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

[pkondz]

I honestly have NO idea. They are loud and I suppose if it get accidentally activated it might scare guests and start a panic or something?

Doubt it... most people would just look around and wonder what cool thing Disney was doing now.

Nah, I kept Grouchy under control.

Phew! (for Kari)

Bacon, Egg, and Gouda on a Brioche from Fiddler, Fifer and Practical Cafe on Buena Vista

Whoa! That sounds great!

I've done a fair amount of stained glass

You have????

RIGHT?! I think my jaw was practically on the ground.

Best one yet!

Thanks!

Heh,

It's a Disney trip. I'd say it's right about time to start saving.

She takes the BEST photos!

Not too shabby!

Steve and Sy-Lynn are awesome! Just really great to hang out with.

I only got to hang with them for a few minutes, but...

But, I think it's worthy to note that even when the homes were being built in the 60s and 70s, the park had nowhere near the noise level it does now. The music was softer, screams weren't really a thing as it was mostly dark rides and other indoor attractions, etc...

Oh! That's a very good point.

our fair has plenty of other stuff to keep one busy and entertained without going on overpriced, run-down rides run by sketchy operators.

So... tell us how you really feel about it, Liesa.

Ohhh, I love this!! They bugged me too, but I couldn't crop them out without people losing their legs. Thank you so much!!!

You're welcome!

Thanks, PK. Coming from you that means a lot!

I'm pretty sure you're right, but I took a few seconds to try and read some, but they were 99% written in Spanish. And it was a lot more than names from what I could make out. Maybe tributes or memories in addition?

Probably. Be my guess.

Aww, thanks! I like it too and made it my profile pic on FB for a bit.

I just saw that!

1). The last several pretzels I've had at Disney were anything but what you've described. They were stale, tasteless and not worth the price. The best one I had at Disney was in AK one morning- the extinct cream cheese jalepeno pretzel. RIP. I sad. Eggrolls from the eggroll cart is on my BFB (Big Fat Bucket List); I need to make that happen. I actually super enjoy churros from DLR, but ONLY at DLR.

Yes. Eggroll cart has been on my list for a while too.

And I generally detest opera, but recently actually made it a point to stop and watch/ listen to live opera- more on that in my TR at a much later date.

I love Jar Jar!

I don't think we can be friends any more...

Oh, I've heard loads of people say that. "Nah, you just need a one-day ticket for each park.".

Say what, Willis??!

And I believe you mean "Wha choo talkin' about, Willis?"

Escape was possbibly my favorite movie as a young kid! I remember watching it on a family vacation to Catalina Island.

Nice way to watch it. I watched it on our black & white tv in the basement eating Sunday dinner on TV trays.

 

[franandaj]

Just a gushing Grammie reminder: My lovely daughter is due on Dec. 3rd and we had a nice baby shower for her last weekend. I'm so excited I could burst!

Well Congratulations! It's coming right up!

We called for a Lyft from Alison’s place where we’d spent a perfectly comfortable night. In no time at all, our ride showed up and we were whisked to…


...the wrong drop-off point.

Now you know if it ever comes up again...

Perhaps next Fall would be a perfect time. Then again, there may be other, better plans astir. No announcement yet, but maybe soon.

I was seriously not prepared for the incredible job Imagineering did with this area. I honestly had no idea this was even a thing,

Carsland is always quite fun at Halloween, I think it's one of their better efforts. Did you see Mater in his costume?

ETA: I just checked: 2019 Oogie Boogie Bash’s are sold out. One of those you gotta plan ahead for, I suppose.

Hmmmm.....Maybe I'll consider it next year.

He had just....

well I was going to say "polished off a fifth of whiskey" and go from there, but pkondz and the Captain really outdid themselves, so I bow to their creativity.

I heard that too, but only in the sense they are removing the themed names of the dishes. Lame. can people not read the menu like at every other dining establishment anywhere, ever? What next? Take away the cool costuming because people can't distinguish CMs from others?

Well that's dumb. Why don't they make something that's actually good.

*Yes, that was another SteppeRant

OH my! I can't wait to hear about this.... intrigued.

Well it's not that exciting, but I guess I better get started on that TR....

PLEASE!!!!

I am going to guess they WILL want to go. But that's just a guess.

I just made the reservation for us on Monday when they opened it up to 60 days. And if they're out of it then, I have another chance with my parents the week of Thanksgiving.

It was pretty darned spectacular IMHO. And the description I read was jaw-dropping. That thing is REAL!!!!!

The Gingerbread house is always real!

Nah, but I about died when I saw the Hatbox Ghost mug released the other day. I almost texted you to see if you were going. I may look for one on Ebay.

I got you covered.....

I went off to find a real drink. Except you can’t because it’s Disney and they all (unless you’re at a legit lounge)

I can hook you up!

I didn’t experience it, but the tubes, according to this article have piped in Choco-chip cookie scent.

I thought that was just coincidence that the cookie stand was right there.

They also serve to deflect noise from the ride and riders away from the residential/business side of the ride and back into the park, thus allowing for the attraction to meet noise abatement codes of the cities of Anaheim and Garden Grove. Who knew?!

Interesting fun fact! I didn't know that!

Fortunately, we’d approached an area that held several special exhibits and a show through the Fall Season- Coco at the Plaza de la Familia.

Looks like a fun little area. Except whenever they turn that area into a Fiesta they also change the menu on my favorite QS restaurant in DCA from Mediterranean to Mexican.

Each of us took turns getting the butterfly shots and I’m glad we took the time to do this. They turned out to be some of my favorite shots from the trip.

Your pictures are really great!

1) Churro, pretzel, or eggroll?

Can I say Mickey Bar? I'm not a fan of churros or pretzels, and I've never had an eggroll in the parks.

2) Coaster, dark ride, or motion simulator?

Coaster definitely!

3) Plush, ears, or t-shirt?

Going with the t-shirt. I'm not really an ears person, and we have too many plushes already.

4) Music show, art exhibit, or another merchandise shop?

It would have to depend on what kind of music, or what kind of art. I always get stuck in merchandise shops since Fran usually wants to go into every. single. one.

5) Parade, fireworks, or nighttime show?

Fireworks for sure!

Hoping for 2021?

<sigh> So far away...

Well, I've already got July 20-27 planned in Houston, and somewhere around October 1 (for at least 10 days) at WDW. Probably 9/28-10/7 ish. I'm trying to figure out how to spread out my points at the VGC throughout the year, but that doesn't mean you couldn't visit during that time.

 

[DLo]

Do you have a favorite one? Doesn't have to be Disney..

At Disney my favorite is RNRC coaster followed closely by EE
At Universal my fave is Rip Ride Rocket followed by the Mummy .
It looks like I have a thing for loud music and going upside down

 

[Steppesister]

Haha this surprises no one I assume.

LOL!! You are the queen of all things snacks!

You inspire me.

Wait, I thought you liked my outfit!

Wait! I said GOOD things, right?!

We have been BFFs since the Chunkydump, duh!!

100%!!

YES. Churros forever! (But only in DLR)

Correct. My absolute favorite was the Coco inspiried one with Mexican choco dip that Kari and I got a couple of years ago!

The Chunkydump sweeping the west coast!

You know it!

Yup that's me, the jetlagged one!

For good reason! I've done that trans-Pacific a number of times and it kicks my hiney every time.

1) Churro, pretzel, or eggroll?
Hmm if in DLR then churro, if in WDW then pretzel.
2) Coaster, dark ride, or motion simulator?
dark ride
3) Plush, ears, or t-shirt?
t-shirt
4) Music show, art exhibit, or another merchandise shop?
depends on who is playing! But I always love a good browse through a shop.
5) Parade, fireworks, or nighttime show?
doesn't nighttime shows include fireworks (mostly, aside from AK)? If available I'd watch Paint the Night parade in a heartbeat otherwise I'd choose fireworks!

I wish the last few pretzels I tried had been better. I'm gonna hit up that eggroll cart next time!

I think it's almost an even split between coasters and dark rides.

And I will complement every single one.

I pegged you for a shopping kinda girl.

Technically I suppose there are elements all blended together in most of them, but was thinking something like Fantasmic OR WISHES (HEA) OR the 3:00 parade. But I'd agree, PTN is the bomb (after MSEP!).

 

[Steppesister]

Who needs first class when you have a whole row???

Correct. Although, a pillow sure would have been nice. My poor neck...

Wow! That really is impressive!

It was a FAST turn around! I LOVE the Santa Ana airport- so tiny and easy to get in and out of!

This is what I'm afraid of. I love Star Wars, but I kind of found the whole Launch Bay thing to be in that same vein (an over-priced gift shop). I look forward to exploring Batuu, but it really does seem like there's just not much if you aren't willing to shell out some big bucks. While I'm not a Harry Potter fan, I think Universal did a better job of making that property more inclusive. Yes they're constantly selling you something, but you don't have to pay $200 for a lightsaber or a droid to really get everything out of the land and they do have some affordable items there.

I guess since I'm not a franchise junkie, aside from some Storm Troopers and some other familiar elements, it was more of SpaceLand than a Star Wars Land. I'm familiar with the original trilogy and that's what I connect with. Outside of that, it's a bit lost on me. I liked the sounds of spacecraft landing and stuff, but meh... stuff to buy.

I'd 100% agree with the assessment of the Potter area. A bit more relatable to a wider variety of folks and it felt like less of a money grab.

Yeah... doesn't really sound appealing to me, honestly. And I wanted a Star Wars cantina.

Me too.

I need a drink!

LOL!

No, I said I need a drink! The kind with alcohol!

YES! The kind I thought I was getting when I paid $15!!!!

Well, sell the glass and then you can almost afford to buy 2 watered down drinks next time!!!

Huh, now that's solid reasoning. Except I really like my cups.

Well then, see? No reason for that rant about being stingy on the alcohol. They'll charge you the same and be completely honest that you're paying $32 for ice, water and some flavoring.

Okay, you do have a good point. It's still stupid though.

Honestly, I get it. This is kind of what I was afraid some of this land might be (and you're certainly not the first to share some of these feelings.)

I have seen many almost identical takes on the place. It missed the mark for so many.

Well, HM does look great with the overlay! I'm glad you got to check it out!

It really does! It's just so clever and so different!

I really do like the DL version. Everything about it is just better. I like the queue outside, the train going across the backdrop. It's special.

I think in so many ways, like many other DLR attractions, just better. More to see, the addition of the Disney characters is growing on me, and yes the outdoor queue with the topiaries have been so fascinating to me for as long as I can remember.

You don't need to confirm. It's pretty obvious what happened.

I had a few that I could easily make a case for. Even a couple that no longer exist. But I'm going to say BTMRR. I love rollercoasters and this was the first one I ever rode. It is ALWAYS a priority to get multiple rides on BTMRR anytime we go to Disney World.

I think it's the best themed-coaster at any park anywhere I"ve ever been. Spot on!

Already planning that first trip, Grammie?

For sure!!

Rough start

It got much better very quickly!

Wow! I had no idea they did all that in Carsland! I love the distributor cap/spark plug wire spiders.

Those were especially cute, and I love what they did with the construction cones and chain spider webs too.

tried to come up with something creative and funny but failed miserably.

It was pretty entertaining to see what others came up with. I didn't give it a go either and let others do the silliness for us!

ut if they're out of a machine, can or box, they can't skimp on the alcohol!!!!!!!

I doubt they dump much booze in any of the Slurpee machines like in France or Mexico. At least I can never taste it.

1 - Churro - I like sweeter snacks. Pretzel would be second.
2 - Coaster - This one is tougher. I love a good dark ride, but coasters are just my thing.
3 - T-Shirt
4 - Music show
5 - Fireworks

I'm pretty sure I could have guessed all of those for you.

 

[Steppesister]

Thanks for all the information on SW:GE - I think I won't feel so guilty if I just saunter through it and appreciate what I can and not worry that I don't get everything. I do like the idea of the diversity, but for me it will just be more time to spend with Princessy type things.

A good sauntering is a good way to take in what you can and interests you and if you don't have a lot of cash to spend, you can get out mostly unscathed. Unless you're hungry for a $15 hot dog. It does have some very nice photo opps and the character interactions are great, but after that, I think it'll be a one and done.

Favourite nostalgic attraction: the Main Street Electrical Parade, and seeing the Fireworks with my daughters for the first time on the last night of our trip.

Hmm, I might very well have to agree with you on that!

1) Churro, pretzel, or eggroll? Sorry, I'll pass on all these...

2) Coaster, dark ride, or motion simulator? Dark ride - I think it eases my anxiety not to be able to see what is coming so I can relax and enjoy

3) Plush, ears, or t-shirt? T-shirt (ears make my thin hair look it's absolute worst and striped sunburns are also unattractive)

4) Music show, art exhibit, or another merchandise shop? Music show

5) Parade, fireworks, or nighttime show? All of them please! Ok, fireworks takes the top spot.

1) Wow!! That is the first answer I've seen... which begs the question, what is your favorite go-to snack?

2) Ah, I can see that for sure.

3) I never thought of that! They often give me a headache so have to be pretty picky.

4) Another music show person! YAY!

5) So hard to find a good fireworks show that is themed with music and tells a story.

 

[Steppesister]

We can probably help you out, so don't pay eBay prices. That's a story to itself but remains for the TR!

I'll PM you...

 

[Steppesister]

You're never too refined for Chunkydumping!

This is true!! Unless you're in a mood! LOL!

This is so cute! All your Coco pictures were beautiful and so colorful!

I loved that area! It was so festive and fun!

Gorgeous! And I love your shirt

Aww, thank you, Tra... er... KELLY!!

Those shirts went on sale when they brought the parade back to DLR and I was so elated when I got it!

 

[Steppesister]

Doubt it... most people would just look around and wonder what cool thing Disney was doing now.

HA, you might be right! Might work for actually getting people behind the tape for parades too.

Phew! (for Kari)

Nah, I don't bite.



Much.

Whoa! That sounds great!

It really hit the spot. And kept me satisfied all day.

You have????

Yep. It's really not that hard.

I don't think we can be friends any more...

Oh dear.

And I believe you mean "Wha choo talkin' about, Willis?"

Yes, but don't they mean the same thing?

Nice way to watch it. I watched it on our black & white tv in the basement eating Sunday dinner on TV trays.

That's actually just a nostagic memory gives me the feel goods.

 

[Steppesister]

Well Congratulations! It's coming right up!

It sure is!! Only 5 weeks now!

Now you know if it ever comes up again...

I"m not sure I know the area well enough to get them back on track though.

Carsland is always quite fun at Halloween, I think it's one of their better efforts. Did you see Mater in his costume?

I did!!! Cutest vampire ever.

Hmmmm.....Maybe I'll consider it next year.

I thought for sure you'd have been!

well I was going to say "polished off a fifth of whiskey" and go from there, but pkondz and the Captain really outdid themselves, so I bow to their creativity.

Theirs certainly took the cake!! I about died laughing when I read them!

Well that's dumb. Why don't they make something that's actually good.

Right?!

Well it's not that exciting, but I guess I better get started on that TR....

Send me a PM when you do!

I just made the reservation for us on Monday when they opened it up to 60 days. And if they're out of it then, I have another chance with my parents the week of Thanksgiving.

PERFECT!!!

The Gingerbread house is always real!

I had NO IDEA!! This is so cool!

I got you covered.....

Color me excited!

I can hook you up!

YUS!

I thought that was just coincidence that the cookie stand was right there.

Nope, also piped in for ride enhancment.

Looks like a fun little area. Except whenever they turn that area into a Fiesta they also change the menu on my favorite QS restaurant in DCA from Mediterranean to Mexican.

Well that stinks, BUT, I think a Mexican area seems to make more sense being that it's California Adventure. I love both LA and San Diego Olde Town areas.

Can I say Mickey Bar? I'm not a fan of churros or pretzels, and I've never had an eggroll in the parks.

You sure can! I am not a big pretzel fan in either park, but do enjoy the churros in DLR. The eggrolls are on my list!

Coaster definitely!

Yep, I'd have guessed that for sure!

Going with the t-shirt. I'm not really an ears person, and we have too many plushes already.

And that.

It would have to depend on what kind of music, or what kind of art. I always get stuck in merchandise shops since Fran usually wants to go into every. single. one.

That's when you hang outside and pray the Bootstrappers, Dapper Dans, or Pearly Band is playing nearby.

Fireworks for sure!

That one surprised me a bit. I thought it might have been parades.

Well, I've already got July 20-27 planned in Houston, and somewhere around October 1 (for at least 10 days) at WDW. Probably 9/28-10/7 ish. I'm trying to figure out how to spread out my points at the VGC throughout the year, but that doesn't mean you couldn't visit during that time.

You are a busy girl!!

 

[Steppesister]

At Disney my favorite is RNRC coaster followed closely by EE
At Universal my fave is Rip Ride Rocket followed by the Mummy .
It looks like I have a thing for loud music and going upside down

You are a thrill junkie!! I rode RRR and it was one and done for me. My neck just can't handle it anymore sadly. I sound like such an old fart. LOL!!

 

[Steppesister]

Alright, Dear Ones... I think that gets me all caught up, but if I missed a reply just give a shout out and let me know!! Now, the procrastination of chores will continue with the writing of another chapter. Which is far more entertaining than cleaning a toilet.

Meantime, I wanted to show you the artwork I had done up this week. Words cannot possibly express how thrilled I am with how it turned out. This is what I wrote on FB earlier:

My favorite TS place in all of WDW is Tiffins, for a variety of reasons. I don’t know if everyone is getting these, but I absolutely adore the little 5"x5"prints they give out after your meal. On the back of each card is a bit of Imagineers' notes relating to their inspiration and WHERE in their travels they are sketched from. (I copied those and they are taped to the back.) I had enough now to actually do something with them, and made this up. The frame is from a thrift store in perfect condition and matches the colors wonderfully! The matting only ran me $52. So, sure it cost 4 TS dinners, but I’d have continued to go there print or not.

This is now one of my absolute favorite pieces of art I have!

 

[franandaj]

My favorite TS place in all of WDW is Tiffins, for a variety of reasons. I don’t know if everyone is getting these, but I absolutely adore the little 5"x5"prints they give out after your meal. On the back of each card is a bit of Imagineers' notes relating to their inspiration and WHERE in their travels they are sketched from. (I copied those and they are taped to the back.) I had enough now to actually do something with them, and made this up. The frame is from a thrift store in perfect condition and matches the colors wonderfully! The matting only ran me $52. So, sure it cost 4 TS dinners, but I’d have continued to go there print or not.

I had no idea that they gave you little cards after your meal, nor that you had been there four times! I'm still trying to convince Fran to go there once! Love the artwork!

 

[vamassey1]

This is now one of my absolute favorite pieces of art I have!

This beautiful and a great way to display your mementos.

I'm really enjoying your fall visit. The decoration are so pretty and Carsland is over the top original. It's so great they you're spending time with so many Disers in the "happiest place on Earth".

 

[tundra1]

1) Churro, pretzel, or eggroll?

2) Coaster, dark ride, or motion simulator?

3) Plush, ears, or t-shirt?

4) Music show, art exhibit, or another merchandise shop?

5) Parade, fireworks, or nighttime show?

1. Eggroll, I am definitely a savory kind of gal!
2. Coaster... front row!
3. T-shirt, although some of those ears are really cute!
4. Music Show, especially if there is dancing too!
5. I love a parade, but I also love fireworks. If I had to pick, I guess I would say the fireworks!

 

[DonnaBeeGood]

.

 

[franandaj]

I thought for sure you'd have been!

With what we pay out for annual expenditures, we're hard pressed to pay more for events like this. I think they should "include" one, but with WDW I can see the value cause of all the extra photo ops. I haven't seen the value in this event yet to make it worth the extra $$'s.

Theirs certainly took the cake!! I about died laughing when I read them!

I know! Both of theirs were hilarious!

Send me a PM when you do!

Well I posted it a little over an hour ago, but I'm too tired for PMs. Maybe tomorrow, but if you go to my last TR there is a link from there. Anyone who hasn't found their way to the new TR tomorrow will get a PM.

Color me excited!

We'll save it for when you come down and if you don't want to carry it on, we can ship it with your Rancor flight that we will hopefully get as well.

That one surprised me a bit. I thought it might have been parades.

Nah, I'm not at all a parade person, except for Paint the Night, and more recently I have become a fan of the MSEP only because of photography.

 

[Steppesister]

I had no idea that they gave you little cards after your meal, nor that you had been there four times! I'm still trying to convince Fran to go there once! Love the artwork!

It's a really, REALLY nice little gift that's given!

I do think you guys would enjoy it. The decor is amazing, especially the room with all of the art that inspired the making of AK from around the world.

 

[Steppesister]

This beautiful and a great way to display your mementos.

I never thought I'd be a Disney art "collector" but I've gotten several pieces over the last few trips that I just adore. I'm NOT one for overt Disney art that screams Mickey but I do like the more subtle pieces that someone not familiar with Disney would be hard pressed to know its connection. I have another couple of pieces to show much later in the TR.

I'm really enjoying your fall visit. The decoration are so pretty and Carsland is over the top original. It's so great they you're spending time with so many Disers in the "happiest place on Earth".

Thanks, Vanessa! It was a whirlwind weekend down there to catch Steve and Su-Lynn mainly, but I sure enjoy hanging out with Fran and Alison and traveling with Kari is always such a pleasure.

 

[Steppesister]

1. Eggroll, I am definitely a savory kind of gal!
2. Coaster... front row!
3. T-shirt, although some of those ears are really cute! View attachment 447760
4. Music Show, especially if there is dancing too! View attachment 447759
5. I love a parade, but I also love fireworks. If I had to pick, I guess I would say the fireworks!

1. Me too! I honestly think of all three were sitting in front of me I'd choose the eggroll too. I'm WAY more of a savory girl than a dessert girl.
2. My favorite coaster for the front row is EE! But, I think I still love the dark rides a bit more.
3. They sure are! I've only gathered a few pairs and mostly from Etsy.
4. YES!!!!!! DANCING!
5. Ditto. Parades block the way to rides.