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

[vamassey1]

Wouldn't that be the other way around? If you're short, aren't you looking UP a lot more often?

Not that far up! As a height challenged person I still tend to look at things from my eye-level. Who wants a creak in the neck from looking up?

 

[pkondz]

Not that far up! As a height challenged person I still tend to look at things from my eye-level. Who wants a creak in the neck from looking up?

snobby people...



see?

 

[docsoliday1]

o, what next, Friends? Where shall we saunter off to next to find new things?

The Velveteria?

I could bring you this unique, never-before-seen photo of the characters who are probably making sure I wasn’t trying to sneak in a personal alarm that has never accidentally been deployed in the 2 years of wearing it.

Well, I've heard those things are dangerous and I guess Micky and Donald agree. Good thing they were keeping an eye on you in case the security guys weren't ridiculous enough.

Happy Haunts Materialize – The Art of Haunted Mansion

That sounds really interesting...I would've enjoyed that.

At one point, and I surmise many of you know this, the red-eyed crow was supposed to be the host.

I did not.

while the exhibit was smaller than I thought it might be, it was fascinating and certainly educational.

Looks fun!

The sunshine summoned me back

Nap time again?

to the happy realms of Town Square and Kari was just finishing up as well, so we made our way up to the train station to catch a ride over to the New Orleans Square Station.

Oh

I love me some DLR train!

Any train for me.

taking some dorky selfies.

Glad I'm not the only one who does this. I'm not good at selfies and I usually have a dorky (okay more than normal) look on my face.

NO, I’m not going to post them.

HEY!!! You made me post my chunky dump. No fair!

In no time at all, or about 20 minutes, Trader Sam was trying to swing a deal with us

Two for one head trade?

they were just setting up a game of chess for us! Huzzah!

​

I like chess, but those knights are huge.

For our efforts and success she told us we get a prize. YAY US!!

Yay you!

Ummm, ok.

Umm, yeah....ok.

I’m sure we’d been mistaken for a couple already on this trip, but this was just too funny! We laughed for quite a long time over this one.

That is funny, but on the other hand maybe they were simply trying to say the queen and the princess lived happily ever after.

It is not a train on there; it is an early 19th century fire engine that was used around the time NOS was built to emulate of the time period in New Orleans. The story is that properties put these placards in place to communicate to firemen that they had fire insurance. If the firemen saw a placard, they would put the fire out, if not, tough luck. Apparently, they were used in Europe long before coming to America. Who knew?!

Very interesting. So, if you didn't have insurance, well, too bad for you. Or if the fire burned the portion where the placard was first, then "nope, don't see one, let it burn". Ouch!

And there you have it. I stand by my saying that there’s ALWAYS something new to learn on a trip to a Disney park.

Or from Steppe's TRs after her trip to a Disney park.

we complemented each others’ clothes and how dapper we all looked. It's what's done.

AGAIN???? Are you trying to abscond with their food again?

I get Bisacodyl and Gatorade with “special” powder.

To quote Gru...

NO YAY!

 

[vamassey1]

snobby people...



see?

 

[Terra Nova guy]

Happy Halloween! I sit writing this while in my Darth Vader-light costume (just a t-shirt and helmet) and in between trick or treaters.

At one point, and I surmise many of you know this, the red-eyed crow was supposed to be the host.

I was not one of the many. I did not know that about the crow.

I’m sure we’d been mistaken for a couple already on this trip, but this was just too funny! We laughed for quite a long time over this one.

Well, you at least look like a happy couple!

And there you have it. I stand by my saying that there’s ALWAYS something new to learn on a trip to a Disney park.

Very true. I have learned three things just from reading your post (if we're counting, it's the crow host, the hidden monkey, and the fire insurance)

 

[franandaj]

I had noticed an exhibit the day before that I had hoped I’d find time to pop into: "Happy Haunts Materialize – The Art of Haunted Mansion".

I wish I'd known about that one. Sounds interesting.

If we’d gotten on the train just minutes earlier, we’d have been quite stuck and may have very well been very late for our engagement.

Sometimes things happen for a reason.

We passed this on the way and the wait was only 20 minutes, so we hopped in line.

I haven't been on that ride is so long!

It was hilarious! Kari got the most perfect photo with him!

That is a good shot!

And there you have it. I stand by my saying that there’s ALWAYS something new to learn on a trip to a Disney park.

That was a pretty cool little fun fact that you shared with us!

 

[amazingact21]

Those were some amazing finds in the park! A monkey chandelier and a fire insurance sign. I appreciate you finding a Cast Member to ask about the placard, because I loved reading about that little touch of detail.

 

[Steppesister]

V is for: Very Elegant Victuals with Very Fine Endings- Pt. 1​

I’ve succumbed the sad knowledge that one can either be a fine writer of TRs given more extra time than I have or a mediocre one because of a lack of time to devote to creating worthwhile prose. I, unfortunately, fall into the latter category and you’re stuck with a mostly lame narrative these days. Nevertheless, there are tales to tell and photos to share. So, we trudge on…

However, I can’t say we “trudged” into the main event of the day…. Dinner at Club 33.

​

Floated might be more like it.

We assembled together and rang the doorbell then were ushered in by our gracious hostesses. It quickly became apparent that the Club was also enjoying the celebrations of the Haunted Mansion’s 50th. A very well-done crypt display was set up in the courtyard with spooky lighting (that you can’t see very well, I’m afraid, in this photo) along with some awesome fog effects as well. We took advantage of it, using it for the backdrop for a group photo. Sorry, I just couldn’t muster the courage to christen the Club with a ChunkyDump. I do have some sense of decorum once in a while.

​

Our reservation allowed for plenty of time to relax in the lounge (you’re seeing a theme here, yes? NO, not the lounge! RELAXING!) with a drink or two before our seating. I LOVE the lounge and with the special Halloween and HM offerings it was even more festive and fun! We settled at our table and took our time perusing the clever menus.

​

While I thought the themed mugs clever, they weren’t asking me to take them home, although one could argue that one might follow me home anyway. In the end, only Lesley and Fran (and maybe Alison) sprung for them. Steve got what was, in my opinion, the coolest drink at the table. Who doesn’t love a drink the sends out fog like a graveyard at midnight?

​

I took the conservative route and went with my favorite go-to cocktail: a Pisco Sour. It was made perfectly, but perhaps not quite as perfect as the ones at the Nomad I’ve come to love. Knowing I was going to do some wine pairing I stuck with one.

​

Speaking of wine pairing and recalling the reputation it caused me the last time I’d done wine pairing, I asked if the wine pairing option with dinner could be split. It could, and that made me a happy girl. Steve and I chose to do this, and it saved us both some money and me some potential embarrassment. But, back to the Lounge.... conversation was light and easy, and we all had a very enjoyable time just being amongst friends. No one ordered any appetizers or snacks since our meal would be a relatively large one and soon. I apologize, I didn’t take very many photos of the either of the spaces as it seemed intrusive and a bit of a social faux pas in the moment to do so. My restraint was impressive if you know me at all.

Most of us hadn’t quite finished our cocktails when our hostesses came to escort us to the Grand Salon. Not to worry, they were set on a tray and followed us neatly. ON the way, we all stopped to ogle at this wonderful display celebrating the iconic “Lemme out!” Coffin Scene from HM. So well done! The lighting was terrible to get a decent photo, but I did the best I could with it in LightRoom.

​

Our server appeared shortly and it is here I learned something new about high-style dining… as our napkins were distributed, the server chose between black or white depending on the color that you were wearing- black napkin on dark clothing, white on light clothing. I kinda feel silly for not knowing this before! Orders were taken off of the HM-themed menu and I tried to not let the drool make it too far down my chin. With only a breakfast sandwich on board, I was HUNGRY!!

​

It wasn’t long before a few more souvenir cups were purchased and the amuse bouches were served. I think by then we were in full party mode and everyone was having a really nice time discussing the menu, anticipating the presentation, and recapping their day. This, of course, created quite the buzz!

You can read the menu yourself and try to match the item with what I got. To keep things succinct, it was all extremely delicious and more than I could eat. For those of you interested, yes, the wine was delicious, and half pours kept me from getting too silly at the table. And yes, I even passed one of them over to Fran who sat across from me, which also kept me from spending $100 on a sweatshirt I didn’t need.

Continued in next post....

 

[Steppesister]

V is for: Very Elegant Victuals with Very Fine Endings- Pt. 2​

All too soon it was time to head out to catch the nighttime festivities on Main Street. The bill was settled and we walked and wheeled to our seating area for my favorite parade. It scratches my happy spot; if I was a dog my back legs would be really moving! The Main Street Electrical Parade started quickly after we were seated, and I reveled in its hoedowny goodness. Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls…. (you humming it in your head yet?) Float after twinkly float came into view and I ooohed and aaahed at every single one. So many childhood memories came flooding back. And just like that, it was over. (Please excuse the excess of photos!)

​

But the night was calm with no rain in sight, so the Fireworks show was up next! And one I’d never seen before either- Halloween Screams. Oh man!! WOW!!! Soooooo good!! All that Hallowishes once was and far more. Ummm, Zero flies. How freaking cool is that?! The music pulls in many of the elements and refrains from The Night Before Christmas, and the pyros and just amazing. I could gush on and on, but will simply let the few photos that turned out speak for me.

​

With wonder in our hearts, we made our way up Main Street towards the exit. And we might have actually gotten out, but we were with Fran. (You know I love ya, right, Fran?) And Fran does not simply roll past Disney art shops. For which I am grateful. I’ve come to really appreciate some Disney art, definitely not all by a long stretch, but some does really catch my eye. Even some that is affordable. She chose a purchase she’d had her eye on, and I stopped to admire this over-the-top amazing set of guitars.









I spent quite a long time hunting for the embedded Hidden Mickeys and found a few. No, really, look closely!

Purchases in hand, it was time to call it a night… tomorrow would be another very full day.

Now, it's YOUR turn:​

If you could have any job in Disney, what would it be? Assume it is the present time and you have your present body. And... what job would you most HAVE wanted at Disney when you were 20 and your back and neck didn't hurt all the time?

Steppe's Answer: I'd have liked to have been a face character like Alice or Tink. If I didn't pass the tryouts for that, I think a dancer in one of the parades or dance parties.

NOW, hmmm, maybe a server in one of the lounges, or a plaid giving tours.

 

[Steppesister]

Congrats on finding the monkey!! LOL!

LOL!! Why, thank you!

 

[Steppesister]

This was really cool.

It was! A few years ago, perhaps it was during an It's a Small World anniversary?? There was an art exhibit in the same place that featured Mary Blair's work and life. It was equally just as cool!

Sounds very relaxing. Did you do some people watching?

We absolutely did! But mostly just enjoyed the warm breeze up there.

I don't think I have ever seen this @ WDW. I love how original the game pieces are. Maybe they have one in Skipper Canteen.

I really don't know! But it'd sure be worth checking out.

I would love to see this character interaction.

Kari has a natural repoire with the characters that I do not.

Since I'm from Baton Rouge and reside there now I love this.

See? A store named after your own hometown!

Always look up, which is hard to remember if you're short.

Always! Disney "hides" a lot of stuff higher up that I'd miss if I didn't.

Very interesting history lesson.

I found it fascinating! Who knew!?!

 

[Steppesister]

Then again... I'd sure love to stop and just take in a few spots.
Cemetery... Ballroom... attic... just to name a few.

Yes, and I always say a little silent prayer that the ride will stop over the ballroom, attic, or by the Hatbox Ghost, so I can set up a better photo. Never happens. I always have bad luck and it stops in someplace completely dark and devoid of any subject matter.

Thanks!
"his likeness is carved on the Organist's crypt (in the queue area of the Liberty Square Mansion)"
Didn't know that. I'll have to look next time.
But I was right! 4 times (at WDW... 5 at DL) and...
"In the Walt Disney World's Haunted Mansion gift-shop Memento Mori, a Raven (likely the one from the attraction) appears in portrait form. On the wall there is a portrait of Madame Leota which occasionally changes to show extra details, one of which is the Raven perched upon her shoulder along with a black cat."
I did not know this!!!!

I didn't know any of that either! Had NO idea! Now, I really need to pay more attention to the organ inside the ride and the organist's crypt. Clearly, I need to spend more time in Momento Mori as well... I like that shop, but never paid attention to the theming/stuff in there.

 

[Steppesister]

I love all the backstory and details about how Imagineers created the attractions. They never get old.

Me too! And those exhibits are great to take in. I've seen 2 there now. Loved them both!

If you're going to just sit still, Main Street is a great place to do it.

I wish there were still benches here and there for doing that.

I love this shot. Great pose.

Silly mode was in full swing.

Well, then...congratulations!

LOL! I still giggle over it.

Huh. This is really neat. Another little detail that 99% of people would never notice.

It's like a Hidden Mickey but for nerds.

 

[Steppesister]

Well, I've heard those things are dangerous and I guess Micky and Donald agree. Good thing they were keeping an eye on you in case the security guys weren't ridiculous enough.

Disney Security: Keeping things ridiculous one personal alarm at a time..

That sounds really interesting...I would've enjoyed that.

I think so many folks are so much in a hurry to breeze on past Main Street (unless they are shopping) that they miss out on some truly fine stuff!

Nap time again?

Getting close!!

Any train for me.

I still need to do the train tour. Loved your chapter on that.

Glad I'm not the only one who does this. I'm not good at selfies and I usually have a dorky (okay more than normal) look on my face.

Mine are horrible. Just never got the knack for it. But I'd rather show the parks anyway.

HEY!!! You made me post my chunky dump. No fair!

Still lots of photos of me, er, well, enough anyway.

Two for one head trade?

Well, he IS the head salesman!

I like chess, but those knights are huge.

The whole thing is about as whacky and ostentatious as it gets. Love it though!

That is funny, but on the other hand maybe they were simply trying to say the queen and the princess lived happily ever after.

Another plausible theory! I like that one!

Very interesting. So, if you didn't have insurance, well, too bad for you. Or if the fire burned the portion where the placard was first, then "nope, don't see one, let it burn". Ouch!

Yes, I'd agree and odd concept, and one that probably only marginally worked.

Or from Steppe's TRs after her trip to a Disney park.

I love the details and love to share them.

AGAIN???? Are you trying to abscond with their food again?

Nah, there was far more than plenty coming up!

To quote Gru...

NO YAY!

Love that movie!

 

[Steppesister]

Happy Halloween! I sit writing this while in my Darth Vader-light costume (just a t-shirt and helmet) and in between trick or treaters.

No photos?? I was at work until 7 or so and got... zero. A 3rd floor apt is NOT where the action is going to be. I'm okay with that. Saves me money and all.

I was not one of the many. I did not know that about the crow.

Well, now ya know! I think until only a few years ago, I just thought he was a part of the attraction just to add spookiness or was a resident pet?

Well, you at least look like a happy couple!

LOL! I guess we do!

Very true. I have learned three things just from reading your post (if we're counting, it's the crow host, the hidden monkey, and the fire insurance)

And maybe in the chapters I just posted, you'll learn a couple more.

 

[Steppesister]

I wish I'd known about that one. Sounds interesting.

Might still be there....???

Sometimes things happen for a reason.

This I believe with all my heart.

I haven't been on that ride is so long!

You need to!!! Such corny good fun.

That is a good shot!

Kari is always so photogenic!

That was a pretty cool little fun fact that you shared with us!

I thought it was fascinating! Loved that piece of trivia!

 

[Steppesister]

Those were some amazing finds in the park! A monkey chandelier and a fire insurance sign. I appreciate you finding a Cast Member to ask about the placard, because I loved reading about that little touch of detail.

I am too. I honestly wasn't actually expecting her to find an answer for me, but thought I'd try. So I was super pleased when she came back with that veritable treasure trove of an answer. Then I spend a fair bit of time researching them when I wrote the chapter. Rabbit holes and all that....

 

[suse66]

Once in, the right side of Town Square called out to us. Kari wanted to meet some characters and I had noticed an exhibit the day before that I had hoped I’d find time to pop into: "Happy Haunts Materialize – The Art of Haunted Mansion". I waltzed into the Opera House and found a most ghoulishly delightful history with spooky fun original artwork from the storyboards and concept drawings as the Haunted Mansion was being developed. The ideas for the rides changed drastically as artists and Imagineers were shifted around or added to the project. At one point, and I surmise many of you know this, the red-eyed crow was supposed to be the host. Originally, there was big debate on whether to make it chilling and scary or fun and whimsical. Compromise was struck and they used the best of both themes. Enjoy a few of the offerings:

I would LOVE visiting this exhibit....so many details!

The sunshine summoned me back to the happy realms of Town Square and Kari was just finishing up as well, so we made our way up to the train station to catch a ride over to the New Orleans Square Station. I love me some DLR train! We just missed one leaving but were happy to sit and relax. We had time, not tons, but enough that we weren’t rushing. I passed the time listening to the old timey music and taking some dorky selfies. NO, I’m not going to post them.

Perfect way to spend time.

Dr. Facilier was creeping about, all full of himself and hitting on the ladies. It was hilarious! Kari got the most perfect photo with him!

Fabulous!

Well, there aren’t any HMs, but since this is a pirate store, we have a hidden monkey.” I set to work finding the monkey and in a couple of minutes I spied this very unique chandelier.

Love it!

It is not a train on there; it is an early 19th century fire engine that was used around the time NOS was built to emulate of the time period in New Orleans. The story is that properties put these placards in place to communicate to firemen that they had fire insurance. If the firemen saw a placard, they would put the fire out, if not, tough luck. Apparently, they were used in Europe long before coming to America. Who knew?!

That is so interesting!

We assembled together and rang the doorbell then were ushered in by our gracious hostesses. It quickly became apparent that the Club was also enjoying the celebrations of the Haunted Mansion’s 50th. A very well-done crypt display was set up in the courtyard with spooky lighting (that you can’t see very well, I’m afraid, in this photo) along with some awesome fog effects as well. We took advantage of it, using it for the backdrop for a group photo. Sorry, I just couldn’t muster the courage to christen the Club with a ChunkyDump. I do have some sense of decorum once in a while.

​

What a night! You all look wonderful!

Our server appeared shortly and it is here I learned something new about high-style dining… as our napkins were distributed, the server chose between black or white depending on the color that you were wearing- black napkin on dark clothing, white on light clothing. I kinda feel silly for not knowing this before!

I learned that dining at V&a's. Definitely a fine dining kind of thing.

You can read the menu yourself and try to match the item with what I got. To keep things succinct, it was all extremely delicious and more than I could eat. For those of you interested, yes, the wine was delicious, and half pours kept me from getting too silly at the table. And yes, I even passed one of them over to Fran who sat across from me, which also kept me from spending $100 on a sweatshirt I didn’t need.

The meal looks amazing and not over the top expensive for what you received.

All too soon it was time to head out to catch the nighttime festivities on Main Street. The bill was settled and we walked and wheeled to our seating area for my favorite parade. It scratches my happy spot; if I was a dog my back legs would be really moving! The Main Street Electrical Parade started quickly after we were seated, and I reveled in its hoedowny goodness. Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls…. (you humming it in your head yet?) Float after twinkly float came into view and I ooohed and aaahed at every single one. So many childhood memories came flooding back. And just like that, it was over. (Please excuse the excess of photos!)

I absolutely adore the MSEP and miss it so much!

With wonder in our hearts, we made our way up Main Street towards the exit. And we might have actually gotten out, but we were with Fran. (You know I love ya, right, Fran?) And Fran does not simply roll past Disney art shops. For which I am grateful. I’ve come to really appreciate some Disney art, definitely not all by a long stretch, but some does really catch my eye. Even some that is affordable. She chose a purchase she’d had her eye on, and I stopped to admire this over-the-top amazing set of guitars.

Beautiful!

If you could have any job in Disney, what would it be? Assume it is the present time and you have your present body. And... what job would you most HAVE wanted at Disney when you were 20 and your back and neck didn't hurt all the time?

I would love to be a plaid as well. If I was 23 instead of 53 I would like to run children's activities at one of the resorts!

 

[disneyAndi14]

The dinner looks amazing and the HM decor is so cool.

I miss the electric parade at WDW, such a memory producing event!

When I was younger, I would have loved to be in the castle stage show as Minnie, if not that a character handler.
Present time a CM at Dinosaur in AK, 2nd choice would be in a gift shop in AK!

 

[Jenny Sanders]

Hi Liesa!!! Awesome pics at Club 33 and of the parade!!!! You are such a good writer and photographer and I always feel I am reliving your trips when I read your reports!!!