tub, I put the load of laundry in the washer and got dressed. I started coffee and began the process of making breakfast. Just as breakfast was about ready I convinced Fran to come in the kitchen rather than risk getting syrup in bed. We had French Toast, sausage, V8 and our choice of caffeine.



Fran laid back down for a few minutes while her pain pill kicked in. I cleaned up the dishes, put away the clean ones from the dishwasher and reloaded it with the dirty dishes. Then I switched the laundry to the dryer. She asked for another 12 minutes so I started the intro for this TR on the computer while I waited. We got her dressed and we're almost ready to go when the maid knocked for T&T service. I told her we were leaving shortly and then she could do it. Her reply was, "All I'm doing is Trash and Towels." With kind of a southern hospitality attitude. I wanted to say, "Well you can do your trash and towels when we're ready!" But I'm too polite.

A few minutes go by and she barges in the door. I hollered, "Fran are you done in the bathroom? Are you decent?"

It wasn't so much I didn't want her in there while we were there, it was that the last thing we do before we leave is use the bathroom! Now that she was all up in our business in the bathroom I couldn't really use it until she was done. I should have just shut the door and made her wait! But I'm weird about that.

Eventually everything was taken care of and we headed out for the bus stop. About 10 minutes went by before we saw an Epcot bus, and he already had one scooter on board, so we said we would wait for the next one. It was about 10 more minutes before the bus came and we were already into the time for our first FP. I'm not sure what took so long but it was 10:30 when they dropped us off and our FP expired at 10:50. We got to bag check and there was a HUGE line, so we just waited. These really rude people started cutting in front of folks trying to say that there really wasn't a line it was just a crowd of people. I was like What????? There was clearly a line that I was waiting in. And they were checking everything under the sun. I saw them pull wallets out of purses and open them, so I got everything that had any pocket out and opened it up. When I got to the front, I was like, "wallet, glasses case, gift cards, camera case, lens...." the guy chuckled but he still took my purse and did a full deep cavity search. Finally we were through. They must have had some kind of threat alert because they had bomb sniffing dogs. I've never seen those before.

Just a note: The bulk of this report was mostly written in “Notepad” on my phone while we were on the trip, and I have edited it slightly before posting. Two days after this day, we flew home and it was within a day or two of arriving home that Disney announced it’s “take no prisoners” policy where they banned costumes and started running people through full body scanners. So this was just the beginning of the heightened security.

By the way, on my second to last trip to Disneyland, my party was subjected to the “random security check.” Fran has multiple bionic parts in her body and they had no policy for dealing with her. They couldn’t give her a pat down, so they sort of had me do it. The whole situation was really weird and I don’t see how it would stop terrorists, but whatever. OK back to Epcot.

So we hauled butt over to the character spot and we were 2 minutes late for our FP, but they must have a grace period because they let us in. The Mickey head glowed green. We met Mickey, Goofy and Minnie.























Next we had a FP for Spaceship Earth. Good thing, the Standby wait was 30 minutes. We had a fun trip to the past and future.







































These pictures crack me up!









And then we came back to earth.


[Continued in Two Posts]

 

[pkondz]

Yes, it would have, but Fran doesn't like to do that kind of stuff.

party pooper.

He was giving me some pretty potent stinkeye.

Tough. It's a public space. Deal with it.
"Excuse me. Would you mind not taking photos here?"
"No. Buzz off."

No this was the rental scooter's battery. I was riding her scooter cause I don't like this rental company's scooters, they are way to big and bulky. Guess there was another good reason too!

Ah. And.. yes.

It was you guys not being able to finish that helped me to figure out what we would order.

Oh really! Well, glad to be of service.

I know. I still get mad when I do the laundry on those. I try not to wear them if I can avoid it.

Ruby's mom always told her to wear clean undies in case you wind up in emerg.

I know! Do they have a "no ADRs same day between 7 to 9PM" policy to help encourage walk ups, that don't happen because everyone knows you can't walk up at a TS between 5-8PM for dinner as it will be fully booked. It's a Catch 22!

Bizarre.

No it was one giant "U" shaped schnitzel!

Still... Huge!

She finally got her Christmas Mojo!

:

I'm going to make a point of having something like that once I lose my 20+ pounds!

Good luck!

The White Witch from Narnia had already frozen her, so it wasn't Fran who killed Minnie.

She was just in suspended animation (no pun intended... well maybe a little) but now she's really gone.

The only problem with those sculptures is you have no idea how long they have been sitting there. Like the Gingerbread house, how many people touched it waiting in line?

ew.
But wasn't that one behind glass?

Yes way. In fact you remind me that Fran asked me to give her some of the papers we brought home for shredding when we got home today. Guess what she is doing instead?

Hardly.

Dang.

 

[franandaj]

[Continued from Previous Post]

I was going to try and ride Mission space, but the posted wait time was 60 minutes for orange. So instead I got some Starbucks.



We decided to head over to our ADR in Mexico. I was glad that I still had my dark ride lens on the camera because I needed it in here to get even substandard pictures!





We both ordered the San Angel Inn Margarita



And started off with chips and salsa



As well as an order of queso fundidio. OMG this was sooooooo delicious!





I took some pictures of the room. Did I mention that it was dark in here?









We split an order of the green chicken enchiladas and an appetizer of Quesadilla (something with an H). The enchiladas came with black beans and rice. I don't care for Spanish rice and this was no different. I usually don't like black beans either, but these were delicious! I wonder if they prepare them too healthy for my taste in California?





After lunch we took some pictures of the topiaries and Christmas decorations as we made our way to Mission Space.









I couldn’t believe that this was only lizard #2





Now the wait for orange was only 15 minutes. Much better. Then our FP for Test Track was up. Fran declined to ride, so I made my vehicle all by myself.



Here was my performance. It was fun, but I like RSR better. Not as many jolts and stops.



By this time I was completely hitting a wall. I thought that we would be back at the resort by now (it was 3:30 already), but Fran wanted to go through Mouse Gears, she wanted a shirt, but the line was too long and she gave up. Then we drove through the art store. There was stuff we wanted, but getting it home would be a problem or costly, so we declined.

We took some photos of the topiaries by SE on our way out and then headed for the bus stop.







We've had pretty good bus MOJO this trip and didn't have to wait all that long. On our last trip we had a 40+ minute wait on one day for a bus to get to AK.

Back at the room, I plugged in the scooters and laid down for a nap. Really a nap, for me! It was 5PM and this was when we wanted to be leaving for DHS, but sleep was more important at this point.


Next up: All that and there’s no casino?

 

[jedijill]

That was strange about the maid insisting she come in for T&T! Lots of good character meets...your lunch looks yummy!

Jill in CO

 

[dhorner233]

Thanks for pointing out the Olafs at the Contemporary. They were little white blurs but I get the idea. I will have to go back and look at my pictures from the year before.

The security to get into the park - wow! When you say a full body scan do you mean walking through a metal detector or the full body, they see you naked scan? They still hand search everything. Not through a machine? Random pat downs? Sounds like the airports. Except you do get to keep your shoes on I guess.

And you patting down Fran?! ***? So we can pat each other down? How is that secure? (We can't say W*F?!)

How is DW security compared to Disneyland?

Nice dark ride and dark restaurant pictures! What type of lens did you use?

 

[pkondz]

I woke up just before 5AM this morning, but it was way too early to get up so I rolled back over and fell asleep for about an hour.

Nice. Nothing like going back to sleep 'cause you can.

We had generated another whole load of laundry since Friday.

Uh, oh.

I decided to run a test load of towels through the washer to make sure that it wouldn't damage any more clothes.

And?

Just as breakfast was about ready I convinced Fran to come in the kitchen rather than risk getting syrup in bed.

Probably a good call.

our choice of caffeine.

Interesting. Up until a couple of years ago, Mountain Dew in Canada didn't have caffeine.
It was actually illegal to add caffeine to it.
Now it's caffeinated. And I wish it wasn't. Means I can't have one late at night anymore.
At least not if I want to sleep.

We got her dressed and we're almost ready to go when the maid knocked for T&T service. I told her we were leaving shortly and then she could do it. Her reply was, "All I'm doing is Trash and Towels." With kind of a southern hospitality attitude. I wanted to say, "Well you can do your trash and towels when we're ready!" But I'm too polite.

What the what?
Settle down lady.

A few minutes go by and she barges in the door. I hollered, "Fran are you done in the bathroom? Are you decent?"

What?!?!!? Are you kidding?
I'd probably yell at her "Did you not hear me? Get out!"

Now that she was all up in our business in the bathroom I couldn't really use it until she was done. I should have just shut the door and made her wait! But I'm weird about that.

Once she's in, I guess it's easier to just let her finish and get out.
Still.... grrrr....

These really rude people started cutting in front of folks trying to say that there really wasn't a line it was just a crowd of people. I was like What?????

You were just not having any luck with normal human courtesies that day.

They must have had some kind of threat alert because they had bomb sniffing dogs. I've never seen those before.

Huh.

Two days after this day, we flew home and it was within a day or two of arriving home that Disney announced it’s “take no prisoners” policy where they banned costumes

Still bummed about that.

They couldn’t give her a pat down, so they sort of had me do it.

What? What does that accomplish?? That's incredibly stupid.

"Okay. I've finished patting her down and I definitely did not find the bomb I put in her chair."

Stupid.

So we hauled butt over to the character spot and we were 2 minutes late for our FP, but they must have a grace period because they let us in.

Phew! Close one.

Dad!!!

These pictures crack me up!

I was going to try and ride Mission space, but the posted wait time was 60 minutes for orange. So instead I got some Starbucks.

Good call.

I think it's a rule that Starbucks are not allowed to spell anyone's name right.

I was glad that I still had my dark ride lens on the camera because I needed it in here to get even substandard pictures!

Whoa. That's dark.

I took some pictures of the room. Did I mention that it was dark in here?

Nope!

I couldn’t believe that this was only lizard #2

Same lizard. He's stalking you.

Fran declined to ride, so I made my vehicle all by myself.

Not bad!

Bambi on crack. Cool.

On our last trip we had a 40+ minute wait on one day for a bus to get to AK.

Is this even possible???

Next up: All that and there’s no casino?

Love that title.

 

[afwdwfan]

Just a note: The bulk of this report was mostly written in “Notepad” on my phone while we were on the trip, and I have edited it slightly before posting. Two days after this day, we flew home and it was within a day or two of arriving home that Disney announced it’s “take no prisoners” policy where they banned costumes and started running people through full body scanners. So this was just the beginning of the heightened security.

Ok, first of all, your skills using your phones notepad are clearly far superior to mine.

But I remember hearing about security being beefed up and longer lines than normal. Sorry it caught you a little bit by surprise this morning.

By the way, on my second to last trip to Disneyland, my party was subjected to the “random security check.” Fran has multiple bionic parts in her body and they had no policy for dealing with her. They couldn’t give her a pat down, so they sort of had me do it. The whole situation was really weird and I don’t see how it would stop terrorists, but whatever.

Oh wow. Really? What's the point?

This whole metal detector system they use serves no purpose other than providing a token layer of security.

First of all, I don't think Disney necessarily needed them because their security is some of the best in the world anyway. They have enough plain clothes people around keeping an eye on things that it would be extremely difficult to do anything anyway.

But if you're going to put in metal detectors, you'd better make sure you've got enough to check everybody. Otherwise you're wasting time and causing frustration for the individuals who happen to get pulled off to the side.

So we hauled butt over to the character spot and we were 2 minutes late for our FP, but they must have a grace period because they let us in.

I think it is 5 minutes before, 15 minutes after...

We both ordered the San Angel Inn Margarita

I love those!

It has been a long time since I've had a meal there. I love the ambience of the place though. We might need to try to fit this one in next time.

Here was my performance. It was fun, but I like RSR better. Not as many jolts and stops.

RSR is way better for so many reasons...

On our last trip we had a 40+ minute wait on one day for a bus to get to AK.

Yikes! I'm glad this trip the bus service was better.

Back at the room, I plugged in the scooters and laid down for a nap. Really a nap, for me! It was 5PM and this was when we wanted to be leaving for DHS, but sleep was more important at this point.

It sounds like a much needed break. Hopefully you get up in time to still enjoy your evening plans!

 

[rentayenta]

Love the topiaries. They are just darling.

Cute sundress.

Starbucks spelled your name wrong.

 

[cruisehopeful]

Her reply was, "All I'm doing is Trash and Towels." With kind of a southern hospitality attitude. I wanted to say, "Well you can do your trash and towels when we're ready!" But I'm too polite.

A few minutes go by and she barges in the door.

That's really annoying. I had issues at the DL hotel and at VGC a couple times. It makes me think they are on a schedule with a manager who pushes them too much. That kind of stuff really puts a damper on the fun and relaxing part of being on vacation.

They couldn’t give her a pat down, so they sort of had me do it. The whole situation was really weird and I don’t see how it would stop terrorists, but whatever. [/QUOTE]
That's one the stupidest things I've ever read about. I hope they see this and come up with a different approach in the future.

Sounds like a lot of fun otherwise. Spaceship Earth looks really cool. It isn't what I imagined from the name and looks like classic old school Disney. I need to go back to WDW sometime. I hate flying and timezone changes, but I really miss the kind of rides that we had at DL when I was a kid and WDW seems to have more of those.

I can't figure out how I messed up that quote.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

These really rude people started cutting in front of folks trying to say that there really wasn't a line it was just a crowd of people. I was like What?????

I really, really hate people sometimes. Scratch that. Entitled people.

Just a note: The bulk of this report was mostly written in “Notepad” on my phone while we were on the trip, and I have edited it slightly before posting. Two days after this day, we flew home and it was within a day or two of arriving home that Disney announced it’s “take no prisoners” policy where they banned costumes and started running people through full body scanners. So this was just the beginning of the heightened security.

We didn't run into that, but I read the reports just after we left--and I was glad we missed it!

Fran has multiple bionic parts in her body and they had no policy for dealing with her. They couldn’t give her a pat down, so they sort of had me do it. The whole situation was really weird and I don’t see how it would stop terrorists, but whatever.

Wow, that's...weird.

And then we came back to earth.

But why??

I took some pictures of the room. Did I mention that it was dark in here?

Maybe just a little. I like the atmosphere in there, though.

I usually don't like black beans either, but these were delicious! I wonder if they prepare them too healthy for my taste in California?

That's why it's so dark. They were actually jelly beans.

Here was my performance. It was fun, but I like RSR better. Not as many jolts and stops.

I like RSR better, too. Especially since they muddled the storyline on TT.

Really a nap, for me!

 

[mvf-m11c]

I was a little surprised to read about the security being stepped up at the Disney parks where they have added the metal detectors, dogs, and more security around Christmas break time. I know what you mean about rude people that are trying to get through the security check point and turnstiles. I didn't experience that when I was at the DLR back in early December but there was more security at that time and I will experience that this coming weekend. I do carry a lot of stuff with me so hopefully it will be fast instead of slower. We have enough slow things to get into DL & DCA from the picture scan at the turnstiles if you are entering the park for the first time with that ticket. It seems like security at the parks are doing the same shakedowns like at any events where it can be annoying and I don't know what they are thinking about selecting certain people of the pat downs.

Very nice day at Epcot where you got to meet some characters. Glad to see that you are getting better and better with the Sigma lens during the dark rides. I always wanted to eat at the San Angel Inn which is like the BB version at DL where it is dark and a nice dining experience. The Christmas decorations at Epcot are interesting every year especially with the character topiaries.

 

[franandaj]

How is it that you are always sneaking in between my updates????

party pooper.

She's been called worse!

Tough. It's a public space. Deal with it.
"Excuse me. Would you mind not taking photos here?"
"No. Buzz off."

Oh really! Well, glad to be of service.

I hate wasting food, but I hate overeating more. If neither of you could finish you sundae without ordering dinner, I knew I wouldn't be able to eat one myself after lunch. I wouldn't have even been able to eat an entire lunch myself! And then I couldn't have had dessert.

Ruby's mom always told her to wear clean undies in case you wind up in emerg.

Good advice given by many parents. Just not mine.

Good luck!

Well I'm working on it!

She was just in suspended animation (no pun intended... well maybe a little) but now she's really gone.

Except that they must have cloned her because she was all over the restaurant. Someone must have soared her!

ew.
But wasn't that one behind glass?

Yes that one was behind glass. But you don't know how long it's been sitting there. I'm weird like that. I throw out food for fear of spoilage, either that or we give it to Naked Jim. He'll eat food that's been in our fridge for a week or longer.

That was strange about the maid insisting she come in for T&T! Lots of good character meets...your lunch looks yummy!

Jill in CO

I know. I was like, "You can wait 10 minutes and we'll be gone." But no. If they do that for our stay at VWL, I'm going to bolt the door! Lunch was so good. That's going back on the repeat list. The queso fundidio was awesome! Already I'm craving animal products!

Thanks for pointing out the Olafs at the Contemporary. They were little white blurs but I get the idea. I will have to go back and look at my pictures from the year before.

Who knows if they were new for this year or not.

The security to get into the park - wow! When you say a full body scan do you mean walking through a metal detector or the full body, they see you naked scan? They still hand search everything. Not through a machine? Random pat downs? Sounds like the airports. Except you do get to keep your shoes on I guess.

At DL they have airport style screening machines. They are the older kind, not the ones where you put your hands up and they see you. I think they're just metal detectors. You don't have to take your shoes off. And yes they hand search all bags and then randomly choose people to go through the metal detectors.

And you patting down Fran?! ***? So we can pat each other down? How is that secure? (We can't say W*F?!)

I know it was crazy!

How is DW security compared to Disneyland?

I wasn't at WDW when the metal detectors were installed, we had already left.

Nice dark ride and dark restaurant pictures! What type of lens did you use?

It was a Sigma 35mm 1.4 lens.

Nice. Nothing like going back to sleep 'cause you can.

Uh, oh.

And?

Everything was fine.

Probably a good call.

Syrup in bed is never a good thing.

Interesting. Up until a couple of years ago, Mountain Dew in Canada didn't have caffeine.
It was actually illegal to add caffeine to it.
Now it's caffeinated. And I wish it wasn't. Means I can't have one late at night anymore.
At least not if I want to sleep.

Fran likes it because it has the highest caffeine content of almost all sodas. Jolt is the only one with more of they still make that. She can drink that stuff day and night and she can still barely stay awake.

What the what?
Settle down lady.

I know right?

What?!?!!? Are you kidding?
I'd probably yell at her "Did you not hear me? Get out!"

And they say Canadians are supposed to be polite. I'm going to throw the latch on our door on T&T day next trip!

Once she's in, I guess it's easier to just let her finish and get out.
Still.... grrrr....

The only way to throw her out would have been physically and I didn't want to get involved in that.

You were just not having any luck with normal human courtesies that day.

No I wasn't.

Huh.

At least it was before the implementation of metal detectors and the like, but it sure seemed like something was up and I guess it was.

Still bummed about that.

I know. I have no reason now really to go back to a Halloween party.

What? What does that accomplish?? That's incredibly stupid.

"Okay. I've finished patting her down and I definitely did not find the bomb I put in her chair."

Stupid.

Exactly!

Dad!!!

So the one sitting down, is that the one that looks like your dad?

I think it's a rule that Starbucks are not allowed to spell anyone's name right.

The vet either. I just had to change my name there too.

Whoa. That's dark.

Half of my shots didn't even come out!

Same lizard. He's stalking you.

He must have a transporter to that's how he gets around from resort to park.

Bambi on crack. Cool.

Is this even possible???

I didn't think so, but we got to the stop at 10 to 9. The bus was scheduled to arrive at 9:03, then the arrival time changed to 9:12. In fact all the buses changed. Then 9:17. A bus for Epcot came, then one for DHS. By this time ours said like 9:25. Then an AK bus came and it was full. They crammed everyone but us on the bus and said another would be right there. Sure enough one came and we had it pretty much to ourselves. But by that time it was 9:30 and I think our FPs for the safari closed at 9:50. We did end up making it though.

Love that title.

Thanks!

 

[pkondz]

How is it that you are always sneaking in between my updates????

I don't know!

She's been called worse!

Probably by her spouse.

I hate wasting food, but I hate overeating more. If neither of you could finish you sundae without ordering dinner, I knew I wouldn't be able to eat one myself after lunch. I wouldn't have even been able to eat an entire lunch myself! And then I couldn't have had dessert.

I try to keep my TRs educational and informative.


Or something.

Good advice given by many parents. Just not mine.

Well I'm working on it!

I saw that on FB.

Except that they must have cloned her because she was all over the restaurant. Someone must have soared her!

Science. Whoa.

Everything was fine.

phew.

Fran likes it because it has the highest caffeine content of almost all sodas. Jolt is the only one with more of they still make that. She can drink that stuff day and night and she can still barely stay awake.

Wow. One Coke after supper and I'm usually toast

And they say Canadians are supposed to be polite.

Just don't rile us.

The only way to throw her out would have been physically and I didn't want to get involved in that.

Well... sure.
Be polite. "Excuse me, could you give me your supervisor's name and number? Thanks."

I know. I have no reason now really to go back to a Halloween party.

I was thinking the same thing.

So the one sitting down, is that the one that looks like your dad?

The Centurion

He must have a transporter to that's how he gets around from resort to park.

Nah. He hitched a ride on your back.

Looked to me like his eyes were bugging out.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Just catching up! Slight distraction with 3 weeks in hospital...

Exciting about your Mississippi River trip. New Orleans is a place we love. The ship looks amazing. A bay window a good choice. Who wants mosquitoes coming in anyway? I love the rooms on the ship. The dining room looks amazing.

I am delighted to hear about the scooter friendly swamp tour!

Oh my re SSR - OKW I am glad it got eventually sorted out!

I love the photo on the speeder bike. I wish I had got a supply of those cinamon rolls in hospital. We thought the holiday decs were best at the BW area. BC was amazing. Loving B & Cream. We were shocked how small it was!

Nice photo of you with Mickey and great dress. Dinner looks good. Enjoyed catching up!