The Moist Exhausting Free Trip Ever - Link to Part II Thread pg. 244

[YukiPhnx]

This is the first time I've seen "portability" as a judging criterion, but I can go with it. For example, I've driven while eating a Taco Bell taco, and while there was no adverse outcome in that instance, I don't recommend it and don't think I'd attempt it again.

I would think a burrito would be more portable. Portability is a factor if you're on the go, or at a Ribfest and available seats are nowhere to be found.

You're right, it was good and I probably didn't stress that enough in my TR write-up. However, my favorite bread at Disney is still the bread they serve at Kona Cafe.

That's the pineapple bread, right? I can't wait to give that a try.

I don't know why pork is sooo good, it just is. As Emeril says, "Pork fat rules!"

Anything cominng from a pig is good in general.

I about fell over when he walked back with a bottle of ketchup and just put it on the table. Of course I was the only one, because nobody else knew what to expect.

I'm shocked they didn't do the ketchup thing either! I don't think I saw any of that during my lunch there either. They sang the Happy Birthday Chachacha about 15 times though.....

That's what I'm starting to think. That's a lot of food though. I wish we could split one skillet.

I've wondered about that. How closely do they watch food sharing at WCC?

In the end, the skillet just seems most worth it because you get to try a bit of everything.

 

[YukiPhnx]

actually i only ate the meats and a little potatoes i didnt like the beans, they were not cooked enough to hard, and the corn wasnt good since im used to good homegrown sweet corn fresh picked from our friends the farmers. ( i know spoiled huh)

Wow, that corn sounds really good. Andrew and I don't eat a lot of corn on the cob, so we really liked the ones that come with the skillet. We actually asked for that more than the meats.

Oh yes! I forgot to mention this. Glen, you said the chicken was really good, but on the day we had it, it was kind of bland and very dry. Maybe it was an "off" day?

 

[DisneyLaura]

I just read your last two updates. WCC is on my to do list some day. I would have been really sad about the ketchup thing. I wonder why he didn't do it. I also do believe that they serve something at the Hoop De doo but I can't remember what it was the ribs or the corn bread maybe.

 

[glennbo123]

Hi Glen !!! I have been having the same sorta day !1Had to go to the main office to pick up checks for the Albany trip and then to the bank to catch them !!Wade thru a pile of mail and am resting for a few at home if you call making supper and doing dishes and laundry resting

Somehow I made it through the day Rosie. How about you?

Not necessarily. You use enough of the Jim Beam, you don't know (or care) what the sauce tastes like!!!

That's a good point.

actually i only ate the meats and a little potatoes i didnt like the beans, they were not cooked enough to hard, and the corn wasnt good since im used to good homegrown sweet corn fresh picked from our friends the farmers. ( i know spoiled huh)

thats why i had enough room to put down all those meats.

and ask for seconds

Oh yeah, I never eat corn at a restaurant either. Around here the roadside stands sell the best corn. We lived in NC for 3 years and I didn't eat any corn on the cob that whole time -- it just couldn't compare.

well the jim bean sauce doesnt have any booze in unless you add it yourself.


why didnt i think of that.

Yeah, you were doctoring it up anyway.

Knowing this group, it's likely.

But just in case:

My top pick for high-volume belching would be Coit's Rootbeer in Oklahoma City. That place can bring out the thunder like none ever I've ever encountered. My top pick for potent belching would be White Castle. Those onions linger brother.

Just the thought of an onion belch is kind of gross.

Link in siggie - it was Episode 69 part II.

Thanks for the link. I reread it and remember it now. I remember you talking about your favorite Bar-B-Que places, and that you updated your live TR from the restroom, and that you ended the installment with Tracy saying, "Next time, I want us to stay here."

But one thing that surprised me is that you said you and Tracy split a skillet -- you can do that? I didn't know that! I guess I should have asked, we would have been fine with one for the two of us. Do they just disallow refills if split it?

I would think a burrito would be more portable. Portability is a factor if you're on the go, or at a Ribfest and available seats are nowhere to be found.

Sure, a burrito would have been more portable, but I never said that I was thinking ahead.

I think Jenbear has talked about your Candian ribfests, I forgot about that.

That's the pineapple bread, right? I can't wait to give that a try.

It's Hawaiian sweet bread and macadamia nut butter. I don't think that there's any pineapple in it, but I could be wrong. Here's a picture of it from last year's TR:

Anything cominng from a pig is good in general.

Well...the live ones leave some stuff around that I wouldn't call "good".

I'm shocked they didn't do the ketchup thing either! I don't think I saw any of that during my lunch there either. They sang the Happy Birthday Chachacha about 15 times though.....

Wow, we didn't get one Happy Birthday Chachacha, and I am okay with that.

I've wondered about that. How closely do they watch food sharing at WCC?

In the end, the skillet just seems most worth it because you get to try a bit of everything.

They don't watch it closely at all. They said we could share the cornbread and they let us box up the leftovers. Not things you can usually do at an all-you-can-eat.

I'm not sure about the dinner price, but at lunchtime it's not that much more expensive than the other entrees, so I agree -- it's worth it.

Wow, that corn sounds really good. Andrew and I don't eat a lot of corn on the cob, so we really liked the ones that come with the skillet. We actually asked for that more than the meats.

Interesting. Like I said in reply to Dan, I don't ever eat corn on the cob at a restaurant because 9 times out of um, 9, it's not going to be as good as what I can get locally. But in fairness to WCC, I don't think I even tried it, expecting to be disappointed.

Oh yes! I forgot to mention this. Glen, you said the chicken was really good, but on the day we had it, it was kind of bland and very dry. Maybe it was an "off" day?

Oh man, it must have been an off day when you were there. Mine wasn't dry and definitely not bland. Also check out Great Biscuit's review he referred to (link in signature "Biscuits Grand Adventure", chapter 69, part II).

I just read your last two updates. WCC is on my to do list some day. I would have been really sad about the ketchup thing. I wonder why he didn't do it. I also do believe that they serve something at the Hoop De doo but I can't remember what it was the ribs or the corn bread maybe.

Yay, glad you're caught up. Something tells me they have ribs and cornbread at Hoop de doo.

 

[YukiPhnx]

They don't watch it closely at all. They said we could share the cornbread and they let us box up the leftovers. Not things you can usually do at an all-you-can-eat.

Oh man, it must have been an off day when you were there. Mine wasn't dry and definitely not bland. Also check out Great Biscuit's review he referred to (link in signature "Biscuits Grand Adventure", chapter 69, part II).

Awww man! Now I HAVE to go back to try it again. Maybe this time, I'll have a bit of it from Andrew's skillet instead of getting my own.

 

[marvali]

well the jim bean sauce doesnt have any booze in unless you add it yourself.


why didnt i think of that.

A slightly different perspective on "hitting the sauce!"

 

[glennbo123]

Awww man! Now I HAVE to go back to try it again. Maybe this time, I'll have a bit of it from Andrew's skillet instead of getting my own.

I think you were just looking for an excuse...but that's as good as any.

A slightly different perspective on "hitting the sauce!"

Definitely!

 

[glennbo123]

Day 5 - Part 3

Having gotten our fill of the milkshake and meat food groups at Whispering Canyon Café, we left the restaurant and strolled out into the lobby. The fun totem pole across the lobby at the Mercantile drew our attention and we walked over.

I took that picture, and out of nowhere a voice behind me said, “Would you like me to take a picture of all of you with the totem pole?” I turned around and was a little starstruck when I realized that the voice belonged to Ranger Joe. My family had no idea who he was, but me being a DISer, I knew exactly who this gentleman was.

Naturally I said, “Sure!” and he took a couple of shots.

Ah yes, my hair is well conditioned, thanks to that Disney conditioner!

I thanked him and walked over to get my camera back, but he said, “No…I get to keep your camera unless you can tell me who the bear is at the bottom of the totem pole.”

****SPOILER ALERT****

I hemmed and hawed for a little bit, and I can’t remember what I guessed initially, but I think I ruled out Br’er Bear. Ranger Joe took pity on me and gave me a hint that he’s from a cartoon. A light bulb went on and I said, “Oh! Is he the one in the cartoon with the park ranger who gets all of the bears to clean up litter?” And I sang the line from the cartoon: “First you pick it up, put it in the bag. Boom-boom.” Ranger Joe was happy with my response and said, “Yes, that’s Humphrey.” He let me slide with just coming up with the cartoon and not the bear’s name, and gave me my camera back. Whew! That was close.

Link to "In The Bag" This was made in 1956 and it's hard to believe that it took until the '70's for the dance "the bump" to catch on!

****SPOILER OVER****

Then we chatted with Ranger Joe for a while, talking about the construction of the Lodge, and then he started pointing out hidden Mickey’s, which was really a big hit with the kids. He showed us a bunch of them throughout the lobby. Here are a few pictures where you can see his laser pointer technique.

What a great guy he was! Judy was really impressed that he took the time to show us around and point out hidden Mickeys. She was also impressed with the Lodge and said that she'd like to stay here someday.

After talking with Ranger Joe, we thanked him for spending some time with us and that we had to get going -- we were on our way to check-in at Kidani. Before we left, the kids had to cross the bridge, of course. They're still kids, after all.

And then I walked across it too. I'm just a big kid, after all.

Then we walked down the long ramp to exit near the pool. Just as we were about to go out the door there was a big clap of thunder and the lifeguards ordered everyone out of the pool. We stood there for a second, and Judy said, “Will the boats still run if there’s lightning? And if they do, do we really want to go out on the lake?” Okay, so we scrapped our plan to take a boat back to the Magic Kingdom and catch an Animal Kingdom Lodge bus from there, in favor of catching a bus to Downtown Disney and then to the Animal Kingdom Lodge. So, we did an about-face and walked back up the ramp. As we walked through the lobby we passed Ranger Joe again and he said something like “Back so soon?”, and we explained how the lightning had caused us to change plans and we were now heading to the bus stop. Ever the helpful Ranger, he pointed us in the right direction.

We got on the bus and James stretched out.

Then we settled-in for what would be one of our longest commutes of the trip. We left the Wilderness Lodge at 3:00 and wouldn’t arrive at Kidani until 4:45. The bus left the Wilderness Lodge and then had to make several stops along the way before arriving at Downtown Disney. I believe we stopped at the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian, and may have made more stops, I don’t remember. One of the buses (I can’t remember if it was before or after we changed buses at Downtown Disney) went to Typhoon Lagoon, and because of the storm that had come through, the parking lot was jammed with people trying to leave, just like the day we had been there earlier in the week. Oh goody, I get to experience another Typhoon Lagoon post-storm traffic jam.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the Disney bus system. Well, at least I love having the Disney bus system. I love being on vacation and not having to deal with a car, and never leaving the “Magic” for the outside world. But it’s trips like these that can really try your patience, and I can see why some people want to have a car as another option.

Oh, and that wasn’t all. On one of the buses, we had a driver in-training. He drove, while the experienced bus driver stood in the aisle near him, giving him instruction. The poor new guy hit 2 curbs during our ride with him. I leaned over to Judy and pretended to be the new guy, saying, “It’s not my fault…this thing drives like a bus!”

Up next: We’re at Kidani. Let the animal pictures begin!
Link to next chapter

 

[KatMark]

6 Judy's

 

[glennbo123]

6 Judy's

Lookit you, with the quick reply!

We have a winner!

 

[KatMark]

Lookit you, with the quick reply!

We have a winner!

HA HA HA HA HA, Marv. I'm not as slow witted as you think.

Sorry...I just had to get that off my chest. Thanks, Glen.

 

[YukiPhnx]

Humphrey bear! I made sure to take a picture with him after learning about him on the DIS. I also read somewhere that rubbing his nose gives you good luck?

This is the first I've heard of Ranger Joe. I would've loved to meet him! He sounded like a lot of fun!

Believe it or not....I didn't go over the bridge. I just marvelled at it.

The Disney transport system is alright, as long as I have a seat to sit. The long trips aren't so bad when you're not the one standing, trying to hold onto the few handrails on the bus so you don't topple over a stranger.

 

[All7OfUs]

DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUDE!! I want to see the HMs!!!!

That was one sucky bus ride! BusSuckyTran, I say!

 

[SurfinTX]

Day 5 - Part 3

I took that picture, and out of nowhere a voice behind me said, “Would you like me to take a picture of all of you with the totem pole?” I turned around and was a little starstruck when I realized that the voice belonged to Ranger Joe. My family had no idea who he was, but me being a DISer, I knew exactly who this gentleman was.

Naturally I said, “Sure!” and he took a couple of shots.

Now that is a stroke of luck! Or is he there all the time?

Ah yes, my hair is well conditioned, thanks to that Disney conditioner!

That Florida humidity can take some bounce out of anybody's hair. My droopy hat lost the battle as well. If you meant that your hair is looking great then nevermind!

I hemmed and hawed for a little bit, and I can’t remember what I guessed initially, but I think I ruled out Br’er Bear. Ranger Joe took pity on me and gave me a hint that he’s from a cartoon. A light bulb went on and I said, “Oh! Is he the one in the cartoon with the park ranger who gets all of the bears to clean up litter?” And I sang the line from the cartoon: “First you pick it up, put it in the bag. Boom-boom.” Ranger Joe was happy with my response and said, “Yes, that’s Humphrey.” He let me slide with just coming up with the cartoon and not the bear’s name, and gave me my camera back. Whew! That was close.

You did far better than I would have. If I was staying there then I might have researched something like that but more than likely I would have just stood there looking pretty clueless.

Link to "In The Bag" This was made in 1956 and it's hard to believe that it took until the '70's for the dance "the bump" to catch on!

What's Droopy doing to those bears! Lol!

What a great guy he was! Judy was really impressed that he took the time to show us around and point out hidden Mickeys. She was also impressed with the Lodge and said that she'd like to stay here someday.

Again, I think this would be our second choice after the Poly. Those pics really make me want to check it out!

And then I walked across it too. I'm just a big kid, after all.

We all are if you go by our trip reports.

Then we settled-in for what would be one of our longest commutes of the trip. We left the Wilderness Lodge at 3:00 and wouldn’t arrive at Kidani until 4:45. The bus left the Wilderness Lodge and then had to make several stops along the way before arriving at Downtown Disney. I believe we stopped at the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian, and may have made more stops, I don’t remember. One of the buses (I can’t remember if it was before or after we changed buses at Downtown Disney) went to Typhoon Lagoon, and because of the storm that had come through, the parking lot was jammed with people trying to leave, just like the day we had been there earlier in the week. Oh goody, I get to experience another Typhoon Lagoon post-storm traffic jam.

That happened from time to time to us as well. It's a long trip and sometimes you just can't avoid delays like this.

Oh, and that wasn’t all. On one of the buses, we had a driver in-training. He drove, while the experienced bus driver stood in the aisle near him, giving him instruction. The poor new guy hit 2 curbs during our ride with him. I leaned over to Judy and pretended to be the new guy, saying, “It’s not my fault…this thing drives like a bus!”

Dianna would have jabbed me for that quip.

Up next: We’re at Kidani. Let the animal pictures begin!

Leave my kids and the buffet incident out of this!

 

[Flossbolna]

Great update! What a nice expereince to meet Ranger Joe. I love it that there are people like him to tell people about the resorts and such. The same with the safari guides (or whatever they are called) at AKL who tell you about their home country in Africa and about the animals.

Sorry for your commute through DTD! You summed up my feelings about Disney transportion very well. One thing I learned early on: never commute through DTD if it can be avoided at any cost. First of all: it is pretty out of the way from everywhere (besides PO and SSR), Second: it has at least two stops at DTD and the possible TL stop as well, Third: the traffic in that area can be really bad and your bus can be in a real traffic jam. So my advice is to always use a park unless all parks are already closed for the night. And if it is that late, I personally would consider getting taxi... You could have even taken a bus from WL to the MK... But bus from WL to AK and then bus to AKL would have worked better as well. I know that doesn't help after the fact, but just as friendly hint for your next trip and for your readers! I spent a few years as a regular reader/poster on the transportation board...

 

[marvali]

HA HA HA HA HA, Marv. I'm not as slow witted as you think.

Sorry...I just had to get that off my chest. Thanks, Glen.

Yeah, as much as I was on here last night, getting up to date on everyone's TRs, I'm thinking Glenn waited until my light went out to post the update!

Okay Kathy, I'll give you some cred, even though all of the Judy's were very obvious! You are much quicker than me when I am in the bed sleeping!!!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

****SPOILER ALERT****
Ranger Joe was happy with my response and said, “Yes, that’s Humphrey.” He let me slide with just coming up with the cartoon and not the bear’s name, and gave me my camera back. Whew! That was close.
****SPOILER OVER****

Rumor has it that you get good luck by rubbing Humphrey's nose.

Then we chatted with Ranger Joe for a while, talking about the construction of the Lodge, and then he started pointing out hidden Mickey’s, which was really a big hit with the kids. He showed us a bunch of them throughout the lobby. Here are a few pictures where you can see his laser pointer technique.

Someday I want to take the tour that the Rangers give of the Lodge. They also have a Hidden Mickey scavenger hunt at the front desk that's a lot of fun.

What a great guy he was! Judy was really impressed that he took the time to show us around and point out hidden Mickeys. She was also impressed with the Lodge and said that she'd like to stay here someday.

Another WL convert!

Before we left, the kids had to cross the bridge, of course. They're still kids, after all.

And then I walked across it too. I'm just a big kid, after all.

Well...yeah. The bridge is way cooler than a boring ol' floor.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the Disney bus system. Well, at least I love having the Disney bus system. I love being on vacation and not having to deal with a car, and never leaving the “Magic” for the outside world. But it’s trips like these that can really try your patience, and I can see why some people want to have a car as another option.

Yup. Being in the transportation engineering business, it's a tough, thankless racket. The only time people notice you is when you screw up. For example, nobody drives around and says, "Hey...what a great road!" But Lord help you if there's a pothole or a traffic jam. Same with the Disney buses--when you get where you're going in a reasonable time, nobody says anything.

Still, I agree. It seems like the system is more strained as time goes on. I'm sure there are improvements that can be made...

Oh, and that wasn’t all. On one of the buses, we had a driver in-training. He drove, while the experienced bus driver stood in the aisle near him, giving him instruction. The poor new guy hit 2 curbs during our ride with him. I leaned over to Judy and pretended to be the new guy, saying, “It’s not my fault…this thing drives like a bus!”

Did he ever say something like, "Hey, what does this button do?"

DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUDE!! I want to see the HMs!!!!

 

[marvali]

Naturally I said, “Sure!” and he took a couple of shots.

Ah yes, my hair is well conditioned, thanks to that Disney conditioner!

With the consistency of the conditioner, I expected it to be a whole lot thicker.....

And then I walked across it too. I'm just a big kid, after all.

Oh, THERE'S a revelation!!!

Then we settled-in for what would be one of our longest commutes of the trip. We left the Wilderness Lodge at 3:00 and wouldn’t arrive at Kidani until 4:45.

Had a similar experience staying at OKW and heading for a Dinner ADR at Boma. Our lengthy stay in the DTD area consisted of a driver switch, and loading a couple of people on the motorized vehicles! Thankfully I alloted enough time and we still made our ADR!

Dude, when you're in the shower, you are only supposed to CONDITION the hair!

DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUDE!! I want to see the HMs!!!!

Yeah, what's up with the "laser pointer skills" infatuation???

We all are if you go by our trip reports.

Well, not ALL of us......

Leave my kids and the buffet incident out of this!

Hmmm, that sounds exactly like an open invite for a full blown TR installment.......

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

i like how james is looking at him in that picture by the fire very interetested in what he is saying...i have to say glenn,i was hoping that you would have a picture of the hidden mickeys he was showing you with his pointer.

i took one on the fireplace but it was so high up it came out kinda grainy.

 

[DisneyLaura]

Yay, glad you're caught up. Something tells me they have ribs and cornbread at Hoop de doo.

They do have both but one of them was the same recipe from WCC I guess is what I meant to type LOL

I love "In the Bag" thanks for sharing