The End of an Era - Where Dreams Come True at Pop & Kidani **NEW 5/28 FINALE

[glennbo123]

I just checked my facts and Glen, your score to beat is 167,600

Good thing you fess'd-up before I noticed this egregious error.

This needed complete clarification. You'll see why in my next installment....

Uh oh. I don't like the sound of this.

 

[All7OfUs]

Good thing you fess'd-up before I noticed this egregious error.



Uh oh. I don't like the sound of this.

I thought that might not go over well.

 

[jenbear123]

Hmmm....maybe someday you'll end up on ToT........

It sounds like you're going to convince me to get on the ride..... Just watch, I'll get on ToT due to DIS pressure!

Sorry to hear about the ravioli and bruchetta. Desserts looked very good, though.

Desserts were definitely the best part. Too bad the rest isn't up to snuff. The atmosphere in combination with good food would make this place an excellent restaurant.

Joining in! Lots of fun!

Sorry I missed your comment before! So glad to have you along

I LOVE your PTR's and TR's...hilarious...always good value.

Thanks...keep it up!

Glad you like it. I aim to please

Good thing you fess'd-up before I noticed this egregious error.

Well.... to be fair, I HAD to be sure I had the correct score.

Uh oh. I don't like the sound of this.

I thought that might not go over well.

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

Great trip report so far

(I might have just spent "work" time reading it all )

 

[jenbear123]

Feeling defeated after my battle with the pop-gun that was too pooped to pop, we headed over to the Animation building.

We didn’t wait long for our first session at the Animation Academy.

Our instructor was the guy who likes to get everyone to vote for which character to draw. It was nice to be so diplomatic but I’m there to draw - not to find out who doesn’t want to draw what I want! The votes came in and it was a landslide for the big cheese, Mickey Mouse. I was much more on my game this time, despite the fact that I still had to beat Glen’s score at TSM. Both our drawings turned out pretty good if I do say so myself. We went right in again for another session after Mickey was finished. This time, the votes came in for Pluto! Here’s my finished product:

I think it was this drawing that made me want to buy the How-to-Draw book. When we came out the second time, I noticed that Sorcerer Mickey was out so we hopped in line. For something new, I decided to get him to autograph my Mickey drawing.

One more character checked off my list!

The next thing on our “to-do” list for the day was Indiana Jones. The next show time was coming due so we grabbed a Churro for a quick snack

But since I had bought my drawing book and Bubba was still carrying her sketchbook around, we decided to make a quick trip back to the car to dump all our stuff. That’s one thing that’s convenient about having a car in Disney.

We hiked back, passed the turnstiles, towards Indiana Jones. They were already letting people in for the next show but Bubba wanted to get caramel popcorn. The line was pretty long so I got a bit antsy. Bubba said she’d share with me so that made the wait a bit more tolerable.

We took our bucket of popcorn and found a seat for Indiana Jones. I love the opening scene. I wish the whole show was like that. It’s neat that they show “behind the scenes” but it’s starting to get a bit old. I won’t spoil it for those who haven’t seen it but I what I will say is that you can’t see this show more than twice in the same year.

The death shot!

The TSM fastpass times were due when the show came to an end so we left along with the rest of the herd. As we entered the line for TSM, I got into the zone again. I had had two practice rounds. This was it. This had to be it. I was going to beat Glen. No more pop-guns too pooped to pop. No more mistakes. We got on the ride in less than 10 minutes. During the practice targets, I tried the gun and it worked. This was a good sign. The TSM gods were on my side. I went through the ride nailing every single high scoring target I could muster. My arm was on fire but I had to keep going. My score began to get higher and higher. I was going to do it! It came down to the last bonus round where you have to fire at the targets with every bit of strength that’s left in your arm that already feels like jello. It was over. What was my score?

.



.




.




.



My heart was thumping in my ears




.






.






.






Until then, what did I see?
Bubba on left, me on right

100 points..... I had missed Glen's score by ONE HUNDRED POINTS A series of words came to my mind when I saw that score, none of which I will mention here But all hope was not lost. I have another trip coming up in less than 3 weeks

 

[jenbear123]

Great trip report so far

(I might have just spent "work" time reading it all )

Thank you very much! Don't feel guilty about reading my TR during "work" time. I just spent "work" time writing my last installment!

 

[onelilspark]

Oh man, your Plutos are so much cooler than the one they had us draw out in DL!

 

[glennbo123]

Our instructor was the guy who likes to get everyone to vote for which character to draw. It was nice to be so diplomatic but I’m there to draw - not to find out who doesn’t want to draw what I want!

Could he be the same guy who works the crowd at rope drop?

I was much more on my game this time, despite the fact that I still had to beat Glen’s score at TSM.

Single-minded determination -- I like that, but not when it's targeted against me.

This time, the votes came in for Pluto! Here’s my finished product:

This is your best work yet! Really really good!

For something new, I decided to get him to autograph my Mickey drawing.

He must have thought he was looking in a mirror.

They were already letting people in for the next show but Bubba wanted to get caramel popcorn. The line was pretty long so I got a bit antsy. Bubba said she’d share with me so that made the wait a bit more tolerable.

You are so easily swayed!

Hey Jenbear, if you promise to never beat my score I'll buy you a caramel popcorn.

We took our bucket of popcorn and found a seat for Indiana Jones. I love the opening scene. I wish the whole show was like that. It’s neat that they show “behind the scenes” but it’s starting to get a bit old. I won’t spoil it for those who haven’t seen it but I what I will say is that you can’t see this show more than twice in the same year.

I haven't seen this show in a long, long time. I don't think it even had the airplane scene in it when I saw it, so I think we need to catch it when we're there in June.

As we entered the line for TSM, I got into the zone again. I had had two practice rounds. This was it. This had to be it. I was going to beat Glen. No more pop-guns too pooped to pop. No more mistakes.

Did you stretch-out? Do some calisthenics? At least crack your knuckles?

It came down to the last bonus round where you have to fire at the targets with every bit of strength that’s left in your arm that already feels like jello.

I'm picturing the Tom Cruise death scene in "Taps". (Before your time, I know.) He's firing a machine gun and yells "It's beautiful, man! Beautiful!", just before he gets shot multiple times.

It was over. What was my score?

Yes? Yes?

My heart was thumping in my ears

Mine too, right now!

100 points..... I had missed Glen's score by ONE HUNDRED POINTS

Aw, don't feel bad. That's twice you've gotten that score -- how many people could do that?

But all hope was not lost. I have another trip coming up in less than 3 weeks

You'll probably throw that one on purpose so that you have a reason to book another trip.

 

[redlight]

You were so so close. But on the bright side, your Pluto came out really good!

 

[jenbear123]

Oh man, your Plutos are so much cooler than the one they had us draw out in DL!

I liked how it had the ear up and his tongue hanging out

Could he be the same guy who works the crowd at rope drop?

Lord save us if that's the case!

Single-minded determination -- I like that, but not when it's targeted against me.

I can be very determined when I wanna be.

This is your best work yet! Really really good!

Thank you! I was quite satisfied too.

He must have thought he was looking in a mirror.

Probably! He really liked the drawing too.

You are so easily swayed!

Hey Jenbear, if you promise to never beat my score I'll buy you a caramel popcorn.

Nice try Glen! I may be easily swayed but not when it comes to a "beat-my-score" game.

I haven't seen this show in a long, long time. I don't think it even had the airplane scene in it when I saw it, so I think we need to catch it when we're there in June.

If that's the case, then yes you definitely need to see it when you are there in June!

Did you stretch-out? Do some calisthenics? At least crack your knuckles?

Yuck! I hate when people crack their knuckles, nevermind if I do it! I actually stretched my arm before going on though

I'm picturing the Tom Cruise death scene in "Taps". (Before your time, I know.) He's firing a machine gun and yells "It's beautiful, man! Beautiful!", just before he gets shot multiple times.

Yup, that was me.

Yes? Yes?

Mine too, right now!



Aw, don't feel bad. That's twice you've gotten that score -- how many people could do that?

But that's not the point! And I nearly died trying to get that score again. I swear I will make my mom ride TSM as many times as needed for me to get a score of 167,700!

You'll probably throw that one on purpose so that you have a reason to book another trip.

There's never a wrong reason to book a Disney trip

You were so so close. But on the bright side, your Pluto came out really good!

This is true. Thanks redlight That actually made me feel a lot better.... seriously!

 

[All7OfUs]

I think the thing I"m most excited about doing is the drawing "class". Maybe even more than TSM. Of course, I am pretty motivated about that too.

What a fabulous idea to get Mickey's autograph on the drawing of him!! The tips you learn everyday!!

I can't believe how close you came to actually beating his score!! AMAZING!! Maybe if you hadn't spent that extra energy paying far too much money for the popcorn you coulda done it? That much is heavy, you know. Next time, put your arm in a sling until game time.



Indiana Jones... meh. Once was enough, I think. My kids are MAKING me see LMA! this time, so I prolly will to make them happy.

 

[jordanyosh]

so close and yet so far as far as the tsm score....good luck in 3 weeks....

 

[disneyaddicted]

Hi Jen, I know I posted here before, it was right after your Epcot day and I was disapointed for you receiving such a tiny sundae, bu tI can't find it, I must have goofed. Anyway, I am getting caught up, again.

Did they really close CP to replace light fixtures? Speaking of CP I think I want to make a breakfast ADR there, just for the early entry factor, and the food is good too.

The fans at Aloha isle are ridculously windy. Why? I remember my hair blowing every which way and into my dole Whip, crazy I tell ya.

Anyway, I'm still following along, I didn't want you to think I am neglecting your TR. I have more time now to catch up. I'm enjoying your TR. I so wish I could take a trip with my sister. Your trips alays sound like so much fun.
Ty

 

[Sleepingbooty]

Hey Jen! Sorry I've been bad, I haven't kept up - but I just went back to read. I love the Animation Academy, too! I can't wait to take my parents there, my mom is an excellent artist and I know she'll love it. We just discovered this attraction on our last visit - I don't know how we missed it before. Hope you're having a blast on your cruise!

 

[jenbear123]

I think the thing I"m most excited about doing is the drawing "class". Maybe even more than TSM. Of course, I am pretty motivated about that too.

The classes are fun, especially because you never know who you're going to draw.

What a fabulous idea to get Mickey's autograph on the drawing of him!! The tips you learn everyday!!

I thought of that all by myself! It makes for a nice souvenir.

I can't believe how close you came to actually beating his score!! AMAZING!! Maybe if you hadn't spent that extra energy paying far too much money for the popcorn you coulda done it? That much is heavy, you know. Next time, put your arm in a sling until game time.

TOTALLY should've rested up my arm. I can't believe how close I came either. My stomach did a flip when I realized just how close it was.

Indiana Jones... meh. Once was enough, I think. My kids are MAKING me see LMA! this time, so I prolly will to make them happy.

If they changed some aspects of the show it would be better. I dunno... it feels like the same thing over and over again. The wow factor is definitely gone.

so close and yet so far as far as the tsm score....good luck in 3 weeks....

Thanks Jordan! I've got my work cut out for me...

Hi Jen, I know I posted here before, it was right after your Epcot day and I was disapointed for you receiving such a tiny sundae, bu tI can't find it, I must have goofed. Anyway, I am getting caught up, again.

Hey Ty! Thanks for coming back. I remember you posting here too. I'm pretty sure you did?? Anyways, hello again!

Did they really close CP to replace light fixtures? Speaking of CP I think I want to make a breakfast ADR there, just for the early entry factor, and the food is good too.

By the sounds of it yes, and also to replace all the glass in the windows. You should definitely try to get in there early. It's a nice feeling seeing MK fresh in the morning

The fans at Aloha isle are ridculously windy. Why? I remember my hair blowing every which way and into my dole Whip, crazy I tell ya.

I think it's to keep the bugs away or something? It's really silly if you ask me.

Anyway, I'm still following along, I didn't want you to think I am neglecting your TR. I have more time now to catch up. I'm enjoying your TR. I so wish I could take a trip with my sister. Your trips alays sound like so much fun.
Ty

Don't worry! I have a hard enough time myself keeping up with all the TRs and PTRs I'm subscribed to. Sometimes you just can't comment on them all. Nice to know you're still there though. Hope your leg is healing well!

Hey Jen! Sorry I've been bad, I haven't kept up - but I just went back to read. I love the Animation Academy, too! I can't wait to take my parents there, my mom is an excellent artist and I know she'll love it. We just discovered this attraction on our last visit - I don't know how we missed it before. Hope you're having a blast on your cruise!

My mom likes to draw too! I'm planning on taking her here on our next trip. It's easy to miss if you don't know about it. That's what I love about Disney though, always something new to find!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Hey! We're back...time to catch up on your report. Love your Pluto drawing! We did the animation academy and had such a fun time.

 

[jenbear123]

Hey! We're back...time to catch up on your report. Love your Pluto drawing! We did the animation academy and had such a fun time.

Thanks! I hope you'll post your artwork too

 

[jenbear123]

After my defeat at TSM (It's not over yet!!) we headed back to Pop for a nap. On our way, we made a pitstop at a local Wal-Mart to pick up some more sani wipes for the fridge and so Bubba could buy another suitcase to pack all her stuff.

I think this is the closest Wal-Mart to Disney. I remember it being off Polynesian Blvd or something similar. It was maybe 10 minutes drive away.

Being well rested and ready to face the second half of our day, we proceeded to....

Epcot! We had our first ADR at Le Cellier. Each time we went back to Epcot, there were more and more things put up for the Flower and Garden Festival.

The hidden Mickey that was on one of these giraffes last year is no longer there. Unless I missed it

On our way to WS, we made a pitstop at Club Cool to quench our thirst with a little Beverly.

Sorry no action shots of me drinking that bitter flavour. I was the only brave one to give it a try again. And the answer is - NOPE still don't like it!


Onwards to Le Cellier, the weather was looking very promising for the evening..... or so we thought.

All the flowers and green made me really excited for spring. It was still too cold back home for any of this!

Didn't have to wait long to be seated once we checked in Le Cellier - of course we wouldn't since Bubba WORKS there Unfortunately, our server was Barry. If you ever get Barry, expect to be rushed. He is the king of turning over tables. And he did not disappoint in our case either. We each ordered a glass of wine to go with our meal.

Bubba ordered the red

I had my white

Bubba ordered the Tomato Stack appetizer to share between us. I kinda dug in before snapping the picture. Whoops

This is always good. Light, fresh and refreshing. A definite favourite. Then, for main entree, I ordered the staple Mushroom Filet - medium-rare - in all it's deliciousness

This thing is twice the size as it is compared to lunch. Sadly, I was only able to eat about half of it. It was SO good though (a billion times better than the so called "Filet Mignon" I was served on my recent cruise - but that's for another mini-TR some other time) and the mushroom risotto is to DIE for. I hate to know how much butter they put into that recipe. Thanks goes to Bubba for telling me that one. It doesn't stop me from ordering it though!

For Bubba's entree, she got the Veal T-bone.

I don't really understand the presentation on this dish but hey, whatever works I guess. I suppose the baby cow still had some spunk in it Sorry, horrible joke for all you vegetarians out there. If my memory serves me right, her t-bone was cooked rather odd. When she cut through to the bone, it was a deep red, fatty colour. She ordered it medium rare but the meat looked odd and was a bit chewy. It's hard to explain and I wish I had taken a picture of it. All I remember is that she could not it all of it because of this. That was a bit of a disappointment. To make matters worse, Barry came to drop off the dessert menu before we were even halfway through our main course. That's a big no-no in this kind of restaurant. I was not impressed and I'm sure many other Disney diners wouldn't be either.

Then came the best part - DESSERT! We ordered our favourite dessert wine - Inniskillin Ice Wine. Only one glass to share. Bubba ordered the Chocolate "Moose"

Hmm, me thinks this is her favourite dessert at Le Cellier. She orders it everytime!

And I had to order an old favourite, Maple Creme Brulee.

I cleaned the bowl on this one MMMMmmmmmm

Le Cellier has it's ups and downs but mostly the food never disappoints. I will keep eating here again and again on every trip..... just not with the same server. To emphasize his urgency to get us out of there, we sat down at 4:15pm and the bill receipt had a time of 4:59pm.

Total: 2 TS credits + $57.79 with TIW for Appetizer + Wine

 

[All7OfUs]

When I opened up the post, I thought, " How did we get to Walmart??" I thought, is it over already?? What'd I miss??



That's ridiculous timing for a restaurant of that kind! I'd have complained. If they try that stunt on my at Cali., someone's gonna hear about it!

Regardless, the food looked great!! Mmmmm... How can 1 appie and 3 glasses of wine cost over $60?? (before TIW) THat's some serious cash! I need to look at the menu!

 

[bellebookworm9]

Boo for it being that quick of a meal. At least they fit the template given in the Unofficial Guide that tables turn every 45 minutes. However, in my RideMax plans I'm allowing about 90 minutes for our TS meals (including checkin time). I think I'd rather be rushed than take forever though. My friends and I went up to the really fancy restaurant in town last week and we were there for THREE hours. We were so impatient by the end. Here's to hoping for a happy medium!