What Do You Do With a Nine Pound Lemon?? LINK TO NEW TR!

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Day 3 ~ Friday September 30, 2011

Recap!
Arrived late on Wednesday night so just settled in.
First day, morning at DHS, afternoon/evening in Epcot for a little food and wine and meeting with my family!


Now it's the second full day!

So for those that didn't read my PTR or remember, there was a specific reason why we rented a car. Normally I am ALL about using Magical Express. I think it's awesome! But because the trip, and THIS day particularly, was sooo busy, a car was just necessary!

So that morning, we planned to meet Gary and Erin in Epcot, as they would be taking the bus and we would be driving. (They obviously couldn't take the car with us because we didn't have a car seat for Conor.)

After waking up and getting ready, I spotted these Hidden Mickeys on the bedspread so I had to snap a pic!

And soon we were on our way!

Tom was snapping away at all the "disney" signs! I love it!

I LOVE how you don't need directions to get anywhere on property. No matter where you want to go, there will be signs! So we made it to Epcot fairly quickly, flashed Tom's AP to the nice lady at the parking gate and soon we were in!

Now, I have to say......I LOVE LOVE LOVE how easy they make the parking at WDW. (I'm not sure how the other parks are but I'm assuming they are the same.)

They have lots of parking attendants there directly you into the exact spot they want you.

There's no driving around looking for a spot. You follow the cars in front of you and each car pulls in, one after another, almost like a dance! It's so simple but I just found it amazing! One of those extra Disney touches that you don't find at Great Adventure (6 Flags, for those not from NJ!)

The walk from the lot up to Epcot is also really nice because you can actually SEE Spaceship Earth, which you really can't on the walk from the buses.

(I'm sorry, I don't know why this picture isn't straightening out like I'm asking it to....)

Just in case you didn't know which way to go....

Haha! We seriously take pictures of EVERYTHING!


We, of course, stopped for a photopass pic on the way in...

And then snapped a few pics of my beautiful Fountain of Nations. Love it!

At this point, I was texting with Erin about where they were and what the plan was. They were in line on TT so we decided we'd just hang around a bit, meet up with them when they were done and then get FPs for Soarin.

Okay, this was SOOOOO cool! They had some guys from OceanSpray in an actual cranberry bog!! And they were talking to guests about how they collect the cranberries and stuff. It was all part of the Food and Wine festival.

We got someone to take our picture together....

And then caught some sort of "morning meeting" or something...

At this point, Erin texted that they were STUCK on Test Track!

So we made our way over there, hoping to meet them at the exit...

As soon as they got off, they were not too pleased about having been stuck for a while and then going through the hairpin turns with no sound. That is especially disappointing because we LOVE to answer, "SURE AM!" when asked if we are "Seeing an increase in lateral forces!" So Erin says, "Follow me!" and we followed her as she marched over to a CM who was standing near the FP machine. She told them that we were ALL stuck on the ride and is there any way we can ride again?

No problem!! So we followed the CM in through the exit, through the room with the cars and into some back entrance! Had to take pics of that, of course!

They got us on right away!! I kind of felt bad about getting a "free ride" but it all happened so fast and it was really cool to see "backstage" a little bit!

This time, Erin gave us ALL the yellow straps to pose with!! And even though we had a "hitchhiker" (as they would say at Sci-Fi Dine In) we were thrilled to see that he was fun and posed for the picture too!!

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Cont. from previous post...

After our ride on TT, I was pretty adamant about getting FPs for Soarin'. So we made our way over there! Man, that climb up to the entrance of The Land is NOT fun, right?! I always forget how much of a pain that it, especially when it's super hot. So we all went downstairs and I offered to grab the tickets and jump in that Soarin' FP pool by myself but Erin came with me. Seriously, that FP area of Soarin is the WORST!! I am such a little detective with the FP lines, looking for who has stacks of FPs in their hands, who looks like they might have no idea how to do it so will therefore take a long time, who likes like they will be in and out quickly. I chose my line and Erin chose hers. If I'm remembering correctly, mine won! So she quickly scooted over with her tickets.

After we got our FPs, we decided to right Living with the Land.

I really like this ride a lot, especially when you go into the greenhouses. We even saw some people working.

As you read in the first post of this TR, we also saw the Nine-Pound Lemons!

I must have had the festival on my mind, because, as I said, as soon as Erin asked what you would do with a nine-pound lemons, I practically shouted "MAKE MARGARITAS!"

Once we exited, I snapped a pic of Conor while his parents got the stroller...

and it was just about 11am at this point so you KNOW where we were going!!!

FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL! WOOOO HOOOOO!! Even though we got a little sneak peak "taste" of it yesterday, today was official opening day!

So as we were walking, we passed Club Cool and shockingly learned that Gary and Erin had never been in it!! I thought for SURE they knew! So I said, "Oh we MUST go in! And be sure to try to soda from Italy...that one is the best."

I quickly whipped out my camera and was seriously giddy with excitement! I was elated to get the chance to capture a "Beverly face" on camera and they did not disappoint!

Gary went straight for the Beverly first. As soon as he swallowed, I took this picture...

Wait for it........

But Beverly is a tricky B! She takes a moment or two to sink in....so just a couple of seconds later........

I was seriously hysterical! Loving every second! Then, to my delight, he passed the cup to Erin!!!

C'mon!! Are those the best two Beverly faces you've ever seen or what?! I was so proud of myself!

Tom, on the other hand, was way more concerned with the cool saying on the chocolate bars....

After tasting a few more sodas and trying to get the beverly tastes out of their mouths, we exited Club Cool and made our way to World Showcase! (Or as I like to refer to it, heaven on earth!)

 

[stephielela]

Love it! I have a confession... I have NEVER made it to Club Cool. Never. Whew, it feels good to get that off my chest! But seriously, next time, I will be sure to go. I think the saying on the candy is awesome, and I hope they have it at DLR, but I am skeptical. I may have to wait for WDW. Yay for more F&W!

 

[anjalee6]

That is my FAVORITE candy box at Disney. We got a box with left over snack credit in June and I saved the box. What I will do with it, I don't know, but I had to have the box more than the candy inside!

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

cont. from previous post....

Our first stop this time was Argentina, where we got.....

Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce and Boniato Puree

and the Beef Empanada

They were both pretty good but we didn't want to fill up so I made sure to just have a few bites of each. We have a cajun/southwest/mexican place by us that has an AWESOME chimichurri steak so it was hard not to compare but still, it was good!

Then it was time for.......

I went for the mango again this time. If you remember, I had the lime last night and I feel like I"m just more of a mango 'rita kind of girl now! Who would've thought!

Tom got a strawberry and Erin went back to the Mexican counter service to get her 'rita on the rocks and a Dos Equis for Gary!

and we were all very happy!

And yes...Conor was still there.

Luckily, he has his mom's iphone to keep him busy and used a little teamwork so they could both have their drinks and push the stroller!

(Side-note! I don't want you to get the wrong idea. Gary and Erin are not at ALL the kid of parents to give their kid an electronic device to keep him busy while they go out drinking...even though that seems like exactly what they did at this point. The rest of the trip was ALL about making sure Conor was having a good time but it was a very special, out-of-the-ordinary occasion and for an hour or so, this would occupy him so the adults could have a little fun too. AND I'm positive they only had about one or two drinks each. )

After getting all of our drinks, the next stop was Scandinavia!! There, we got...

Swedish Meatballs with Lingonberries

I might have had just a bite or two....or maybe none at all, I don't really remember. I was more interested in quickly slurping down my 'rita so we could go on the Maelstrom!

I pointed out the viking wearing Mickey Ears to Erin and Gary!

The ride was great, as always, and I was happily surprised to see that the doors into the theater were open, even though the movie was playing. I feel bad that I've never stopped to watch the short movie, and maybe I will eventually, but it really was a pain to sit and wait for the doors to open, especially when your boat is pulling up and you JUST miss it!

Have to take the troll pic...

...and then back out onto the "promenade" for my of the festival!

We came around the corner to two stands were were NOT passing up: "Brewer's Collection" and "Cheese."

Gary and Erin first got a cheese sample...

And Tom and I went to the Brewer's Collection, where we couldn't decide between flight #1 or flight #2...so we got both!

Just as I was deciding which of the 6 beers I wanted to try first, someone got my attention and asked if I was Nikki and that she was a lurker on my TRs! I was sooooo excited to run into a DISer! I was feeling the drinks a little bit at this point so I apologize if I attacked you a little and I especially apologized that I don't remember your name, even though I know you told me what it was! I, of course, insisted we get a picture!

And if you are reading, please post and say hello! It was so nice to meet you, really!


Then the beer drinking commenced!

Between the 3 of us (minus Erin) we finished the beers fairly quickly! And got the Nuernberger Sausage in a Pretzel Roll from Germany to soak up some of the alcohol!

How good does that look?!??!

After this lovely stop, Erin checked the map to see where to go next.....

 

[archdandy]

Great update! I think it's just awesome that you were recognized from being on the DIS and hilarious at the same time! I hope the woman comes and comments on the report.

 

[Erin♥sDisney]

I am just loving going back to this trip! We had so much fun. And don't lie. We gave Conor my phone, left him with some castmember and got completely drunk! Ha ha ha ha ha! I'm so kidding. He got the phone because World Showcase is a little boring to a kid just getting pushed around in a stroller.
And I adore the pics of Emma and Conor. They were just so cute together. Like old friends.
And you're still not forgiven for the Beverly. "OMG! You gotta try the Beverly from Italy! It's so good!" Nikki still can't be trusted.
I CANNOT wait to take our tiny little trip. 49 days!!!!!

 

[disneybarbie]

great update ... your photos are making me want to be in World Showcase right now That was great about Test Track.. excellent service from the Cast Member!


Emma x

 

[Dream426]

Another great update. I wouldn't have thought twice about what you wrote when Conor was playing with the phone and his parents had a drink. Parents are entitled to have fun also. They weren't getting trashed. DH and I once sat next to this family on the disney cruise and the parents were drinking bottles and bottles of wine (yes bottles not glasses, well they put it in glasses. they didn't drink out of the bottle). They just had the CM keep bringing them bottles when they would finish the other. They had really young children also. I said to my husband how are they able to stand up after all those bottles. I would be on the floor. Yes I judged a little. I am not proud of it and usually don't but I was shocked.

 

[jenseib]

Nikki, I am laughing at your excitement of the parking lot. I have never been to a theme park that doesn't do that (unless you go mid day) and I was amazed you haven't seen that done...but then again I remembered...I'm really old and have been around.

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Love it! I have a confession... I have NEVER made it to Club Cool. Never. Whew, it feels good to get that off my chest! But seriously, next time, I will be sure to go. I think the saying on the candy is awesome, and I hope they have it at DLR, but I am skeptical. I may have to wait for WDW. Yay for more F&W!

You better go there next time! Actually, that place kind of makes me a little anxious. The floor is always a sticky mess, there are always kids running around and people bumping into each other. It's hard to get to the machines and it's makes me a little claustrophobic...haha, aren't you just dying to go now? We wouldn't have gone in except for that specific purpose.

That is my FAVORITE candy box at Disney. We got a box with left over snack credit in June and I saved the box. What I will do with it, I don't know, but I had to have the box more than the candy inside!

Oh that's funny!

Great update! I think it's just awesome that you were recognized from being on the DIS and hilarious at the same time! I hope the woman comes and comments on the report.

Wasn't that so cool?! On our honeymoon, we were part of a HUGE planning thread and I was actually recognized 7 or 8 times!! It was so much fun!!

I am just loving going back to this trip! We had so much fun. And don't lie. We gave Conor my phone, left him with some castmember and got completely drunk! Ha ha ha ha ha! I'm so kidding. He got the phone because World Showcase is a little boring to a kid just getting pushed around in a stroller.
And I adore the pics of Emma and Conor. They were just so cute together. Like old friends.
And you're still not forgiven for the Beverly. "OMG! You gotta try the Beverly from Italy! It's so good!" Nikki still can't be trusted.
I CANNOT wait to take our tiny little trip. 49 days!!!!!

Oh c'mon! It was all in good fun!

great update ... your photos are making me want to be in World Showcase right now That was great about Test Track.. excellent service from the Cast Member!


Emma x

Yeah the TT thing was pretty cool! I always want to be in WS!

Another great update. I wouldn't have thought twice about what you wrote when Conor was playing with the phone and his parents had a drink. Parents are entitled to have fun also. They weren't getting trashed. DH and I once sat next to this family on the disney cruise and the parents were drinking bottles and bottles of wine (yes bottles not glasses, well they put it in glasses. they didn't drink out of the bottle). They just had the CM keep bringing them bottles when they would finish the other. They had really young children also. I said to my husband how are they able to stand up after all those bottles. I would be on the floor. Yes I judged a little. I am not proud of it and usually don't but I was shocked.

I didn't think anything of it at the time but as I was typing, I felt like I was making it seem like they were boozing it up and leaving him to fend for himself! That's crazy about that family on the cruise.

Nikki, I am laughing at your excitement of the parking lot. I have never been to a theme park that doesn't do that (unless you go mid day) and I was amazed you haven't seen that done...but then again I remembered...I'm really old and have been around.

Haha, really? I guess I'm from the "Figure if out yourself" state!

 

[PopArtGal]

By the way you guys can hold your liquor. I drank 1/4 of a margarita and was tipsy. Or as my mom said: I kept smiling lol So yeah I was happy lol

 

[PopArtGal]

I loved all these chocolate boxes too. I bought the Jessica Rabbitt one and was so disapointed with the candy inside. It was not what I expected.

 

[dolfinjuls]

Love your lunch around the world! Mmmm...can't wait to see what we can get into there!

Oh and the Beverly faces are awesome! I've never tried it myself! haha

 

[ronnmel]

Wow! When you update, you go full out!!! I had to skip over all the food part, but enjoyed the getting on Test Track by the exit part!

 

[Zuzu03]

GREAT update!!!! The Food and Wine sampling looks so good! DH and I haven't been to the F&W in several years and I think it's HIGH time we went back!! Unfortunately, they stopped the VEA days we used to get here in Vermont this time in October! We used to get a Thursday and Friday at this time in October every year for Professional Development and it was a GREAT time to sneak down to Disney for MNSSHP and F&W! I just MAY have to be *cough, cough* sick next year for a couple of days! haha! And I LOVE the TT story! That's awesome!!!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Those were seriously some of the best Beverly faces ever. Great timing you had with catching them in a picture!

Beer flights....I'm definitely going to have to get those.

 

[Nermel9]

Great Food and Wine update! I miss the F&W festival already! I love the TT picture, with the random guy in your car, I'm glad he did something funny! I hope he got a copy of it on the way out!

I don't see a problem with Gary and Erin having a drink or two when they have Conor with them, adults are allowed to have fun in Disney too!

OMG I can't believe someone recognized you from the DIS! Did you feel like a celebrity? I hope she posts here and says hi!

 

[Spartangirl]

Wow...you are the updating queen! Love it!

Ok, you're right...the cranberry bog is so cool! Nice touch, Disney!

I LOVE the beverly faces!!! It's always fun when you have "unsuspecting newbies" along with you!

Looks like you got to try a lot of amazing food and delicious beverages from the festival...hope I can make it to one in the future!

Can't wait for more...

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

By the way you guys can hold your liquor. I drank 1/4 of a margarita and was tipsy. Or as my mom said: I kept smiling lol So yeah I was happy lol

Well trust me, I was feeling it for sure! I don't drink very often usually....

I loved all these chocolate boxes too. I bought the Jessica Rabbitt one and was so disapointed with the candy inside. It was not what I expected.

I didn't really get to see any other ones. I was too concerned with the beverly!

Love your lunch around the world! Mmmm...can't wait to see what we can get into there!

Oh and the Beverly faces are awesome! I've never tried it myself! haha

Oh the snacks and drinks were so great! And honestly, I don't even know if I ever tried Beverly either!

Wow! When you update, you go full out!!! I had to skip over all the food part, but enjoyed the getting on Test Track by the exit part!

I know! I was on a roll with this one. Actually, I only wrote about a few hours but we just have soooo many pictures!

GREAT update!!!! The Food and Wine sampling looks so good! DH and I haven't been to the F&W in several years and I think it's HIGH time we went back!! Unfortunately, they stopped the VEA days we used to get here in Vermont this time in October! We used to get a Thursday and Friday at this time in October every year for Professional Development and it was a GREAT time to sneak down to Disney for MNSSHP and F&W! I just MAY have to be *cough, cough* sick next year for a couple of days! haha! And I LOVE the TT story! That's awesome!!!

This is only the second time we've been to food and wine and it's just so much fun! But to be honest, it's pretty close to what our usual Epcot days look like, just minus the bonus snacks and drinks!

Those were seriously some of the best Beverly faces ever. Great timing you had with catching them in a picture!

Beer flights....I'm definitely going to have to get those.

THANK YOU! So glad you can appreciate the beverly faces! It's funny because I don't usually LOVE beer, I'll order it but I don't like all different kinds like Tom does...but for some reason, everything is just so good in Epcot!

Great Food and Wine update! I miss the F&W festival already! I love the TT picture, with the random guy in your car, I'm glad he did something funny! I hope he got a copy of it on the way out!

I don't see a problem with Gary and Erin having a drink or two when they have Conor with them, adults are allowed to have fun in Disney too!

OMG I can't believe someone recognized you from the DIS! Did you feel like a celebrity? I hope she posts here and says hi!

I kind of did feel like a celebrity a little bit! It was pretty cool!

Wow...you are the updating queen! Love it!

Ok, you're right...the cranberry bog is so cool! Nice touch, Disney!

I LOVE the beverly faces!!! It's always fun when you have "unsuspecting newbies" along with you!

Looks like you got to try a lot of amazing food and delicious beverages from the festival...hope I can make it to one in the future!

Can't wait for more...

Oh it really is so much fun. If you can ever arrange a trip around the time of the festival, you really should do it.