We Ditched The Kids! - UPDATE (7/22 - NYC trip)

[MAGICFOR2]

Just when you thought you had time to enjoy your breakfast, the lost monorail makes you late

Glad you weren't too far behind. Yes, this new FP system does make unnecessary long lines.
I love the Soarin music, too. I wonder if it is changing with the new scenes?

Nice car design. Ours looked fast but didn't fare well in the race, either.

I personally feel raisins definitely do belong in many desserts. Not sure about strudel, but I would find them a happy surprise. Jim on the other hand practically starts a riot or at least a protest if he finds them in his food, so I am aware of your kind of raisin aversion.

Loved your wake up photo!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Gee, 10 seconds more and you could've designed an AMC Pacer.

We were going for the Edsel, I think.

Ooo, ooo, I've heard this place is good.

Really? Who told you?

Aw c'mon, do it for the DISers. You will never see those people again. Us, you have to live with. Well, kinda. In a virtual world. If you choose to visit here.

But you've already heard it's good. You don't need me to convince you.

That can be a good thing! Just smile and nod.

I don't remember raisins in their strudel, but there may have been some. I do remember that their strudel was a bit of a let-down for me, having tasted the real thing in Austria. I think I liked some of the other desserts more, actually.

Yeah, that was disappointing. I did grab some of the other things on the menu, I just can't remember what they were.

Great! Glad you liked both of those.

This early morning MK picture really has me wishing I had a WDW trip planned for this year! I love mornings at WDW and this just looks so peaceful and pretty!

I pretty much always wish I had a WDW trip planned! Although I really wish they'd stop raising the prices!

The Christmas decorations on Living With the Land looked neat - I would have never expected that, but I guess that's part of the Disney difference.

It was a nice little touch. Good to see the CM's having fun.

I think the old system was better myself and wish they would go back to it especially since the kids are old enough to do the running.

Good plan! I feel like we could do more with the old system, for sure.

Don't worry, as you get older the hair on your back, eyebrows, and ears gets longer and you can use that to cover the expanding forehead.

Great! Something to look forward to!

I went to WDW three times in one year. The last two trips were within a month of each other. I can honestly say, that I was sick of Disney World by then. Too much, in too short of a time span!

Seriously, though I can understand that. Part of the reason I don't go every year is to try and preserve the novelty and magic of it. And, like I said, I enjoy variety.

 

[mcjaco]

^

Keep the updates coming. You killed my lunch hour at work with worthy entertainment!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

My kid brother had not eaten voluntarily in over three years.

+1

Roosters won’t be getting’ up that early.

Exactly. Adrenaline works well in this case.

Well, with one exception…

…and There ya’ go.
The point that nearly justifies the expense.

Well, that and the fact that you’re at WDW…


Without kids…

Yep, might as well spoil ourselves. Just not with something nasty.

I should have known better than to count on the monorail.

A man's got to know his limitations.

I learn new ones everyday!

That doesn’t always work either.
The young’ens chose that power plant last time and ended up being only 1 point better than the parents. You could say that any win is a win, but they went in predicting total domination and dang near got beat.

Well, my thought was that if I was going to have a crappy design, it should at least have a plasma burner in it.

Well there’s your problem…
Never start off with a truck. You were handicapped from the start.

I see. I guess I need to note this for next time.

The cold truth rears its ugly head

Now you know that there are just some things you ain’t supposed to be pointing out.

Well, it's still faster than the other rides.

But the high bank loop and low center of gravity do their jobs very well indeed.

Whoa…
Where this to show up on a different type of board, the commentary would be…
shall we say – interesting.

Or am I the only one busted enough to see it that way?

Well, the only one that would admit to it...

Adds to the potential aroma magic as well.

Uh...sure. The guests will love it!

It’s certainly in my top three, musically.
I just love that attraction.

Me too. Can't wait to see the "around the world" footage.

Did not know that.
No wonder it works so well.

Hey, it's not often I come up with a nugget you haven't seen before.

Deceptive, that one. You’d think it would be quicker but no…
I think the trick to the Seas pavilion it to walk in the exit and just enjoy the aquarium exhibits.
(it’s about the only place where you can actually get away with that kind of thing.)

Yeah, that is a nice benefit there. We were trying to kill time and ended up killing a little more than we thought we would.

Probably about the best choice in Tier-2.
Always remember to check the stand-by line first though.
Sometimes it’s actually shorter.

That’s a particularly well composed shot, by the way.
Good work by your better half.

Yeah, in this case the line was fairly long for SE. So it worked out.

And thanks!

Not a fan of that bit of it, if I’m being honest.

I think it's fun. It never fails to make the kids laugh. A little bit of whimsy.

I’m going with Option-B.
Another nice shot though.
Just look how blissfully un-stressed y’all are there.

Thanks! It's amazing what having no responsibilities will do for your mood.

And this local will not disappoint of that count.

They were on Universal’s payroll.
Nothing more than propaganda, I assure you.

Whew. Thanks for reassuring me.

Pie >>>>>>>>>> Cake
That’s a known fact.

Fixed it for you.

In our house, birthday cake has been replaced by Tam’s “Bad Mac”
(but technically, that is pie as well – cheese pie, but pie none the less)

Interesting. I need some details here.

Now that’s just wrong.
Thanks for the warning, I’ll be choosing something else off the bar, I do believe.

Dead grapes never made anything better. They're the anti-bacon.

It's the one automotive badge that naturally sounds like someone loosing their lunch.

That's special.
(and a bit apropos)

Well now, isn't that special?

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Yeah, you got me. I'm reading along while at work. Hopefully people will hear me typing this and think I am working. I like your writing style. It cracks me up. You mix in the movie references and you've got an instant classic TR. Even as a new dad of a 6 month old... I know exactly what you are talking about and we haven't even been on a long trip yet. Disneyland is coming up in November and that should be a challenge. I congratulate you for making your trip finally happen. I really look forward to the rest of your TR. Take it easy.

Glad to have you aboard! Somehow we managed to do a day at Disneyland from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. with 4 kids including a 5-month old. That was back in 2014. So don't fear, it can be done!

Acceptable!

You must have high standards!

Of course. Bummer.

Yep.

Good description - I agree.

Thanks! I like a clear idea of the story.

I am with you on that!

Oh, good! That's better than being on an island by myself.

That sounds wonderful. Nobody to look after, just enjoying the atmosphere.

Mmmmm, I really need to get to Biergarten someday. The one time we went there I was recovering from a stomach bug and could barely eat anything. Sounds delicious!

Yeah, that sounds like you need a do-over.

I love this! I am not a dead grape fan either.

Dead grape haters unite!!!

Yes, I did notice that. But I'm happy to share all of my inappropriate innuendo jokes.

Oh, good. More to plagiarize!

I do know! Beep, beep. Standing clear.

We are holding for clearance from the station...

Oh CRAP, MK is burning down!!

I was wondering who would be first to comment on that.

But had you been leaning on a shovel...

Et tu, Liesa?

I guess it is still near the Ides of March...

I couldn't have said it better myself!

Hey, thanks!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Just when you thought you had time to enjoy your breakfast, the lost monorail makes you late

Yeah...what are you gonna do? We weren't too far behind, anyway.

Glad you weren't too far behind. Yes, this new FP system does make unnecessary long lines.
I love the Soarin music, too. I wonder if it is changing with the new scenes?

Good question. I have no idea!

Nice car design. Ours looked fast but didn't fare well in the race, either.

Well, now I know what not to do!

I personally feel raisins definitely do belong in many desserts. Not sure about strudel, but I would find them a happy surprise. Jim on the other hand practically starts a riot or at least a protest if he finds them in his food, so I am aware of your kind of raisin aversion.

I think you're the first person who responded that actually likes raisins. Jim sounds like a good man!

Loved your wake up photo!

Thanks!

^

Keep the updates coming. You killed my lunch hour at work with worthy entertainment!

I'm glad to hear it! I'll try, I just have to get through the responses and keep up with the other TR's I'm following...

 

[Steppesister]

Et tu, Liesa?

I guess it is still near the Ides of March...

I am quite possibly your only reader who can get away with that. DH works for the state also and NEVER hears the end of it. The Loggers aren't ever happy, the Tree Huggers aren't ever happy, the moderate, yet sarcastic and ever watching public is never happy.... Y'all pipe down and go home. While I lean on my shovel some more. Or put out the stupid fires for you, whichever comes first. LOL!

 

[franandaj]

No alarm needed. We’re at Disney World. And we’re parents. We’ve lost the ability to sleep in. “Sleeping in” typically means we make it all the way to 7:00 a.m. before the baby starts yelling for someone to get him out of the crib and I have to wake Julie up to have her go deal with the problem.

I thought kids never wanted to get up...or is that just teenagers?

We stepped out of the Moorea building and were welcomed by this morning view:

Nice!!!! I can't wait to have a similar view from our bungalow!

We headed straight for the monorail to Epcot, still loving the fact that it was such an easy and convenient walk. And then we were turned right around by the CM’s standing guard who informed us that the monorail wasn’t running yet that morning and they didn’t know when it would be online.

AW man. Foiled already!

I have 17 years’ experience in road design. I know every bit of the engineering process down cold, from concept all the way through construction. And I learned on this morning that I suck at designing cars.

That's funny! I only have experience with music and culinary arts and I suck at car design as well!

We still had some time before our FP+ window opened up, so we got on Livin’ With the Land. It was fun to look for the various holiday touches they added to this one.

Sounds cool!

I took this one just for @pkondz :

:rorfl2:

Since Epcot’s FP+ choices are in tiers, the Tier 2 category leaves you with some slim pickings. We went with Spaceship Earth.

Yeah I know what you mean! I usually go with that one too!

One thing we noticed with the new FP+ system was that it seemed to be having the desired effect of spreading guests around the park.

I just thought it was more like people were just everywhere.

As always, you must take the opportunity when riding the Big Golf Ball to class the place up a bit.

Or that might be the reflection off of my ever-growing forehead.

And schnitzel. What, you thought I was going to say something else?

Mmmmmm schnitzel.

You mean, that can happen?? Turns out they were retired and his wife kept wanting to come back, so this was their 7th visit over the last 10 years or so. This might be blasphemy here on the boards, but I can understand the desire for some variety. Still, I didn’t think it was actually possible to get tired of Disney World.

Maybe after that many times, but I'm still not sure about it. I think I would have had to do everything there is to do several times, before I would get sick of it. I've been 10 times and there is still so much I haven't done. I haven't eaten at over half the restaurants, I can only think of two resort pools that I've swam in. Plus I enjoy spending time in the room. We always get a one bedroom or larger so it's nice to just sit on the balcony or watch a DVD. I don't get those luxuries at home.

Blech. Why would you ruin a perfectly good dessert by putting dead grapes in it? I even have some (weird) friends who like raisins, and yet I have still never heard anyone utter the sentence, “Oh, good, this has raisins in it.” It’s always a more neutral, “Oh…this has raisins in it.”

I am right with you there. Just as bad is when you bite into a perfectly good cinnamon roll and find them. Ewwww.

So that was a bummer. Peer pressure or not, I performed emergency surgery with a butter knife while our new Louisiana friends looked on in bemusement (or maybe it was polite disgust). I dug every last dead grape out of my strudel and then covered over the gaping wound with vanilla sauce. Thankfully, the patient survived and was perfectly edible after that.

I don't blame you for picking out every last one of them!

So, the verdict on the Biergarten was a solid thumbs-up. Julie liked it more than I did, although my judgment may have been biased due to the attempted raisin poisoning. But we both agreed that Boma was tops on the meal ranking thus far.

Interesting. We rate it just the opposite, but that's OK. We have three more dinners before our trip and I remarked to Fran after reading this that we wouldn't be able to have schnitzel before she go. She gave me this look and asked, "Why not?" I told her there was just too much to do that we didn't have time for a sit down at a restaurant meal, especially since it's in Orange County. She said,"There's always time for schnitzel."

 

[disneyguy4life]

Glad to have you aboard! Somehow we managed to do a day at Disneyland from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. with 4 kids including a 5-month old. That was back in 2014. So don't fear, it can be done!

Glad to hear. I just can't wait to get some Disney in. It is better than no Disney at all.

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Yep, might as well spoil ourselves. Just not with something nasty.

We refer to the purveyor in question as “Char-Buck$”
Honestly, I’m clueless as to the appeal.

Well, my thought was that if I was going to have a crappy design, it should at least have a plasma burner in it.

And that’s an excellent outlook on life In general.

Well, the only one that would admit to it...

Oh I’ll admit that I’m busted, that’s a certainty.
Post that picture up on the Dad’s thread or better the FB group and we’ll find out if I’m still the only one demented enough to see it.

I suspect not.

Hey, it's not often I come up with a nugget you haven't seen before.

And being as we’re discussing a composer, you’d think I’d have been more likely to have known that one.
Was aware of the film work, just not of the Disney park connection.

Thanks! It's amazing what having no responsibilities will do for your mood.

I’m trying to imagine it…
But it seems like such an impossibility.

Fixed it for you.

Interesting. I need some details here.

And fixed well, too.


Details eh?
Well first off, you have to understand my definition of “pie”.
For me it’s about the filling rather than the crust.
Crust is optional.

Cheesecake proves this point.
That’s not cake, it’s pie, and it realistically doesn’t have much of a (or at times, any) crust.
So now that we’ve determined that pie is a collection of good things blended to make a wondrous thing that can then be served up in some type of delivery system, the notion of pie can include not just cobblers, crisps, crumbles and buckles, but also wraps, quesadilla, casseroles, chilis, stews and potentially even soups.

So if you accept that a casserole can be pie, then Tam’s version of a baked mac-n-cheese casserole is one of the ultimate expressions of the art form. To a standard box of pasta add in over seven cup of various cheeses, eggs, milk, butter, heavy cream, a few spices, optional bread crumbs and you get the baked equivalent of cheese nirvana.

It's both 100% intoxicating and 100% utterly bad for you.
As such we refer to it as "Bad Mac".

My son is the one who decided that this was the thing that needed to be served in place of cake for his birthday (and for any other occasion he can convince him momma to make up a batch).

As you said earlier: Why settle for a hybrid when you can have a Plasma Burner.

Dead grapes never made anything better. They're the anti-bacon.

I thought that was Tofu…

Although dead grapes do rank.

 

[irene_dsc]

Well first off, you have to understand my definition of “pie”.
For me it’s about the filling rather than the crust.
Crust is optional.

Cheesecake proves this point.
That’s not cake, it’s pie, and it realistically doesn’t have much of a (or at times, any) crust.
So now that we’ve determined that pie is a collection of good things blended to make a wondrous thing that can then be served up in some type of delivery system, the notion of pie can include not just cobblers, crisps, crumbles and buckles, but also wraps, quesadilla, casseroles, chilis, stews and potentially even soups.

This is quite the broadest definition of pie I've seen, lol!

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

This is quite the broadest definition of pie I've seen, lol!

You are correct!

Pie is a concept rather than an item.
It may even qualify as a food group

 

[pkondz]

Chapter 2: I'll Get That Kid To Eat. Where's My Screwdriver And My Plumber's Helper?

How do the little piggies eat?

“Sleeping in” typically means we make it all the way to 7:00 a.m.

Parenthood. Every parent everywhere cannot sleep past 7am.

before the baby starts yelling for someone to get him out of the crib and I have to wake Julie up to have her go deal with the problem.

Very magnanimous of you.

Well, Drew is always calling for “Mommy”, you know. I’d certainly go if he was calling for me.

Sure. Sure. That's just plain ol' logic right there.

We were showered and dressed and out the door by 8:00

Thus demonstrating without actually saying it that we were indeed, sans kids.

grab our morning coffee and breakfast at the Joffrey’s stand there

Never heard of this.
Then again, it's been decades since I went to the TTC other than to transfer from one monorail to another.

It’s not an official Disney vacation unless you ride the monorail, you know.

This is a maxim.

Yeah, I could get used to that. Just for reference, here’s how close we were to the Magic Kingdom ferry:

Nice.

They had some seasonal holiday offerings, and one of them was a peppermint mocha, which is Julie’s kryptonite.

So she was laying there helpless?

She got that, I got some gingerbread creation, plus some pastries, and we got over-charged to the tune of $18 for breakfast. So it was just like being at Starbucks, only this coffee wasn’t nasty.

You think that's bad. Have you seen the prices for breakfast at BOG?

We headed straight for the monorail to Epcot, still loving the fact that it was such an easy and convenient walk. And then we were turned right around by the CM’s standing guard who informed us that the monorail wasn’t running yet that morning and they didn’t know when it would be online.

Nooooo!!!!!
Shoulda used the kryptonite on them.

So we made a more difficult and less convenient walk to the bus stop by the Great Ceremonial House to get the Epcot bus.

Crap. Even with my VIP bus pass, I'd be sad.

When one of the guys is in the World, we’ll often see a “Where in the World am I?” photo of something obscure and then everyone will try and guess where it is. So I decided to play along with a brain-teaser of my own.

I can't tell. I'm thinking the two garbage cans to the far left are a clue.

Best response went to Barry, aka @FreezinRafiki , who suggested I was ready to tee it up on the Magnolia course.

Oh. Okay. Now I know.

We’d wanted to experience the full ride, designing our own car and everything. And we knew the only chance to do that without a colossal wait would be now.

Of course. Because the next time you'll have kids and there's no way you'll be able to do any of it.

Even first thing in the morning, the standby wait was already posted at 25 minutes.

That escalated rapidly.

I have a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering, and I work directly in the highway transportation field. I have 17 years’ experience in road design. I know every bit of the engineering process down cold, from concept all the way through construction. And I learned on this morning that I suck at designing cars.

So knew that was coming.
You did something silly didn't you? Tried to use logic?

Or something with a little more kick: plutonium!

Or kryptonite!

Dude. My 15 year old DD designed a much nicer car.

You really do suck.

But at least you still get to ride just under the speed limit.

Mentioned that myself I believe.

It feels much faster, though, doesn’t it?

Low to the ground, no roof.

From there, we started scouting Mouse Gear for some gift ideas for the kids, looking for the perfect way to buy our way back into their hearts upon our return.

You haven't figured out the secret to no stress touring without kids?
Don't worry about getting anything. Just tell them when you got there it was closed.
(Do not show them pictures of your trip.)

Heh. That one's my favourite.

I took this one just for @pkondz :

Although I note that both you and I have seen this sign... with no sign of Brussels sprouts.
Perhaps they got wise and yanked them all out.
All that's left is the sign. Sort of a reminder of the evil that men do.

We didn’t get the front row this time, but Julie doesn’t like being that far off the ground, so she was ok with that.

Does it really make a difference?
Once the ride starts (apart from overhead foot odour) they all feel equally high, don't they?
Or is it a psychological thing?

And we experienced the magic of flying over California just under someone’s dangling feet.

Lovely. That's why I always ask for the top row and I'm more than happy to wait if necessary.

Soarin’ gets my vote as best ride music in Walt Disney World.

That's so weird. I can't really remember it. Too engrossed in the video to pay enough attention to the audio.

Being a movie geek, it helps to know that it was written by the late, great Jerry Goldsmith, who wrote powerhouse scores in Hollywood for decades (such as Alien, Star Trek, Chinatown, Patton, and First Blood).

Huh! Did not know that. Going to have to make a note to pay better attention.

We decided that Nemo was typically a fast-loading ride, so we hopped in line there.


It didn’t load that fast. I think it was posted as a 20-minute wait, and it felt like it took every single one of those minutes to get to the ride.

Really! I've never even seen another guest in there.

Anyway, the ride is cute. Nothing special to me, but I think it’s worth doing just to see the characters projected into the large aquarium at the end. That’s such a cool effect.

I remember the first time I saw that.
And yes. Very cool.

the Tier 2 category leaves you with some slim pickings. We went with Spaceship Earth.

Pretty standard. "Well, we have to pick something. How about SE?"

As always, you must take the opportunity when riding the Big Golf Ball to class the place up a bit.

Not bad. Not bad.
I usually try too hard... and my photo doesn't show up.

Or that might be the reflection off of my ever-growing forehead.

You and me both, brother.

"Oh, the silent majesty of a winter's morn...the clean, cool chill of the holiday air..."

Mickey Mouse in a bathrobe...

And schnitzel. What, you thought I was going to say something else?

Possibly. If you'd misspelled "schnitzel" a bit you would've.

Our lunch destination was another new experience for us. We entered the Biergarten.

I've not eaten at that many restaurants (especially compared to those who go to WDW frequently) but that's one place I've been to... three times? Four? Three. I think.

No photos because we were sitting with strangers and give into peer pressure easily.

Wimp! Where's our picture!
(Interesting to note. Taking photos of food and posting it is illegal in Germany.)

I loaded up on sausage, pork schnitzel, cheese spätzle, and of course pretzel rolls with beer cheese sauce.

mmmmmm...

We enjoyed talking to the couple across from us, although we did have a slight panic moment when the husband mentioned that he was “getting sick” of Disney.

He what the what?

You mean, that can happen?? Turns out they were retired and his wife kept wanting to come back, so this was their 7th visit over the last 10 years or so. This might be blasphemy here on the boards, but I can understand the desire for some variety. Still, I didn’t think it was actually possible to get tired of Disney World.

Yeah. I'd prefer some variety too.
WDW is great, but... there's a whole world out there.

I am a sucker for any pastry with apple filling.

Yes! Nothing better... except when it's not that good, I suppose. But usually!

Now I ask for that in place of a birthday cake every year.

Nope. Still gotta have cake... but that does sound good.
Can I have a cake (with candles of course) have a slice, then chow down on apple pie?

Raisins???


Blech. Why would you ruin a perfectly good dessert by putting dead grapes in it? I even have some (weird) friends who like raisins, and yet I have still never heard anyone utter the sentence, “Oh, good, this has raisins in it.” It’s always a more neutral, “Oh…this has raisins in it.”

Oh, good! Raisins in the strudel. Just the way I like it.
(sorry. chink in the armour.)

Peer pressure or not, I performed emergency surgery with a butter knife while our new Louisiana friends looked on in bemusement (or maybe it was polite disgust).

Oh, sure. That you'll do.

Thankfully, the patient survived and was perfectly edible after that.

And then was consumed and died anyway.
Hardly worth saving in the first place.

But we both agreed that Boma was tops on the meal ranking thus far.

Interesting. I'm surprised and not surprised.

Julie conquers a ride! A DIS meet! More decorations! And if that’s not enough to make you come back, we have pyrotechnics!

Sounds good!

 

[irene_dsc]

Btw, I've been to WDW twice, and haven't been on the monorail yet. Does that mean I've never really been there?

 

[Leshaface]

Chapter 2: I'll Get That Kid To Eat. Where's My Screwdriver And My Plumber's Helper?

Gah, only 9 months till I get my Christmas Story fix.

I have to wake Julie up to have her go deal with the problem.

Well, Drew is always calling for “Mommy”, you know. I’d certainly go if he was calling for me.

So it was just like being at Starbucks, only this coffee wasn’t nasty.

Oh geez, you're definitely friends with @afwdwfan, aren't you?!

Soarin’ gets my vote as best ride music in Walt Disney World. Anyone with me?

Definitely! And the fact that they use the Band of Brothers music in the queue is even more amazing

Oh my

We enjoyed talking to the couple across from us, although we did have a slight panic moment when the husband mentioned that he was “getting sick” of Disney.


You mean, that can happen??

No! No, that can't happen! And even in the rare case it does happen, you're totally not allowed to say it while at the World.

I was most looking forward to the dessert, since I’d seen apple strudel on the menu. I am a sucker for any pastry with apple filling. This love affair started many decades ago when I was a child and my mom made me my first apple pie

Blech. Why would you ruin a perfectly good dessert by putting dead grapes in it? I even have some (weird) friends who like raisins, and yet I have still never heard anyone utter the sentence, “Oh, good, this has raisins in it.” It’s always a more neutral, “Oh…this has raisins in it.”

Dead grapes! And i'm definitely in the group, "Mmm, this has raisins in it!" With an exclamation point!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I am quite possibly your only reader who can get away with that. DH works for the state also and NEVER hears the end of it. The Loggers aren't ever happy, the Tree Huggers aren't ever happy, the moderate, yet sarcastic and ever watching public is never happy.... Y'all pipe down and go home. While I lean on my shovel some more. Or put out the stupid fires for you, whichever comes first. LOL!

I'm pretty sure I've heard every variation on the "leaning on shovels" joke at this point. And of course, if you want to get technical, the construction workers you typically see are all private contractors, not state employees...but I digress. I have resolved never to make fun of meteorologists whenever they botch a forecast, because I also know the pain of being ridiculed by people who have no idea what they're talking about yet still think they can do your job. People just want to feel superior to others.

I thought kids never wanted to get up...or is that just teenagers?

That's just teenagers. Younger kids will be up as soon as there is a miniscule crack of sunlight over the horizon.

Nice!!!! I can't wait to have a similar view from our bungalow!

I don't think you'll get tired of it!

AW man. Foiled already!

Sigh.

That's funny! I only have experience with music and culinary arts and I suck at car design as well!

Well, that settles it. It's impossible!

Sounds cool!

It had some cute touches.

Yeah I know what you mean! I usually go with that one too!

I mean, it's not like I'm using it for Figment.

I just thought it was more like people were just everywhere.

It definitely felt a little more crowded than I was used to.

Mmmmmm schnitzel.

Maybe after that many times, but I'm still not sure about it. I think I would have had to do everything there is to do several times, before I would get sick of it. I've been 10 times and there is still so much I haven't done. I haven't eaten at over half the restaurants, I can only think of two resort pools that I've swam in. Plus I enjoy spending time in the room. We always get a one bedroom or larger so it's nice to just sit on the balcony or watch a DVD. I don't get those luxuries at home.

I would have a hard time going to Disney and just sitting in my room. But maybe that's what owning DVC does for you. For me, I feel like I'm paying a premium to be in the parks, so I'd better get my value out of it!

I am right with you there. Just as bad is when you bite into a perfectly good cinnamon roll and find them. Ewwww.

YES!!! That drives me crazy, too. Nobody asked for that! What a waste of a cinnamon roll.

I don't blame you for picking out every last one of them!

We do what we gotta do!

Interesting. We rate it just the opposite, but that's OK. We have three more dinners before our trip and I remarked to Fran after reading this that we wouldn't be able to have schnitzel before she go. She gave me this look and asked, "Why not?" I told her there was just too much to do that we didn't have time for a sit down at a restaurant meal, especially since it's in Orange County. She said,"There's always time for schnitzel."

Words to live by! To each their own. I think, being such a fan of red meat, Boma got the nod for the grilled strip loin. Julie liked it for the zebra domes.

Glad to hear. I just can't wait to get some Disney in. It is better than no Disney at all.

Amen. That might actually be one of the Man Laws over in the DIS Dads Club. Or a good motto, anyway.

 

[afwdwfan]

Oh geez, you're definitely friends with @afwdwfan, aren't you?!

But I think ALL coffee is nasty.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

We refer to the purveyor in question as “Char-Buck$”
Honestly, I’m clueless as to the appeal.

That's a good one! I usually go with "FiveBucks" to emphasize the overpriced portion, but it definitely tastes like somebody burnt something.

And that’s an excellent outlook on life In general.

If it's worth doing, it's worth over-doing.

Oh I’ll admit that I’m busted, that’s a certainty.
Post that picture up on the Dad’s thread or better the FB group and we’ll find out if I’m still the only one demented enough to see it.

I suspect not.

And being as we’re discussing a composer, you’d think I’d have been more likely to have known that one.
Was aware of the film work, just not of the Disney park connection.

Their go-to guy now seems to be Michael Giacchino, also a solid choice.

I’m trying to imagine it…
But it seems like such an impossibility.

I hear ya.

Details eh?
Well first off, you have to understand my definition of “pie”.
For me it’s about the filling rather than the crust.
Crust is optional.

Not sure I can get on board with you here. The crust or pastry part is important to me. I like a good, solid filling-to-pastry ratio. Part of what makes Julie's Key Lime Pie of Awesomeness so Awesome is the crust, an unholy mixture of sugar, butter, brown sugar and graham crackers. Wars have been fought in our family over the leftover "pie sludge" in the pan.

Cheesecake proves this point.
That’s not cake, it’s pie, and it realistically doesn’t have much of a (or at times, any) crust.
So now that we’ve determined that pie is a collection of good things blended to make a wondrous thing that can then be served up in some type of delivery system, the notion of pie can include not just cobblers, crisps, crumbles and buckles,

I'm still with you. I love all of these things, and they basically taste the same as pie. I'll even grant the cheesecake as basically a cream cheese pie (but I love a good graham cracker crust with it).

but also wraps, quesadilla, casseroles, chilis, stews and potentially even soups.

And now we're off the rails. I like these things, but do not classify them as "pie". If these were served to me for my birthday dessert, I would revolt.

Ok, maybe not "revolt", but I'd make several passive-aggressive comments about it. It's not just about the filling for me. Plus, casseroles can be dangerous. Many of these are just inedible.

So if you accept that a casserole can be pie, then Tam’s version of a baked mac-n-cheese casserole is one of the ultimate expressions of the art form. To a standard box of pasta add in over seven cup of various cheeses, eggs, milk, butter, heavy cream, a few spices, optional bread crumbs and you get the baked equivalent of cheese nirvana.

It's both 100% intoxicating and 100% utterly bad for you.
As such we refer to it as "Bad Mac".

My son is the one who decided that this was the thing that needed to be served in place of cake for his birthday (and for any other occasion he can convince him momma to make up a batch).

As you said earlier: Why settle for a hybrid when you can have a Plasma Burner.

So I personally would not consider mac-and-cheese to be a pie. But this sounds really good, and I'd be happy to eat a quart or so.

I thought that was Tofu…

Although dead grapes do rank.

There's probably a whole category here. Kale would be included in the Foods That Do Not Improve Anything group.

This is quite the broadest definition of pie I've seen, lol!

You are correct!

Pie is a concept rather than an item.
It may even qualify as a food group

Now I'm hungry.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

How do the little piggies eat?

+1

Parenthood. Every parent everywhere cannot sleep past 7am.

Truth. Just one of those facts of life.

Very magnanimous of you.

I certainly thought so.

Sure. Sure. That's just plain ol' logic right there.

See? I knew I was right.

Thus demonstrating without actually saying it that we were indeed, sans kids.

Yes! Show, don't tell. It's one of them writing rules. I think.

Never heard of this.
Then again, it's been decades since I went to the TTC other than to transfer from one monorail to another.

I had actually looked it up, because I knew my wife would need her morning coffee. So I needed to know what my options were.

This is a maxim.

So she was laying there helpless?

No, she was just instinctively reaching into her wallet.

You think that's bad. Have you seen the prices for breakfast at BOG?

And I can't even identify half the items they serve on the menu!

Nooooo!!!!!
Shoulda used the kryptonite on them.

Dang, wish I would have thought of that.

Crap. Even with my VIP bus pass, I'd be sad.

And here we were, having to wait 10 whole minutes!

I can't tell. I'm thinking the two garbage cans to the far left are a clue.

Oh. Okay. Now I know.

It was a tricky one. Take your time.

Of course. Because the next time you'll have kids and there's no way you'll be able to do any of it.

Oh, man. I'll be lucky if I can even see the screen.

That escalated rapidly.

I guess everyone had the same idea. I think they were inflating a bit too, though.

So knew that was coming.
You did something silly didn't you? Tried to use logic?

I think that was my problem.

Or kryptonite!

There was no turbo boost button, either!

Dude. My 15 year old DD designed a much nicer car.

You really do suck.

I will go hang my head in shame.

Mentioned that myself I believe.

Maybe that was it! I knew I had heard it somewhere before around here.

Low to the ground, no roof.

And sharply-banked curves.

You haven't figured out the secret to no stress touring without kids?
Don't worry about getting anything. Just tell them when you got there it was closed.
(Do not show them pictures of your trip.)

Sorry, kids. We're closed. Moose out front should've told you.

Heh. That one's my favourite.

It was a nice touch.

Although I note that both you and I have seen this sign... with no sign of Brussels sprouts.
Perhaps they got wise and yanked them all out.
All that's left is the sign. Sort of a reminder of the evil that men do.

I can't imagine they were actually making a profit off of them.

Does it really make a difference?
Once the ride starts (apart from overhead foot odour) they all feel equally high, don't they?
Or is it a psychological thing?

With her, it's definitely psychological. She doesn't like having her feet dangling off the ground. We rode a ski lift a few years ago and that really gave her a hard time.

Lovely. That's why I always ask for the top row and I'm more than happy to wait if necessary.

Me too! I love that top row. Unless, of course, I'm riding with Julie.

That's so weird. I can't really remember it. Too engrossed in the video to pay enough attention to the audio.

Well, it's often said a good score shouldn't draw so much attention to itself that it pulls you out of the movie altogether.

Huh! Did not know that. Going to have to make a note to pay better attention.

I think the theme really does give the effect of "soaring".

Really! I've never even seen another guest in there.

That's what I was expecting! Couldn't believe how slow it was.

I remember the first time I saw that.
And yes. Very cool.

Imagineers are awesome.

Pretty standard. "Well, we have to pick something. How about SE?"

Pretty much! Nobody would be dumb enough to waste it on Figment.

Not bad. Not bad.
I usually try too hard... and my photo doesn't show up.

Broke the camera?

You and me both, brother.

God made only so many perfect heads. The rest He covered with hair.

Mickey Mouse in a bathrobe...

That was Mickey??

Possibly. If you'd misspelled "schnitzel" a bit you would've.

Schnitzel was full!

I've not eaten at that many restaurants (especially compared to those who go to WDW frequently) but that's one place I've been to... three times? Four? Three. I think.

Wow, big fan then. I remember you saying your wife loves her some German food. I'm glad I tried it out.

Wimp! Where's our picture!
(Interesting to note. Taking photos of food and posting it is illegal in Germany.)

Um...yeah. That's why I didn't take one.

Seriously, I didn't know that.

He what the what?

I know, right?

Yeah. I'd prefer some variety too.
WDW is great, but... there's a whole world out there.

Yes! Nothing better... except when it's not that good, I suppose. But usually!

There's a slogan if I ever saw one!

Nope. Still gotta have cake... but that does sound good.
Can I have a cake (with candles of course) have a slice, then chow down on apple pie?

I guess, if you want. Me, I'd skip the cake and head straight for the pie.

Oh, good! Raisins in the strudel. Just the way I like it.
(sorry. chink in the armour.)

Weirdo. There's one in every crowd, I guess.

Oh, sure. That you'll do.

But this was an emergency!

And then was consumed and died anyway.
Hardly worth saving in the first place.

My stomach disagrees. Here, have some dead grapes.

Interesting. I'm surprised and not surprised.

Um...ok.

Btw, I've been to WDW twice, and haven't been on the monorail yet. Does that mean I've never really been there?

I'm afraid so. Better get yourself down to Disney World!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Gah, only 9 months till I get my Christmas Story fix.

Those months go by faster and faster...

Oh geez, you're definitely friends with @afwdwfan, aren't you?!

Definitely! And the fact that they use the Band of Brothers music in the queue is even more amazing

Another great theme!

Oh my

Just too handsome for words, amiright?

No! No, that can't happen! And even in the rare case it does happen, you're totally not allowed to say it while at the World.

I wholeheartedly agree!

Yes! That's the feeling!

Dead grapes! And i'm definitely in the group, "Mmm, this has raisins in it!" With an exclamation point!

That makes two weirdos! Next time, you can have my dead grapes.

But I think ALL coffee is nasty.

I used to think that way. Then David was born, and I didn't sleep for 6 months and needed something to get me through the day. Eventually I learned how to dump enough sugar in there to make it drinkable.