The Trip Where Nothing Really Bad Happened - The End 6/1, Bonus Features: Disney 100 Celebration, Mickey Minnie Runaway Railway queue 2/8

[franandaj]

More meets and greets

This morning I woke up a little earlier (in the 8-o’clock hour) and started texting with various folks that I would be meeting up with today and later in the week. It was getting confusing coordinating all these meets. Today was our breakfast reservation at Steakhouse 71 in the Contemporary. It wasn’t until 10:15 so I had a little time before I had to actually get up and out of bed.

I know I started a load of laundry before we left for breakfast, and Fran got dressed by about 10AM and we headed down to breakfast. The whole system is really weird. I’m guessing that the back end of the house determines when reservations are available to be seated. The people at the host desk take your phone number to send you a text when your table is ready. They seem genuinely surprised when you come back and the table is ready. Even when the restaurant is mostly empty.



We got the text pretty soon after we put our name in. We perused the menu and decided on things that both of us could split with each other.



Maybe you can read these a little easier.





We didn’t even need a reservation, the place was basically empty.



I got the Steakhouse 71 Seasonal Pancakes which were chocolate chip pancakes with a berry/cream cheese drizzle and chocolate berry syrup



There was plenty of chocolate to go around.



She got the Eggs Benedict, and gave me one of the bennies.



We ended up taking almost half of mine home. I had ordered extra bacon, it came with the sausage, or vice versa. It came with a choice of one and I told them that I wanted both. On the way back to the room we bought the second pair of earrings to go with the ones from the day before. Also we sent Jenny a picture of this trivet and she wanted one, we got one for me too.



After our purchases I had some business to do. Here’s some background. Before our trip we were in process of replacing the roof on one of our buildings. It’s in an area with an HOA, the same area that we live in. We got a quote on replacing the roof back in January and it was tens of thousands of dollars lower than the estimate we expected so we went ahead and signed it. We never in our wildest dreams thought that the roofer would quote us a price on a different type of tiles that we already had on the building.

Well it turns out that he planned on putting asphalt shingles on the building. And that’s all well and good as long as you don’t live in the hoity toity district of Park Estates where the HOA rules everything. So after scrambling around I finally got the contact information for the Architectural Review Board (sounds ostentatious already) and realized I’d started a convo with the guy about a year ago on this same subject.

I emailed him a picture of the samples our roofer sent, and he and he said, “Eh-no” you can only use shake, tile, rock and a number of other things that wouldn’t work or I didn’t recognize. So the roofer was back to square one and he had to find a distributor of shake roof tiles, and get us a whole new price.

Well imagine that a roof on a five unit building costs the price of a Camry or maybe a low end Tesla, well with inflation, by now an economy car (not exactly sure what the prices are, but guessing), and then when you change it from Asphalt tile to shake it doubles. Two new cars.

But there was nothing we could do about the price, and on this day, I had to print the roofing quote, sign it, and get it back to the roofer, so that he could order the materials. It took a little bit to do this as the business center was closed and I had to go to the front desk where I emailed a copy of the quote to someone in the back office and they printed out a hard copy. I signed it, took a picture and emailed it back to the roofing company so that they could proceed with ordering the necessary tiles.

We still couldn’t leave for the parks yet, as there was a registration for a fun event in Disneyland that was taking place at 11AM Pacific Time. While waiting for the registration time to arrive, I took pictures of the treats we had ordered at Karamel Kuche. These were the caramel squares, and milk chocolate caramel squares, the 50th Anniversary cupcake, in the bag which you can’t see is the Smore’s caramel thingy, and a bag of caramel corn.



I don’t remember what this one was. Doing some online research, I think it’s the Salted Caramel Butter Bar which sounds really good. Honestly, it wasn’t that great. I wouldn’t get it again. But we did finish it, so it couldn’t have been that bad. We ate about one piece of this haul a day and finished it up on our last night of the trip.



We waited around until 2PM to register, and then headed off the Epcot. We had great monorail juju today and got there quickly. I took a few more pictures of the construction. This time from a different angle.







Today’s plan was mainly to try out some of the kiosks. We didn’t have a dinner reservation so we were just going to eat around the World. We went to Guest Services (or whatever it’s called) and we got the DAS pass for Fran. Immediately I reserved the Ratatouille ride and we headed in the direction to start at the Germany booth.





We ordered the Frozen Rose, which I liked a whole lot.



We also got the Red Wine-Braised Beef Short Rib with Parsnip Puree, Broccolini, Baby Tomatoes, and Aged Balsamic. This was fantastic! We ate all of this.



The Wild Boar Cassoulet with Duck Confit, Ham Hock, and Wild Boar Sausage was just OK. It was also rather filling with the beans. The sausage itself was pretty good, but we ended up tossing the last third just because we wanted to try other dishes.



Ever since we left the room, I had been texting with Kari. She was in the DVC lounge charging her phone and said that she would catch up with us around the world. We were moving fairly slowly as we were also browsing the art booths again. I pointed out various items that we had liked the day before, but after the sticker shock of the new roof, Fran wasn’t interested in buying anything.

We arrived in Italy next and there were several things I wanted here too!





We got the Arancini: Fried Risotto Balls Stuffed with Braised-beef and served with Pomodoro Sauce, which were good, but I could only eat one. Fran couldn’t eat any.



The Ravioli alla Boscaiola: Sweet Sausage Ravioli, Mushrooms, Caramelized Onions and Creamy Parmesan Sauce was fantastic! I ate two of these and Fran ate one, and we realized that we were just getting too full, and we had only hit two booths so far!



Just as we were pulling into a shady spot to eat our food, Kari caught up with us. We chatted for a while and caught up on some of the happenings in her life. Right next to Italy there was an artsy PP frame so we took a picture. Proof that we met!



Our DAS time for Remy had come up so we headed that way. She was going back to the Boardwalk, so we all walked/motored together. The ride was so much fun! Trackless systems are so flexible. They used a mix of screens and actual ride interfaces to make it super believable and fun.



But by the time we got off the ride, we were done. Our bodies were exhausted, we were stuffed, and the idea of doing anything around Epcot sounded awful. I texted the other friends we were trying to meet up with, and they were heading toward the International Gateway. So we pulled off in the U.K. and waited to meet up with them. I didn’t take a picture, because it would have been weird. We chatted for a bit, and we went home to BLT.

Fran put old episodes of Castle on TV and we watched some from the first season that we forgot the plots, she started to get hungry and ate her caramel corn, plus she wanted a bacon sandwich with the bacon that was left from my breakfast.



Around 8PM I heard the fireworks start so I went out on my balcony and watched them. Sorry I didn’t take any pictures, I was just happy to be watching them right off my balcony! I was so impressed that I decided that we needed to go into the park the next evening and watch from in front of the castle. Then I took a tub and went to bed.

 

[pkondz]

Now you do!

Don't know, we haven't played it with them yet.

Let me know when you do, okay?

I'm not sure I know the difference. But $4.99 per lb Frozen Prime Rib tastes a lot better to me than $14.99 Fresh Prime Rib.

Okay, I can see that. I do freeze chicken and will buy frozen fish (mostly pre-breaded) or thawed-from-frozen fish

 

[pkondz]

It was getting confusing coordinating all these meets.

That's a good problem to have, though.
Often, when I go, I'm lucky to have even one DISmeet.

Steakhouse 71 in the Contemporary

I did not even know this existed.

The people at the host desk take your phone number to send you a text when your table is ready. They seem genuinely surprised when you come back and the table is ready. Even when the restaurant is mostly empty.

That's... weird.

Maybe you can read these a little easier.

Yes, thanks... And didn't have to read too far before deciding what I'd get.

We didn’t even need a reservation, the place was basically empty.

Um... so then why on Earth did they take your number and text you??? Strange.

I got the Steakhouse 71 Seasonal Pancakes which were chocolate chip pancakes with a berry/cream cheese drizzle and chocolate berry syrup

Decadent!

She got the Eggs Benedict

Yussss... (which is what I would have gotten too.)

and gave me one of the bennies.

Score for you! Did she try the pancakes?

Also we sent Jenny a picture of this trivet and she wanted one, we got one for me too.

Cute.

We never in our wildest dreams thought that the roofer would quote us a price on a different type of tiles that we already had on the building.

Whoopsie!

Well imagine that a roof on a five unit building costs the price of a Camry or maybe a low end Tesla, well with inflation, by now an economy car (not exactly sure what the prices are, but guessing), and then when you change it from Asphalt tile to shake it doubles. Two new cars.

I had to print the roofing quote, sign it, and get it back to the roofer, so that he could order the materials. It took a little bit to do this as the business center was closed and I had to go to the front desk where I emailed a copy of the quote to someone in the back office and they printed out a hard copy. I signed it, took a picture and emailed it back to the roofing company so that they could proceed with ordering the necessary tiles.

At first I was thinking "What a pain!"... but then realized that just a few short years ago, you wouldn't have been able to do that at all and would have had to wait until you got back.

I took pictures of the treats we had ordered at Karamel Kuche.

mmmm... Karamel Kuche...

These were the caramel squares, and milk chocolate caramel squares, the 50th Anniversary cupcake, in the bag which you can’t see is the Smore’s caramel thingy, and a bag of caramel corn.

It all sounds so good!

We had great monorail juju today and got there quickly.

We didn’t have a dinner reservation so we were just going to eat around the World.

I rather like that. It's a fun way to dine.

We ordered the Frozen Rose, which I liked a whole lot.

Think I'd like it? You know my tastes, I think.

We also got the Red Wine-Braised Beef Short Rib with Parsnip Puree, Broccolini, Baby Tomatoes, and Aged Balsamic. This was fantastic! We ate all of this.

While I'd be cautious with the puree (not a parsnip fan), I'd be all over this.

The Wild Boar Cassoulet with Duck Confit, Ham Hock, and Wild Boar Sausage was just OK. It was also rather filling with the beans. The sausage itself was pretty good, but we ended up tossing the last third just because we wanted to try other dishes.

Too bad it was just OK. It sounds incredible.

I had been texting with Kari.

Yay! Hi Kari!

I pointed out various items that we had liked the day before, but after the sticker shock of the new roof, Fran wasn’t interested in buying anything.

Too bad... but completely understandable.

We got the Arancini

One of these days I'll have one. I just never seem to get around to it!

The Ravioli alla Boscaiola: Sweet Sausage Ravioli, Mushrooms, Caramelized Onions and Creamy Parmesan Sauce was fantastic!

Sounds good. Glad this one was.

I ate two of these and Fran ate one, and we realized that we were just getting too full, and we had only hit two booths so far!

Hazard of these festivals!

Great shot of two pretty ladies.

The ride was so much fun! Trackless systems are so flexible. They used a mix of screens and actual ride interfaces to make it super believable and fun.

Looking forward to trying it out. Anyone feel queasy at all? I've heard some people have a bit of trouble with it.

So we pulled off in the U.K. and waited to meet up with them. I didn’t take a picture, because it would have been weird.

Why?

Around 8PM I heard the fireworks start so I went out on my balcony and watched them.

That sounds wonderful.

Sorry I didn’t take any pictures, I was just happy to be watching them right off my balcony!

I don't blame you! I'm positive I'd do the exact same!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

She has an awful work schedule that necessitates her waking at 3:30AM to get to work by 4:45, so that she can treat patients and finish her work day 12 hours later! I don’t know how people work that hard/long!

I'm exhausted just reading that.

We were finally on the monorail at 12:22PM, we were able to board easily because it was in a holding pattern due to Monorail Orange ahead of us that was experiencing technical difficulties. Well five minutes later they were herding us off the monorail and promised that a bus would take us to the TTC. Well it took us forever to get off the monorail platform because there were so many strollers and ECVs needing the elevator that i’m sure we missed the first bus.

You gotta love the holding patterns for the monorails. Why do they call it a "pattern"? You're just sitting still.

So we waited the proverbial 20 minutes for a bus and finally they were strapping us in to travel to the TTC. Fifteen minutes later we were waiting for an Epcot monorail when I saw the very same monorail that we were on, monorail red, pull into the TTC. We probably would have been better off just waiting on the floor of the Contemporary where security for the monorail was located until the monorail started running again.

Once we were on the way to Epcot, I snapped these pictures of what a mess Epcot still is with all the construction.

I hope all of the changes bring it back to its former glory. It used to be my favorite park.

I didn’t plan on getting anything, but somehow the two necklace earring sets that had sort of caught my eye the day before were now speaking to me.

That's how it always happens. "I walked into the Disney gift shop not planning on buying anything. $400 later..."

Fitting rooms aren't reopened at Disney in California, but Fran reminded me that this is Florida, and that’s all I’ll say on that.

It was the Deconstructed French Onion soup: Beef Broth Ravioli, Gruyere Espuma, Onion Bread Pudding, and Onion Textures. Yummy. It may look a little funky, but it was very good. That giant ravioli was filled with beef broth, and when you took a piece with all the other little bits it was tasty!

You're right, that does look funky. Glad you enjoyed it, though!

Here is what is contained in each packet, we got silver, blue and this multi-color set.

Fancy-schmancy!

It was good, mostly just a chocolate chip cookie, but it was in Disney so that makes it better!

There are no lies detected.

Very nice!

We didn’t take a picture, but trust me it happened. If you don’t believe me wait until tomorrow. I have proof!

Uh huh.

Well this time I didn’t stop eating until I couldn’t eat anymore, so the whole way home on the monorail I was feeling icky and bloated.

I guess the good news is that you really liked the food...

The people at the host desk take your phone number to send you a text when your table is ready. They seem genuinely surprised when you come back and the table is ready. Even when the restaurant is mostly empty.

There's an SNL skit in this somewhere. Did you like the new restaurant? Was curious about that one.

We never in our wildest dreams thought that the roofer would quote us a price on a different type of tiles that we already had on the building.

Curse you HOA!

Well imagine that a roof on a five unit building costs the price of a Camry or maybe a low end Tesla, well with inflation, by now an economy car (not exactly sure what the prices are, but guessing), and then when you change it from Asphalt tile to shake it doubles. Two new cars.

This is the absolute worst time to have to put out a contract on anything. Materials are crazy.

The Wild Boar Cassoulet with Duck Confit, Ham Hock, and Wild Boar Sausage was just OK. It was also rather filling with the beans.

But those are good for your heart!

I pointed out various items that we had liked the day before, but after the sticker shock of the new roof, Fran wasn’t interested in buying anything.

Yeah, big repair bills tend to have that effect.

Proof that we met!

Ok, fine, I believe you! Sheesh.

The ride was so much fun! Trackless systems are so flexible. They used a mix of screens and actual ride interfaces to make it super believable and fun.

Nice! Glad to hear it!

 

[rentayenta]

I'm caught up!!!!

Everything look delicious and you were NOT kidding on how big that Mexican seafood platter was. Yum and I agree, I love Mahi! My favorite fish. The shrimp look super yummy too!

Cute Pam!!! Love her smile even behind the mask; it shows in her eyes.

Breakfast looked good too. I don't love a chocolate/fruit mixture but that looked delicious. Benny is always a good choice.

You took me offguard with the bacon sandwich not bacon foldover.

I love my trivet, thank you!

 

[jedijill]

Ok I'm caught up again. That seafood platter was ginormous! I'm glad you got some good Dis meets in! I can't go to F&W by myself anymore...all the portions are too big and I'm stuffed after one booth.

Jill in CO

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Fun day! I adore all those vintage photos along the hallway into Steakhouse 71. Haven't done breakfast there yet but have sure loved lunch (smash burger) and late-night bites in the lounge. That trivet is so cute. Reminds me that there's a BB8 trivet I am looking for. Fun festival bites. So much I wish I had the chance to try. I just always seem to run out of time, appetite or patience (lines).

 

[franandaj]

Let me know when you do, okay?

It will probably be in a couple weeks, provided everything gets better....

Okay, I can see that. I do freeze chicken and will buy frozen fish (mostly pre-breaded) or thawed-from-frozen fish

I just bought frozen fish yesterday. I buy single serving frozen portions of Cod and Mahi Mahi to keep in the freezer. They sell them in 2 pound packages with five or six fillets individually flash frozen.

That's a good problem to have, though.
Often, when I go, I'm lucky to have even one DISmeet.

I just lucked out that a lot of people were there when I was.

I did not even know this existed.

It opened just after the pandemic. It's where the Wave used to be. Just about the same time when they announced that Steakhouse 55 would not be reopening.

Yes, thanks... And didn't have to read too far before deciding what I'd get.

I had a feeling.....

Um... so then why on Earth did they take your number and text you??? Strange.

That's why I think the back of the house controls the texts. They know how busy they are, how many servers are allotted to tables, etc.

Yussss... (which is what I would have gotten too.)

I had a hunch......

Score for you! Did she try the pancakes?

Yes, she did, but she has been having stomach problems. Every time she eats something, she gets bad cramps. Well I shouldn't say "every time". She did pretty OK on the trip, but with all this cautious eating she has lost about 30 lbs. She's going for a blood test tomorrow, the regular doc suggested that maybe it is not the stomach, but possibly the pancreas.

At first I was thinking "What a pain!"... but then realized that just a few short years ago, you wouldn't have been able to do that at all and would have had to wait until you got back.

A few short years ago we could have done it, but it would have involved a lot of faxing and stuff. They're actually doing the work right now (well on weekdays). They're about halfway through.

mmmm... Karamel Kuche...
It all sounds so good!

I wish we had a Karamel Kuche here!

I rather like that. It's a fun way to dine.

It is! We did it last weekend too!

Think I'd like it? You know my tastes, I think.

I'm not sure it was sweet enough for you. It was more tart.

While I'd be cautious with the puree (not a parsnip fan), I'd be all over this.

It tasted like potatoes to me!

Too bad it was just OK. It sounds incredible.

I think we were already getting full as we were eating it.

Yay! Hi Kari!

Too bad... but completely understandable.

We didn't need anymore artwork.....

One of these days I'll have one. I just never seem to get around to it!

And I get it every time I see it on a menu!

Sounds good. Glad this one was.

Hazard of these festivals!

Yeah, but after two booths?

Looking forward to trying it out. Anyone feel queasy at all? I've heard some people have a bit of trouble with it.

We did not. But I can see how they might. While you stay "right side up" for the entire ride, the "screens" confuse that reality and mess with your brain.

Why?

Imagine this conversation:

Me: Hi T & M it's good to see you again after not seeing you since 2013. Can I take a picture of you to post in my TR on the DISboards that you haven't been on over five years?

T & M: Uh......(running away)....see you later!

That sounds wonderful.

It is one of my favorites things about a lakeview room at BLT!

I don't blame you! I'm positive I'd do the exact same!

Except now I wish I'd maybe snapped one or two at least one of the nights.

 

[pkondz]

It will probably be in a couple weeks, provided everything gets better....

Curious to hear what you think.

I just lucked out that a lot of people were there when I was.

Little bit of luck and a lot of knowing a lot of people.

It opened just after the pandemic. It's where the Wave used to be. Just about the same time when they announced that Steakhouse 55 would not be reopening.

Oh, okay. Know where that is now.

I had a feeling.....

Yes, she did, but she has been having stomach problems.

Sorry to hear that.

Every time she eats something, she gets bad cramps. Well I shouldn't say "every time". She did pretty OK on the trip, but with all this cautious eating she has lost about 30 lbs. She's going for a blood test tomorrow, the regular doc suggested that maybe it is not the stomach, but possibly the pancreas.

Let her know I'm thinking of her, okay?
Let me know if you just want to talk, okay? I can always phone you when I have a minute. Or text... or PM... or email... Lots of options.

A few short years ago we could have done it, but it would have involved a lot of faxing and stuff.

And a few years before that... probably nothing you could've done.

They're actually doing the work right now (well on weekdays). They're about halfway through.

How's it look?

I wish we had a Karamel Kuche here!

I dunno... I think if we had one here, I might be struggling financially!

Yeah, but after two booths?

Well, you did have a pretty good breakfast first, so understandable.

We did not. But I can see how they might. While you stay "right side up" for the entire ride, the "screens" confuse that reality and mess with your brain.

Oh! Okay. Guess I'll see how I feel about it soon enough.

Hopefully.

Imagine this conversation:

Me: Hi T & M it's good to see you again after not seeing you since 2013. Can I take a picture of you to post in my TR on the DISboards that you haven't been on over five years?

T & M: Uh......(running away)....see you later!

Nah. I do that all the time. "Mind if I take a selfie of us? I write a blog (or TR if they know the lingo.)"

 

[franandaj]

I'm exhausted just reading that.

Tell me about it!

You gotta love the holding patterns for the monorails. Why do they call it a "pattern"? You're just sitting still.

You're the engineer! You tell me!

I hope all of the changes bring it back to its former glory. It used to be my favorite park.

I hate it being so torn up, it's hard to get around too. Kinda like DHS was a few years ago.

That's how it always happens. "I walked into the Disney gift shop not planning on buying anything. $400 later..."

Well sometimes we come out empty handed!

You're right, that does look funky. Glad you enjoyed it, though!

Onion soup is good in all its forms!

Fancy-schmancy!

Well you know us!

There are no lies detected.

I guess the good news is that you really liked the food...

.

You can look at it that way....

There's an SNL skit in this somewhere. Did you like the new restaurant? Was curious about that one.

I thought the breakfast was good. I don't know what I would think about lunch or dinner.

This is the absolute worst time to have to put out a contract on anything. Materials are crazy.

Yeah. Stupid time to have to do this.....

But those are good for your heart!

The more you eat ....

Yeah, big repair bills tend to have that effect.

Ok, fine, I believe you! Sheesh.

Nice! Glad to hear it!

I wish there would be one here.

 

[kmedina]

Well, howdy strangers. It's been a hot minute, but I am in. Will start and catch up now.

 

[franandaj]

I'm caught up!!!!

Well you are here, but you need to catch up on KY other thread before I retire it!

Everything look delicious and you were NOT kidding on how big that Mexican seafood platter was. Yum and I agree, I love Mahi! My favorite fish. The shrimp look super yummy too!

It was totally huge and delicious!

Cute Pam!!! Love her smile even behind the mask; it shows in her eyes.

I think that's the only shot I got on her the whole trip!

Breakfast looked good too. I don't love a chocolate/fruit mixture but that looked delicious. Benny is always a good choice.

Berries and chocolate are always good in my mind!

You took me offguard with the bacon sandwich not bacon foldover.

We had enough meat for a whole sandwich!

I love my trivet, thank you!

You're welcome!

 

[franandaj]

Ok I'm caught up again.

Here, yes, you need to catch up on the other one before I finish!

That seafood platter was ginormous!

I'm glad you got some good Dis meets in! I can't go to F&W by myself anymore...all the portions are too big and I'm stuffed after one booth.

It's more fun with other people anyways....

 

[kmedina]

Hey Alison, Sometimes trips where nothing goes wrong are the best when things go awry on so many, so I am glad you got your title.

My husband and I are also in our 25th year! Yay to you and Fran being in your silver anniversary, too. Our 26th anniversary is in June.

I have slept past the alarm going off more often than I care to admit. My youngest comes into my room in the mornings sometimes and asks, "how can you not hear that?" Crap is already up for hours by the time my alarm goes off at 7am.

The pictures of the exploding helicopters to liven up the post were hilarious, but the food porn in the post was already pretty good.

I'm not big on jewelry, but those pieces speak to me too. Very beautiful.

Hope you got the roofing all sorted out. I know dealing with an HOA can be a pain in the butt.

That pic of you and your friend Kari in the frame is adorable. I need to recreate that with my kiddos next trip.

And, I'm caught up. Looks like a great trip so far. You're busy with lots of meetups and enjoying tasty food. My kind of trip.

 

[Steppesister]

I emailed him a picture of the samples our roofer sent, and he and he said, “Eh-no” you can only use shake, tile, rock and a number of other things that wouldn’t work or I didn’t recognize. So the roofer was back to square one and he had to find a distributor of shake roof tiles, and get us a whole new price.

OH no. I'm so sorry you guys. Not fun!

But there was nothing we could do about the price, and on this day, I had to print the roofing quote, sign it, and get it back to the roofer, so that he could order the materials. It took a little bit to do this as the business center was closed and I had to go to the front desk where I emailed a copy of the quote to someone in the back office and they printed out a hard copy. I signed it, took a picture and emailed it back to the roofing company so that they could proceed with ordering the necessary tiles.

I had to go through that process (emailing to a CM, printing, signing, sending....) last trip too. But for my AZ contract. Such a pain but I suppose easier than the 80s and before "old-fashioned" way.

It's such a disaster there. Still.

We got the Arancini: Fried Risotto Balls Stuffed with Braised-beef and served with Pomodoro Sauce, which were good, but I could only eat one. Fran couldn’t eat any.

Super tasty!

The Ravioli alla Boscaiola: Sweet Sausage Ravioli, Mushrooms, Caramelized Onions and Creamy Parmesan Sauce was fantastic! I ate two of these and Fran ate one, and we realized that we were just getting too full, and we had only hit two booths so far!

Oh wow, YUM! But yeah, that and the risotto balls are SO filling!!

AWww, there you guys are!

 

[franandaj]

Fun day! I adore all those vintage photos along the hallway into Steakhouse 71.

Steakhousr 55 had them all over the walls in the dining room. I'm surely going to miss that place!

Haven't done breakfast there yet but have sure loved lunch (smash burger) and late-night bites in the lounge.

We thought about late night bites in the lounge, but never stayed up that late and always had leftovers in the room!

That trivet is so cute. Reminds me that there's a BB8 trivet I am looking for.

It is cute and I saw it here (at our Disney) just last weekend. I have the BB8 trivet. Bought it in Droid Depot!

Fun festival bites. So much I wish I had the chance to try. I just always seem to run out of time, appetite or patience (lines).

I know what you mean. It helps to have friends along to help with the noshes!

 

[franandaj]

I’m sorry I’ve been MIA for so long. Two weeks ago Fran suffered a severe injury and has been hospitalized since. I’ve been up and back to the hospital several times daily to keep her company and find out her condition, etc. Last night she was transferred to a rehab facility which is somewhat more restrictive on visitation, so I’m only able to see her for about 1 hour per day now. I’ve got time at this point. I had this update all ready to go before this happened, so I thought I might as well post it. Most of you reading this thread are already subbed into my Fran updates, so this isn’t anything new, but I thought I would just explain to the lurkers and other folks out there what’s going on.

I know that I owe a couple of you some replies, and I'll see if I can get to that tomorrow, after my daily visit. And I see in my absence the DIS has totally changed the comment menu. Ugh

Anyways back to the TR!

A Day On Our Own

On this day i woke up around 7AM, but I futzed around with my puzzles until 9AM and learned an important lesson. Fran doesn't even start moving until at least an hour after I've gotten up and dressed so I need to plan accordingly for the rest of the trip. These first few days haven't been so important for getting out of the room, but the rest of the trip will be much more focused on rides.

I made myself breakfast of leftovers from our Italian choices. I still couldn’t finish all of it, but I gave it my best shot!



While I was eating my breakfast Fran finally got out of bed. She ate some oatmeal that I microwaved in the canister. Sorry no photo, it just wasn't that exciting. I emailed the guy on the Architectural Review Board the flyer on the new roofing material. Fran dilly dallied responding to her own emails until I told her that it wasn't important. She told me to go ahead and she would catch up, but without her I couldn't use the DAS pass!

We were out of the room by 11:15 and the AK bus arrived after waiting about 10 minutes. We made it through security and scanned into the park right at noon. Today we didn't have any meet ups planned so we could just kind of go with the flow.



The DAS button appeared promptly after we had scanned into the park, and I selected the safari for us. It was a 75 minute wait, so we had some time to kill. We drove through all the stores at the park entrance and came out empty.

Based on Fran's experience on Remy I thought she might be able to try FoP since the graphics didn't make her nauseous, so we headed to Pandora to see if she could get into the test vehicle. She got distracted by some merchandise at a cart, so I amused myself taking pictures of the flora.



On our way into Pandora, I suggested that we take a PP picture.



When we got there she said that she was feeling too fat to try and ride it, I didn’t feel like waiting in the line today so we went on to Africa.



By this point she was hungry and I was just starting to get there. Nothing in the area of the Safari floated her boat so we decided to go to 8 spoons for some Mac and cheese after the ride. Our window for the Safari opened up at 1:15 and we got into the queue.



As soon as we had turned our Mickeys green, i selected Dinosaur as our next ride. They separated us off to the handicapped loading area, and there was quite a line to get into the parking section. We were stuck in a holding pattern as they said that animals were blocking the road. This continued for about 15 minutes until they finally told us that they were going to have to let us out of line, we could have a “Multi Experience” pass good for any ride, but the Premium ones (FoP, Remy, RotR). It turns out that the ride never came back up again that day.

We had one more ride that we could go on. But first food, although even before that potty!

I had the strangest experience in the bathroom. There was a line in the women’s room (as usual) and an attendant was letting the gals in line know when a restroom would open up on the side that we couldn’t see from the door. She called me over and I went into the first open non-handicapped stall that I saw. All of a sudden this woman comes running over to the door. I don’t think she spoke English and she kept just grunting and pointing at the corner of the door where the hinges are. I was totally confused and wondering what the heck was going on. So I went inside the stall, and I moved the door to close it and there is a little girl standing back there behind the door!

I made some sound of alarm and got out of the bathroom and the mom pulled the little girl out of the stall. I’m not sure if they had been using that stall before me and the kid didn’t follow her mom out or what, but it was very strange.

Business done, Fran and I headed on to Eight Spoons. I got the plain Mac n cheese, the only other choice was with pulled pork and I didn’t want all that salt. If they had the shrimp I would have ordered that, but they didn’t. My portion looked a whole lot smaller than a lot of the other ones that I saw coming out of the window as we sat and ate. It was really good though!



Fran got the Mickey Pretzel with cheese, and was happy with that.



Both of us were still not feeling quite full, and I wanted some Fried Rice. She decided to also get the Egg Rolls, and since she ate mostly egg rolls (I gave her half of mine), she didn’t eat any of the fried rice. We ended up taking about half of it home.



Then we headed over to Dinosaur.



We got to the loading point and she tried to get into the ride vehicle, but wasn’t able to get her foot inside the car. I’m not sure if she planned it that way or not, but I ended up riding alone.

Then we decided to head back to the room before dinner. Fran had left her wallet in the room, plus she wanted to get her blankee for the fireworks. She took a power nap while I packed up the first of our four suitcases with all the clothes that I wouldn't be wearing for the next two days.

With plenty of time we were on our way to the Poly, and saw this beautiful sunset through the windows near the elevator.





She had seen a dress in the gift shop the other night that she knew I would like, so I tried on two sizes and picked the one that fit me best.



By this time we could check-in for our dinner reservation, and we were seated promptly.





Since we had been eating so much throughout the trip, we had decided on a light dinner. They brought us rolls, which was a nice bonus!



And I ordered a Lapu Lapu, such a tasty drink!



We had planned to split the potstickers and a California Roll, and that’s just what we did.



Now I know that these don’t look like potstickers under there, but when you break the shell, there are definitely pot stickers in there!





This worked out just perfect as we were sated, but not stuffed. We paid the check and headed right out to the Magic Kingdom.

We had less than an hour until the fireworks started and we found a spot about midway down Main Street.





Earlier that day I had thought how nice it was that the large South American tour groups weren't running around with their flags and chanting, but that thought was too soon. We ended up behind one of those. I think it was a bunch of girls celebrating their Quinceneras, as their backpacks all had the word "fifteen" on them. Luckily the girls were fairly considerate and well behaved. It was their male "leaders" who were constantly blocking our view before the fireworks. During the show they mostly stayed off to the sides, but there were a few instances where we couldn't see very well.

All in all it was a good show and we didn't get trampled on the way out. Staying at BLT was a plus as we could just roll back to the room. Fran was still hungry when we got back to the room, so I served her up a bowl of cottage cheese and Pineapple. (Sorry no pics) Then we split our Caramel apple for dessert.

 

[tiggrbaby]

So sorry to hear about Fran! Prayers for her recovery!

Another lovely day! It seemed to be a very relaxed day.

What a lovely dress!

 

[juniorbugman]

Allison - sorry to hear about Fran and I hope she is getting better.

 

[pkondz]

I’m sorry I’ve been MIA for so long. Two weeks ago Fran suffered a severe injury and has been hospitalized since. I’ve been up and back to the hospital several times daily to keep her company and find out her condition, etc. Last night she was transferred to a rehab facility which is somewhat more restrictive on visitation, so I’m only able to see her for about 1 hour per day now. I’ve got time at this point. I had this update all ready to go before this happened, so I thought I might as well post it. Most of you reading this thread are already subbed into my Fran updates, so this isn’t anything new, but I thought I would just explain to the lurkers and other folks out there what’s going on.

Wonder if that will get me flamed?

And I see in my absence the DIS has totally changed the comment menu. Ugh

Yes, but it all works now, including the BBcode which hasn't worked for years.

Nope. It all looks good, but I can't eat that for breakfast.

She ate some oatmeal that I microwaved in the canister. Sorry no photo, it just wasn't that exciting.

Well... sure. I mean... it's oatmeal.

Fran dilly dallied responding to her own emails until I told her that it wasn't important. She told me to go ahead and she would catch up, but without her I couldn't use the DAS pass!

She got your there!

Nice shot of you both .

What lens did you use there?

we decided to go to 8 spoons for some Mac and cheese after the ride.

mmmm... yes please.

We were stuck in a holding pattern as they said that animals were blocking the road.

Just bang into them with the truck. They'll move.


No?

It turns out that the ride never came back up again that day.

Huh! That's pretty rare. Don't recall that one ever being down all day.

I had the strangest experience in the bathroom

You should see a doctor about that.

All of a sudden this woman comes running over to the door. I don’t think she spoke English and she kept just grunting and pointing at the corner of the door where the hinges are. I was totally confused and wondering what the heck was going on. So I went inside the stall, and I moved the door to close it and there is a little girl standing back there behind the door!

Lady! Take your kid with you!

I’m not sure if they had been using that stall before me and the kid didn’t follow her mom out or what, but it was very strange.

Strange indeed! Whoa!

If they had the shrimp I would have ordered that, but they didn’t.

mmm... I could probably live off fried rice.

We got to the loading point and she tried to get into the ride vehicle, but wasn’t able to get her foot inside the car. I’m not sure if she planned it that way or not, but I ended up riding alone.

Hmmm... she's been able to get in before, right?

She had seen a dress in the gift shop the other night that she knew I would like, so I tried on two sizes and picked the one that fit me best.

I like it. And can totally see you in it.

And I ordered a Lapu Lapu, such a tasty drink!

You go right ahead. I'll just sit and watch while you enjoy that.

Now I know that these don’t look like potstickers under there, but when you break the shell, there are definitely pot stickers in there!

Those definitely do not look like potstickers! I might have told the server that they'd brought the wrong dish.

Earlier that day I had thought how nice it was that the large South American tour groups weren't running around with their flags and chanting, but that thought was too soon. We ended up behind one of those. I think it was a bunch of girls celebrating their Quinceneras, as their backpacks all had the word "fifteen" on them. Luckily the girls were fairly considerate and well behaved. It was their male "leaders" who were constantly blocking our view before the fireworks. During the show they mostly stayed off to the sides, but there were a few instances where we couldn't see very well.

Then we split our Caramel apple for dessert.

mmmm... more goodness.