Welcome Foolish Mortals - I am your host, Your ghost host: Going to WDW in Oct '15 PTR-Updated 10/26

[totebagg]

Things to Do:​

So there are a few things that we would like to do this visit if we can fit them in.

Epcot:

• Play Remy's Hide and Squeak scavenger hunt
• Pick up some of the Food & Wine Festival special merchandise
  • Recipe Cards with Festival Pin
  • Passport to Flavors Pin Set
  • Dooney & Bourke Bag!!! (this is a dream but they are cute)

Here is a picture of some of the Food & Wine Festival Merchandise courtesy of The Disney Food Blog​

• See a few of the World Showcase shows we have missed - British Invasion, Canadian Lumberjacks & O Canada movie

Magic Kingdom:

• Play Sorcerers of the Kingdom
• Play Pirate's Adventure ~ Treasures of the Seven Seas
• Ride the train
• Visit Tom Sawyer's Island

Hollywood Studios:

• Becoming a Disney Citizen at One Man's Dream - has anyone else done this?
• Take a Drawing Class @ Animation Academy - This makes me sad that we never got around to do this
• Lights Motor Action Show since it is going away!

Animal Kingdom:

• Collect some Wilderness Explorer's badges
• Ride the Wildlife Express Train over to Rafiki's Planet Watch

Visit some resorts ... would love to see Art of Animation and Wilderness Lodge.

Can you tell we like the interactive games? We played Agent P game last year in World Showcase - Bella loved it and I enjoyed it as well. This gave her something to do while we ate and shopped!

Lastly, we have never done pin trading - we have purchased special pins that we like but never traded. Bella mentioned doing it this year. Do any of you trade pins? If so, any tips?

Thanks for continuing to follow along and I can't believe we will be at Disney in a little over 2 weeks - I also can't believe I have done two posts in one night! Miracles do happen!! Hope everyone has a lovely week.

 

[totebagg]

I had the Fish & Chips, a couple times. The fish was very good and I managed to eat all the fish. Batter was very crisp and light. Fish was moist and flakey.

I always get a churro for one of my snacks. I do enjoy them. Only time I ever eat them is WDW.

The waffle sandwiches always looked good, but unfortunately I don't think I'd be able to swallow them with my dysphagia.

Cannot say I've tried any of the rest, either. Hope you enjoy!

Ohhh - you are making me want some now! I have always wanted to try the fish and chips but we have only gone during F&W so this year I will get an order then share (or not) with the group! Does it come with tartar sauce?

We walked by the churro stands and on our last day last year I mentioned to Lane that I would like one since I'd never had them and he looked at me like I had two heads. He thought everyone had eaten a churro! Needless to say the only churro cart I saw in MK that evening was already closed, so I have put it on my list!

 

[MataHari22]

Yes, I know I asked for extra tartar sauce, I need what I call foodbrication, to make it easier to swallow.
Sauces, butter, gravy, and olive oil, are my friend.

I like to put myself into a sugar frenzy with a churro and a hot cocoa. That's as close to a caffeine rush as I get. I get it at night, as a little pick me up before the parade, before I find my spot to sit in Frontierland.

 

[BariTravis]

Filet over White cheddar Macaroni – Jiko

OMG - This sounds amazing. You have to let us know how this is!

Do you guys have any favorite foods or snacks that you think we should try?

I always suggest the turkey legs. The only thing is, I hate eating them in public- so my plan is to pick one up from a cart right before we leave for the hotel during a mid-day nap/rest and devour it there.

Can you tell we like the interactive games? We played Agent P game last year in World Showcase - Bella loved it and I enjoyed it as well. This gave her something to do while we ate and shopped!

Are you guys going to DisneyQuest before they close? We will try to get in 2 hours on our first afternoon - since we have the free vouchers.

 

[totebagg]

Sauces, butter, gravy, and olive oil, are my friend.

They are my friend too but it is just because it makes everything taste better!!

I like to put myself into a sugar frenzy with a churro and a hot cocoa. That's as close to a caffeine rush as I get. I get it at night, as a little pick me up before the parade, before I find my spot to sit in Frontierland.

That sounds heavenly!

 

[totebagg]

OMG - This sounds amazing. You have to let us know how this is!

I definitely will. It is not on the menu but several people say that you can still request - hope they are not wrong!

I always suggest the turkey legs. The only thing is, I hate eating them in public- so my plan is to pick one up from a cart right before we leave for the hotel during a mid-day nap/rest and devour it there.

I completely forgot about those and Lane has mentioned the Pork Shank at Gaston's tavern. I don't think I would take either on by myself but would love to have a bite!

Are you guys going to DisneyQuest before they close? We will try to get in 2 hours on our first afternoon - since we have the free vouchers.

We have talked about going there especially since it is going away and we do love games and it would be free! I may try to work that in either during our down day or on our first day. I would postpone something else but with the way things are changing you never know if it will be around for your next trip! We did that twice with the drawing class - we kept saying we will do that next year...

 

[DonnaBeeGood]

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[kastoney]

First, love all the baby shower pictures. Congrats again to all of you on the baby and 2 weeks!!!!! So exciting. Any issues with me going back again and joining you all ; )

We also got a little something in the mail on Tuesday and Wednesday...

​

Love the names on the magic bands and the luggage tags. Did you order the ladder through Disney?

Food is a big part of the Disney experience for us (it's what keeps Lane coming back every year),so I started a list of must try snacks last year. While we have tried many of them, I want to see how many more I can check off my list! Here are some we would like to try this year:

• Zebra Domes (not sure about this one now since I've heard that if you like tiramisu then you'll like this...well I don't like tiramasu!)
  
• Kagori Ice – Japan (I know it is only shaved ice but it looks refreshing)
• Brioche Ice Cream Sandwiches – France
• Carrot Cake Cookie – HS Writer's Shop
• Red Velvet Cupcake – HS Starring Rolls
• Fish & Chips – Epcot Yorkshire County Fish Shop
• Waffle Sandwiches – MK Sleepy Hollow
• Churro - Anywhere (Can you believe I've never had a Churro!)
• Kitchen Sink: Chocolate Lover's Edition – Beaches and Cream
• Mickey's Kitchen Sink – Beaches and Cream or MK Plaza Ice Cream (because I want those Pants! )
• Milk Chocolate Caramel with Sea Salt (Tori wants the dark chocolate one) – Epcot Karamell Kuche
  
• Pot Stickers – AK Yak & Yeti
• Bread Service – Sanaa
• Filet over White cheddar Macaroni – Jiko

Well ya know food is one of my favorite subject ; ) Looks like you have quite a few winners here. A couple of highlights for me are the carrot cake cookie, waffle sandwiches (spicy chicken is my fav), churro (and no I can't believe you've never had one), anything caramel from germany (though if you are a salted caramel fan these aren't actually salted caramel, its just salt on top of the candy), and of course the amazing bread service at Sanaa!

Our snacks every year are dole floats, sweet cream cheese pretzel, cinnamon bun @ Gastons, Le Fous Brew, Mickey Bars, Caramel Corn @ Karamell Kuche, and Mickey Rice Krispy Treats.

You've got a bunch of my favs covered here already. Only suggestion would be at yak n yeti, I thought the pot stickers were good but nothing amazing. Our favs are the egg rolls, tuna nachos, and you can't miss the cream cheese wontons!!!!!

 

[ksromack]

Just received my appetizer trays with glass holder to help carry my food at F&W! They are too cute and fit in our backpacks. Can't wait to use them in 40 days...

I think I waited too late to order one of these from Amazon although we do have Amazon Prime....at this point I'm afraid it wouldn't make it. I guess we'll just have to get the one's at F&W!

All About the Food
​

• Kagori Ice – Japan (I know it is only shaved ice but it looks refreshing) I can vouch for this. It's one of my favorites. If it's even hinting at being warm while we are there I will get this! Last time I got the rainbow one (I think it's 3 flavors).​
• Brioche Ice Cream Sandwiches – France Anything with the word ice cream in it has to be good
• Carrot Cake Cookie – HS Writer's Shop Sounds really good and from what I've seen in TRs, looks good too!
• Red Velvet Cupcake – HS Starring Rolls The Butterfinger cupcake is TO DIE FOR. It'll be hard for me to stray from that one!
• Fish & Chips – Epcot Yorkshire County Fish Shop I am considering dropping our Biergarten lunch ADR for a counter service lunch in World Showcase. This might fit the bill!
• Waffle Sandwiches – MK Sleepy Hollow Is this a savory waffle or sweet? We had a sweet one while at Disneyland last year and it was delicious!
• Churro - Anywhere (Can you believe I've never had a Churro!) Had these at DL too.....yummy!
• Kitchen Sink: Chocolate Lover's Edition – Beaches and Cream I don't think the TWO of us could finish this but I'm betting your group could make a good dent in it!
• Mickey's Kitchen Sink – Beaches and Cream or MK Plaza Ice Cream (because I want those Pants! ) This is more my size......and I WILL be getting this!
• Milk Chocolate Caramel with Sea Salt (Tori wants the dark chocolate one) – Epcot Karamell Kuche I've had the dark and the milk chocolate. I prefer the dark because it counteracts the sweet of the caramel just a bit.....but then again I really like dark chocolate! Can't go wrong with either one. We wanted to take this home with us but sadly it never made it past that first night.
  
• Pot Stickers – AK Yak & Yeti Yes! Fabulous! I'm hoping we can get this at the counter service!
• Bread Service – Sanaa Sadly we have NEVER been to any of the AK resort restaurants.
• Filet over White cheddar Macaroni – Jiko Sounds heavenly!

I am worried about the food at Epcot since we are doing Food & Wine we tend not to want to try or eat anything else but I will persevere especially since there are 5 of us - we can share! I suggested to dh that we share all the stuff at F&W booths. Let' see how well he plays!

Our snacks every year are dole floats, sweet cream cheese pretzel, cinnamon bun @ Gastons, Le Fous Brew, Mickey Bars, Caramel Corn @ Karamell Kuche, and Mickey Rice Krispy Treats. I am not kidding when I say that we (I) had a dole whip float every single day of our DL trip last year

The only thing I've tried that was raved about but it was a once and one for me was School bread from Norway. It has coconut, right? Blahhhhhhhhhhhh

Do you guys have any favorite foods or snacks that you think we should try? I love cupcakes so I'm always on the quest for a good one. The butterfinger cupcake at Starring Rolls was one of the best cupcakes I've ever had and I consider myself somewhat of a cupcake connoisseur.

 

[ksromack]

Epcot:

• Pick up some of the Food & Wine Festival special merchandise
• Dooney & Bourke Bag!!! (this is a dream but they are cute)

• See a few of the World Showcase shows we have missed - British Invasion, Canadian Lumberjacks & O Canada movie​

Magic Kingdom:

• Visit Tom Sawyer's Island

Hollywood Studios:

• Becoming a Disney Citizen at One Man's Dream - has anyone else done this?
• Take a Drawing Class @ Animation Academy - This makes me sad that we never got around to do this
• Lights Motor Action Show since it is going away!

Visit some resorts ... would love to see Art of Animation and Wilderness Lodge.

Lastly, we have never done pin trading - we have purchased special pins that we like but never traded. Bella mentioned doing it this year. Do any of you trade pins? If so, any tips?

We definitely plan on getting some of the F&W Merchandise and also some of the MNSSHP merchandise....eek. I better buy some more disney cards to pay for all of this! Last year for my birthday we were at DL (it was a couple months before my birthday) and I had been eyeing the Dooney and Burke brown leather sketch purse. Dh just bought it! He picked it off the shelf and walked up to the counter to pay for it. I was, "No way, that is way too much money". But it didn't take too much convincing on my part

I have Canadian Lumberjacks on my list too. British Invasion is pretty good and we saw them last time we were at Epcot. I love all the countries' entertainment!

We did Tom Sawyer Island last time too......I think it would be fun if you had younger people with you.....for just the two of us it was meh.....

One Man's Dream.....we have never done this! That WILL be rectified this trip! I could never convince dh to do the Drawing class thing at Hollywood Studios but I'm thinking they still do that at Disney's California Adventure. Light Motor Action.......may have to do that one too. I think I've seen it a LONG time ago?

Resort hopping is always a favorite and it's a must do during the holidays. We did just that Dec 2012. It is magical! I've stayed at WL before and it's a favorite.....

Pin trading......I say I'm not a collector but I sure do have a lot of pins for someone who doesn't collect them! I don't think I would trade any of them, though!

I completely forgot about those and Lane has mentioned the Pork Shank at Gaston's tavern. I don't think I would take either on by myself but would love to have a bite!

Yes! This was our dinner at MVMCP! It's yummy!

I have never pin traded though. Maybe it's a first born thing, but I like the pins I have, I don't want to trade! (And I think that grown up pouting and foot stamping is not really recommended...)

Maybe that's it. I'm a firstborn too!

 

[kmrada]

I think I waited too late to order one of these from Amazon although we do have Amazon Prime....at this point I'm afraid it wouldn't make it. I guess we'll just have to get the one's at F&W!

I am sure they will come in handy and will make a great keepsake. Have a fantastic time and enjoy every possible moment!!!!

 

[kastoney]

Just realized I missed this post when I was catching up. Looks like you should be in the single digits right about now. So exciting!!!!!

Play Remy's Hide and Squeak scavenger hunt

What is this?

Animal Kingdom:

• Collect some Wilderness Explorer's badges
• Ride the Wildlife Express Train over to Rafiki's Planet Watch

Definitely do the badges. My daughter loves to get them and almost did them all this trip. It also enables you to check out some of the forgotten parts of AK. We love planet watch too. If nothing else just to meet RAfiki and Chip and Dale (plus there are 5 badges that can be earned there)

Visit some resorts ... would love to see Art of Animation and Wilderness Lodge.

Definitely get to WL if you have some time. It is hands down our favorite Disney Resort. It somehow manages to be in the middle of everything yet feels a million miles away from everywhere.

 

[totebagg]

2 weeks - EEEEEEEE!!!!!!

Apparently I am not allowed to quote right now, but the Brioche Ice Cream Sandwiches - how did I not know about these? Ugh, I need to go back....
I have checked a few activities off of my list on my last trip - riding the train at MK, riding the train to Rafiki's Planet Watch at AK, some resort visiting - I did enjoy those, and hope to check more off of my to do list on my next trip. I have never pin traded though. Maybe it's a first born thing, but I like the pins I have, I don't want to trade! (And I think that grown up pouting and foot stamping is not really recommended...)

I can't wait to try the ice cream sandwiches - I'm going to play it safe with the flavors and definitely not try the burnt I mean Salted Caramel ice cream, right @kastoney! Every year a check off a few things but seem to add even more to it and it is because of all the wonderful trip reports! My daughter wants to trade pins but I am like you - I buy the pins I like then I keep them! Honestly we have so much we want to get done that I'm not even sure we will take the time to do this. Also I didn't know that I shouldn't be pouting and stamping my feet - I do this all the time at work!

​

 

[MataHari22]

Mmmmm ice cream sandwich sounds so good right now.

 

[totebagg]

First, love all the baby shower pictures. Congrats again to all of you on the baby and 2 weeks!!!!! So exciting. Any issues with me going back again and joining you all ; )

Thank you and would love to have you along. I would pay you as a food tour guide...just take you with us and let you do all the ordering! Or I may just have you babysit the preggo as she said all she wants to do is eat!

Love the names on the magic bands and the luggage tags. Did you order the ladder through Disney?

The luggage tags are new and was shipped with all magic bands for trips starting 9/29 on. I hope they continue this because I will change my magic band color every year!

Well ya know food is one of my favorite subject ; ) Looks like you have quite a few winners here. A couple of highlights for me are the carrot cake cookie, waffle sandwiches (spicy chicken is my fav), churro (and no I can't believe you've never had one), anything caramel from germany (though if you are a salted caramel fan these aren't actually salted caramel, its just salt on top of the candy), and of course the amazing bread service at Sanaa!

And drink!! We definitely want to try the spicy waffle - I showed your pics and review to my SIL and he was super excited to try it. And I know it is unbelievable that I have never had a churro - don't judge. Also thanks for the salted caramel tip - I may try something else along with my extra large bag of caramel popcorn. So looking forward to the bread service!

You've got a bunch of my favs covered here already. Only suggestion would be at yak n yeti, I thought the pot stickers were good but nothing amazing. Our favs are the egg rolls, tuna nachos, and you can't miss the cream cheese wontons!!!!!

I may forgo the pot stickers and get the egg rolls because I love me a good egg roll and the cream cheese wontons - YUMMY!!! We found these last year and even though we really enjoyed the food at Yak & Yeti last year, the main reason we are returning is for those scrumptious wontons. Of course we don't get them until our last day, so something to look forward to - right!

Also welcome back from ahhh what is it your 3rd trip of the year - can someone say spoiled??? JK I'm just jealous. I haven't made it back to read your update but will head over there soon!

 

[totebagg]

I think I waited too late to order one of these from Amazon although we do have Amazon Prime....at this point I'm afraid it wouldn't make it. I guess we'll just have to get the one's at F&W!

I said last year and this year I was going to order a couple but I kept forgetting and now I am like you as it is probably too late. Lucky with us sharing at each place and having more adult hands it will be easier. Last year, I would stand in line and send Lane to search out a place to eat. So it was definitely a juggling act if we tried more than one thing at a kiosk!

It's not letting me quote you inside where you quoted (that made no sense but hopefully you get the gist), so I copied and pasted!

• The Butterfinger cupcake is TO DIE FOR. It'll be hard for me to stray from that one! - I really have thought about getting this one as it looks delicious but I know Lane is a die hard Red Velvet lover so unless one of the others help me I may have to pass. Although I did see someone post that they took with them a cupcake container and was able to store their cupcake for the road. They said it held up well...in the past our cupcakes have not fared so well.
• Waffle Sandwiches – MK Sleepy Hollow Is this a savory waffle or sweet? We had a sweet one while at Disneyland last year and it was delicious! - They have both - a sweet and savory. I'd like to try both but it depends!
• Churro - Anywhere (Can you believe I've never had a Churro!) Had these at DL too.....yummy! - I know this is silly but I am really looking forward to trying these..
• Kitchen Sink: Chocolate Lover's Edition – Beaches and Cream I don't think the TWO of us could finish this but I'm betting your group could make a good dent in it! - I do have a couple of people in my group that can put away the sweets (husband, SIL and daughter - the little one)

I am worried about the food at Epcot since we are doing Food & Wine we tend not to want to try or eat anything else but I will persevere especially since there are 5 of us - we can share! I suggested to dh that we share all the stuff at F&W booths. Let' see how well he plays! - We actually sat down this weekend and discussed how many of each one that we will get. As we are only doing F&W for two days, I told them we will be able to try more if we share. Plus we go during the day and sometimes with the heat, I really only want a bite!

Our snacks every year are dole floats, sweet cream cheese pretzel, cinnamon bun @ Gastons, Le Fous Brew, Mickey Bars, Caramel Corn @ Karamell Kuche, and Mickey Rice Krispy Treats. I am not kidding when I say that we (I) had a dole whip float every single day of our DL trip last year - Sounds like the perfect vacation. I am a little sad that they do not do the swirl anymore. My favorite was the orange vanilla swirl in the pineapple juice...but I heard they still have the vanilla/pineapple swirl float at Poly, so I maybe making a trip over there!

The only thing I've tried that was raved about but it was a once and one for me was School bread from Norway. It has coconut, right? Blahhhhhhhhhhhh - Yep!

Do you guys have any favorite foods or snacks that you think we should try? I love cupcakes so I'm always on the quest for a good one. The butterfinger cupcake at Starring Rolls was one of the best cupcakes I've ever had and I consider myself somewhat of a cupcake connoisseur. Well you've convinced me to try the butterfinger cupcake because I have to listen to the cupcake connoisseur! Thanks!

 

[totebagg]

We definitely plan on getting some of the F&W Merchandise and also some of the MNSSHP merchandise....eek. I better buy some more disney cards to pay for all of this! Last year for my birthday we were at DL (it was a couple months before my birthday) and I had been eyeing the Dooney and Burke brown leather sketch purse. Dh just bought it! He picked it off the shelf and walked up to the counter to pay for it. I was, "No way, that is way too much money". But it didn't take too much convincing on my part

How lucky are you! My husband couldn't believe I'd pay $15 for the Vera Bradley ID case I got last year. Honestly he has not concept of what things cost since I pretty much do all the shopping and he carries the bag! I did tell him not to get me anything for our anniversary (which was a couple of weeks ago) because I wanted one the pandora charms that you can only get at Disney.

I have Canadian Lumberjacks on my list too. British Invasion is pretty good and we saw them last time we were at Epcot. I love all the countries' entertainment!

Me too!

We did Tom Sawyer Island last time too......I think it would be fun if you had younger people with you.....for just the two of us it was meh.....

I am thinking the same thing but it may be a good place to go and rest while she runs around!

One Man's Dream.....we have never done this! That WILL be rectified this trip! I could never convince dh to do the Drawing class thing at Hollywood Studios but I'm thinking they still do that at Disney's California Adventure. Light Motor Action.......may have to do that one too. I think I've seen it a LONG time ago?

I told the family that we should make sure we see all our favorites at HS because they may not be there next time. DH loves the muppets show so I told him we should definitely see this since it may not be there next year!

Resort hopping is always a favorite and it's a must do during the holidays. We did just that Dec 2012. It is magical! I've stayed at WL before and it's a favorite.....

With all the reports of crowds, this is what we may do during our downtime in the afternoons.

 

[totebagg]

Just realized I missed this post when I was catching up. Looks like you should be in the single digits right about now. So exciting!!!!!

Almost ... I'm 10 days or if you want to go by my countdown app - 9 days 7 hours 45 minutes and 13 sec - 12 sec 9 sec.... But who is counting!

What is this?

Apparently it is something new for the F&W. Here is the description from the Disney Parks Blog:

Recipe For Success!
Record your discoveries as you help Remy find each ingredient by placing the corresponding sticker on the specially themed map to represent that location.​

Then when you find all the ingredients you get a prize which is a Ratatouille pin. Of course I'd like to get the pin but this will be something Bella can do while we are eating and drinking! There is a cost to it so really you are paying for the pin in the end!

Definitely do the badges. My daughter loves to get them and almost did them all this trip. It also enables you to check out some of the forgotten parts of AK. We love planet watch too. If nothing else just to meet RAfiki and Chip and Dale (plus there are 5 badges that can be earned there)

I am getting a little nervous about our AK day as they increased the hours from 9 - 5 to 8 - 8, so they must be expecting some pretty large crowds. So we will see how our day goes but doing the badges might be a nice distraction from all the crowds!

Definitely get to WL if you have some time. It is hands down our favorite Disney Resort. It somehow manages to be in the middle of everything yet feels a million miles away from everywhere.

This really is my number one for visiting resorts - I have heard so much about it and you do make it sound so wonderful with your cobbler and wine in bed stories!

 

[totebagg]

Mmmmm ice cream sandwich sounds so good right now.

Yes it does!

 

[MataHari22]

Yes it does!

Unfortunately, after I read that post and getting that craving, I did not have any ice cream, however, I did go get some of my chocolate cookies and milk.