The Feast of Fools! back from WDW- be on the look out for trip report

[robinm1215]

I am terrified of drops too. I don't do Splash. I have NEVER ridden ToT. But I did screw my courage to that proverbial sticking point last October and went alone to AK early one morning. I walked over to Everest and just got in line. I managed to make it through the queue because of two young couples who were in line with me. One of the girls had been a CM on the ride from the beginning and was telling all about it. They encouraged me and gave me the surprise of my life. When we got to the seating area one of the young men stepped out of line and said: "You need to ride this with someone you know." He gave up his spot for me to ride with his wife! Anyway... the drops are there, but they are nothing like Splash, in my opinion.

Would I ride this attraction every single time I go to AK? Probably not. BUT I will ride it again which is more than I can say for Splash!

You can do it!

I've ridden Splash before but not in a while. And the longer I go without doing it the less I want to ride it and the more afraid of that drop I become. It's a shame because the rest of that ride is so well themed, I hate missing it. But that drop! Eek!

Glad you conquered Everest. That man was so nice to let you ride with his wife

My friend's 8 year old wanted me to go on when we were there this past August -- even told me she'd sit next to me -- but I chickened out. It sounded good, but when I got there and looked at it I just could not do it. Maybe I should just get in line in Oct like you did. The only thing is I'll be there by myself so no one to keep me from leaving the line Thanks for the encouragement though!

Tell you what- you handle the birds, I'll handle the big drops. Expedition Everest is totally not that bad. You are very secure in your seat, and (to me anyway) it doesn't really feel like a drop. It's like a faster BTMR to me. I go on ToT all the time, even though that is the one ride that wigs me out, but I still do it. After the first time I'm all right. I think you can do Expedition Everest on some trip and you will be all right. And if not, they serve up stiff drinks at the Yak & Yeti to help you cool off afterwards.

Sounds like a deal!

And thanks for the info on Everest. I've had a few people tell me the drop is not bad so maybe I should just try it... I think I will need the drink from Yak & Yeti first though! Of course now I'm psyching myself out over the backwards, in the dark part since I don't really know what happens there... I love BTMR but can't do ToT, no how, no way. Did it once and that was enough for me. Again, great theming, glad I did it once, but no need to torture myself with it again. And since it is all drops I don't see myself changing my mind about this one!


Your plans for the next few days sound great too! I am so looking forward to your reviews. It will help me pass the time until my trip is here

 

[Flossbolna]

I liked the macadamia pancakes a lot - plenty of food, too! And unless you need to travel by monorail, I would recommend the taking the little boat from the Poly to MK. When we stayed at the Poly we found this much nicer and also quicker than the monorail.

 

[onelilspark]

I read your review, thanks for pointing me to it. Where did you find the info on the NY State Wine adventure? I don't like very sweet food, but I don't mind sweet wines, so I'll have to try the Ice Wine if they have it.

ps- Have I ever told you how much I love your screenname? I start humming the song whenever I see one of your posts.

Haha! Well thanks

And on the pdf Festival guide at the bottom they have the visiting wineries listed. I know I stopped by last year because I'm a big enough dork that even though I live in the wine region of NY State, I want to see what Disney deemed worthy to bring to F&W! So I know Casa Larga was part of it and I can only imagine Dr Frank's is because he's rather famous in this area. There are another 5 or so listed, so I don't know if they're all part of the Wine Adventure or not. I would think so, but you never know

 

[Golf4food]

I also love the World Showcase Players. I was lucky enough to be Brave Sir Gallahad in our trip this month. DW took lots of pictures. Good times.

The Japanese story teller lady is also quite funny.

At Kona we ordered Tonga Toast and a Big Kahuna and split a little bit of everything. The Kahuna has the macadamia nut pancakes, french toast (normal kind - very good), bacon (woo-hoo!), sausage, eggs, potatos, etc. All sorts of stuff. Like your own little breakfast buffet!

We also had a 7:30 ADR and were able to get to the MK right after rope drop and that included taking a few minutes to write down our breakfast thoughts in our notebook and move the car from the Poly to the TTC lot, etc. I think we walked right in at 9:05 so we missed the crush of people from rope drop and probably got onto our first ride about the same time we would have if we had waited out front for 30 minutes.

 

[Shenanigoat]

I'm here.. I'm here.. late but here.
We'll be at the World at the same time, but doesn't ever look like we'll be at the same places at the same time. Sept 25 - Oct 2
Kona - Check Oct 2
Flying Fish - Check Sept 26
Raglan Road - Check Oct 1
Kouzzuna - Check Sept 28
Noshing around Epcot- Check Sept 29 and Sept 30th

Oh and I was able to book Kouzzuna for our dinner just yesterday.
They finally have added it to the online reservation system

I'll be on the lookout for a redhead hanging out with Wall-E though, just in case

Cathy

You're just fashionably late, that's all. It seems like great minds think alike in the ADR department, even though we won't be eating at the same times. If you see me, say Hi! I'm friendly and I've had all my shots.

........

And thanks for the info on Everest. I've had a few people tell me the drop is not bad so maybe I should just try it... I think I will need the drink from Yak & Yeti first though! Of course now I'm psyching myself out over the backwards, in the dark part since I don't really know what happens there... I love BTMR but can't do ToT, no how, no way. Did it once and that was enough for me. Again, great theming, glad I did it once, but no need to torture myself with it again. And since it is all drops I don't see myself changing my mind about this one!


Your plans for the next few days sound great too! I am so looking forward to your reviews. It will help me pass the time until my trip is here

That's why I love trip reports, it's the perfect pretrip research and leisure reading all rolled up in one.

I liked the macadamia pancakes a lot - plenty of food, too! And unless you need to travel by monorail, I would recommend the taking the little boat from the Poly to MK. When we stayed at the Poly we found this much nicer and also quicker than the monorail.

I totally forgot about the boat. I'll have to do that since I'll get tons of other monorail rides this trip.

Haha! Well thanks

And on the pdf Festival guide at the bottom they have the visiting wineries listed. I know I stopped by last year because I'm a big enough dork that even though I live in the wine region of NY State, I want to see what Disney deemed worthy to bring to F&W! So I know Casa Larga was part of it and I can only imagine Dr Frank's is because he's rather famous in this area. There are another 5 or so listed, so I don't know if they're all part of the Wine Adventure or not. I would think so, but you never know

Oh thanks. I didn't even think of checking the back pages of the guide. I just gutted it down to what's going on during my trip.

I also love the World Showcase Players. I was lucky enough to be Brave Sir Gallahad in our trip this month. DW took lots of pictures. Good times.

The Japanese story teller lady is also quite funny.

At Kona we ordered Tonga Toast and a Big Kahuna and split a little bit of everything. The Kahuna has the macadamia nut pancakes, french toast (normal kind - very good), bacon (woo-hoo!), sausage, eggs, potatos, etc. All sorts of stuff. Like your own little breakfast buffet!

We also had a 7:30 ADR and were able to get to the MK right after rope drop and that included taking a few minutes to write down our breakfast thoughts in our notebook and move the car from the Poly to the TTC lot, etc. I think we walked right in at 9:05 so we missed the crush of people from rope drop and probably got onto our first ride about the same time we would have if we had waited out front for 30 minutes.

That's great that you were sir Gallahad. I'm sure you have enough photos for a very nice scrapbook layout.

And thanks for the Kona--> MK rope drop feedback. I like being there right at opening so it's good to know I'll have plenty of time.

 

[onelilspark]

Oh thanks. I didn't even think of checking the back pages of the guide. I just gutted it down to what's going on during my trip.

It's like flipping to the back of a mystery book to see who-done-it before you start reading the rest of the book. You just gotta know! Not that I do that or anything

 

[Shenanigoat]

It's like flipping to the back of a mystery book to see who-done-it before you start reading the rest of the book. You just gotta know! Not that I do that or anything

I do that too. Sometimes I even find out what's going to happen on an up coming favorite show of mine. I guess I just don't like surprises.

 

[Shenanigoat]

Day Seven- the last full day

This day is always the hardest for me. It's the last full day. You start your vacation and it's all "woo day one!" Then on the second day you're at another park that you weren't at the day before, and it's all good. Day three you realize, "hmmm coming up to the middle of my trip but still not halfway there". Then day four- "wow I can't believe it's halfway over". Day five and six you don't really think about, because you want to focus on the fun you're having, not on how quickly time is going.

But day 7- that's the last full day.

I always feel like I want to push myself too hard on this day and cram stuff in. Last year I changed up my plans and just mellowed out on this day, wandering World Showcase. This was a good idea. Having the day go slowly instead of rushing from ride to ride. My plans for day 7 this year are kind of like that.


Rope Drop @ Hollywood Studios is 9AM. I will be there for Rope Drop, but the previous night I will have been at Jellyrolls, so I might not be there as crack of dawn-ish as I usually am. I'm only going to spend 2 hours here to get on some rides, because I have an early ADR in EPCOT:


Le Cellier- lunch @ 11:30.
Yes, I will be eating steak before noon. I have no opinions on Le Celllier, because I've never dined there before. This is sort of a fact finding mission. To see what all the hubbub is about. Most of my ADRs are to new places that are popular, so in a way I suppose this whole trip is about checking out the hype-iest places. The lunch menu here is a little smaller from the dinner one, but I'm not worried about that because I have a great place planned for dinner this night. (or so I have heard... er read)


I will have some time between my meal and my next event:


Spirit Demo- Beam Spirits@ 2:00.
I had all my F&WF events planned out and then when I went to the booking website I saw this and had to book it. So on this trip I have scheduled a food demo, wine demo, tequila tasting, and spirit demo. I got in everything but beer- which I will get to on the History of Beer thingy. And possibly also on the Beer Walk, if I do that.


I'll hope the monorail to the TTC, then hope on the resort line because dinner is at:


Citricos- dinner@ 6:00.
Yes, another early dinner. I like to eat early since I get up so early for RDs. I have read really good things about Citricos. I even saved it till the end of my trip because of this. Jiko I knew I needed to do early, because I'd be waiting all week for it, but with Citricos I know it will be a good last dinner on this trip. (I hope it will be) I have no idea what to get here. If anyone can offer suggestions, I am all ears. I have no problem eating steak/meat after eating it for lunch btw.


I think this evening I'm going to just mellow out at my resort. I'll probably get a drink somewhere in the GF before leaving (anyone know where the GF watering hole is?) but that's about it. It takes so much travel time to get back to CA after vacation that I really don't push myself this last night.

I also have to go back and pack. Day 7 is always the hardest.


Next- plans for day 8: EPCOT & Tutto Italia


And of course, here's Wall*E:

It's a Small World.

 

[PNO4TE]

Spirit Demo- Beam Spirits@ 2:00.
I had all my F&WF events planned out and then when I went to the booking website I saw this and had to book it.

Can't wait to hear your review of this one. It is the only seminar my DH is doing on our trip. We both love bourbon so it seemed like a great choice.

 

[TigerKat]

Can't wait to hear about Citricos, we're excited to be trying it next month!

 

[onelilspark]

Here's my review on Citricos from February: http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30256220&postcount=13

I absolutely loved the Goat Cheese Truffles. Like, if I could be eating them right now, I would. I got the lamb chops when I was there. It was my first time having lamb chops, so I didn't really know what to expect. I liked them, but now that I've had lamb since, I think they were done very well! And I even loved the dessert.

My friends just got back and did Citricos. Another positive experience!

 

[oybolshoi]

You will really enjoy Citricos ... it was our final dinner of the trip last October and we thought it was one of the best we had (and we had some great meals last year). Here's our review:

Citricos

I thought the short ribs and polenta were fabulous and Jay insists that you try the veal shank if for no other reason than the bone is included with a wee little spoon with which you may scoop out the warm goo inside.

Drinking hole at the GF? Citricos is on the second floor and so is Mizner's lounge - it's a little lounge hidden behind the area where the orchestra plays. We love it there!

 

[disneyfav4ever]

Citricos is wonderful. I love the gatuea of crab that they have on their appetizer menu, but almost everything I've had there I've really liked.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Just saw this!

My husband and I will be at the California Grill the same day as you!

We tried for an ADR for Kona on the 29th but we couldn't get one. We have a filler ADR at the Wave but I'm still going to try for Kona that morning when they open.

Maybe we'll end up running into each other.

Have a great trip!

 

[Shenanigoat]

Can't wait to hear your review of this one. It is the only seminar my DH is doing on our trip. We both love bourbon so it seemed like a great choice.

Yeah it seemed different, so that's why I got it. I'm going to try to do a little post or something from WDW a few times, so that I can write about the F&WF events.

Can't wait to hear about Citricos, we're excited to be trying it next month!

I'm excited too. It doesn't seem to be as popular as other signature restaurants, but is becoming so.

Here's my review on Citricos from February: http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30256220&postcount=13

I absolutely loved the Goat Cheese Truffles. Like, if I could be eating them right now, I would. I got the lamb chops when I was there. It was my first time having lamb chops, so I didn't really know what to expect. I liked them, but now that I've had lamb since, I think they were done very well! And I even loved the dessert.

My friends just got back and did Citricos. Another positive experience!

Thanks, I'll read your review. Goat cheese truffles sound wonderful.

You will really enjoy Citricos ... it was our final dinner of the trip last October and we thought it was one of the best we had (and we had some great meals last year). Here's our review:

Citricos

I thought the short ribs and polenta were fabulous and Jay insists that you try the veal shank if for no other reason than the bone is included with a wee little spoon with which you may scoop out the warm goo inside.

Drinking hole at the GF? Citricos is on the second floor and so is Mizner's lounge - it's a little lounge hidden behind the area where the orchestra plays. We love it there!

Mmm marrow. I think that shank sounds good. (When do you ever get to use that sentence?) And I'll look out for Mizner's. I need a quieter place to unwinde my last night, so the GF is probably better than attempting to get to the bar at the Poly.

Citricos is wonderful. I love the gatuea of crab that they have on their appetizer menu, but almost everything I've had there I've really liked.

Ohhh, I do like crab alot. If I hadn't planned so much F&WF time I could double up on the appetizers, but alas no. It'll be hard to choose one.

Just saw this!

My husband and I will be at the California Grill the same day as you!

We tried for an ADR for Kona on the 29th but we couldn't get one. We have a filler ADR at the Wave but I'm still going to try for Kona that morning when they open.

Maybe we'll end up running into each other.

Have a great trip!

I'll be traveling with Wall*E so I might be easy to spot. Who ever the solo gal taking too many pictures is- that's me. I hope you can get into Kona for breakfast- you should be able to if you get there right at open. I'm doing a similar thing to get into Kouzzina for breakfast.

 

[Shenanigoat]

Day Eight- eight 'aint enough...

Alas this will be the plans for my last day. There isn't much to speak of, except to say i'll be in EPCOT one last time. EPCOT is my happy place so I try to spend as much time there as possible.

Tutto Italia- lunch @ 11:30.
This was my favorite meal of my last trip, so I saved it for last on this one. Italian food isn't going to mess me up sitting in my belly on a flight, so that's a plus as well. No specific foods in mind, just going to see what they've got.

And then DME picks me up @ 3PM, so I'll get back to my hotel by 2. It's weird to be writting about this now, because I'm going to be leaving for WDW tomorrow.

-------------

Well, tomorrow I'll be setting sail (er flight) with Wall*E for WDW.

When I get back I'm going to make a new Trip Report, but I'll link back to this PTR so that we can relive the ANTM contest whenever we want. I will try to post something or other on either the Friendy board or the official F&WF board about what booths are doing what and a little snippet on my demos and such. I know a lot of people are looking for updates and are heading out before I would even get home and have time to type up my Dining Report.

Thanks to everyone who read and commented (and those who lurked as well) Doing this PTR was a great way to get my mind organized on what I was doing and when. I also got a lot of great food suggestions from you all. Perhaps too many.

 

[PNO4TE]

HAVE A BALL, LAURA!!!

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

I can't believe your trip is tomorrow already! It also means my time is creeping closer as well. Have a wonderful trip and stuff yourself silly in the name of research. We expect a detailed report when you return. Safe travels!

 

[shannn]

Have a great time. Please put a link to your TR in this thread!

 

[onelilspark]

Have a safe trip and a great time! I can't believe F&W is here already! (What happened to September?!)