The Bananas Take On WDW, lots of pics, leaving for F&W today

[janabananas]

EPCOT is our favorite park and we were most looking forward to being back here. Luckily I planned it for a day with evening EMH so we had 15 hours to spend there.

With my cunning and deception (I had to lie to dbf), we got to RD. Dbf would not ride Soarin, so I walked with a quickness and was able to be on the first "flight" for the day. It was flipping awesome!! I missed that sensation and the smells.

After Soarin, we ate breakfast at Sunshine Seasons and got a birthday serenade from the employees. It was really sweet. This was our first experience with a Disney breakfast. It was adequate, but not spectacular. We really weren't expecting greatness though. Luckily, they allow you to sub out foods. I didn't want the biscuit so I got extra eggs. Dbf didn't want his biscuit so he got extra french toast.

After breakfast we rode Living with the Land. It was nice to allow breakfast to digest before Mission Space...

We pretty much walked right on to the ride with no wait. I rode green and he rode orange. It was tons of fun.

We then walked to Test Track and got into a 5 minute line..... Well we ended up being held hostage in the breifing room due to "technical difficulties" so we ended up being in line for about 20 minutes. It was such a thrill!! Dbf was giggling he had so much fun.

After Test Track we walked to Mexico . This was the start to our Drinking around EPCOT tour.

 

[janabananas]

In Mexico we rode the boat ride and grabbed a Dos Equis beer. As we were leaving Mexico, we listened to the Mariachi band and watched the baby dance. So cute!

Off to Norway we went. We looked around the pavilion and rode Maelstrom. It was fun.

We skipped the movie though because we were both getting hungry. I had the ham and apple sandwich and DBF had the salmon and egg sandwich. They were both yummy!! We had a Carlsberg beer and shot of aquavit. (yuck) We also had a duck that wanted our food. Either him or his brother followed us to AK the next day.

China was next and I had plum wine and dbf had Tsingtao beer. I was getting tired so I sat on a bench while dbf looked around the pavilion.

We then went to Germany where I got a piece of caramel from the karamel shoppe and he got a beer from a side vendor. We were both happy with our choices!

Italy was next and we shared a glass of Rosa Regale wine. We looked around a bit, including the prices for the TS restaurants. We were a bit shocked.....

After Italy, we walked to USA and he grabbed a Bud Light. We ended up talking to a kiosk worker while I rested. Such a nice guy, I wish I could remember his name so I can write a letter to corporate.

Then Morocco welcomed us with open arms. I again rested while dbf looked around. We shared a Casa beer. We decided to make our way back to the hotel around this time. I was over exhausted... maybe slightly buzzed.

Dbf insisted we go see Figment. I didn't want to but we went. I tricked him into getting up early, so it was the least I could do. I am glad we did go because I got in the a/c.

We were walking in the gift shop when an employee stopped me and told me I had a phone call. It was Goofy wishing me Happy Birthday. It was really cute!!

We then went home to POP. I was done and my feet were killing me.

We wanted to have some pool time, but it was raining, so we took a nap and watched football.

 

[janabananas]

So we made our way back to EPCOT so we could make our Tokyo Dining ADR at 8:20pm. This time we started In Canada. Dbf had a Labatts. He loves the stuff as he is from the Buffalo, NY area. He cannot get it down here in my town. He was VERY happy. I had a Torontopolitan. It was YUMMY!!! It was still raining so we grabbed our drinks and made our way to the UK shops.

In the UK we shared a Harp. Good stuff, we both like Harp so it was an easy choice.

We had to walk fast, in the rain to Japan. I did see the kiosk with the Grey Goose slushies. I prayed it was still open after dinner.

We got to Japan and were seated immediately. We didn't get pixie dust to be seated by the window. In retrospect it wasn't a bad thing because we were too busy enjoying dinner and each others company to notice.
I had a Cherry Blossom Martini and Dbf had a large sake. Both were good.

We each had an appetizer to share. We had looked at the menu months ago and saw a pork belly app "Kakuni" and "Wafu" rib app we wanted to try. Instead of picking either/or, we decided on getting both.

The ribs were the winner. The Kakuni was good, but the ribs were FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC. The best ribs of our trip.

For dinner, I had the Shibuya (tempura chicken & shrimp) combo. Everything on the plate was great, except for the chicken. It was edible, but not great.

Dbf had the Fuji Bento Box. He was in HEAVEN!!

For dessert, I got a complimentary piece of chocolate ginger cake. So yummy! Even dbf who doesn't eat sweets liked it.

After dinner, we went downstairs and wasted time walking around the HUGE department store. I didn't want to leave.

We ventured back over to France. I was hoping for the Grey Goose slushie and I got it!! So refreshing. DBF got a Kronenbourg 1644. He wished he would have gotten a glass of wine because he said it was the worst beer of the day.The rain stopped, but it was still very humid out. ICK!!

After we wandered France, we left WS and went to the Seas. Be warned that although the rides are open, the aquarium shuts the lights off so you cannot see inside the exhibits to see the critters. DBF was very disappointed. He is a marine bio major and he LOVES the Seas. He could sit and watch the animals for hours. After the Seas, we walked over to Spaceship Earth and rode it. That was our last ride at EPCOT.

Although I was grumpy and tired during parts of the day, and dbf was grumpy during other parts, we had a phenominal day and night. I never gave myself time to actually look at the pavillions and the art exhibits at EPCOT. I was really glad dbf made me stop and "smell the roses" on this trip. It just reinforced how much I love EPCOT and I ended up loving it even more.

 

[teekathepony]

Ooooh Kona looks fantastic! I'm getting hungry just looking at the pictures.

 

[lovethattink]

Your food at Kona looks great! Love your outfits, very tropical!

 

[janabananas]

Coming over from your PTR.

That salad at Pizza Planet and the cookie at Writer's Stop look great! They are on my list of things to try now!

Too bad there weren't many cupcakes at Starring Rolls!

Love the pics of Pop. We usually request the 70's near the Big Wheels, love that location. My son likes to fish in the lake there, so likes being close to it. Looks like you were the building directly across from where we usually are. It's a nice centrally located area! Not far from anything!!

I was really surprised how yummy the salad was. It had a nice, light balsamic dressing with cubed cantaloupe and cucumbers and tomatoes, and green pea mixed in. It was so refreshing.

The food at Kona was really yummy too. I forgot to write to ask to have sauces put on the side so you can dip. They sauces are really yummy but can overwhelm if the chef has a heavy hand.

 

[janabananas]

I just booked for January 20-22 POFQ!!!! I originally booked for POP again but we decided on a upgrade!!!!!!! I am super duper excited.

And we got a coveted Rose and Crown dinner ADR for friday night, so we can **hopefully** watch Illuminations outside!!! And we have an ADR for Artist Point at Wilderness Lodge saturday night!!.

 

[lovethattink]

I just booked for January 20-22 POFQ!!!! I originally booked for POP again but we decided on a upgrade!!!!!!! I am super duper excited.

And we got a coveted Rose and Crown dinner ADR for friday night, so we can **hopefully** watch Illuminations outside!!! And we have an ADR for Artist Point at Wilderness Lodge saturday night!!.

Congratulations, so now you have 2 upcoming trips!!! Are passholder specials out for 2012?!

 

[dreamerchic33]

Welcome home! Great updates and yay for Jan! Xo

 

[janabananas]

Congratulations, so now you have 2 upcoming trips!!! Are passholder specials out for 2012?!

No not yet. We know for sure we are going so we used the $$ we didn't spend this last trip as a down payment/deposit for our Jan trip. The cm said we could apply any discounts when released, so I will be stalking the passholder info for new rates! (closest smily to stalking )

How do you like CSR? We were looking at other mods besides POFQ. We toured POFQ/POR and loved them. How does CSR differ?

 

[janabananas]

Welcome home! Great updates and yay for Jan! Xo

Thanks!! I wish I was still at WDW. Today was my first day back at work....

I miss the biggest decision being "what do I want to eat today?"

I saw your PTR and hope you are doing ok. Loved the pics!!

 

[lovethattink]

No not yet. We know for sure we are going so we used the $$ we didn't spend this last trip as a down payment/deposit for our Jan trip. The cm said we could apply any discounts when released, so I will be stalking the passholder info for new rates! (closest smily to stalking )

How do you like CSR? We were looking at other mods besides POFQ. We toured POFQ/POR and loved them. How does CSR differ?

I've stayed at all the mods except POFQ. We are staying there in Dec!!

I love, love, love CSR!! Feel free to check out the CSR pics in my TR Disney Done Differently in my siggie. The March stay at CSR is the first posts, and the August stay starts around page 48.

CSR is very different from the other mods. First, there is a fitness center and a spa there. The fitness center is included and available for use 24/7. You can get a microwave at no cost if there is one available. It is a convention resort so it caters more to a different clientel, but as a vacationing family we have never felt out of place.

The food court works totally different than any other food court on property. You actually have a server to get your drinks, and you pay a 10% service charge unless your food is to go.

The room ammenities are a little different too. The first time we stayed we got H2O shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, and body lotion. This last time we didn't get the shower gel. The other mods give the H2O combination shampoo/conditioner just like the values.

Another difference in the room would be the lack of table and chairs. Instead there is a desk and 2 ottomans.

I'm not a drinker, but for someone looking for a drink and a place to enjoy it, There are 4 bars. There is the Rix Lounge, a nightclub, a bar in the food court, the Laguna Lounge just outside El Centro, and Siestas at the pool.

Mug refills are available at 3 locations. One is self-serve (Cafe Rix), the other two (Siestas at the pool and The Pepper Market food court) there is someone to refill them for you.

CSR is a huge resort. For people who have difficulty walking distances they recommend a wheel chair or using the internal bus system. When you check in there there is mention about how to get from point A to point B in the resort using the buses. There is no room close to everything. We like to be close to the main pool because that's what's important to us. My son had to use his wheelchair to get from our room to the pool or to El Centro this time. We were in the Casitas building 5. Last time we were in Cabanas 8A and he could walk to the pool, but not El Centro.

I hope this helps, those are the main difference I can think of off the top of my head.

 

[janabananas]

Thanks for the info. One of the reasons I liked POFQ after walking around it, and even POP, was the fact they are small and compact. POP has lots of rooms but everything is in walking distance. That is why we chose POFQ over POR too. To each there own, right?

 

[lovethattink]

Thanks for the info. One of the reasons I liked POFQ after walking around it, and even POP, was the fact they are small and compact. POP has lots of rooms but everything is in walking distance. That is why we chose POFQ over POR too. To each there own, right?

Exactly! That's the great thing about Disney, there is something for everyone. It's very diverse!!

Have you checked out Andrewilley's thread on the DIS http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2650040

Or his website?
http://www.portorleans.org/

Lots of helpful information there!

 

[ronnmel]

Great first night! A long bus line is never fun, and standing can be scary I guess. Though for me it doesn't phase me too much since I had to take the bus downtown for 8 years while in college and university and often had to stand.

 

[janabananas]

Great first night! A long bus line is never fun, and standing can be scary I guess. Though for me it doesn't phase me too much since I had to take the bus downtown for 8 years while in college and university and often had to stand.

I stood on a bus on the way to MK our last day and I was fine. Maybe the driver that night was rushing because he needed to get back to MK for another pick up? It might have been my perspective though because I have motion sickness issues. I got nauseated from the little ferry boats and launches at EPCOT and POFQ. We don't have a good bus system in my hometown and I have never tried it.

 

[janabananas]

Exactly! That's the great thing about Disney, there is something for everyone. It's very diverse!!

Have you checked out Andrewilley's thread on the DIS http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2650040

Or his website?
http://www.portorleans.org/

Lots of helpful information there!

Yep I have studied both!

 

[ronnmel]

I stood on a bus on the way to MK our last day and I was fine. Maybe the driver that night was rushing because he needed to get back to MK for another pick up? It might have been my perspective though because I have motion sickness issues. I got nauseated from the little ferry boats and launches at EPCOT and POFQ. We don't have a good bus system in my hometown and I have never tried it.

I get motion sickness too (like my first day back from AK), and it's true that how one person drives can really affect it. However for some reason I'm completely fine on boats. I think it might be because of the breeze.

 

[disneychic2]

Hey, I just jumped over from our Sept thread. I'm trying to get caught up since returning from my trip, but man, those Sept peeps can chat!! Going on two hours of reading and I'm not even half way through!
I'm enjoying your report so far and am glad you had a great birthday. The food looks fabulous.

Also, DH and I stay at FQ more often than anywhere else and we absolutely love it! I think it will be just right for you guys. Looking forward to the rest of your report.

 

[janabananas]

Hey, I just jumped over from our Sept thread. I'm trying to get caught up since returning from my trip, but man, those Sept peeps can chat!! Going on two hours of reading and I'm not even half way through!
I'm enjoying your report so far and am glad you had a great birthday. The food looks fabulous.

Also, DH and I stay at FQ more often than anywhere else and we absolutely love it! I think it will be just right for you guys. Looking forward to the rest of your report.

Thanks for joining me. I am super excited about POFQ. We are hoping for a good upgrade price for WL though. We shall see. If we do get to go to WL, then we will do FQ for my bday trip 2012.

I haven't been able to keep up with the Sept folks either. They are for sure chatty!! They are such nice people too, which is a nice change from some other threads you come across.

I will be posting more shortly.