What Are You Celebrating?? Air Conditioning!! A July 2010 TR UPDATE 12/11 p24

[Mndisneygirl]

And By the way, somewhere I have pictures of all of the souvenirs and stuff, I just haven't gotten them uploaded to photobucket yet. I took pictures of everything we brought home at the end of the trip so they are at the end of the downloads!

So I will do a post with all those later. Probably at the end of my Disney part of the trip.

I am going to include a few things from our time at the beach too. I've got some cool pictures and a little more Disney fun to tell you about!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Mmmm, your meal in France sounds absolutely delightful except for the slow waiter.

Doing the pearls in Japan is always fun! Love that the girl made them into a Mickey head when she was presenting them.

Oh, your French Kiss sounds like something I would really like! I will have to remember that for next time!

 

[stayhomemom77]

I did exactly the same thing with DD this past trip at Japan. I got the carriage pearl cages off ebay and we did three pearls, one of each of us and one for a birthday present for my niece. So I picked the one for the niece, DD did her own and DS picked the one for me (because it was a Mother's day present). It was so much fun!!

Next time we go they are determined to go back to the shops in Japan because they are now into Pokemon and know that they have merchandise there.

I don't think I'd feel to bad about not having the change to pass along the fast passes but I would feel bad about not canceling the extra ADR.

Besides those minor instances, it sure sounds like you guys had a great time!

Can't wait to hear more.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Awesome update! Dinner sounds fabulous. And what a wonderful evening at Epcot. I thought about pick-a pearl, but it would just be for me since I'm the only girl, so I don't know if I'll do it or not.

Would you recommend that spot for IllumiNations? Or do you think there is a better place in World Showcase to view it? We are looking forward to seeing it from that side. We always watch it from the other side of the lake so we can hurry out to the buses. Looking so forward to a leisurely stroll back to the BWI!!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Great update!! I will have to bring me and dd to the Pick-a-Pearl if for nothing else but to watch!!! Looks really cool!!
I too loooove WS! It's just so fun!! All those trips around the world for such a good price!! I can't wait! I thought about adding a day of park tickets our first night just for WS or the MESP at MK....WS is closer!!!!! Might have to do it!!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Great update!!! How sweet that they let Paige keep trading for different pearls. Your dinner looked so good! I must admit, while we were in France this past trip, I keep peeking into Les Chefs! Without giving anything away for my TR, we watched IllumiNations from the same place...it was fantastic and not crowded at all.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Mmmm, your meal in France sounds absolutely delightful except for the slow waiter.

Doing the pearls in Japan is always fun! Love that the girl made them into a Mickey head when she was presenting them.

Oh, your French Kiss sounds like something I would really like! I will have to remember that for next time!

Yeah, it was quite wonderful. I would definitely eat there again!
The CM in Japan was super nice, although I had a hard time with her thick accent, she was great. The little ceremony is so cool. There were lots of people standing around watching.
I think you should try the French Kiss. It was tasty in a totally differenty way fro the GG slushie. GG was more refreshing when it was hot.

I did exactly the same thing with DD this past trip at Japan. I got the carriage pearl cages off ebay and we did three pearls, one of each of us and one for a birthday present for my niece. So I picked the one for the niece, DD did her own and DS picked the one for me (because it was a Mother's day present). It was so much fun!!

Next time we go they are determined to go back to the shops in Japan because they are now into Pokemon and know that they have merchandise there.

I don't think I'd feel to bad about not having the change to pass along the fast passes but I would feel bad about not canceling the extra ADR.

Besides those minor instances, it sure sounds like you guys had a great time!

Can't wait to hear more.

Yeah, I got the carriage necklace idea from Rinky Tinky Tinky here on the boards and used her same ebay seller. I've worn mine to work a couple times! They have all kinds of cool stuff in that store in Japan!

I did feel bad about that ADR, but I had just made it the night before at the concierge desk at BC, so I gathered that it wasn't a completely booked restaurant. I remembered about it well into the luau show. Oh, the guilt!
I promise I will never do that again!

Awesome update! Dinner sounds fabulous. And what a wonderful evening at Epcot. I thought about pick-a pearl, but it would just be for me since I'm the only girl, so I don't know if I'll do it or not.

Would you recommend that spot for IllumiNations? Or do you think there is a better place in World Showcase to view it? We are looking forward to seeing it from that side. We always watch it from the other side of the lake so we can hurry out to the buses. Looking so forward to a leisurely stroll back to the BWI!!

We enjoyed eating at Chefs. I think sometime you should do pick a pearl! It was a fun ceremony and hey, just because you're in a family of boys doesn't mean you don't deserve one! Heck - you probably deserve it more!!! If they don't want to stand there and watch, they can go somewhere else - maybe do a KP mission!

I thought it was a pretty good spot, although we were late in getting there, so it could have been a bit better. We had pretty good views. I don't recall too much that would have blocked our view. If you stay up above like on the bridge, it would be good too, but I think there is a tree down in the landing that we stood on, so that could block a view from above. There were a lot of people around us, so it must not have been too bad! It was an easy exit through the IG!!

Great update!! I will have to bring me and dd to the Pick-a-Pearl if for nothing else but to watch!!! Looks really cool!!
I too loooove WS! It's just so fun!! All those trips around the world for such a good price!! I can't wait! I thought about adding a day of park tickets our first night just for WS or the MESP at MK....WS is closer!!!!! Might have to do it!!

As you will see as I go on with the TR, having the extra day of tickets can be a great idea! WS is so worth it! Especially since you're staying at BC!! If you have hoppers, you can always pop over there for dinner!!!
You and Gracie will have to do p-a-p! It is a neat ceremony/show! Something different to do and if it's hot, it's nice and A/C in there!

Great update!!! How sweet that they let Paige keep trading for different pearls. Your dinner looked so good! I must admit, while we were in France this past trip, I keep peeking into Les Chefs! Without giving anything away for my TR, we watched IllumiNations from the same place...it was fantastic and not crowded at all.

Thanks Meghan! I think they must have a minimum size that they want people to get so they're not disappointed or something. I was really surprised when she let her trade and then keep the twins too!
So you are like those "jealous" people watching us eat!! HA!
I think you should try it sometime.
We used to always watch Illuminations from next to the seating for the Mexican CS place (right by a loudspeaker!). But it was nice to be on the other side this time!!

 

[natebenma]

Nice update, Sheree! What a great day in EPCOT!!!

We haven't eaten in France, so I appreciated hearing your review.

Your pick a pearl outing sounds great. What a nice keepsake for all of you!

The bridge is the spot where I usually watch Illuminations- as you mentioned, the escape back to the Beach Club is sooooooo easy!

 

[MEK]

You dinner in France looked and sounded wonderful. Boo to the waiter who disappeared for 40mins.

I love those girls at the pick a pearl. They are hysterical and its very cool that they allowed a second pick. The Mickey pearl combination is too cute. That silver pearl is amazing.

Lovely evening in Epcot, made even better by the fact that you got to leave through the private exit and were home in no time. Ohhhhh - I can't wait until May!

 

[Monny2AE]

Great update! I love the pick a pearl experience for your girls!

I don't take pics of Illuminations either. None of them turn out all that great and it's my favorite show so I like to just relax and enjoy it.

 

[manntra]

I always say I am going to do the pick a pearl and never do! Love the MH she made for her too!! I do love shopping in that store though....always something new to look at. I bought myself some cute socks last time...like the ones Wigd bought to wear with flip flops

I think Chefs is on our short list for the May trip

I will look out for the French Kiss...sounds good and will be complementary to the Parisian Cosmo Slush

Tracy

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Nice update, Sheree! What a great day in EPCOT!!!

We haven't eaten in France, so I appreciated hearing your review.

Your pick a pearl outing sounds great. What a nice keepsake for all of you!

The bridge is the spot where I usually watch Illuminations- as you mentioned, the escape back to the Beach Club is sooooooo easy!

Thanks! I thought Chefs was pretty good. I'd definitely go back.
I think the pearls are a cool souvenir, that hopefully will last.
The bridge seems like a good view and you can't beat the nice exit to BC!!

You dinner in France looked and sounded wonderful. Boo to the waiter who disappeared for 40mins.

I love those girls at the pick a pearl. They are hysterical and its very cool that they allowed a second pick. The Mickey pearl combination is too cute. That silver pearl is amazing.

Lovely evening in Epcot, made even better by the fact that you got to leave through the private exit and were home in no time. Ohhhhh - I can't wait until May!

Yeah, but for the waiter's disappearing act, I would have given it 5 stars!! HA! I'd still go back there.
The pick a pearl "show" was pretty cute. I'm so glad we did that.
I sure got spoiled with Epcot and BC!! If I ever get to go for Food and WIne (Maybe in 2011?) I'm going to want to stay over in that area again.

Great update! I love the pick a pearl experience for your girls!

I don't take pics of Illuminations either. None of them turn out all that great and it's my favorite show so I like to just relax and enjoy it.

It was fun - I agree on Illuminations pictures. For me, it's more fun to just enjoy the show especially since I am not skilled with the camera.
I'm always torn between not even bringing the camera and just being "free", or feeling like I am missing out on some great photo ops! Especially of the girls. So we bring it around, and use it when we feel like it.

I always say I am going to do the pick a pearl and never do! Love the MH she made for her too!! I do love shopping in that store though....always something new to look at. I bought myself some cute socks last time...like the ones Wigd bought to wear with flip flops

I think Chefs is on our short list for the May trip

I will look out for the French Kiss...sounds good and will be complementary to the Parisian Cosmo Slush

Tracy

Tracy - you better just do the pick a pearl!! There were some really unique things in that store. Something different than many shops. I like to buy things from the WS stores - it's like I traveled the world!!
GO TO CHEFS!!!!
But don't wear the flip flop socks. Sooo not fashionable for France!

There are just so many delicious beverages. Sometimes I feel like a lush at Epcot, but it's because I don't get any adult beverages at MK!


Working on getting an update up today!!! DHS here we come...

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Okay, the computer/website is acting kind of weird, so this may be a short update.

July 31 - Saturday
This day we had plans to go to Hollywood Studios!!! Iwas eager to ride TSM again. Plus we had a lunch ADR at Brown Derby! Another new place to try!
WE did not get up too early, but I thought we might still make it to rope drop. Although I wasn't looking forward to the mad rush, I wanted to try to ride TSM more than once, and for that we'd need to be there early and get FPs.
Hmmm...
We went down to the BC Marketplace to grab some breakfast and met up with SIL Donna. I got a FABULOUS yogurt parfait (I think that's what they should call them!) and Sarah got a muffin. Both of those were with snack credits. I paid OOP for a kid's french toast breakfast for Paige ($4.39). We sat in the solarium (So relaxing out there - I wish I had more time to enjoy it.) and visited with Donna a bit.
We went back up to the room for some reason and finally headed to the boat launch. By this time it was after 9.

Uh, no, we're not going to make rope drop.

We got to the park about 9:30 and headed to TSM. The standby wait time was 50 minutes and FP returns were for 12:30. Guess we'll ride after lunch!! So we got our FPs and walked away. ;(

We headed to the Great Movie Ride!!!

Got the Gangster side again!! I've never seen the cowboy. I was explaining all of this to Dave, and he thought the John Wayne part was the cowboy. No, dear. I'm talking instead of the gangster hijacking the ride, you get a cowboy!! Well, he didn't believe me. I assured him that my many experienced DIS friends had seen this cowboy, and it was, in fact, real. So we went back to the entrance after our ride and asked the CMs. They confirmed that there were, in fact, two versions of the ride. I didn't think at the time to ask about how you could manuever to get one version over the other. Maybe next time I will!!
We next visited the Animation Studios and did something we'd never done before. Went to the animation drawing class.
First we stopped off and saw Sorcerer Mickey (My favorite!!!)

I'm pretty sure the photopass picture is better. I really should upload some of those to photobucket and use them!!

We also visited Lotso Huggin Bear from TS3! I know what kind of character he is in the movie (we'd seen it just before we went to WDW), but I was curious if he'd smell like strawberries and if he'd be nice. I was prepared to tell him he was naughty! The queue area for Lotso was pretty cute. Looks all decorated like the SunnySide daycare (or whatever it's called) from the movie. I think we took some pictures - maybe in Sarah's camera. I'll have to look.
Apparently that's where the Lotso pictures are too! That's weird. I will look today and do an extra update.
Suffice it to say Lotso smelled...




SPOILER ALERT!! DO NOT READ THIS NEXT SENTENCE IF YOU WANT TO WAIT AND BE SURPRISED...KEEP PAGING DOWN!















Like strawberries!!!! And he was nice.

















OKAY, YOU CAN READ AGAIN!!!

We headed to the drawing class and had to wait a bit. We got in, the class was full. We were drawing GOOFY!! Oh, man, I thought that was gonna be so hard!! Yeah, it kind of was, but they break it down into such small parts, it's not bad. The girls didn't want me to show their results, but if you followed on FB, you've already seen this:

My Goofy:

Next we headed to lunch at the Hollywood Brown Derby!!!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

On to the Derby we go!

We were there for the ribbon cutting ceremony, but were not chosen to be a part of it. It was pretty cute - just like a Hollywood opening I suppose.
We were seated in a booth.

Had a really good server too. For our appetizers:
DH ordered the cremini mushroom chevre tortelloni. It was really good!!

I had the Cobb Salad:

I got the story of how it was invented (which I partially knew) - those were the ingredients in the fridge) and why the salad is chopped so small - the guy had dental work that day and couldn't chew large bites!). It was delicious and could have been a meal by itself. But oh, no - not when you're on the DxDP!!!
I also decided to go all Hollywood and enjoy a cocktail - The Hollywood! It was delicioso!!
What was in it you ask? Um...not sure I have that information. But I do have a picture!!!

Paige ordered chicken noodle soup - she may have had two bites of it! I think Sarah skipped ordering an appetizer in lieu of chowing down on bread and butter.
For our entrees:
DH ordered the Sterling Silver Pork Chop - topped with Smoked Gouda and Apricot Preserve served over Napa Cabbage, Bacon, and Potato Hash with Apple Cider Jus

I ordered the Pan Seared Asian Barbecue Lamb Chops - with Citrus Crumbs, Red Thumb Potatoes, Shiitake Mushrooms, Smoked Bacon, Yellow Wax Beans, and a Minted Shiso Pesto

The chops were really good - spicy, but I liked the flavor. I wished I could have eaten more, but I had so much salad and bread.
Sarah ordered a hot dog and Paige had grilled cheese.

Anyone for dessert?
DH: Vanilla Creme Brulee' - it was good - thicker than the one at Chefs, but a bit grainy - not smooth.

I had the Banana Toffee Tower - it was very good!!

The girls both ordered
Hidden Treasures - Vanilla ice cream, Oreo cookie crumbles and gummy snakes with a Tollhouse cookie

I really enjoyed this meal. I would go back and probably order an app and dessert. DH liked his meal, but did not think this place was worth 2 credits.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I found some pictures from Sarah's camera.
This is the queue area for Lotso's character greeting.

I like the backdrop here. Lotso was pretty popular - lots of people in line. You could smell the strawberries in the area.

 

[Charleston Princess]

The website was acting weird for me, too, yesterday!

Great day at DHS so far even if you didn't make rope drop! That is so cool that Lotso actually smells like strawberries! I loved the Brown Derby so I am glad you enjoyed your meal there. I had the Cobb Salad for my entree when we went -- it was so delicious, wasn't it? Next time we eat there I want to request a booth.

 

[Pluto_fan]

Sheree, your Goofy is awesome! I'm so impressed!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I'm so glad that you enjoyed Brown Derby!!!

I don't think it's worth 2 TS credit compared to some of the other 2 TS places but I think it's a pretty great OOP meal.

 

[jenjolt]

A wonderful DHS update!!! WOOT WOOT!! Brown Derby is so wonderful! I love eating there!!! I had the pork dish last May and it was good!!! I would gladly eat there again!!!!!

Lotso...the cutest and nicest smelling bad guy you ever met!! So deceiving LOL!!!

 

[manntra]

Great start to your day at DHS. I am not always a rope drop person either
I have had both the gangster and cowboy...Jen knows all about he logistics....one of them is near the front and one near the back....or something like that
Lunch looked really good. That salad is just delicious! And your drink didn't look too bad either!!
Goofy turned out great. I love doing the drawing. I can't draw for the life of me but this makes me feel like I can!!

Tracy