This Sparks Joy! A Feb/Mar 2019 Birthday Trip NEW 7/6 x2 THE END of an Amazing Healing Trip!!

[missjackiemcg]

I loved all your Photo Op pics!! and the Magic Shots. Iago and Figment are fun ones I haven't seen before!

 

[Cloe Colton]

I definitely want to try to make it to Festival of the Arts next year! I'm thinking I can definitely convince DH for a quick trip now that we have APs! Especially if they bring back the sushi donut haha

 

[chunkymonkey]

UHm yes please

so yummy!!

Hilarious

Thanks! They Photo Ops were really fun!

I was sad this was gone, but did enjoy my StowAway Mary a LOT. mmmm!!! But that pork belly sounded to amazing!

They were both good but I prefer the pork belly one!!

I love those!! Makes me want to go for that season for these photos alone.

It was one of the reasons I wanted to go for that season, it just seemed like so much fun!

YUM!! That looks super novel and fun!

I thought it was one of the better things the Japan booth serves, aside from Frushi. I've gotten some pretty bad things form that booth during Food and Wine but they should really just serve sushi donut all the time!

Looks like you were really thriving on your own at Festival of the Arts! The Manatees and me segment was golden. Love your pics with Eeyore, adorable. The sushi donut and the bloody mary do look and sound delish. I'll have to make note for whenever I get to go to FotA.

I had hoped I got some love for Manatees and Me!
FoTA was so much fun, I really enjoyed it, but too bad we were only there for the last day although I think we did almost all of the photo ops.

Too funny when I clicked on this I thought it was the EPIC trip and then I got really confused when you went to the festival of the arts. Then I got really excited that we were on there on the last day too. And then I wondered why we didn't see each other. And then I remember we met up the next day. Oh my morning brain.

Are you sure you haven't been drinking?

Wait, you don't have to answer that. I'm sure we all know what you'll say anyways.

Word to the wise. Be sure to check of manatees before taking video

Seriously he was right there!! Who knew they could swim so quickly?

Oh this was so my favorite too!!!! Though the one at flower and garden was pretty dang good too

Yes I totally remember you posting about this too. It was amazing. I did love them both! The slim jim in the stowaway mary was a nice touch, LOL!

At least they let you keep your drink for this. The bloody mary and you just seem organic to the photo

Well, it IS a party, and I didn't want to be a party pooper!

I think you all should do this on the regular!

Steve may want to keep my ears!

How did I not know about this? Casey would have loved this one.

We had no idea either! I think this is the first figment one we've gotten, at least in the World Showcase.

That's a good thing, though.

Yes, the day I say I had a sucky trip, is probably the day the world freezes over.

I think MK is my fave... but Epcot would be a very (very) close second.

MK is a must-do but no trip is complete until I've visited Epcot!

Hard to tell for sure... Is that the one with the damaged tail?

I think so.

Speaking of Steve and The Land and hydroponics (which he disassembled), how's the world's largest bench coming along?

Um, it's on stall because we've been traveling so much. And just not working on it.

Good.

I don't do character meets (well... there is one... but I can FP her. ) so more people in line for those means fewer at the rides.

True. Or they are more people to go on rides who also are there for the characters.

Because he's a raging alcoholic. He's a sad drunk, too. You've probably noticed.

I was talking to the people in line that Eeyore probably just wants a sip of my drink.

I'll have to wait to see if you liked it or not.

Spoiler: I did.

And I've never seen that one before either.

Me neither!

Nailed it.

Thanks!

Dang it!!!! I forgot! I was going to try that and I forgot all about it until just now!

There's always next time.

"Who's this chick who thinks she can cut the line?"

Princess Chunky

 

[pkondz]

Yes, the day I say I had a sucky trip, is probably the day the world freezes over.

Please. We just got rid of winter.

MK is a must-do but no trip is complete until I've visited Epcot!

So... it's a must-do, too?

Um, it's on stall because we've been traveling so much. And just not working on it.

So Steve builds... like I do.

I was talking to the people in line that Eeyore probably just wants a sip of my drink.

SEE?????

Spoiler: I did.

Princess Chunky

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

LOL, it is a riot, I guarantee it.

It was amazing! Def should post it on YouTube! Ha

But I turned around and tried to find Steve for him to hold my bloody mary but I couldn't find him and I needed to get a picture with Eeyore so I just lined up. The CM told me that I could not pose with Eeyore holding my drink and I said that's ok I will set it down. I tried to down it but there was a little bit left before I had to set it down and the CM helped me take a picture with Eeyore.

It makes sense but sounds like a weird thing to say. But I guess it is one of the few places that you would have a drink and run into a character.

Cute!

Try a sip of this amazing drink

I love this!!!!

Nice doggy.

Also cute.

Over in Japan we got to try the Sushi Donut, which was fun! It's just sushi in a donut shape so if you like sushi regularly I think you'd really enjoy the novelty of this.

I agree. It was good but nothing amazing. But it was fresh sushi, for sure.

Coming up, more photos, and dinner at Rose and Crown!

I have been toying with booking Rose and Crown for our August trip. Can't wait to hear if you guys liked it or not.

 

[chunkymonkey]

Awesome photo opps! I really love the Festival of the Arts... hope it continues. You make me really wish I liked bloody mary’s.....

Thank you!
It was a surprisingly really fun festival I would definitely return! Thinking of a short trip over MLK weekend next year would be good
I used to not like Bloody Mary's but that's because I never had a good one, but when I tried a good one it changed my opinion of them!

What a fun morning and what great photo-ops!

The food you tried looks amazing, especially that bread bowl from France and the sushi donut.

It was a great day so far! We had a great time with the photo ops and the food was really good!

I really would love to do festival of the arts, looks like a blast!

It was great! I would definitely do this festival over and over again!

Awesome time in Epcot!!!

Thanks! It was!! I love Epcot!

Sounds like a pretty perfect Epcot morning! Love your pics with Eeyore and all the PP stops!

Thank you!! I really had a great time at Epcot!

LOVE your painting pictures! You make it look so effortless, I always look like I'm in a lineup.

And episode 1 of the Manatees and Me was riveting. GOT replacement?

LOL I doubt that! But it was a lot of fun to see how they turned out!
For sure, I'm shopping Manatees and Me to HBO, I think they are interested. I think the Living Seas is a great replacement for Westeros.

All the food and drinks from FOTA looks great!

They were really good! I really liked what I ate, and I think they should have the bread boule year-round. So yummy!

Was this a FOTA dessert, or did you get this from someplace else? It looks amazing and def something I would want to try!

It's available at Karamel Kusche in Germany year-round!! Its really good!

Love all the pictures you took with the different paintings, very cute. I don't even like Bloody Mary's but that drink looked amazing. I am glad you liked FotA, we went the first year and didn't think much of it, but it sounds much better now.

I think it does sound much better than when I first heard of it too. I think they have more interactive things and more photo ops as well as food.

I loved all your Photo Op pics!! and the Magic Shots. Iago and Figment are fun ones I haven't seen before!

Thanks! They were a first for us too!

I definitely want to try to make it to Festival of the Arts next year! I'm thinking I can definitely convince DH for a quick trip now that we have APs! Especially if they bring back the sushi donut haha

Yes you totally should! I think you both will have a great time!

 

[franandaj]

The Festival of Arts looks like so much fun! I hope they keep doing it so that I can go there some time!

You got a lot of great photos, and Steve definitely was a good sport. He nailed The Scream!

 

[Lesley Wake]

Remember back on my SOLO trip when I asked if anyone wanted to see a series called Manatees and Me? Well I reordered my first episode:


LOL, it is a riot, I guarantee it.

Haha! Why did we not do an episode as a group at Epcot?

The photographer then told us to switch headpieces.

LOL Steve is a good sport, he really is.

Very flattering on both of you!

 

[annie170]

What a great day at Epcot!

Eeyore has always been one of my favorites. That's great you were able to meet him.

That brie boule looks mouthwateringly delicious! I think I could eat several of those.

 

[chunkymonkey]

The Festival of Arts looks like so much fun! I hope they keep doing it so that I can go there some time!

I agree, it's a really fun festival. Although I may not make it every year, I do hope it continues as well!

You got a lot of great photos, and Steve definitely was a good sport. He nailed The Scream!

I think he had a lot more fun than he let on!! He seem to embrace being part of the "art"

Haha! Why did we not do an episode as a group at Epcot?

We should have...we were too distracted by food, or rain, or...drinks!

Very flattering on both of you!

Thanks! I should get Steve those ear hats! I don't know if he'd wear it though!

What a great day at Epcot!

Thank you! It most certainly was!

Eeyore has always been one of my favorites. That's great you were able to meet him.

Mine too. I HAD to meet him!

That brie boule looks mouthwateringly delicious! I think I could eat several of those.

Bread and cheese are two of my favorite things.

 

[chunkymonkey]

So... it's a must-do, too?

Yes

So Steve builds... like I do.

If you mean procrastinate, then yes.

It was amazing! Def should post it on YouTube! Ha

I'm going to start a new channel just for Manatees and Me!

It makes sense but sounds like a weird thing to say. But I guess it is one of the few places that you would have a drink and run into a character.

I dont' know if I've ever thought about this before, but I guess you can't take a picture with a character with a drink, can you?

I love this!!!!

Thank you!

I agree. It was good but nothing amazing. But it was fresh sushi, for sure.

Exactly!

I have been toying with booking Rose and Crown for our August trip. Can't wait to hear if you guys liked it or not.

Spoiler: It was alright, I mean it was good, but not amazing. But I think I've always thought that about the place. I'd be fine just going to Yorkshire for the fish n chips. I also think the portions are small.

 

[paradesintherain]

YUM. Nothing better than a loaded Bloody Mary!

This is amazing, and so nice of you to share. I sure wouldn't!

One of the best PP locations, for sure.

I also got this favorite snack, the chocolate and caramel pineapple. I always tell myself I don't need it but then I take a bite of it, and wow it is so delicious that I ask myself why I don't get one every day. So just get one and thank me later!

Ok, I will for sure have to get this.

Cute!! And really a beautiful location to meet Mulan.

 

[pkondz]

If you mean procrastinate, then yes.

I'll get back to you on that.

 

[chunkymonkey]

Day 3 Part 2: Letting It Go

We continued our trek around the world and stopped to get these Frida Kahlo photo ops. At first I didn't know where to put my face and I had her eyebrows right above my lips like a mustache, but that's because it was so bright I couldn't really see without my sunglasses, but the CM made it a point to tell me that it's FRIDA KAHLO, the FAMOUS ARTIST with the UNIBROW.
Yes I know who Frida Kahlo is, thank you.

Guess I eventually got it right.

And then we went inside Mexico and rode the 3 caballeros. Steve was very serious on this ride, as you can see in this video:

We walked towards TT for our FP...look at how beautiful the day was!

In just a few days we witness how Epcot will transform for the Flower and Garden festival so this was probably the only time we saw Epcot without all the floating flowers and topiaries.

At TT, we created this beast, but I wasn't happy that I didn't get a power of higher than 90. But it was too late to change at that point. If you're reading my other TR you know that you can get a negative in efficiency to increase your power, LOL but I didn't achieve that here.

Still had a great time though!

I always take a photo in the dump shop:

That Steve...I can't take him anywhere!

We stopped at Starbucks on our way to Character Spot. I think we must have gotten another FP for it right away, or it may not have been crowded.

On that trip I was really into the Starbucks Doubleshot, which is basically espresso with classic syrup and milk but I sub out the milk for half and half. It's so yummy!

At character spot:

Look at how Minnie is whispering in Steve's ear below, as if I don't exist.

I'm the third wheel if you didn't already realize.

She appeased me by taking a picture with the both of us:

We went to visit Baymax next as his line wasn't long at all.

He's so fluffy and cute!!!

Since we were on a character picture roll we headed up to the Disney visa character spot near the Imagination pavilion. I don't think we waited long at all, and today it was Goofy and Mickey!

When it was time to say good bye, we hugged each character, but somehow, Steve got whacked in the head with Goofy's long snout. I didn't even notice but the PP Photographer got a great shot!

Didn't know the characters could get so violent.

Since we were there we headed up to the DVC lounge before dinner so we could charge or phones and refresh with snacks and beverages.

Soon it was almost dinnertime so we made the short jaunt to UK for our Rose n Crown dinner. We had booked the dining package for the Festival of the Arts Disney on Broadway show that night. It was also the night they had all 4 main singers performing, as well as it being the last day of the festival and the last show. So a package seemed like a good idea.

I haven't been to the Rose 'n Crown in ages!

For our package we could each pick an appetizer, entree and dessert as well as a non alcoholic beverage. Steve and I got iced teas.

For apps we shared the cheese board, and the Scotch Egg.

United Kingdom Cheese Platter - with Stilton, McCall’s Irish Cheddar, and Cotswold Cheese

There was a side of crackers that came with the cheese:

Scotch Egg - Golden-fried hard-boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat with mustard sauce

Both were really good and I liked the assortment of cheeses with the accompaniments.

For our entrees, I went with the Shepard's Pie and Steve got the Salmon. They were both really good but I felt like the portions were very small. I mean the Shepard's pie was in a little bowl. I guess I'm just used to portions at other places being really big? Not sure. I mean it is enough food and probably the correct portion sizes, or maybe I'm just a glutton.

In the background: Pan-roasted Scottish Salmon - Mashed Neeps and Tatties, Braised Leeks, and Stone Ground Mustard Vinaigrette. In the foreground and looking deceptively big due to perception: Shepherd’s Pie - Ground lamb, seasonal vegetables, English peas, mashed potatoes, and McCall's Irish cheddar

Here's a closer look at my pie:

They were both very nice and well seasoned.

For dessert we got the English Trife and the Sticky Toffee Pudding

English Trifle - Layers of fresh Strawberries, Vanilla Custard, Graham Crackers, and Whipped Cream
Sticky Toffee Pudding - Steamed Pudding “Cake” served with warm Vanilla Custard and hot Butter-Rum Sauce

Here's me trying to eat the English Trifle:

The Sticky Toffee Pudding was yummy! The trifle is probably one and done for me, I couldn't really find much underneath all that whipped cream!

We paid our bill and left Rose n Crown. We did enjoy our meal but we wouldn't be clamoring to go there again. I am honestly happy with just getting fish n chips at Yorkshire County Fish Shoppe and sitting outside to eat. But I wouldn't hesitate to go there again especially if others in our party wanted to try it too.

We took our time to walk to America since we had reserved seating for the show (which was the last one of the night).

When we got to France we re-did the photo we had shot in the afternoon and the lighting was much better this time!

Also got me-self one of these:

The Citron Grey Goose Slushy: sparking joy for all those who consume it!

At Morocco I came across this lantern shot which I had not done before. I think @pepperandchips had done this!

Then we went to the theater at America and got into our section of reserved seats which are basically the first few rows.

OK the performances were amazing. We really enjoyed it! I'm so glad we got the dining package as it gave us peace of mind in getting good seats as the show was packed!!

Since it's so dark, pictures aren't going to do it justice so I'm going to share a few videos.

After the show I thought I needed a little more sustenance because I'm a little piglet, so we walked to refreshment port and I got my second bloody mary of the day! We had to as it was the last day this bloody mary was to be offered (I asked). It was just as good as the first one!

We ended the night watching Illuminations. Such a great show, the music is so powerful and reminds me of growing up and going to Disney World and ending the night in Epcot, which is probably my favorite thing to do.
Sad that it's ending.

We made our way out the front of the park and back to POR. It was a fantastic day, I felt so carefree and for the first time in a long time, I felt like a huge weight was off my shoulders. All the sadness, guilt, anxiety, stress that I had felt from the previous few months dealing with my dad's passing and taking care of a lot of family stuff was really taking it's toll on me and my family, and finally...it was lifted. I think Disney was my way of finally letting go and telling myself everything was going to be ok.

Coming up tomorrow...we head to an Incredible Day at DHS and then a mini Epic Trip prequel!!​

 

[Tracy161]

In just a few days we witness how Epcot will transform for the Flower and Garden festival so this was probably the only time we saw Epcot without all the floating flowers and topiaries.

Ahhh, the floating flowers at Epcot... That might be one of my favorite parts of the festival - it's just so pretty!

I haven't been to the Rose 'n Crown in ages!

Omg I haven't either - like 13 years come to think of it!

Here's me trying to eat the English Trifle:

I'm so glad you included this video, because it honestly looked like a bowl of whipped cream! Which apparently most of it actually was

I am honestly happy with just getting fish n chips at Yorkshire County Fish Shoppe and sitting outside to eat.

Same!

At Morocco I came across this lantern shot which I had not done before.

This is beautiful! What a great photo of you I hope to stumble upon it in August.

It was a fantastic day, I felt so carefree and for the first time in a long time, I felt like a huge weight was off my shoulders.

I'm so glad to hear it - you really needed that trip.

I think Disney was my way of finally letting go and telling myself everything was going to be ok.

Disney has a way of washing our cares away... or at least decreasing them considerably, doesn't it?!

 

[suse66]

We walked towards TT for our FP...look at how beautiful the day was!

Stunning!

Still had a great time though!

So fun!

On that trip I was really into the Starbucks Doubleshot, which is basically espresso with classic syrup and milk but I sub out the milk for half and half. It's so yummy!

Sounds great!

She appeased me by taking a picture with the both of us:

Oh Minnie!

We went to visit Baymax next as his line wasn't long at all.

Baymax is a must do for me this summer.

Soon it was almost dinnertime so we made the short jaunt to UK for our Rose n Crown dinner. We had booked the dining package for the Festival of the Arts Disney on Broadway show that night. It was also the night they had all 4 main singers performing, as well as it being the last day of the festival and the last show. So a package seemed like a good idea.

How great would that be to see!

United Kingdom Cheese Platter - with Stilton, McCall’s Irish Cheddar, and Cotswold Cheese

Love!

Sticky Toffee Pudding - Steamed Pudding “Cake” served with warm Vanilla Custard and hot Butter-Rum Sauce

I would lick the plate on that one!

OK the performances were amazing. We really enjoyed it! I'm so glad we got the dining package as it gave us peace of mind in getting good seats as the show was packed!!

Sounds like so much fun!

We ended the night watching Illuminations. Such a great show, the music is so powerful and reminds me of growing up and going to Disney World and ending the night in Epcot, which is probably my favorite thing to do.
Sad that it's ending.

I hear you....Illuminations holds a very special place in my heart. I can always hear then little 8 year old Jack saying " Oh Mummy, it's just the most beautiful thing I've ever seen" and slipping his little hand into mine. Now he is going to be 19 on Monday.

We made our way out the front of the park and back to POR. It was a fantastic day, I felt so carefree and for the first time in a long time, I felt like a huge weight was off my shoulders. All the sadness, guilt, anxiety, stress that I had felt from the previous few months dealing with my dad's passing and taking care of a lot of family stuff was really taking it's toll on me and my family. I think Disney was my way of finally letting go and telling myself everything was going to be ok.

I am so happy you were able to feel that. What a hard and stressful few months you had. It will be ok and I think Disney helps us to just relax and soak in all the happiness of being in our favourite place.

 

[SimplyGoofy]

Oh, Goofy! You've got to watch out for your long snout!

I'm with @suse66 - the cheese plate and the Sticky Toffee Pudding at Rose and Crown are my favorites! Even though I feel like the Rose and Crown not an every trip restaurant, I would eat those two things any time!

That Rose and Crown goodness AND a citron Grey Goose slush?! What an amazing evening!

I'm so glad to hear that you really enjoyed your day. I love that a good vacation can make you live and enjoy in the moment, especially during and after times that have been so stressful. I think it was a good decision to enjoy some Disney magic after such a trying few months. I hope your joy continued as your trip went along!

 

[Jenny Sanders]

We made our way out the front of the park and back to POR. It was a fantastic day, I felt so carefree and for the first time in a long time, I felt like a huge weight was off my shoulders. All the sadness, guilt, anxiety, stress that I had felt from the previous few months dealing with my dad's passing and taking care of a lot of family stuff was really taking it's toll on me and my family. I think Disney was my way of finally letting go and telling myself everything was going to be ok.

This is good to hear. I'm happy you're feeling better.

 

[pepperandchips]

Ahhh! Thank you for the homing beacon with the tag! I didn’t know this report was underway. it will be fun to catch up!!!

 

[missangelalexis]

Sounds like a great afternoon and evening in Epcot! I'm glad you were feeling the Disney magic and letting it wash away your sadness