The ABCs of a New 'Ohana Adventure-G is for: Greetings From Teppan, Good-Byes, and Good News!!! - COMPLETED 1/7

[Wood Nymph]

We were at POR last week. I had booked a last minute trip and it turned out to be good in so many ways. We were lucky enough to fly out of Chicago the day after a snowstorm and fly home the day before another storm would have cancelled our flights. We had gorgeous weather that ranged from 67 overnight and as high as 85, and rain free. Not only was it the best weather we ever experienced on a January trip to WDW, but some of the best weather - period. We also had good luck with buses and boats. For some reason it always seems hard to return to the Dis forums after a trip.

Your Japanese meal looks very authentic. My sister and her husband lived in Japan for a time while he worked for a non-Japanese corporation. The Japanese have many social customs and it would be easy to break them inadvertently. I remember her story about wearing the wrong slippers to the bathroom when visiting a Japanese household. I can't help but think that when you ordered red wine they were a little bit surprised.

The wagyu bone marrow dish looks likes it would very filling. I wonder if it is an attempt to please the American palate, which is more used to beef than fish.

We enjoy the Liberty Bell and seldom venture off the outside decks to see the interior rooms. I just wish it wasn't so darn loud on that boat.

Of the quieter, non-dark, non-thrill rides, perhaps a show-type, but could be a "ride", which do you enjoy most? Ideas that come to mind: Country Bears, Hall of Presidents, Liberty Belle, COP, IaSW, even Swiss Family.... Choose one or two and tell us why.

We like to visit Country Bears, mostly out of nostalgia, since we used to take our children to MK back when it was the only park at WDW. We will drop into Mickey's Philharmonic when bored, hot or cold or to escape the rain. We rode COP for the first time in December, and just like the last time we rode it 20 years ago, the ride broke. You would have thought they could fix that ride once and for all.

 

[DonnaBeeGood]

.

 

[franandaj]

Believe me, real Africa has far more trash everywhere you look, there is no running hot water

No thanks....

most places have running sewage on the sides of the streets.

Ewww...I just can't.

And yet…. Visiting Harambe in AK makes me want to go back to Africa.

You're crazy. I know you have good intentions, but I just can't deal with that kind of living.

Ever see a hippo fart? And just like an 4111-year old boy, he’s even laughing as he does it.

That was for Mark wasn't it?

Were you amused by our tour? I always am! <USE YOUR HAND SANITIZER AGAIN! Those buses are nasty and you touched them!>

Your pictures are beautiful. The lighting was so perfect! You and that hand sanitizer. I rarely use it and also rarely get sick. Fran puts it on her hands and canes at every opportunity and she is almost always sick.

Do you think it's weird for adults at Disney to do the activities that might be considered kids' stuff? Like the Agent P hunts at EPCOT or the Wilderness Badges at AK?

I don't think there are any activities that should be considered specific to any age range. At the NAMM show last weekend I saw a sign that said, "All musicians must be accompanied by an adult." So in that case....I can participate in any activity, kid or not. Someday I want to go to the Bibity-Bobity Boutique.

 

[franandaj]

Somewhat literally, “I humbly receive” in Japanese. Or, in more common terms, “Bon appetite!” or “Thanks for the food!”.

My favorite after a meal is "gotch kosame dash ta", "It was a great feast".

​

Look at Pkondz! All gussied up!

Every table setting was the same, graced with a perfectly themed napkin fold. I loved this special touch!

It's a very cute table setting. I'm torn whether or not to try and get Fran to go here this trip or not.

The cocktails were both delicious and a fun and interesting start to our meal!

Sounds fun!

As Pkondz mentioned in his chapter, I did say that I was second guessing my order and almost changed at that point. And our server did say that many guests do say that about this course. It was absolutely mouth-watering and I’d go back there JUST for this dish.

Sounds really good. I think Fran would like to order this as her entree.

Our next course was the appetizer: a beautiful sampling of exquisite sushi. I did not take notes, but from the looks of it we were served tuna, toro, salmon, yellowtail, and uni.

I'm thinking that the tuna could have been halibut, then again now that I think about it albacore sushi is white. I had that in Vancouver once instead of the ahi tuna we normally get in the states.

Nikomi Wagyu, roasted bone marrow, braised Jackman Farms wagyu shortrib, Yuzu Kosho, wasabi shiso Bavaroise, Warishita.

This sounds so delicious!

I asked to speak with the sommelier to get a recommendation and to see a price list. 10 minutes after I made my request a large red wine goblet shows up on tray. Ummmm, how the heck much is THAT gonna cost?

Ummm....that's really strange. I would probably go with sake anyways. The more I read, the more I want to go here!

But what I can say is that it was… very, VERY different. Salty, sharp, a bit sweet, and a bit shocking. One bite was definitely enough to do exactly what it was supposed to

Hmmm....that's a much more vivid picture than what pkondz painted!

Wagyu Tabekurabe Japanese A5 wagyu strip steak paired with Jackman Farms wagyu strip steak, roast cippolini onion, curried potato, seasonal mushroom, yuzu kosho, fresh grated wasabi, arima sansho pepper reduction.

OMG that looks even better!

But once again, this course proved to be too much for my teensy tummy and sadly I had to leave a bit of the American wagyu behind. I loved this meal, but the richness of the meat-heavy courses took its toll and I started to become overly full and uncomfortable.

That's why I think I should get the Omakase and Fran just help me while she has an entree.

When the cup is presented to the guest, it is always given with the design facing the guest so he or she can admire it. But before a sip is taken, the cup is rotated so the guests can admire the cup and design while the sipper drinks.

Interesting!

As a sweet parting gift, we were given a little gift of candies with a darling thank you note written on an oragami-folded paper. Pkondz, being the gentleman he is let me keep them as a souvenir and the little note is now on my Disney pinboard as a takehome treasure to remember our amazing meal.

They only gave you one? That's kind of weird, but nice that he let you keep it.

Would I return? Yes, I definitely would, but would likely not order the tasting menu again.

Yeah, but it's something that I think needs to be done once!

 

[pkondz]

Look at Pkondz! All gussied up!

I'm like a reverse werewolf. When the moon is full (but only the harvest moon), I get all cleaned up.

 

[Steppesister]

... false post!

Stupid fat fingers.

 

[Steppesister]

K is for: Kingdom Kibbitzing

These last 2 chapters will be followed up with some explanations and commentary... I won't leave you hanging, promise. Read this one to the end and tell me.

And a small note about the photos. I lost my entire catalogue of Lightroom, my main editing program, the other day, so bought PS but haven't learned anything yet. My LR has since been "restored" but editing has had some frustrations in this process. That's the long way of saying, I realize most of these photos stink. Hopefully my transition will iron itself out soon. ​

Making our way into Magic Kingdom once more,
I meet up with Merida and red hair galore.

(No, I wasn't punched in the eye. It's not swollen shut.)





​

After attractions and sun on our faces,
It’s time for some breakfast at delicious places.

(We ate at both this trip... I'll give my thoughts in the next update.)
​

Grottos with mermaids under the sea,
Gadgets and gizmos she’s pillaged for free.

(This one...reflects a beautiful mermaid...)


( ...and this one reflects some undersea demon that will eat your face off.)

​

It’s a Small World of glitter and dolls,
For most of my friends it... less than enthralls.




Carpets of magic, for kids it suits fine,
Because of the whining I don’t stand in line.

​

Knights and fair maidens, from young to the old,
Can mount on his steed taking hold.

​

Intense is the name of this showdown with Zurg,
Hit targets just right and your points will just surge!

(Yikes, much?!)


(Yikes even more?!)​

Never too old to taste some Pooh honey,
But it’s Disney brand, so you pay lots of money.

​

Gaston's gives you victuals to go on a bit more,
Sorcerer games seem to be games with no score?

​

Digging up diamonds in little men's mines,
We’re out of control in shaft Number 9!!!!!

​

Open air seating for bland, average food,
I now understand why it’s so badly reviewed.

(I had to research why on Earth Pinocchio was dancing with a Russian Cossack girl!)




​

Mansion ghosts dance and spirts we bid,
Now in this chapter, do you see what I did?

(The pros)


(The Clueless)


(Story of Captain Clyne to follow...)​

 

[Malia78]

Acrostic for Magic Kingdom...clever little Liesa

 

[Steppesister]

Acrostic for Magic Kingdom...clever little Liesa

You are the second, but first to shout it out!!! And, it doesn't surprise me, for you are pretty clever yourself having done the same thing Ms. Facebook Disney Trip Acrostic. I will way, pinky swear, I didn't remember until I just NOW saw your post!!! I was sad you couldn't finish yours last trip!!!!

 

[Malia78]

I was sad you couldn't finish yours last trip!!!!

That was a definite let down but no worries....already got my word for February's trip

 

[Steppesister]

That was a definite let down but no worries....already got my word for February's trip

LOL! Of course you do!!!

 

[Steppesister]

That's one of my favourite things. Well... not the sweet treats so much (I tend not to on Main St., reserving that for Dole whip), but I loooove hearing ragtime there.

I don't either. My kids spend a fair bit though this time.

I've seen that before... the word Allemande in reference to square dancing (I think?) But have no idea what it means.

I know from when I was a kid at summer camp. It was a working ranch in the Sierra Nevada and every Tuesday was Barn Dance Night. I learned to polka and square dance and one of the songs/dances whose lyrics are:

All join hands and circle the ring
Stop where you are and you give her a swing (partner)
Swing that little gal behind you (corner)
Swing your own if you have found that she's not flown
Allemande left with the corner girl
Dosado your own
Now you all promenade with that sweet corner maid
Singing oh, Johnny, oh, Johnny, oh....

Sung by Ella Fitzgerald

It was such great fun. To allemande is a country or swing dance move but is also, and comes from, German dancing. And now you know.

That surprised me too (when I saw the photos).

I'd never seen them use the fire car; maybe the horses were still in bed.

You rhymed cadence with impatience?? <slow clap>

Why thank you very much. <takes a bow>

<groan> Okay that one was awful.

LOL!! A misstep in my cadence.

I had to Google that. Interesting! I love that too, now.

See?!! (You need to visit the Family Museum in San Fran. But there's more reference to Carolwood coming up later in my TR.)

I can't wait for Tron!

Me neither, but am desperately hoping it's a smooth track.

Oh really? I had no idea.

I'm thinking of applying to the position of Expert Disney Bathroom Locator. I'm planning on setting up my umbrella'd kiosk at the hub. Practicing my two-fingered point now... which is better that a one-fingered salute.

How so? That one I don't get.

'75. The year Space Mountain opened.

Still haven't done that. DL, yes. WDW, no.

I like that they are different to enjoy both.

Okay, that's pretty cool and impressive!

Right?!! Every. Hour!!!

I see what you did there.

YOU are the first! But not the only... Looks like Kari saw it too!

Oh, man... that's a tough one. My favourite three things are either thrill or dark... hmmm... I think I'll say the ambiance on Main St. that you mentioned earlier. Hearing rag time. The feel of olden times gone by.
[/QUOTE

And that, I'd agree with you, MS IS an attraction. I could listen to Jim the piano man for quite a while. With some Casey's nuggies, of course!

 

[Steppesister]

Well... not quite. I was trying (miserably) to speak French and almost always, the server would switch to English rather than have their ears assaulted with my horrible accent/grammar.

They all are probably saying amongst themselves, "Oy, these Canadians trying to speak "French"! It's almost worse than putting up with those uncouth and rude Americans."

That I was a detraction? I'm not at all surprised.

One can never have enough funky.

Funka-doodle-doo!!!!

No. But I can understand English with a strong Japanese accent.

Details, details.

 

[Steppesister]

We were at POR last week. I had booked a last minute trip and it turned out to be good in so many ways.

OH nice!! An impromptu trip!!!

We were lucky enough to fly out of Chicago the day after a snowstorm and fly home the day before another storm would have cancelled our flights.

Phew! Dodged that one!

We had gorgeous weather that ranged from 67 overnight and as high as 85, and rain free. Not only was it the best weather we ever experienced on a January trip to WDW, but some of the best weather - period. We also had good luck with buses and boats. For some reason it always seems hard to return to the Dis forums after a trip.

That sounds absolutely divine! How perfectly PERFECT! As for returning to the DIS after a trip... I sure do get that! I don't struggle with it with Disney so much because I love to do these Trip Reports and am anxious to start, but I do struggle when I come back from other trips. I get really behind and bogged down.

Your Japanese meal looks very authentic. My sister and her husband lived in Japan for a time while he worked for a non-Japanese corporation. The Japanese have many social customs and it would be easy to break them inadvertently.

I was so blown away by the presentation and artistry of it. So beautiful!! And I totally get the social customs thing. There were a lot when I lived in Kazakhstan as well and I was accidently biffing it socially all th time. It got easier over time, but those early years...

I remember her story about wearing the wrong slippers to the bathroom when visiting a Japanese household.

Oh dear!!!! I wonder if they threw them away after they went home.

I can't help but think that when you ordered red wine they were a little bit surprised.

Maybe although, to what extent I don't know. I don't honestly know how much they drink wine, other than rice wine.

The wagyu bone marrow dish looks likes it would very filling. I wonder if it is an attempt to please the American palate, which is more used to beef than fish.

Possibly? And that's a very good point. I always thought of Osso bucco as an Italian dish so was super surprised this was part of the Omakase.

We enjoy the Liberty Bell and seldom venture off the outside decks to see the interior rooms. I just wish it wasn't so darn loud on that boat.

It is loud, but my guess is that's due to the engines being real, unmuffled, and NOT enclosed. The last time I was on it, the time I was taking those photos, there was an out-of-control kid on the top deck and completely wrecking my otherwise quiet and peaceful boat ride. I had to retreat to the back of the boat and my photos were at times not what I wanted them to be.

We like to visit Country Bears, mostly out of nostalgia, since we used to take our children to MK back when it was the only park at WDW.

I haven't been in years and sure would like to visit it again soon. For nostalgia sake.

We will drop into Mickey's Philharmonic when bored, hot or cold or to escape the rain.

LOL!! And that's one I like to go in nearly every trip. For some reason I reallly like it. Not sure why, but I guess I just... do.

We rode COP for the first time in December, and just like the last time we rode it 20 years ago, the ride broke. You would have thought they could fix that ride once and for all.

It broke down for the kids and me too this trip. We got stuck in the 50s for 3 cycles at which point it just wasn't funny anymore.

 

[Steppesister]

COP and the Liberty Belle are top favourites for sure. Liberty Belle always gives me a sense of peace, and COP lets me appreciate a classic. But I'd have to say the People Mover is my top non-thrill ride

Two of mine as well for the exact same reasons. It'd be very hard to rank your 3 for myself though. Hmm, maybe 1. COP 2. People Mover 3. LB

 

[Steppesister]

You're crazy. I know you have good intentions, but I just can't deal with that kind of living.

Well, my return trip isn't with "good intentions". I just want to go on an authentic safari and photograph wild animals and drink S. African wine.

That was for Mark wasn't it?

You know me (and him) too well.

Your pictures are beautiful. The lighting was so perfect! You and that hand sanitizer. I rarely use it and also rarely get sick. Fran puts it on her hands and canes at every opportunity and she is almost always sick.

Thanks, Alison.

For all of my joking I rarely use it. Unless I'm at work and then I use it about 14 times and hour. Or more.

I don't think there are any activities that should be considered specific to any age range. At the NAMM show last weekend I saw a sign that said, "All musicians must be accompanied by an adult." So in that case....I can participate in any activity, kid or not. Someday I want to go to the Bibity-Bobity Boutique.

I dont either, but I think you're gonna have a very hard time convincing Disney to let adults to the Boutique with the current cotuming rules.

My favorite after a meal is "gotch kosame dash ta", "It was a great feast".

I'd like to say that's one I should remember, but I can't even remember where my car keys are half the time.

It's a very cute table setting. I'm torn whether or not to try and get Fran to go here this trip or not.

Isn't it?!

I do think she'd like it. I know she likes Asian and fish AND fine dining. This does have all 3.

Sounds really good. I think Fran would like to order this as her entree.

I concur. Knowing her tastes at least a little, I think this would be a perfect entree for her.

I'm thinking that the tuna could have been halibut, then again now that I think about it albacore sushi is white. I had that in Vancouver once instead of the ahi tuna we normally get in the states.

Maybe? It changes nightly, so I couldn't look up the set menu.

This sounds so delicious!

OH trust me...

Ummm....that's really strange. I would probably go with sake anyways. The more I read, the more I want to go here!

It was bizarre!! And in hindsight... yeah, maybe should have.

Hmmm....that's a much more vivid picture than what pkondz painted!

It was so striking and different!! Definitely one that caught my attention.

OMG that looks even better!

See? This place is growing on you, isn't it?

That's why I think I should get the Omakase and Fran just help me while she has an entree.

Now THAT is a great idea!! For you two I think that is a perfect solution.

They only gave you one? That's kind of weird, but nice that he let you keep it.

Yeah I guess it's a one per party policy not per guest?

Yeah, but it's something that I think needs to be done once!

Yep, super glad I did it once. It had to be done.

 

[pkondz]

And a small note about the photos. I lost my entire catalogue of Lightroom, my main editing program, the other day,

Oh, man... sorry to hear that.

I meet up with Merida and red hair galore.

Two pretty redheads.

(No, I wasn't punched in the eye. It's not swollen shut.)

Who is the cad that dared assault you, so?

(We ate at both this trip... I'll give my thoughts in the next update.)

Good. I'm wondering where that sammie came from.

(This one...reflects a beautiful mermaid...)

( ...and this one reflects some undersea demon that will eat your face off.)

It’s a Small World of glitter and dolls,
For most of my friends it... less than enthralls.

That's a... diplomatic way of putting it.

Carpets of magic, for kids it suits fine,
Because of the whining I don’t stand in line.

7 times in a row...
Seven... times...

(Yikes, much?!)


(Yikes even more?!)

Who got the highest score, though?

Never too old to taste some Pooh honey,
But it’s Disney brand, so you pay lots of money.

Open air seating for bland, average food,
I now understand why it’s so badly reviewed.

The only thing I'd try there tomato basil soup. Maybe the breadsticks.

(I had to research why on Earth Pinocchio was dancing with a Russian Cossack girl!)

Because it's in the movie?

Now in this chapter, do you see what I did?

Of course. In both, actually.

(The pros)


(The Clueless)

And I can't quote the photos, because I'm at work, but did see them on my phone. I absolutely love the photo of the flying pirate ship!

 

[pkondz]

It was such great fun. To allemande is a country or swing dance move but is also, and comes from, German dancing. And now you know.

Of course it's from Germany. It's right in the word "Allemande" is French for German.
But I still don't know what it looks like.

I'd never seen them use the fire car; maybe the horses were still in bed.

Was the ground wet? I know the Headless Horseman can't ride if it's wet.

LOL!! A misstep in my cadence.

See?!! (You need to visit the Family Museum in San Fran. But there's more reference to Carolwood coming up later in my TR.)

It's on my list!

Me neither, but am desperately hoping it's a smooth track.

Almost positive it will be.

I'm thinking of applying to the position of Expert Disney Bathroom Locator. I'm planning on setting up my umbrella'd kiosk at the hub. Practicing my two-fingered point now... which is better that a one-fingered salute.

No shi…. um... er… No kidding!

'75. The year Space Mountain opened.

Oh! D'oh!

I like that they are different to enjoy both.

Someday...

YOU are the first! But not the only... Looks like Kari saw it too!

I saw that.

And that, I'd agree with you, MS IS an attraction. I could listen to Jim the piano man for quite a while. With some Casey's nuggies, of course! ​

They all are probably saying amongst themselves, "Oy, these Canadians trying to speak "French"! It's almost worse than putting up with those uncouth and rude Americans."

 

[buzzrelly]

Make your way up the merriest of Streets,
Listen to ragtime and sample sweet treats.

​

Yum! Rice Krispy Treats and Candy Corn…two of my favorites…and two things I should never eat!

(The hat tip to the Carolwood makes me smile rather largely.)​

Starports can take you or electric car.

​

Mike's favorite girl

It’s a Small World of glitter and dolls,
For most of my friends it... less than enthralls.

Just ONE friend, @pkondz , and what does he know?? He doesn't even like coconut!

Now in this chapter, do you see what I did?

Very clever

And my favorite attraction for a little break is the Wedway People Mover

 

[pkondz]

Just ONE friend, @pkondz , and what does he know?? He doesn't even like coconut!

This is true and....



HEY!!!