US/WDW Sep/Oct 2016...All Finished

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

I have often had my nose pressed with crystal envy at that store in main street. One day..

Yum nutella fruit waffle.

I am pleased you got yourself a new design Splash shirt. Lovely to score a BOG lunch.

Love your photos of the parade and you the the mouse and Tink.

The meet and greets really don't work well on party nights. They need FP+ times. The line once for 7 D and snow white was hours well I can't wait in line and at the party you can't use DAS.

You got some amazing photos with characters!

I love the parade. Such fun. What a great day!

 

[dolphingirl47]

I love this display.

That statue is beautiful.

My meal consisted of the cheese plate, brioche French toast with spiced figs and pears (perfect fall flavors) and lobster egg benedict that mom and I shared.

This all looks delicious.

The reason I had to take off so suddenly was because I had crazily decided that I could also go eat a multi-course French meal at Monsieur Paul’s.

That is what I call dedication.

The next key transfer was catching a Beach Club bus from MK so I could walk to France. Working my way upstream, I trekked to the empty bus bay and not two minutes later, a bus shows up. Awesome Beach Club bus timing!

That worked out perfectly.

This 5 course meal lasted a solid 3 hours and I had some good dinner conversation with my table mate.

It is nice that you got on.

As you might imagine, I didn’t clean my plate as I had eaten only a couple hours earlier. Also this was French food from a region I was not enamored with—missed the cream/butter, non-chocolate items.

I am not a huge fan of French food, but that looked delicious.

I love peanut butter desserts so this fit the bill.

I would have loved this.

We walked along the Frontierland walkway and lucked out with a rope side parade viewing spot-also happened to be a Maleficent fire-breathing location, though I didn’t get her flames on film here.

Wow, that was a stroke of luck.

I was in line about 45 minutes early and even then there were maybe 40 folks ahead of me.

That sounds crazy.

All was well until five minutes beforehand a family comes up to try and squeeze into the three inches of space between the tape line and my toes—sigh, annoying… Luckily I have big feet.

I hate if this happens.

That photo is amazing. I think last year's special shots were a lot nicer than the ones in 2015.

Corinna

 

[Malia78]

those pants on the guys are just... weird. Just no.

I think the funny pants and boots combo really pushes it over the edge...

I wish I had known about the specialty photos.

I didn't think to mention them when we were together--I did research the photos because I knew that was one aspect I really wanted to focus on at the parties.

 

[Malia78]

Hi Paula!

What a great day!

And I think the next day even topped it

 

[Malia78]

Hi Corinna!

That photo is amazing. I think last year's special shots were a lot nicer than the ones in 2015.

I had a lot of fun with these--there were a few other photo ops that I will have pics from in my next update. The Headless Horseman is one of my favorites--my other one is with the ghost carriage outside of Haunted Mansion.

 

[Steppesister]

I think the funny pants and boots combo really pushes it over the edge...


I didn't think to mention them when we were together--I did research the photos because I knew that was one aspect I really wanted to focus on at the parties.

Next time!

 

[franandaj]

Your research I to the party really paid off. If I go again I know much more about some of the highlights to hit on a party night. I feel like I wasted my opportunities the night we went there.

Great shots with the PP photographers!

 

[Malia78]

Great shots with the PP photographers!

Before I get started, Thanks and welcome back Alison and Fran!

Tuesday 11 October

We’re late, we’re late for a very important breakfast date….White Rabbit, I feel you.

Mom and I had breakfast today at 1900 Park Fare—the setup has changed a little bit since we were here last time. I liked it better this way. We were seated at the end of restaurant (which was the entrance last time). We didn’t have time for food before the character blitz—Marry Poppins, Tigger, Pooh, Alice.

I was the recipient of a spontaneous knee hug by a toddler in the buffet line—apparently I look just like his mother from the knee down.

As I was sitting there with my first plate, I was pleasantly surprised when my gal Sadie from the Cruella line came over to say hi. Her family was a few tables over. She came over again to offer me some of her gummi bears—can’t say no to gummi bears for breakfast.

Our server later brought two cupcakes for my “birthday”—didn’t really read the celebration button. I brought one over to Sadie’s table and we got a pic.

I had a fabulous meeting with the Hatter—I asked him and Alice to sign my tile. He asked where to sign and I said anywhere, even over the white rabbit. He said “Oh no, I can’t white over the right rabbit” completely unintentionally—I think he surprised himself. So it just went on from there—I asked if he put something in his tea this morning; he did say that they had a lot of curious mushrooms; I told him he really shouldn’t be listening to the flowers. Anyway everyone was laughing including the photopass guy who forgot he should be taking pictures. The Hatter was the best—hands down.

Final hug with Pooh.

Next is a sprint to the monorail to TTC and a switch to the Epcot monorail. Again we were 5 minutes late (but not the latest) for our culinary seminar. Amazingly dad managed to follow our instructions and get to the Festival Center on his own. Our dish was Citrus Poached Scallops. Our chef was a good speaker/presenter--not a bad experience for $13 apiece.

We finished the demo early so plenty of time to walk to Canada for lunch at Le Cellier.

We were seated in the Yukon province. Since we weren’t super hungry, mom and I split the French Onion poutine-we didn’t really care for it. I preferred Costco’s from when we were in Vancouver last spring.

For lunch, I stuck with the cheese plate—can’t go wrong there.

Treat from our server

I left my parents riding Soarin with their free FPs while I went back to the resort to change for the Halloween Party. Mom made it back before I left so we both left for MK, arriving in the park around 4:15.

Thought I had 2 FP+ for Jungle Cruise but only actually had one for me. The cast member let us through “just this once.” I had shuffled things around so many times that I lost track of that one.

Continued in next post...

 

[Malia78]

We rode Small World and then I said good-bye. I was going to go camp out in the Seven Dwarves meet and greet line—this was the designated spot for meeting with Liesa. I got there around 5:30-the wait wasn’t two bad; only two switchbacks behind the leader.

I kept my eye out for Liesa and soon enough, I spotted her. I waved to her and she joined me in line. The time passed quickly as we chatted and soon the dwarves arrived—I will be “stealing” a pic from Liesa of us from her trip report as we only got them on her camera. It was great meeting her and she brought me some postcards of her amazing photography. The night wasn’t over though and we would be meeting up again later that evening.

Once we parted ways, I headed out to get some photos. My first stop was Erik’s castle with a Sebastian magic shot.

I joined the line for Gaston and Belle—I felt a little bad for Belle as this was definitely the Gaston show. She was gracious though—Gaston took it upon himself to bless me with his company and even let me feel his big muscles before I left.

I look like I'm doing something highly inappropriate in this one...

Back on good behavior...

I then headed toward Liberty Square to find the Haunted Mansion magic shots. I started with the horseless carriage. The first parade was passing around this time.

When it ended, I scooted over to the hitchhiking ghosts location. The treat trail lines were still quite long so I just did a couple before heading over to Adventureland.

Tarzan, Jane and Terk were meeting here but without a photopass photographer. A very jovial Australian father offered to be my photographer when we got to the characters. The line wasn’t long but we were waiting for the characters next set.

It was here that I suddenly had the most unexpected but completely magical moment!

One of the handlers approached me and asked if I sailed the Disney Wonder. I realized it was a friend of Tiana’s who I’ve met on DCL twice. She is now working here—we had a lovely chat with promises to connect in the future. She then said she was going to add some extra magic and she did—I had an awesome interaction with Tarzan and the crew. It was amazing. I just left feeling so happy.

With that feeling, I strolled back to the Town Square for a redo of my grave keepers magic photo. This time it was successful.

I was going to end the night in Frontierland so back I went, this time determined to find the Cadaver Dans. They were great—love their rendition of Ghost Riders in the Sky. I knew I would see their last set too since that was the second meet-up I had arranged with Liesa.

The crowds were light in Frontierland at the moment so I staked a seat along the parade route close to where the Cadaver Dans entered. While waiting, I enjoyed the fireworks view from Frontierland—it was impressive, definitely didn’t feel sub par.

Munching on my treat bag, I was chewing a peanut M&M when suddenly felt something weird on my back tooth. I poked at it and POP, out comes the temporary filling, leaving a gaping hole in my upper left molar. Sigh…at least no pain (yet?).

Saw Liesa in passing and called to her—her kids were with her and we all settled in for the evening entertainment. When the Dans came out, I jokingly gestured them over (we were in the right place anyway) and one of them commented on being summoned. This time they sang the Legend of Sleepy Hollow—it was fantastic.

Our position gave us front line viewing for the second Boo to You parade. The Vanellope float is very sweet, literally—the scent of candy just envelopes you.

I said my goodbyes to Liesa and her kids and headed back towards the entrance—I got repeat viewing of the all the parade’s best segments.

And this time, good bus karma for the ride home.

Tomorrow is the last full day…

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Wow what a magical day so much packed in it. So many lovely photos.

Your 1900 breakfast sounded nice. How nice the birthday cupcakes! Plus your knee hugging new pal! The character photos are brilliant. Love your interaction with the mad hatter and that tile is a lovely keepsake.

How nice to move on to EPCOT and join your Dad. Looks like fun there also.

Lovely photo with Liesa.

Amazing photos at the party! How neat the meet the 7 Dwarfs. I love the HM magic shots and the ones of the parade magic shots.

Sorry about your tooth!

Great update!

 

[Steppesister]

So sweet! Love this!

I had a fabulous meeting with the Hatter—I asked him and Alice to sign my tile. He asked where to sign and I said anywhere, even over the white rabbit. He said “Oh no, I can’t white over the right rabbit” completely unintentionally—I think he surprised himself. So it just went on from there—I asked if he put something in his tea this morning; he did say that they had a lot of curious mushrooms; I told him he really shouldn’t be listening to the flowers. Anyway everyone was laughing including the photopass guy who forgot he should be taking pictures. The Hatter was the best—hands down.

Ok, THAT was a cool meet! How fun! I'd have loved to have seen this!

This is a really gorgeous shot! Just lovely. I think I need to spend a bit more time in there doing some photography. It really is a pretty pavilion.

Another really pretty one!

Of the poutine and this, I'd have chosen this hands down every single time.

I kept my eye out for Liesa and soon enough, I spotted her. I waved to her and she joined me in line. The time passed quickly as we chatted and soon the dwarves arrived—I will be “stealing” a pic from Liesa of us from her trip report as we only got them on her camera. It was great meeting her and she brought me some postcards of her amazing photography. The night wasn’t over though and we would be meeting up again later that evening.

You really scored a great place in line. I remember looking back about 15 minutes after I'd joined you that the line was like a billion times longer.

Steal away!!! I had a super fun time chatting with you and look at us, all making plans for the PNWMouseMeet! Oh! BTW, I need to PM you news about that.

Hey, we don't look too bad! LOL!

My favorite shot of your night! Love the look on your face! Buauahahahaha!

Nice capture!

Munching on my treat bag, I was chewing a peanut M&M when suddenly felt something weird on my back tooth. I poked at it and POP, out comes the temporary filling, leaving a gaping hole in my upper left molar. Sigh…at least no pain (yet?).

I'd forgotten that! OY!

Still no pain- it's a miracle. But I think this hints at a problem looming in your not too disant future.

Saw Liesa in passing and called to her—her kids were with her and we all settled in for the evening entertainment. When the Dans came out, I jokingly gestured them over (we were in the right place anyway) and one of them commented on being summoned. This time they sang the Legend of Sleepy Hollow—it was fantastic.

We had the PERFECT spot!

Man, I could listen to those guys all night long. They ARE fantastic!

 

[Malia78]

Love your interaction with the mad hatter and that tile is a lovely keepsake.

He really was the most fun interaction with a character I've had in a while. Out of my set of 11 tiles, I've got three more to go...but now that a couple princes are meeting for the new Trattoria breakfast, I'll have to add to my Ariel and Rapunzel tiles.

I had a super fun time chatting with you and look at us, all making plans for the PNWMouseMeet! Oh! BTW, I need to PM you news about that.

It was a great meet and a great beginning of a friendship

....no bad news right?

Hey, we don't look too bad! LOL!

Not too shabby I'd say.

Sorry about your tooth!

But I think this hints at a problem looming in your not too disant future.

It was quite the royal ceremony performed by the dentist upon my return--my molar wears the crown quite well

 

[dolphingirl47]

As I was sitting there with my first plate, I was pleasantly surprised when my gal Sadie from the Cruella line came over to say hi. Her family was a few tables over. She came over again to offer me some of her gummi bears—can’t say no to gummi bears for breakfast.

How nice that you got to meet up again and that you shared your cupcakes with her.

We were seated in the Yukon province. Since we weren’t super hungry, mom and I split the French Onion poutine-we didn’t really care for it. I preferred Costco’s from when we were in Vancouver last spring.

What that this was not a hit. It looks really nice.

When it ended, I scooted over to the hitchhiking ghosts location. The treat trail lines were still quite long so I just did a couple before heading over to Adventureland.

I like that location much better than the one in 2015, when it was by the exit of Splash Mountain.

One of the handlers approached me and asked if I sailed the Disney Wonder. I realized it was a friend of Tiana’s who I’ve met on DCL twice. She is now working here—we had a lovely chat with promises to connect in the future. She then said she was going to add some extra magic and she did—I had an awesome interaction with Tarzan and the crew. It was amazing. I just left feeling so happy.

What an amazing coincidence.

I really love the colours in that photo.

Munching on my treat bag, I was chewing a peanut M&M when suddenly felt something weird on my back tooth. I poked at it and POP, out comes the temporary filling, leaving a gaping hole in my upper left molar. Sigh…at least no pain (yet?).

How annoying. I hope that the tooth did not give you too much trouble later.

Corinna

 

[Steppesister]

It was a great meet and a great beginning of a friendship

....no bad news right?

Not altogether devastating news, but well... I double booked myself until the early morning on Saturday. OOpsies, but Bryan Ferry concert. I'll PM you...

 

[franandaj]

I can't believe how much food you have put away during this trip! From 1900 to a demo and then Le Cellier! I would have been back in the room in a food coma, but then you pushed on to the MNSSHP! You got some great magic shots. I now know that if I go back to the party that I need to definitely hit up the character interactions. We did none of that at our last party, it was a total dud because I didn't know what to look for besides the parade and fireworks.

You got a lot of great pictures with all the special opportunities!

 

[Malia78]

I really wanted to wrap this up but Walgreens recently revamped their photo site and no longer allows me to copy and paste photos.

Thanks for sticking it out but unfortunately, I don't have to way to finish this.

 

[dolphingirl47]

I really wanted to wrap this up but Walgreens recently revamped their photo site and no longer allows me to copy and paste photos.

Thanks for sticking it out but unfortunately, I don't have to way to finish this.

I am so sorry that they messed with the set up. I am sorry that you won't be able to finish, but have enjoyed reading along. Thanks for sharing.

Corinna

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

What a darn shame about walgreens! Never mind as @dolphingirl47 said I have enjoyed reading your TR too!

 

[franandaj]

I really wanted to wrap this up but Walgreens recently revamped their photo site and no longer allows me to copy and paste photos.

I don't understand. Are your pictures digital or on film? There's got to be a way to remedy this!

Thanks for sticking it out but unfortunately, I don't have to way to finish this.

Aw bummer. I've enjoyed your report so far.

 

[Malia78]

have enjoyed reading along. Thanks for sharing

I have enjoyed reading your TR too!

I've enjoyed your report so far.

Okay, you all have bolstered my spirits...since there is only a day and half left, I will attempt to load the remaining pics to a different site and try to finish it up this way.

This might not happen this weekend as I am heading to the ocean (lovely gray rocky Washington beaches) for some Auntie Kari time with my sister's family. It is clamming season which means something to them--I will be on the sidelines as the cheer squad (I might be rooting for the clams).

Would like to wrap this up by April so stay tuned.