The Return of the Asian-Feb 2010. 4/14-LINK TO PART 2-pg 249

[jordanyosh]

Great installment, I love your perspective pictures. I get emotional going into the World Showcase, it is just so beautiful to me. I get that way looking at the Castle for the first time on a trip too. I am glad you just took things easy and really relaxed, you really deserved this trip .

I loved taking the pix knowing the DISers would pick up on the emotion behind the pix.

I love the WS too. Definitely makes it easier to sit and relax when it's not hot and humid.

in defense of the wee ones.. they were on west coast time still I'm sure!

Look at you Mr. Just Stroll Around and go with the moment. How wonderful!

I love the canopy shot. Slightly concerned that the empanada is BY YOUR FEET in the picture. I realize, I do, that it's in a container but....

That's what you get for skipping breakfast. No purchases at Mousegears?

It WAS wonderful for sure.

I tried to figure out how to take the empanada picture. I ended up with that shot because I wanted to get my new shoes in the pic as well.

I did a lot of pre-shopping.

the retreat sounded great, alot of good stuff happened there i can tell.

great morning in epcot dude.

was that empenada a snack credit?

it looked pretty good, what are in those again?

It was a GREAT retreat.

Dude, it was a great morning.

The empanada unfortunately was NOT a snack credit.

Beef and cheese in the empanada. I think they also had just beef. I think there was another 1-2 as well...

 

[DisMomAmy]

I think your morning sounds wonderful! Nice & relaxing!

Thanks for sharing the retreat pictures too... I added Crazy Glue to my packing list.

 

[WendyO]

DOH! I should have caught that! Tell Derek, (whom we know is not a crude oil extraction device) I said sorry about that! It has been updated!

I just choked on a Tater Tot. I really should stop trying to eat while DISing.

No worries. Many people do that by habit if they know a Derrick. Just like people write my name Wendi. I just shrug my shoulders and move on. Ha ha ha.

And really, you've been on these long enough to know. No eating, drinking, reading the DIS anywhere you need to be quiet. Tsk, tsk, tsk.

I don't think it's odd at all that you carry a tube of Super Glue around with you. I never ever ever go anywhere without one. In 2008, I had a temporary crown fall out of my mouth right in the middle of our lunch at the Electric Umbrella. Yep, it popped out and bounced right across the table like a grasshopper. Thankfully, I had a tube of Super Glue and I glued that baby back in. When I got back home, my dentist said I did a mighty fine job! Needless to say, that vacation memory sticks with me (get it...sticks with me) and I never leave home without my super glue.

You are hilarious!!! I can just picture that hopping across the table. I think we're all stocking up on super glue after these stories. Just wait, it'll be like the mad rush on Home Depots for those LGMHs.... "Newsflash - stores across the nation are being depleted of super glue!"

 

[mickeystoontown]

You are hilarious!!! I can just picture that hopping across the table. I think we're all stocking up on super glue after these stories. Just wait, it'll be like the mad rush on Home Depots for those LGMHs.... "Newsflash - stores across the nation are being depleted of super glue!"

That was the same trip where we got stuck on Test Track and I had to tinkle. Guess where we got stuck? In the section where they are blasting cold air on you. Not a good situation at all. Oh, and my husband also got ran over in a drive-by scooter incident. Broke his toe. My super glue couldn't fix that though.

I am now paranoid about taking my super glue with me. Super glue and Blistex are top on the packing list.

 

[Mommy2LittleVols]

I am really enjoying your updates, Jordan! The retreat sounds just wonderful (minus the ignorant locals ), as does your solo morning. I'm thinking that I may try to go solo for a couple of hours one morning or evening on our upcoming trip while the kids are sleeping. It just seems so peaceful and relaxing!

 

[eliz991]

It's a Yale hat. My brother works there.

Hey, I went to Yale! What does he do? (I went to Texas A&M undergrad and Yale for law school, in case you're confused).

I started walking over to Canada, but had to use the restroom. There is a restroom right next to the Refreshment Port (they used to sell McDonalds food there). I decided to use it.
It's a very small restroom. one urinal and one toilet.


The empanada wasn't bad. Not great, not bad.

The women's restroom right there is tiny too! We stood in a long line for it one day before we realized there were only two stalls; no wonder the line was long.

I know right where you were sitting...there is a smoking section right behind the refreshment port. I considered getting the empanada one day but decided against it; doesn't sound like I missed too much.

 

[Blueyed Girl]

Chapter 14. A Mission: Space Blast Off.

So when I last left you I was heading off to sleep after a great first full day.

Tribute to Soup.

Sunday, February 7th. 2010

So the start of a new day! Here was the original plan for the day:

Sunday, February 7th, 2010
Magic Kingdom: 9am-10pm. Epcot FW: 9am-7pm. Epcot WS: 11am-9pm. DHS: 9am-8:30pm. Animal Kingdom: 9am-6pm. Typhoon Lagoon: 10am-5pm. EMH PM: MK. National Dance Team Competition. SUPER BOWL SUNDAY. F!: 7 and 8:30pm

7:00am Up
8:00am Head to Epcot
8:45am Arrive at Epcot
9:00pm Tour Epcot

Test Track 30 minutes
Mission: Space 30 minutes

10:00am Meet up with everyone/FP for Soarin/Continue tour

The Seas with Nemo 45 minutes
Circle of Life 30 minutes

11:15am Lunch-Sunshine Seasons (9 CS/8)
Noon Restrooms
12:15pm Continue Tour

Living with the Land 30 minutes
Soarin 30 minutes
Imagination 30 minutes
Spaceship Earth 30 minutes

2:15pm Browse/Shop/Explore
2:45pm Head back to BLT with gang
3:15pm Rest/Nap
4:30pm Go to Contempo Café and get ToGo (9 CS/7)
5:00pm Okadas, Kim and Allan head to Grand Floridian Café
6:30pm Super Bowl begins
7:30pm Adults return/Finish watching Super Bowl
10:00pm EMH MK

Buzz Lightyear 30 minutes
Space Mountain 30 minutes
TTA 15 minutes
Fantasyland stuff 90 minutes

12:45am Head out
1:00am Head back to Pop
1:30am Walk around resort
2:00am Shower
2:15am Sleep

That was the original plan anyways.

So as you can see, I was planning on getting up at 7:00am. That went out the window when I went to sleep Saturday night. I set my alarm for 7:30am with every intention of making it to Epcot at 9am...7:30am SNOOZE. 7:45am SNOOZE 8am SNOOZE. I finally rolled out of bed at:

This scenario sounds strangely familiar.... I did, however, do quite well at getting ready quickly. I turned on the TV to see what the temperature would be for the day. It was currently in the 40's and windy and only supposed to be 55ish for the high... Oh, wait, what was the forecast for Tuesday....70/showers in the Pm...Typhoon Lagoon still a go. I showered, dressed and was ready to head out at:

I walked out my door and thought "I should take a picture of the view so people know how great it was":

I walked over to the bus stop just a short walk from my room don't forget. Man! I just missed the bus. It was pulling away just as I walked up. I was figuring on a 15 minute wait. Lucky for me, I'm me and I usually have pretty good bus mojo and a bus pulled up in about 5-7 minutes (that's what my notes say). I was on my way back to Epcot! I was to meet Wendy and gang around 10am. Kim and Allan were going to try and meet me earlier, but since I don't know how late they got in. I wasn't sure when they would be arriving.

I arrived at Epcot around 9:30am. I, of course, took ANOTHER picture of SSE. Notice people's attire....BRRRRRRR. shrinkage anyone?

I texted Kim to see if they were on the way over. She said that they were eating breakfast. I asked if Wendy and gang were up. She said no. I figured they wouldn't be arriving at 10am. So I just decided to relax and walk around. I thought I would get creative with my camera. I tried to get artsy with the canopies..I've seen many folks do this picture...

I noticed the fountains weren't very happy to see me...

I walked through MouseGear just because I love the store. The smell isn't nearly as bad on this side of the store. I don't know what it is about this store. I love it. I love how they have the clothes laid out....

I decided to ride Mission: Space since I hadn't ridden it at all in 2008

The wait was a mere 5 minutes. I walked almost to the front of the line and then went into the pre boarding room. I was put in the same capsule with a dad and 2 very young boys. I kept thinking to myself "This isn't going to turn out well" "one of the boys is gonna close his eyes and barf" "please, please, I don't want to be next to one of the boys" As, we went into the capsule, the boys were super excited, that made me feel better. Plus, dad sat next to me as a barrier.They weren't scared---yet. The doors closed. The ride started. We were getting to blast off. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...BLAST OFF. As the ship blasts off, all of a sudden a strong smell takes over the capsule. Someone blasted alright! Someone blasted a HUGE poof!. I know it wasn't me (I think). I just started laughing out loud. I thought to myself "How does this stuff just find me. This is so TR worthy" It was probably one of the kids...I was hoping he didn't poo in his pants, but the stench went away fairly quickly so probably not. The rest of the ride was uneventful. The young boys loved it

After that I just strolled over to Test Track to pick up at FastPass:

The crowds were so much better than yesterday! I took the time to call Wendy. Derek answered and said 2 of 3 kids were still asleep. I said okay. Just call when they were on their way. I walked over through MouseGear again. I walked over to Club Cool and had my favorite soda--the Manzana Lift from Mexico. Then I strolled over to World Showcase just to check it out.
My first view of WS...again a bit overcome with emotion...

I started walking over to Canada, but had to use the restroom. There is a restroom right next to the Refreshment Port (they used to sell McDonalds food there). I decided to use it.

It's a very small restroom. one urinal and one toilet. There was someone in the stall when I took the picture. I was holding the door open as I took the picture. As I was putting my camera away, 2 WDW Supervisors walked by to go backstage. I was a bit nervous as it might look a bit funny having someone putting his camera away as he leaves the restroom. Just think, I could've been famous for all the wrong reasons.Oh, by the way, it was a double flush. I couldn't give it a single flush rating..much too small. Here's the view from the restrooms:

I called Wendy and Derek again. Derek answered again. He put Wendy on the phone. I told Wendy since it was about 11:15am that they may want to change/cancel their 5:30pm ADR at the Grand Floridian Cafe. She said they'd play it by ear. They were getting to leave. I was hungry. So I decided to have a snack. I walked up to the Refreshment Port and ordered a Beef and Cheese Empanada and a drink. I received my order and went to sit on a bench near the water. I sat on the bench and took a few pix of the surroundings to give you perspective of where I was:

Refreshment Port:

Looking towards Canada Pavilion. Oh look. Cheerleaders:

Here's a picture of my food:

The empanada wasn't bad. Not great, not bad. I spent a bit of time writing in my Trip Journal catching up on what had transpired so far. Around 11:45am, Wendy called and said they were on the monorail on their way. I made my way back to the entrance to meet up with them. Okay, so in a little over 2 hours--only one attraction. Was it a waste of a morning? Absolutely not. What a relaxing, different morning. So crazy just to walk around and not be running from ride to ride....

WHAT??? Did I text you that morning? I must not have. You could have hung with us that morning. After our initial meet the characters and run for soarin' fast passes, we just took it easy strolling around WS. As DS did Kimmunicator missions we just took our time walking through each country shopping, exploring, etc.

BTW, that was the same place I got my cappuccino that morning and burned my tongue!!

 

[wdwdasiy]

There was a huge movement in the 70s, continuing for decades after, of black social workers who were against white families adopting black children. (It is still common practice to try to match a child with same race parents first, before looking at other races as options, which I don't necessarily oppose.) When we had to fill out paperwork for our adoptions the only hesitation we had to possibly adopting outside our own race was that others would think and how that would affect the child's life. What bothers me is that these opinions of race, and how things should be are 100% taught to us, by our parents, our peers. Children don't see color or race. Too bad we have to lose that innocence.

We are taught to think about race. I teach Kindergarten and one quote from a student still sticks with me after 18 years in the classroom. I was reading about MLK when he was a boy growing up in Atlanta. The story was talking about how he lived in a mixed race neighborhood and all the children played together until he started school. Then he couldn't go to school with the white boys he had played with before. I was trying to explain this idea of race especially durning that time in history. After I had talked and explained the best I knew how, one child raised her hand and said, "I get that he was black and the other boy was white. I still don't get why they couldn't play together." This is why I love working with children. I just smiled and closed my book and said that she didn't need to understand and that I really didn't understand why either. I no longer talk about race...but that we are all different from each other and that is great!

 

[*Seanaci*]

I had it at WDW...lucky you didn't find yourself stuck to your seat at Petals....

Lol. Is it horrible that I'm thinking she's lucky she didn't find herself stuck to a pole either.

No worries. Many people do that by habit if they know a Derrick. Just like people write my name Wendi. I just shrug my shoulders and move on. Ha ha ha.

And really, you've been on these long enough to know. No eating, drinking, reading the DIS anywhere you need to be quiet. Tsk, tsk, tsk.

With your DH's name, I always try to throw an extra R in...Derrek rather than Derek. And I think that's odd that people write your name Wendi...as I think it's a more unique spelling than Wendy. *shrugs* Either way, it is a great name.

You are hilarious!!! I can just picture that hopping across the table. I think we're all stocking up on super glue after these stories. Just wait, it'll be like the mad rush on Home Depots for those LGMHs.... "Newsflash - stores across the nation are being depleted of super glue!"

Lol. I could totally see that newsflash.


Jordan, great update. I loved the shot of the empenada on the ground framed by your feet.

I'm hoping that when we go to the World in 2011, I'm able to get out early one morning and just explore a park by myself (or heck, if my mom wanted to join me it could be fun) without the husband or kiddo. My parents and sister made it to EMH at DHS back in 2008 and were able to ride ToT, RnRC, and TSM...I was jealous.

Alright. I digress. No more thread highjacking.

 

[*Seanaci*]

We are taught to think about race. I teach Kindergarten and one quote from a student still sticks with me after 18 years in the classroom. I was reading about MLK when he was a boy growing up in Atlanta. The story was talking about how he lived in a mixed race neighborhood and all the children played together until he started school. Then he couldn't go to school with the white boys he had played with before. I was trying to explain this idea of race especially durning that time in history. After I had talked and explained the best I knew how, one child raised her hand and said, "I get that he was black and the other boy was white. I still don't get why they couldn't play together." This is why I love working with children. I just smiled and closed my book and said that she didn't need to understand and that I really didn't understand why either. I no longer talk about race...but that we are all different from each other and that is great!

Ok. The bolded...that is too precious.

 

[Poolrat]

Hmmm. Maybe. If you can get in touch with her.

i heard her facebook status is single......


You carry super glue, I carry a small screwdriver.

A friend who went with me NYE makes fun of me but I have used it and always carry it. In fact I got a second one and it is already in my bag for my trip to Houston in the Am. This friend is also going ( Work conference) and I know she will ask so I am ready!

 

[Native NYer]

The racist comment is just disgusting. Why are people that ignorant?

I love the update and your restroom review
And your morning sounds just perfect. I love MouseGears too!

 

[dawz1026]

I complain about a garden view at the Beach Club ...dh thinks Pop looks like one of the hotels people get late saturday night if you get my drift lololol ...hes a real card...

 

[MaryAz]

Great update. Nice to have a morning just to chill. Fun pics as always.

 

[jordanyosh]

Jordan,

I just read your update on the retreat and wanted to comment on it before I read the next chapter of your TR. I am so thankful that you had such a great weekend. Between the traffic and the racist comments, it was obvious there was spiritual warfare being waged. It was so disheartening to read about how your family members were treated and a reminder that ignorance knows no borders.

When I read about your time of prayer and the calls to ministry that took place, I had tears in my eyes. The TR is a ton of fun and the potty humor keeps me laughing, but beyond all of that is the heart of what truly matters in life. I am so glad to know that God is working in you and using you to reach those in your church. I’d love to hear the story of what the Lord is doing, but I know this may not be the best medium for it. For now, know that you are in my prayers and I praise Him for the work He is doing. I hope the next few weeks are a time of renewal and affirmation for you.

God Bless,

/\/\t

Thanks brother.

I appreciate your words and your friendship...okay let's hug it out...

 

[jordanyosh]

Great update!!!

I hope you getting up late isn't a recurring theme for your trip.

Your room view wasn't that bad.... as long as you kept looking to the right. Remember our view from our POP room in October... no you say? Let me remind you....

At least you had some cars to look at!!!

It really seems like there was hardly any crowds in Epcot! Hope that means you will be able to make up for the late start!

Keep 'em coming!

Where is that room? Is it in the 90s facing the far parking lot?

The crowds came, but it was nothing like Saturday...so it was all good.

I'll have another update either today or tomorrow.

 

[jordanyosh]

I just read everything so far..well using the cheat links...You have me in tears laughing. You sound like so much fun!

The folks here keep me on my toes...thanks for reading along.....

should I be welcoming you?

 

[Brenle]

I complain about a garden view at the Beach Club ...dh thinks Pop looks like one of the hotels people get late saturday night if you get my drift lololol ...hes a real card...

Don't you just love BCV? I'll take any view there.

 

[englishrose47]

I don't look forward to the day when I can't control the poofs and they just come out. My dad's like that now...

I did do a quick sniff test around my area. I don't think it was me.

WQait a minute you mean you control your POOFS!!!!!

And really, you've been on these long enough to know. No eating, drinking, reading the DIS anywhere you need to be quiet. Tsk, tsk, tsk.



You are hilarious!!! I can just picture that hopping across the table. I think we're all stocking up on super glue after these stories. Just wait, it'll be like the mad rush on Home Depots for those LGMHs.... "Newsflash - stores across the nation are being depleted of super glue!"

That's right Wendy NO Eating while Dissing !!! I know I have to add Super Glue to my packing list!!!

 

[jordanyosh]

When I read the title I would have bet money that it was you who would be blasting off in space. Good job minding your P's and Q's.

No gas in the morning, but remember I did have that empanada..

But you make me think....this is something that is lacking in our space movies. I think they're missing some reality in this area. I mean, "Apollo 13" could have had a scene where everybody's squinting and Kevin Bacon says, "Yo Lovell!! Take it easy on the O2 scrubbers!" Gives new meaning to "Houston, we have a problem." Or even Star Wars. Can you imagine what the cockpit of the Millenium Falcon was like with Chewbacca in there? That growling noise he makes is probably just a diversionary tactic, if you know what I mean.

I wonder if farts smell in space....?

By the way, which version of Mission Space did you ride? Orange or green?

Always Orange....I got to ride it while I'm still "young"

Now that was a close one!

It was. I actually was a bit nervous.

The food looks good. The sneakers look great.

The meat filling tasted pretty processed. It wasn't bad, just not my favorite snack of all time.