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

[Steppesister]

Was that con among roll from Gaston's? It looks much more up my alley than the Kussifari one....

Yes, it was! And it's very good. Fluffier and more cinnamon-y than the Kusafiri one.

And until Kari pointed it out I had no idea what you did there.

When is your February trip? I think I owe you an email response....

Looks like you guys are going to miss each other by a few days. I think there may be some talk of a Fall trip to DLR in the works for some Oogie Boogie, maybe we should have a chit-chat...

She's wanting to scale back a bit on fine dining. Instead she'd like to opt for more casual meals. Then again we're going to be dining at Yachtsman again this trip, but that's with a 50% coupon, so nice!

OH? Well, there are plenty of yummy places that are not signature, and IMHO just as delicious. How did you get a 50% coupon?! I've been wanting to eat there FOREVER.

We will see. We have several nights to play app roulette. Perhaps when I keep mentioning that they have availability she might bite one night.

 

[Steppesister]

I am all caught up finally!!

It's so great to have you back, Chloe! It's been forever since I've seen you here.

I didn't know you were in Disneyland that weekend in November! DH and I were there too! Looks like you had a lovely trip! Also very jealous you got to eat at Club 33 again!

I was! Sorry we missed seeing each other. I had no idea you were there.

Thanks for the review of Raglan! I'll be eating there for the first time this March and I'm excited to try it out! I can't believe the managers comment about TIW. I don't know what it is about that card but I have had more strange interactions using it than you would expect! Which baffles me considering you have to pay to get it and its not exactly cheap lol

You're very welcome! You will LOVE it, but!

MAKE SURE YOU REQUEST A TABLE CLOSE TO THE STAGE OR A HIGHTOPPER JUST OFF THE MAIN FLOOR. There are loads of tables at Raglan that you can't even see the stage from at all. I mean, what's the point? I've had so much drama with that card. WAY more than ever should have happened. I don't get it.

Your recounting of F&W snacks is making me super bummed to not have a trip booked for the festival this year. Gonna have to see if I can sneak a weekend in somewhere...

Weekend trips are better than no trips especially for F&W. Although, weekends at EPCOT suck for crowds.

The cinnamon roll in Harambe, where might one find one of these treasures? Do they count as a Disney snack credit

At a little kiosk by the Safari entrance called Kusafiri's Bakery. Not sure about Dining credits since I've never done the dining plan (well in like 10 years) but easy to find out on A ll ears....

So Takumi-Tei hasn't really been on my list to try but your review makes me want to go!

I do think everyone CAN find something they'd like there. Yes, it's Asian/Japanese-inspired, but I mean, steak? Most folks like that.

 

[Steppesister]

All caught up. Love the pic of you and Merida!!!!

Thanks! She was so sweet and made my solo Meet not awkward at all.

 

[Steppesister]

Trying to catch up...



Would that be spelled spoiled or pampered?

True, they're not in the wild, but they have life so easy. Not having to hunt for food. Not being afraid for their lives if they can actually find a water hole. Not having to worry about migrations frought with perils. Medications to fight off dreadful disease. Poor, poor animals.

I'm confused...

I was just trying to differentiate that I had really wanted some photos of animals in their natural habitat (ie. REAL Africa) instead of Disney ones that are by definition easier to take photos of.

Sure Disney critters are VERY well cared for and have few worries that their wild cousins would face.

 

[Steppesister]

Catching up. I left my house today for the first time in a week! Things are slowly getting back to normal after the massive blizzard, but schools are still closed until Monday because it's still not safe to have buses on the narrow streets.

YIKES!! What a horrible mess and scary. I followed the weather for your area pretty closely and was just astounded at the amounts and heights of the drifts. The pressure alone was quite impressive!

Glad you guys are starting to recover and get back to normalcy.

So sad that I have never gone on the Liberty Belle. Although in my defence, last trip I believe it was closed.
It looks like something I would really enjoy. I would love to explore it a little. I assume you can walk around when it's moving?

Yes, I think it did recently go through a refurb. Bummer it was during your trip!

Yes, you are absolutely allowed to stroll the ship. In fact, if you go around twice, the first trip you can explore the interior where there is some really cool props and photos and stuff, and the 2nd time around you can see all the little scenes along the shores of TSI and the riverbanks.

Country Bears. Can never have enough "blood on the saddle".
DW and oldest DD got into a huge fit of laughing at Enchanted Tiki Room. Even they don't know what it was about, but we always talk about that, maybe not so much for the show but it's still a great memory.
My youngest loved Monsters Inc Laugh Floor too. I would go back with her.

I kinda actually hope I can make it to CBJ on my next trip. I've been saying it for years now and just need to make it a priority.

That's a super funny story, Jeff. I wonder what cracked them up so much in there. LOL!

I have a fun story with Monsters, (ummmm, I just put that into acronym and came up with something the DIS would never let me post, or shouldn't anyway!! ) for this trip too. We had such a ball!

My fave. The only princess I always get a picture with.

Is it the red hair? Her character's personality? An interaction you've had in the past? I'm actually genuinely curious how you came to make her your favorite. I don't really have one, so am always wondering what it is about characters that make them favorites.

That fruit and cheese late looks great, a nice break from the usual heavy breakfast. Did you get all this at Gaston's Tavern?
Awesome cinnamon bun. I think you may have told me the one in AK is better through?

I think so, but just a personal preference. The one in Africa is a bit more flaky than the super THICK Gaston's one and a bit more flavored with other spices with no white frosting.

 

[Steppesister]

The Japanese restaurant looks amazing. I've had plenty of sushi, but no fancy beef. And of course if I ever have a chance to go, I'd want to do the tasting menu, just once. I have done a Japanese tea ceremony before, back in college when I took an Into to Japanese Culture class, but I'm pretty sure it was *not* the 4 hour version. I never did develop a taste for green tea, except for green tea ice cream.

OH nice!! And you should do the tasting menu just once to get an overview. As for green tea... me neither. I like Jasmine flavored tea, but not matcha or straight up green.

As for favorite non-ride (however it was you limited it), I think Tom Sawyer's Island would be mine. Of course, I still never have gotten around to some of the other choices, so that might change in the future. I also don't think we saw every bit of Tom Sawyer's Island when we were there!

Ah ha! A 2nd vote for TSI. There's something so adventurous about that area. And far more to see than most folks give credit for. I also hear Aunt Polly's is open again so there's an option if you want to stay longer now.

Glad you are starting to feel better, and sending you more healing vibes...

Aww, Thanks, Irence. Each day with small setbacks is a little better. A very little. For the last couple of nights I've had to take either a muscle relaxant or Norco and will be on Gabapentin for the unforeseeable future. But in general it's an upward trend. I think in a week and a half I'll be as ready as I'll ever be to get back to work.

 

[Steppesister]

Love it!

Also love your HM pics...I think it takes some serious skill to actually pose for these photos and get the timing right!! I don't think I make it to WDW often enough to learn how this works!! Gonna give it a shot this trip though!

LOL!! It's fun to try to be ready for them to get goofy attempts at humor. I can't wait to see your photos!

 

[Steppesister]

I'm around


NOW


As previously mentioned, it's been a busy few weeks, so trying to play catch up (not to be confused with ketchup)

Well, there you are! Sounds like a very busy time you've had lately!

Why do I have a sudden hankering for a hot dog now?

 

[Wood Nymph]

Sorcerer games seem to be games with no score?

We've spent some time playing the Sorcerer's games and collecting cards. Those cards are a big deal to some people and you can find groups of people who hang out at Tortuga Tavern with their albums. But the fact there is no score to the game makes it a little dull.

MAKE SURE YOU REQUEST A TABLE CLOSE TO THE STAGE OR A HIGHTOPPER JUST OFF THE MAIN FLOOR. There are loads of tables at Raglan that you can't even see the stage from at all. I mean, what's the point?

We stayed at POR recently, which made it really easy to go to Disney Springs. We had dinner at Raglan Road and the food was great. But there was a mixup with our table and they gave our hightopper to someone else. We ended up in the corner of the music room, far from the main stage. The only plus was that they had two dancers and a musician give us a little show right by our table. We had seen the main stage show on another trip, so it wasn't too terrible to be in the back.

 

[franandaj]

Yes, it was! And it's very good. Fluffier and more cinnamon-y than the Kusafiri one.

We might pick up some of those for breakfast in the room!

OH? Well, there are plenty of yummy places that are not signature, and IMHO just as delicious. How did you get a 50% coupon?! I've been wanting to eat there FOREVER.

It's not my coupon. Disney is very generous with their coupons to CMs, and I'm lucky enough to know at least two CMs who are willing to share their 50 with us. One on each coast!

Every October they get at 50, 40, and a 30, I think. The 50 has the most restrictions. Had you come in December we were planning to use the 50 at NR, but due to circumstances that meal never happened.

 

[Cloe Colton]

It's so great to have you back, Chloe! It's been forever since I've seen you here.

I was! Sorry we missed seeing each other. I had no idea you were there.

You're very welcome! You will LOVE it, but!

MAKE SURE YOU REQUEST A TABLE CLOSE TO THE STAGE OR A HIGHTOPPER JUST OFF THE MAIN FLOOR. There are loads of tables at Raglan that you can't even see the stage from at all. I mean, what's the point? I've had so much drama with that card. WAY more than ever should have happened. I don't get it.

Weekend trips are better than no trips especially for F&W. Although, weekends at EPCOT suck for crowds.

At a little kiosk by the Safari entrance called Kusafiri's Bakery. Not sure about Dining credits since I've never done the dining plan (well in like 10 years) but easy to find out on A ll ears....

I do think everyone CAN find something they'd like there. Yes, it's Asian/Japanese-inspired, but I mean, steak? Most folks like that.

I know!! I got soooo behind! But I’m back in action. Crazy how much better I feel when I am all caught up! Missed everyone! Lol

Im surprised I didn’t notice on Facebook! Although I feel like I spent most of my time just in awe there that I wasn’t on FB that much!! Glad you had fun!!

Good tip on the table at Raglan!! I will definitely do that! We'll be there the weekend before St. Pattys day so hopefully we'll get lucky!

That's super true about F&W and weekends. At least I'll get two visits to F&G this year haha

Definitely need to check that cinnamon roll out! Snack or no snack! Lol

And that's true! We'll get there at some point! We're doing Monsieur Paul's this trip after your review from last time which I'm excited for!

 

[Steppesister]

We've spent some time playing the Sorcerer's games and collecting cards. Those cards are a big deal to some people and you can find groups of people who hang out at Tortuga Tavern with their albums. But the fact there is no score to the game makes it a little dull.

I agree! I mean, yes, I realize it's a really big draw for some folks, but is the point just to collect the cards? That's okay, I'm just more competitive than that and want to always be going head to head with someone or bettering my own skill.

Honestly, my impression is that it's mostly a card trading hobby.

We stayed at POR recently, which made it really easy to go to Disney Springs. We had dinner at Raglan Road and the food was great. But there was a mixup with our table and they gave our hightopper to someone else. We ended up in the corner of the music room, far from the main stage. The only plus was that they had two dancers and a musician give us a little show right by our table. We had seen the main stage show on another trip, so it wasn't too terrible to be in the back.

I love POR for exactly that reason.

I can see that'd sure be fun! A private show is never a bad thing, and if you'd seen it already and weren't too sad about not seeing the main stage show, I think that'd be ok. I think If I was a local, I'd actually sit outside and listen to the Irish tunes on their smaller stage on the patio.

 

[Steppesister]

L is for: Last Thoughts on MK
A Lengthy Text Heavy Chapter​

As promised, here are some thoughts on some of the things we did during our 2 days in MK. In no particular order, some ramblings:


I am usually not one to stand in line at all for character Meets. It’s just not my thing. But, if there IS an opportunity with little or, better yet no, line, I’ll say to myself, “Why not?”. I have found that with most things Disney parks, early morning time is best for finding them that way. For those new to the parks, Merida Meets off in a little grotto-like area just shy of the Cheshire Café kinda across from Cosmic Rays and the Puke Cups. So just after the bridge to Tomorrowland off the Hub. She was very gracious and made my solo meet very comfortable and not awkward at all. For those of you who travel solo, I’ve not had a ton of experience with a lot of characters, but I’ve never had a Meet gone bad. Most are happy enough to engage in some level of chit-chat about your clothes or what you’ve done in the park, or about their movie all while staying in character. Anyway, I enjoyed my meet a lot with my fellow redhead.

Gastons… Gastons was an okay choice for a light breakfast on the go. I mean we didn’t eat our food while walking, but it was a quick meal that didn’t take too long. We were there before 10:00AM and even as we were getting our food the line was growing, so I’d plan to arrive early to avoid a long line and headache. The ordering area is ridiculously tiny and seating is a bit limited making for a bit of grouchy chaos. Some people really need to have their morning coffee before they try touring a theme park and having to interact with other humans. (NO, I'm not talking about myself. Much.) We ordered for the 4 of us: one cinnamon roll, one fruit and cheese platter, and one ham and cheese sandwich. The cinnamon roll was soft and good as always, and the fruit and cheese platter was fine albeit small. I don’t think it’d be enough for 1 person who is a big eater needing a solid breakfast. Snack? Sure. Not a meal. The sandwich was the definite weak part of the meal. It wasn’t any better than a vending machine ham and cheese sandwich that came with do-it-yourself mayo and mustard packets. It was fine and was big enough, but dry and obviously made the night or day before. I wasn’t impressed. We aren’t big breakfast eaters at all, so aren’t looking for anything hot or large and it was fine, just not great. As a solo traveler, I’d do Gastons and just get the cinnamon roll or the fruit and cheese platter, but for anything more, you might consider Sleepy Hollow.

Speaking of which, Sleepy Hollow was the surprise breakfast winner, other than my Avocado Toast at CBR, of the trip. We all really enjoyed it a lot. We got there about 10 minutes before they opened and were 2nd in line behind a group of frequent flyers. While we were standing in line, a CM who was working with a group of some sort (not a tour, maybe a filming crew or work crew of some sort?) started handing out the leftover waters from their stash since they were wrapping up. Everyone was super happy in line as it was already pretty toasty and we don’t carry water with us.

The menu is pretty limited to the 6 or 8 items on the menu and we ordered 3: a Chicken and Waffle Sandwich, a Fruit and Nutella Sandwich, and the Breakfast (Ham and Egg) Sandwich. That MORE than fed the 4 of us. I could have sworn I took my own photos, but they are GONE! Instead please enjoy these photos shamelessly borrowed from the internet.

​

Again, keep in mind we are smaller than average eaters, so take my reviews with a grain of salt. Everything was super fresh and being made right there. No brown mushy bananas or wilty strawberries. The portions were very generous, and we really liked the texture and freshness of the waffles themselves. We found a table at the shaded eating area off to the side and enjoyed our very nice meal. By the time we were finishing up, the table trolls were out in full force, so we didn’t linger. Besides while the late breakfasters ate, we’d be riding rides.

Voyage of the Little Mermaid… here we are at someone’s fiancee’s lair under-the-sea world. I like this attraction mostly because of the music and the theming. It’s very photographable as well which floats my boat. No pun intended.

​

Also, there’s a super cool Hidden Mickey amongst the rocks as you exit. I have yet to truly see it, despite my years of looking. You have to stand juuuuuuuust in the right spot and look… forever, apparently. Good luck!

​

I know some you, especially a few of my DISDad Readers really like the Carpets because you have some very nice memories of going on them ad nauseum with your rugrats and that is wonderful. I get it! But I have zero emotional attachment to it so loathe the thought of standing in a 60-90-minute wait for a 30 second ride that goes around and around. Okay, I’ll add one more "around" because 3 is about all you get for your hour-long torture session of sunbaked line standing. I’m glad you had the fortitude to sacrifice all for your kids. I made my kids trudge up and down the stairs at Swiss Family. So there ya have it. You’re better people than me.

I also get that I have some readers (well one in particular) who is SUPER into Sorcerer’s of the Kingdom. My son has a bunch of cards and likes to spend his time playing when he gets to Disney so I do get it. What I don’t get is the lack of competitive element to it. Which makes me conclude it’s simply a card collecting game. ?? Correct me if I’m wrong, but when I’ve played with him, we simply trudge around under the hot sun sweating like the fattened calf when he saw the Prodigal son returning home watching videos. Nothing cool happened anywhere. No points scored, not even a “yay you, you get $5 Disney bucks now!”. Nothing. Just go to the next point. If that’s your thing, great! I’m pretty sure I’m missing something.

​

On a similar note, I just read the the Pirate’s League is closing this summer! I LOVE that one!! Cool stuff happens, the games are short, there’s Dole Whips nearby. I’m really sad to see this going away.

I don’t know about you, but I really enjoy the Carrousel (with 2 'R's). It’s another attraction that makes me feel “connected” to Walt and the original design and creative energy that went into his beloved parks. I love the Caliope-style music and that brings back memories of riding the Disneyland version for as far back as I can remember. I could have sworn there was a REAL organ, musical "instrument" that played the DLR one back then? Am I wrong? Does anyone know? I tried to do some internet research but came up empty.

I also know a little bit of the talent and artistry of what goes into carving the horses and animals. We have a carousel here in downtown Salem and they have a guild of artisans that are constantly making new creations to add so we have a museum of rotating horses and other carved animals that are on display. It’s actually pretty impressive the amount of time that goes into a single horse. There are some awesome blog posts about the history of Disney’s Carrousel if you are interested…

​

EVERYONE is excited about Tron, yes? I mean there may be a few here who just can’t/don’t do coasters, but I’d say the vast majority here are just as excited as I am. Again, I’m not a giant fan of the movie by any means, and I’ll watch it before I ride the coaster, but I AM looking forward to the details the Imagineers come up with and just a new ride in general. And, as I learn the backstory before I go, it’ll be fun to see how they Disney up the theming.

A few comments on Pinocchio Village Haus. Whereas I can’t say I wasn’t warned, I am glad I did try PVH at least once just to say I’ve eaten there and to be able to speak with authority when I say it sucks. #tellushowyoureallyfeel The pizza was totally tasteless. It kept making crude jokes at the table about how boring the salad was. The salad shot back with a comment about how Pizza should get some more toppings on and heat himself up. Pizza retorted with one last dig about how salad herself was underdressed and should be called anti-impressive instead of antipasto. As underwhelming, yet sassy, the food was, the restaurant was charming. The little murals painted on the walls depict various scenes from the movie, one of which I’d totally forgotten, in which Pinocchio is made to dance with the Cossack dance troupe at Stromboli’s. I need to watch it again, obviously. As much as I’ve always wanted to, we did not sit upstairs overlooking IaSW. We ended up going outside where things were quieter and less chaotic. Generally, the place was clean, if not a bit worn and tired looking, and it was nice to sit for a short bit. I think other places outshine PVH and I’ll be heading to CHH, Pecos, or even Cosmic Rays before I’d hit up PVH again.

Lastly, a few words for those that are into Imagineering History about Culpepper Clyne. When the mansion was still in its concept design phase, Rolly Crump and Yale Gracey mastered an entire storyline for the HM using an old salty sea captain- Captain Culpepper Clyne as the host. Before it’s current conception, that storyline and character were scrapped, but some very cool references can be seen throughout the attraction. Captain Clyne can apparently be seen in the graveyard scene as well, but I have not seen it personally. The one-eyed cat was another proposed character who also still can be found in the ride. Anyway, I love the trivia surrounding the attractions and all of the artists who put in so much creative talent to make the parks so special.

​

 

[pkondz]

I think it's all fixed now after 2 (2!) hour-long chats with IT. Nevertheless, I'm learning PS now and it's really a lot of fun. At first it was super frustrating, but a really good friend showed me the basics and I'll build from there.

Long time to get it fixed!
But glad you're having fun with PS.
If you need any help, just drop me a PM.
I'm not an expert, but have been using it for quite a while.

Don't worry, I have a cane and ain't afraid to use it.

This I know!

Pinocchio's. Hopefully, I can get that update out now.

Huh. And it looked good. Guess looks can be deceiving.

Oh shush, you have your earbuds.

I think that qualifies you for sainthood. Just step right up to the front of the line.

Well deserved. I just don't want to get in that line too quickly!

LOL! I'll never know.

Wait...
You mentioned that you got your best score ever, but it's blank?
Did you ride twice?

I should have. That pizza was... let's be generous- not very good.

Ew.

Yeah, I was a dolt. It's been WAY too long since I've seen it. But, Disney+ the rescue.

It's on there? I should re-watch it. Been... a long time.

That may be the best photo I've EVER taken on that atttraction. Like ever. That photo has 100% ZERO edits. Kinda in love with it myself.

Really! No edits at all!

Hmm, both partners are... wait, there's a better way...


Try that.

Wow. YouTube to the rescue! Now I know!

This makes me want to hit up the local square dancing group and dance a bit.

Not surprised.

No, totally dry. We only had 2 VERY short bits of rain the entire trip (because I brought my VIP Weather Card).

As did I.

Since SM is out now, I need a replacment thrill.

I think that'll do it.

Good save cuz, Disney produces very little of that.

 

[pkondz]

In no particular order, some ramblings:

I have the strongest urge to re-order all my replies... but won't. Too much effort.

I am usually not one to stand in line at all for character Meets. It’s just not my thing.

Ditto. Just once. For the TR.

But, if there IS an opportunity with little or, better yet no, line, I’ll say to myself, “Why not?”.

I'll say... "not". Again, maybe for the TR, but it has to be something that I can weave a story around. Otherwise... nope!

So just after the bridge to Tomorrowland off the Hub.

Second bridge.

For those of you who travel solo, I’ve not had a ton of experience with a lot of characters, but I’ve never had a Meet gone bad.

Nor I. But... I still feel weird about it. "Hi! I know you're not actually (fill in name here) but I'm here so I can show other people I met you... okay?"

We were there before 10:00AM and even as we were getting our food the line was growing, so I’d plan to arrive early to avoid a long line and headache.

Thanks for the tip.

Some people really need to have their morning coffee before they try touring a theme park and having to interact with other humans. (NO, I'm not talking about myself. Much.)

The cinnamon roll was soft and good as always

I've had it. It's quite good.

The sandwich was the definite weak part of the meal. It wasn’t any better than a vending machine ham and cheese sandwich that came with do-it-yourself mayo and mustard packets.

Ew...

Sleepy Hollow was the surprise breakfast winner,

Have never eaten there.
But... very surprised you had...

While we were standing in line, a CM who was working with a group of some sort (not a tour, maybe a filming crew or work crew of some sort?) started handing out the leftover waters from their stash since they were wrapping up. Everyone was super happy in line as it was already pretty toasty and we don’t carry water with us.

Nice of them!

a Chicken and Waffle Sandwich,

… this. I could've sworn we had a conversation about that and it was something you never wanted. Maybe I'm thinking of someone else?

By the time we were finishing up, the table trolls were out in full force, so we didn’t linger.

Table trolls? Explain?

Voyage of the Little Mermaid… here we are at someone’s fiancee’s

But... developments...

It’s very photographable as well which floats my boat. No pun intended.

Also, there’s a super cool Hidden Mickey amongst the rocks as you exit. I have yet to truly see it

Yeah... that one's a stretch. It looks almost more like they put the rocks in and someone said "Hey that kinda looks like... if you squint..."
I've seen it in person (had a CM point it out)… and even then it's hard to see.

I know some you, especially a few of my DISDad Readers really like the Carpets because you have some very nice memories of going on them ad nauseum with your rugrats and that is wonderful. I get it!

Nice memories? More like...

I’m glad you had the fortitude to sacrifice all for your kids.

Nah. There was no line at all and we were the only ones on it.
That's why we were able to do it 7 times in a row. We didn't even get off the ride on some of those.

I made my kids trudge up and down the stairs at Swiss Family. So there ya have it. You’re better people than me.

Sorcerer’s of the Kingdom.

Never done it.

I just read the the Pirate’s League is closing this summer!

Oh, that's too bad. That one I have done.
Except... last time I tried, some things weren't working.

I don’t know about you, but I really enjoy the Carrousel

Don't recall for sure... but think I've never been on it.

I love the Caliope-style music

We have a carousel here in downtown Salem and they have a guild of artisans that are constantly making new creations to add so we have a museum of rotating horses and other carved animals that are on display.

wow! Really! I'd like to see that.

EVERYONE is excited about Tron, yes?

Again, I’m not a giant fan of the movie

It was a cult hit. Dated now, but at the time, cutting edge graphics and lots of people were just beginning to fall in love with computers. (Pre-internet. Now everyone hates everyone else.)

A few comments on Pinocchio Village Haus. Whereas I can’t say I wasn’t warned, I am glad I did try PVH at least once just to say I’ve eaten there and to be able to speak with authority when I say it sucks.

Oy. I was afraid of that.

The pizza was totally tasteless. It kept making crude jokes at the table about how boring the salad was.

Pizza retorted with one last dig about how salad herself was underdressed and should be called anti-impressive instead of antipasto.

Stawp!!

Captain Clyne can apparently be seen in the graveyard scene as well, but I have not seen it personally.

Are you sure about that? I couldn't find a reference that he was in there. In the queue, definitely (obviously), but in the graveyard scene? Do you know where?

The one-eyed cat was another proposed character who also still can be found in the ride.

In the queue at least. Not sure about on the ride.

 

[amazingact21]

The waffles at Sleepy Hollow look delicious. It's nice that the ingredients were fresh and everything was filling. But man oh man, you have to watch out for those table vultures. Apparently, they start their day at Sleepy Hollow and progress to Woody's Lunchbox around midday.

It is pretty amazing the artistry and detail that goes into the carousel horses. (Or any sculpted carousel piece.)

I guess I don't love my kids like those DISdads...I've never even used a FP on the carpets.

Oh, Pinocchio's. Such sad pizzas come out of that kitchen...

 

[docsoliday1]

And now it's YOUR TURN:

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.

Getting closer to caught up.

WEDway and COP
I've always enjoyed WEDway, but even more now as I take photos of the TRON construction progress.

COP for a couple reasons...
1) Nice place to rest weary feet
2) can take a power nap if needed
3) still chuckle at some of the comments about that will never happen
4) Enjoy singing along with the song.

Okay, I guess that's more than a couple

 

[ariane37]

I know I've missed a few updates but enjoyed your recap of MK bits

The sandwich was the definite weak part of the meal. It wasn’t any better than a vending machine ham and cheese sandwich that came with do-it-yourself mayo and mustard packets.

Agree. We LOVE the cinnamon rolls and Steve has gotten the fruit and cheese plate which is fine; not big as you said but tasty. Ricky got the sandwich once and so bad!! Vending machine quality describe it perfectly.

The pizza was totally tasteless.

OK I don't particularly like PVH but I have to say here that the absolute worst, most disgusting pizza we've had in Disney (really the only truly inedible disgusting pizza) was at the BW pizza window so I'll take PVH over that if you force it on me any day! Whereas if someone tried to force the BW pizza on me I would fight like they were trying to steal my firstborn because that filth is never passing my lips again!
Bottom line, really horrific pizza there

 

[Terra Nova guy]

Is it the red hair? Her character's personality? An interaction you've had in the past? I'm actually genuinely curious how you came to make her your favorite. I don't really have one, so am always wondering what it is about characters that make them favorites.

Red hair is always a bonus. And I did enjoy Brave. But for me it's really just the fact that I lived in Scotland for a year (I think I have mentioned that somewhere on the boards before). I was in my 20s, first time away from home and really just enjoyed my time spreading my wings and seeing somewhere different. Merida just reminds me of that time. I love the Scottish accent, especially the over the top one Merida has.

The menu is pretty limited to the 6 or 8 items on the menu and we ordered 3: a Chicken and Waffle Sandwich, a Fruit and Nutella Sandwich, and the Breakfast (Ham and Egg) Sandwich.

I love that place. I think my family shared the nutella and fruit waffle and a strawberry & whipped cream waffle. The two were plenty for the four of us.
I didn't realize they had a breakfast sandwich, it must be somewhat new?

here we are at someone’s fiancee’s lair under-the-sea world.

Poor Ariel. I don't know what that girl is thinking these days. She used to be into Prince Eric. She's let her standards slip....

Also, there’s a super cool Hidden Mickey amongst the rocks as you exit. I have yet to truly see it, despite my years of looking. You have to stand juuuuuuuust in the right spot and look… forever, apparently. Good luck!

I didn't know this. Looks like a very hard one to find.
I've also never seen the Nautilus shape in the rocks, but I know it's there somewhere.

I know some you, especially a few of my DISDad Readers really like the Carpets because you have some very nice memories of going on them ad nauseum with your rugrats and that is wonderful. I get it! But I have zero emotional attachment to it so loathe the thought of standing in a 60-90-minute wait for a 30 second ride that goes around and around.

I agree with all the comments about Magic Carpets. They are just a Dumbo clone. It is stuck in the middle and takes up space.
I don't understand it, but my family always enjoys it. See?...

But I should say that although we always seem to do it, we have never waited for it and I don't think we ever would. We usually find it's a fairly easy FP to get later in the day, and it's usually more of a "what do we do now" thing.

On a similar note, I just read the the Pirate’s League is closing this summer! I LOVE that one!! Cool stuff happens, the games are short, there’s Dole Whips nearby. I’m really sad to see this going away.

Is it the Pirates game thing, or the Pirates make over thing (like BBB)? I read it too but thought it was the make over one. Not sure if that ever caught on.

EVERYONE is excited about Tron, yes? I mean there may be a few here who just can’t/don’t do coasters, but I’d say the vast majority here are just as excited as I am.

I am cautiously excited. I've mentioned many times before I don't like drops (that sinking feeling in your stomach). I'm a bit nervous at the height of the drops on Tron. I also wonder if I will feel comfortable in that motorcycle position. As much as I liked FOP, I did find it I was a bit uneasy being in that position. I can't explain why. I just don't feel as relaxed or secure somehow.

A few comments on Pinocchio Village Haus. Whereas I can’t say I wasn’t warned, I am glad I did try PVH at least once just to say I’ve eaten there and to be able to speak with authority when I say it sucks.

Yes, yes it does. Being that my girls are pizza and pasta fanatics, I suspect I will end up there again.

 

[KathyM2]

I’ll add one more "around" because 3 is about all you get for your hour-long torture session of sunbaked line standing. I’m glad you had the fortitude to sacrifice all for your kids. I made my kids trudge up and down the stairs at Swiss Family. So there ya have it. You’re better people than me.

Totally agree with you. When my DD was younger she used to get a real kick out of the camels spitting water on you on the carpets, but it still is not worth that scorching wait. It seems like wherever you stand you are not in a position to take advantage of any of the shade. I'd wait a lot longer for Dumbo.