Welcome, Foolish Muggles! IoA/US/MK/SW *July 2013 Trip Report Link*

[natebenma]

Mythos looks good! I love the decor. Thanks for the awesome food photos!!

You are welcome! As I have mentioned in previous trip reports, I have been tempted to use the title

"I have more pictures of my food than my kids. Is that wrong?"

Yay for sushi! Is there any tuna in there? You know I appreciate these photos - and along with the beet/goat cheese salad on the BC/YC thread - it's too much! Will NYC be able to compete next month? I'm not so sure!

And to MM: As always, I'm still laughing . . .

No tuna in that particular sushi order. Kona Island probably has choices that include tuna, but I think that the Tempura Shrimp Sushi at Mythos is the only sushi selection they offer.

Have you had sushi at the World, or is that too tough with the kids? I've had the grab and go from the Japanese takeout and Sunshine Seasons. OK- a nice CS change of pace. And we have ordered from Kona Island when we dine at Kona. I would love to try Teppan Edo sometime. I also hear the sushi at California Grill is excellent and one of the places at the Swalphin (Kimonos?) has a great reputation.

Sounds like we had a similar experience at Mythos. Very good but best theme park restaurant? I can't say I'd agree with that. Very cool, I'd eat there again but best?

Not that I know what I'd put there instead...if it had to be IN a theme Park, based on food alone, I'd give it to Brown Derby I think.

Well, I guess it is not totally just us... read below!

Haven't been to the Brown Derby, or actually any of the Disney signatures.

Actually, Bistro de Paris was voted the best theme park restaurant and Mythos was runner-up...

July, 2011
Orlando theme parks fared very well in this year’s Theme Park Insider Awards, scoring victories in three of the four categories. For the second consecutive year, Universal’s Islands of Adventure won best theme park, while Star Tours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (and Disneyland) was named best new attraction. Epcot’s Bistro de Paris earned the best theme park restaurant nod for the second year in a row.

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel in Anaheim, Calif., repeated as best on-site theme park hotel.

The Theme Park Insider Awards are based on average reader ratings on www.themeparkinsider.com over the past 12 months.

The popularity of Wizarding World of Harry Potter contributed to IOA getting top reviews from the website’s readers. Busch Gardens in Tampa and Disney California Adventure were runners-up for best theme park. Cheetah Hunt, the new coaster at Busch Gardens, and Texas Giant, the revamped wooden coaster at Six Flags Over Texas, fell just short of the new attraction prize.

In the restaurant category, multiple winner Mythos at Islands of Adventure, and Epcot’s Via Napoli were runners-up.

Universal’s Portofino Bay and Disney World’s Beach Club Resort were voted runners-up in the hotel division by the website’s readers.

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/fe...-of-adventure-wins-best-theme-park-award.html

Thanks so much for this info!!! I love reading about stuff like this!

 

[bubba's mom]

Actually, Bistro de Paris was voted the best theme park restaurant and Mythos was runner-up...

July, 2011
Orlando theme parks fared very well in this year’s Theme Park Insider Awards, scoring victories in three of the four categories. For the second consecutive year, Universal’s Islands of Adventure won best theme park, while Star Tours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (and Disneyland) was named best new attraction. Epcot’s Bistro de Paris earned the best theme park restaurant nod for the second year in a row.

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel in Anaheim, Calif., repeated as best on-site theme park hotel.

The Theme Park Insider Awards are based on average reader ratings on www.themeparkinsider.com over the past 12 months.

The popularity of Wizarding World of Harry Potter contributed to IOA getting top reviews from the website’s readers. Busch Gardens in Tampa and Disney California Adventure were runners-up for best theme park. Cheetah Hunt, the new coaster at Busch Gardens, and Texas Giant, the revamped wooden coaster at Six Flags Over Texas, fell just short of the new attraction prize.

In the restaurant category, multiple winner Mythos at Islands of Adventure, and Epcot’s Via Napoli were runners-up.

Universal’s Portofino Bay and Disney World’s Beach Club Resort were voted runners-up in the hotel division by the website’s readers.

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/fe...-of-adventure-wins-best-theme-park-award.html

Mythos was voted #1...six years in a row...just like the banner over the front door says.

2004-2009 = 6 years in a row. Not necessarily "recent" years.

 

[pixarmom]

Have you had sushi at the World, or is that too tough with the kids? I've had the grab and go from the Japanese takeout and Sunshine Seasons. OK- a nice CS change of pace. And we have ordered from Kona Island when we dine at Kona. I would love to try Teppan Edo sometime. I also hear the sushi at California Grill is excellent and one of the places at the Swalphin (Kimonos?) has a great reputation.

Yes!!! That's one of my favorite things about WDW - the variety of choices at the restaurants, including sushi! We used to kind of shy away from signatures because we assumed that they wouldn't be kid-friendly. When we started visiting more frequently, and especially when we had APs, we tried lots of new restaurants. It was easier to try signatures with the TIW card instead of the dining plan. (We had already decided to ditch the dining plan based on the eating habits of our pre-teen "Disney adults," the fact that I don't usually order entrees and because nobody orders dessert with meals.)

So far, we've taken the boys to California Grill multiple times, Brown Derby multiple times, Bluezoo, Le Cellier, Jiko, Yachtsman, Flying Fish and Il Mulino. I've also been to Narcoossees, but that was pre-kids. Still need to try Citricos and Artist Point. And someday, Bistro de Paris - but that's a long way off. California Grill is one of my favorites and I order sushi every time. Anyway, I recommend every single one of them! They are all extremely kid-friendly (more so than Tutto, in our experience), the kids menus have a nice variety, and the younger of our two pre-teens never has difficulty ordering from the kids' menus. He rates the mac and cheese at California Grill as the best not only at Disney, but anywhere. (He's always very sweet to add the "no offense" to that statement, but I know my mac and cheese can't compete!)

I also really like the sushi at the Kona sushi bar. When we stayed at the Poly in January, we had an early ADR at Crystal Palace for dinner - I think it was around 5pm! (This was part of a new strategy experiment - long story.) We usually eat around 7pm, so we were all hungry later that night. I do have to admit the quick service at Poly is great - just ran over to the sushi bar for take-out (others opted for Captain Cook's!) and had a late night picnic in the room. That's when we had that amazing view of the lagoon and the volcano pool from our balcony, so it was a great night!

 

[ddluvsdisney]

Yes!!! That's one of my favorite things about WDW - the variety of choices at the restaurants, including sushi! We used to kind of shy away from signatures because we assumed that they wouldn't be kid-friendly. When we started visiting more frequently, and especially when we had APs, we tried lots of new restaurants. It was easier to try signatures with the TIW card instead of the dining plan. (We had already decided to ditch the dining plan based on the eating habits of our pre-teen "Disney adults," the fact that I don't usually order entrees and because nobody orders dessert with meals.)

So far, we've taken the boys to California Grill multiple times, Brown Derby multiple times, Bluezoo, Le Cellier, Jiko, Yachtsman, Flying Fish and Il Mulino. I've also been to Narcoossees, but that was pre-kids. Still need to try Citricos and Artist Point. And someday, Bistro de Paris - but that's a long way off. California Grill is one of my favorites and I order sushi every time. Anyway, I recommend every single one of them! They are all extremely kid-friendly (more so than Tutto, in our experience), the kids menus have a nice variety, and the younger of our two pre-teens never has difficulty ordering from the kids' menus. He rates the mac and cheese at California Grill as the best not only at Disney, but anywhere. (He's always very sweet to add the "no offense" to that statement, but I know my mac and cheese can't compete!)

I also really like the sushi at the Kona sushi bar. When we stayed at the Poly in January, we had an early ADR at Crystal Palace for dinner - I think it was around 5pm! (This was part of a new strategy experiment - long story.) We usually eat around 7pm, so we were all hungry later that night. I do have to admit the quick service at Poly is great - just ran over to the sushi bar for take-out (others opted for Captain Cook's!) and had a late night picnic in the room. That's when we had that amazing view of the lagoon and the volcano pool from our balcony, so it was a great night!

I also agree with Signatures being kid friendly. I look forward to trying a new sig. restaurant each trip or doing a fav. again. Like we did this trip- we celebrated my b-day at Narcoossees. Sometimes this sig. rest. gets a bad rap but you can't go wrong with the surf and turf- LOVE IT!!! (I have a pic of that meal I need to post pics soon!)
We've also eaten at Cali Grill (b-day dinner last year), Artist Point, Le Cellier (before it became sig.), Flying Fish- one of our new favs., & Yachtsman.

Dee- you'll have to try some soon
Deb

 

[Marlton Mom]

OK! So about that TRIP report.... I mean the food blog is nice but is there still an actual trip attached or have you totally fallen off the Trip report wagon?

If you don't start writing about the trip again I'm going to have to start making it up for you...... and you know what that means!

~MM

 

[JanetMom]

OK! So about that TRIP report.... I mean the food blog is nice but is there still an actual trip attached or have you totally fallen off the Trip report wagon?

If you don't start writing about the trip again I'm going to have to start making it up for you...... and you know what that means!

~MM

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[Marlton Mom]

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That's all it took!

On the next day of our never ending trip report I woke up at some ungodly hour in the early morning with a terrible case of bed head. Unfortunately I turned on the lamp and the guys got a peep of my Paris Hilton hair extensions 3 sheets to the wind. All that screaming was awkward to say the least and after hotel security got a gander at my disaster doo they ran screaming down the hallway and jumped in the 'vators. I surreptitiously applied liberal amounts of pilfered BC hair products in a vain attempt to tame my tigress locks and headed off to nibble a muffin from the Club level offerings. (15 pictures of that single muffin to follow)

The boys, having recovered from TMI bed head, were their usual surly selves as we made our way to the park. I knew I needed to lob Coffee at Mark like a hand grenade in order to wake him up. It was either that or go on that Spiderman thingy. The kids were busy playing Goldilocks with their breakfast offerings, complaining about how breakfast was either too this or not enough of that. I gave them my patented "Mama ain't PLAYIN with you!!!" look and the whimpering suddenly ceased.

We were the first ones awake in Orlando that morning having arrived 4 hours before what ever they call rope drop at the NON DISNEY park we were at that day. Within seconds the thundering herds were behind us, pushing and shoving to get to Toy Story Mania. Imagine their shock and surprise when I had to explain to them that they were at the wrong park entirely, and imagine my surprise when they told me the line had reached back that far.

Suddenly it was full steam ahead as we were let into the park. I was easily distracted by food carts and snack shops that didn't open for another hour or 5 as we attempted to make our way yet again to ride that Seuss thing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

How am I doing so far?
Which trip report is better?
I'd post a poll but you can't post polls on threads.

~MM

 

[natebenma]

That's all it took!

On the next day of our never ending trip report I woke up at some ungodly hour in the early morning with a terrible case of bed head. Unfortunately I turned on the lamp and the guys got a peep of my Paris Hilton hair extensions 3 sheets to the wind. All that screaming was awkward to say the least and after hotel security got a gander at my disaster doo they ran screaming down the hallway and jumped in the 'vators. I surreptitiously applied liberal amounts of pilfered BC hair products in a vain attempt to tame my tigress locks and headed off to nibble a muffin from the Club level offerings. (15 pictures of that single muffin to follow)

The boys, having recovered from TMI bed head, were their usual surly selves as we made our way to the park. I knew I needed to lob Coffee at Mark like a hand grenade in order to wake him up. It was either that or go on that Spiderman thingy. The kids were busy playing Goldilocks with their breakfast offerings, complaining about how breakfast was either too this or not enough of that. I gave them my patented "Mama ain't PLAYIN with you!!!" look and the whimpering suddenly ceased.

We were the first ones awake in Orlando that morning having arrived 4 hours before what ever they call rope drop at the NON DISNEY park we were at that day. Within seconds the thundering herds were behind us, pushing and shoving to get to Toy Story Mania. Imagine their shock and surprise when I had to explain to them that they were at the wrong park entirely, and imagine my surprise when they told me the line had reached back that far.

Suddenly it was full steam ahead as we were let into the park. I was easily distracted by food carts and snack shops that didn't open for another hour or 5 as we attempted to make our way yet again to ride that Seuss thing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

How am I doing so far?
Which trip report is better?
I'd post a poll but you can't post polls on threads.

~MM

Like

OK, OK!!! Here's an update for you! And by popular demand, it is free of food pictures!

 

[natebenma]

After finishing our meal at Mythos, we decided for a change of scenery. We had not been back to the Studios since our first day (Monday), it was now Thursday.

We passed by Rip Ride Rocket:

We strolled through New York:

Since Disaster was closed down when we went by it a few days ago, we were pleased that it was open now.

Disaster- A major motion picture ride… starring YOU!
I would say this is most like the Backlot Tour at Hollywood Studios. A little of the first part where audience members film the attack of the battleship, with a pinch of Catastrophe Canyon thrown in.

None of my family members were picked to be in the show (could have had something to do with none of us raising our hands). There are no photos allowed in the soundstages (understandable) and Christopher Walken (in hologram form) is in charge of the productions and while I may sneak a photo or two under Dudley Do-Right’s nose, I’m not messing with that dude!

The show is fun, worth doing once during a trip.

We didn’t try a similar near-by attraction: Twister…Ride it Out- Experience what it’s like to be a real storm chaser. I have heard mixed reviews on this one.

After Disaster, we continued our clockwise tip through the Studios until we arrived in Amity for another ride through shark-infested waters.

Here’s a picture OF the obligatory picture spot. Not AT the picture spot- it was just too busy and we didn’t feel like waiting to take a picture. So here is a random family in the Jaws of the beast.

We had really decent views on the ride:

Fins to the Left!

Fins to the Right!

Next it was time to kick some alien butt at Men in Black. But first, we had to battle the legendary locker lineup. You see, we were still carrying around our souvenir butterbeer mug and we couldn’t carry this onto the ride. This was the first and only time during the trip that we had to use the mandatory lockers. We purposefully traveled light and found that everything my family needed could be carried in my fanny pack or Mark’s lanyard pouch- He typically carries all of our park tickets and the room keys that we need to show for the front of the line access.

It actually wasn’t that bad. You scan your finger and put in a code, I believe.

But I'm still not anxious to try the ones at Forbidden Journey.

We had a great ride on Men in Black- we were the only ones in our car/spaceship/whatever the vehicle is. We even have a pretty decent redneck ride photo:

It was around 8:30 when we finished up here. It had been another long day- we started out at Sea World, came back to our room for a rest and a swim, we had a few hours at Islands of Adventure and a couple more hours at the Studios. Seems like a great time to call it a night!

And two members of our group decided to do that. We split up: Mark and Ben decided to head back to the room, Nate and I wanted to ride Mummy a couple of times before Uni closed at 9. And then head back to the Wizarding World. After all, IoA doesn’t close until 10!!! We have created a commando monster! And we love it!

I lingered a little bit taking some photos along the way.

A couple of pictures of the Simpsons:

Lombard’s Restaurant

As we proceeded toward the Mummy, I saw Mark and Ben up ahead.

But they were headed towards the Mummy, not the exit. We caught up to them and Mark explained he was coming to find us. He still had Nate’s and my ticket!!!

We thanked them, and parted once again. Tickets and Room Keys (aka Express Passes) in hand, Nate and I rode Mummy. Twice.

When we exited the ride, they were making the closing announcements for US and announcing that Universal 360: A Cinesphere Spectacular would be starting soon. It is kinda hard for me to describe this, mainly because we didn't stay to watch, but I think it involves watching film clips on a giant globe followed by a few fireworks.

So I would venture a guess that this is closest to Illuminations, the EPCOT finale based on the globe, projections, fireworks

We were instead on a magical mission- what would the last hour look like in the Wizarding World?

Next up: Chasing Harry and a Major Muggle Mistake

.

 

[Marlton Mom]

After finishing our meal at Mythos, we decided for a change of scenery. We had not been back to the Studios since our first day (Monday), it was now Thursday. SNIP!

Bravo, BRAVO!

I see with all the heckling the pictures are getting better!

~MM

 

[Queila]

Mythos decor looks so cool. I had never even heard of it but now I am certainly intrigued.

Love the picture of you guys at Man in Black. That was Joey's very favorite ride during our visit in 2005. And what a great (and scary) view of the shark on Jaws. I don't know why but I was under the impression they had retired this ride too. Guess not....

Have a great weekend!
Q

 

[JanetMom]

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[bubba's mom]

NOW you're doing it right Park hoppin

First...IF you HAVE to choose between Disaster! and Twister, always go with Disaster!. Much better show. We only do Twister cuz Bubba likes it

and, the lockers at FJ are the same as at MIB. Lockers you use because you HAVE to stow your stuff, operate the same at both parks. You scan your finger and it gives you a locker. When you return, you can either enter your locker number (if you remember it), OR scan your finger again and it'll tell you your locker number. Either way, you still need to scan your finger to 'unlock' it. When you use the ones at FJ, just go IN the exit to Filch's Emporium and you'll miss the crowds entering the locker area from the 'entrance'.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

We didn't like Disaster but like Twister. We always said my DS14 was gonna be a meteorologist. He's always been fascinated with tornadoes and extreme weather. MIB is fun like Buzz on steroids. Too much spinning for me though. The boys went on this ride numerous times too.
My daredevil DS10 wanted to go on RRR. They were in line it ended up breaking down before he was able to ride- he was so close. What's up w/ this ride it seemed to happen a lot while we were there. Well the next day he didn't want to do it anymore. So he never did ride it. Kinda glad though with it breaking down all the time kinda made me nervous.

 

[natebenma]

Bravo, BRAVO!

I see with all the heckling the pictures are getting better!

~MM

Thanks. I think.

Mythos decor looks so cool. I had never even heard of it but now I am certainly intrigued.

Love the picture of you guys at Man in Black. That was Joey's very favorite ride during our visit in 2005. And what a great (and scary) view of the shark on Jaws. I don't know why but I was under the impression they had retired this ride too. Guess not....

Have a great weekend!
Q

MiB IS fun!!!

We enjoyed Mythos. Do you think Beatriz would like the decor or would she find it creepy? Bet she would love the fish tank at Lombards! Ask for "Dee's Table"

Yup, Jaws is still around. One of the originals. Mark and I went to Uni a year or so after it opened and that was one of the few rides (Jaws, ET, King Kong) and they had a breathing Triceratops from Jurassic Park (they have come a long way in celebrating that movie series)! On our very first visit, we were in line for a long time, then the ride shut down before we got on, can't remember if it was a mechanical issue or weather.

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Thanks!

NOW you're doing it right Park hoppin

First...IF you HAVE to choose between Disaster! and Twister, always go with Disaster!. Much better show. We only do Twister cuz Bubba likes it

and, the lockers at FJ are the same as at MIB. Lockers you use because you HAVE to stow your stuff, operate the same at both parks. You scan your finger and it gives you a locker. When you return, you can either enter your locker number (if you remember it), OR scan your finger again and it'll tell you your locker number. Either way, you still need to scan your finger to 'unlock' it. When you use the ones at FJ, just go IN the exit to Filch's Emporium and you'll miss the crowds entering the locker area from the 'entrance'.

Thanks for the explanation on how the lockers work. I thought I would remember, but then when I finally got around to writing the update, the details were fuzzy!

I'm not scared about the mechanics of getting the locker opened, but that sure looked like a chaotic line over at FJ.

We didn't like Disaster but like Twister. We always said my DS14 was gonna be a meteorologist. He's always been fascinated with tornadoes and extreme weather. MIB is fun like Buzz on steroids. Too much spinning for me though. The boys went on this ride numerous times too.
My daredevil DS10 wanted to go on RRR. They were in line it ended up breaking down before he was able to ride- he was so close. What's up w/ this ride it seemed to happen a lot while we were there. Well the next day he didn't want to do it anymore. So he never did ride it. Kinda glad though with it breaking down all the time kinda made me nervous.

I would like to try Twister next time. So many shows, so little time!

Friday will be the last chance for a ride on RRR. First day, Nate said "No way". Today, we didn't have time and he said "Maybe tomorrow". There is a similar although much shorter ride, new this year, at a local amusement part (Untamed, at Canobie Lake Park)

 

[eandesmom]

How cool that he realized he had your tickets! Major brownie points.

That is a seriously commando day. I'm tired just thinking about it and envious all at the same time. Brings back the memories.

Good call on skipping twister if you ask me.

 

[Missyrose]

And two members of our group decided to do that. We split up: Mark and Ben decided to head back to the room, Nate and I wanted to ride Mummy a couple of times before Uni closed at 9. And then head back to the Wizarding World. After all, IoA doesn’t close until 10!!! We have created a commando monster! And we love it!



We were instead on a magical mission- what would the last hour look like in the Wizarding World?

Next up: Chasing Harry and a Major Muggle Mistake

.

You have created a good little commando monster! I can't wait to see what you thought of WWoHP at night. That was my favorite part of my IOA visit. The HP park is magical enough during the day, but at night? Wow, it goes to whole new level of magic!

 

[natebenma]

How cool that he realized he had your tickets! Major brownie points.

That is a seriously commando day. I'm tired just thinking about it and envious all at the same time. Brings back the memories.

Good call on skipping twister if you ask me.

You would think we would learn to take a moment to think about who had which tickets and room keys when we split up, but sadly we didn't! This incident didn't even burn it into our brains!

Until you posted your comment, it had not occured to me that Nate and I did 4 parks that day!!! (SW, IoA, US and back to IoA). Still does not rival my 4 park Disney Day though (AK, BB, Boma, HS, EP for Illuminations)

You have created a good little commando monster! I can't wait to see what you thought of WWoHP at night. That was my favorite part of my IOA visit. The HP park is magical enough during the day, but at night? Wow, it goes to whole new level of magic!

We will have to see if the creation of the commando monster will come back to bite me in the butt! Nate's 8th grade class goes to Disney in June for their class trip (pretty cool, huh?) and we have been debating about whether I will accompany him or not. He goes back and forth. He doesn't really want me there, but then he remembers "Mom pones at Disney" (I'm good!), so he sways back to wanting me there. But after this last trip, he realizes that he he is pretty good himself.

Hmmm, I wonder how this will turn out???

By the way- anyone want to buy a wreath???

 

[ddluvsdisney]

We will have to see if the creation of the commando monster will come back to bite me in the butt! Nate's 8th grade class goes to Disney in June for their class trip (pretty cool, huh?) and we have been debating about whether I will accompany him or not. He goes back and forth. He doesn't really want me there, but then he remembers "Mom pones at Disney" (I'm good!), so he sways back to wanting me there. But after this last trip, he realizes that he he is pretty good himself.

Hmmm, I wonder how this will turn out???

By the way- anyone want to buy a wreath???

Disney for 8th gr. class trip!!!! That is way cool. My DS just went to D.C. Don't get me wrong it was fantastic- saw and did so much. But, Disney can't beat that!
Deb

 

[natebenma]

Disney for 8th gr. class trip!!!! That is way cool. My DS just went to D.C. Don't get me wrong it was fantastic- saw and did so much. But, Disney can't beat that!
Deb

The school used to go to Washington for the 8th grade trip, but I think the teachers feel it is easier to chaperone the kids at Disney than in DC. We took our boys to DC last October and it was an incredible trip!