Where did this heat and all these people come from? The new PTR/TR link 5/7

[kschafer]

Day 4, continued

Once upon a time, I left you with Dad and I having spent a couple hours enjoying WS and F&G while Shelby and Mom had lunch. We met back up in Morocco and continued on our trek. First they got distracted by the drummers performing again and Mom and Shelby wanted to stop for a few minutes.

Then on to Italy which was particularly colorful

I love the courtyard here. If I thought I could ever possibly talk Greg into a vow renewal at Disney, this would be my choice

I’m especially fond of the way Disney blocks construction! Such a clever way to disguise what’s happening without breaking up the theme of the area

I wonder how the new pizza place will be. Next we backtracked a bit once again because we heard the Fife and Drum corps and knew the next showing of the Voices of Liberty was near. We went in not knowing where they perform and just found an open bench along the wall. Our view wasn’t great

But we were all getting a bit tired and hot and were just too lazy at the moment to bother moving for a better view. We all enjoyed their performance and when they finished, we made our way up the escalators. I started to take pictures of the flags as we were ascending

When the gentleman ahead of Shelby and I lost his balance. Luckily we both reached out and steadied him and nobody got hurt! We found good seats for the American Adventure

I will admit, I struggled to stay awake! It was dark and cool and I nearly succumbed to the temptation to doze off! My favorite scene….

I’m a big fan of the national parks so Roosevelt is my favorite president! After the show we once again braved the heat to continue our journey around the world. We just caught the tail end of the jugglers act in Italy

And tried to entice this fellow to give my poor blistered feet a break

I spent a little time looking at the town scenes outside of germany

 

[kschafer]

I glanced at the really cool glass booth

I contemplated the thought of stopping back later in the week and picking up something. I’m kind of glad I didn’t because my suitcase was already stuffed at the end of the week! We then stopped for a photopass picture

After admiring the bonsai trees in Japan, I was quite taken with the little ones they had for sale but figured Mom and Dad were already hauling enough things home and I didn’t really need one.

On to china, we found their contribution to F&G was a set of mosaic type statues made out of mostly dried beans (I think). They represented the 12 “years” in the Chinese calendar. I had to take a picture for Patrick, born in the year of the snake

And for Daniel, born in the year of the monkey

Sadly, I was only able to locate 8 or 9 of the animals (I just assumed the others were somewhere but I never found them) so I wasn’t able to get either mine or Greg’s. We moved inside to see the circlevision

This was one of the strong memories of my first trip to Epcot in high school so I was excited to finally make it back! After the movie, Dad and I once again backtracked for our dinner ADR at….

Biergarten!!! I was so excited for this meal! We had attempted to do this as a family in 2008 and ended up canceling so this was my treat to Dad since I knew he would really enjoy and it did not disappoint!! As excited as I was to be there with Dad, I was sad again at the absence of Beth, this was one she was very excited about too

My first plate, clockwise from the top…pretzel bread (just OK IMO), sausage of some kind (tasted too much like breakfast sausage for my taste), sauerkraut (nothing different but good), a sauerkraut/potato/meat casserole of some type (good), sauerbraten (fantastic!), chicken schnitzel with mushroom gravy (yum!) and roasted potatoes (good)

Dad’s first plate…a lot of the same stuff but also with some roasted chicken, salmon and a dumpling (which I never remember seeing and I am now very bummed I never tried it!)

Entertainment included a cowbell serenade which I loved! When we travelled to Switzerland, I fell in love with the sound of a field full of cows wearing these!! I really wanted to bring one home with me but all the ones you find in touristy shops are small and therefore have a higher pitch than the real ones. We finally wandered into a hardware-type shop and there I found the real thing! Enjoy the video below…



They also had an alpine horn performance

I went for a second plate and got more of the sauerbraten, schnitzel and potatoes but also added a small salad with marinated tomatoes, regular dinner roll, spaetzel (disappointing, my Mom makes much better) and some salmon (quite good!)

Then dessert…chocolate cake, a cheesecake of some type, apple strudel and a blueberry crumble cake, also a mixed berry “soup” with vanilla crème in the cup. Everything was good but none stood out as excellent

Dad and I were thrilled with our meal!! The food was excellent for a buffet and the entertainment was a lot of fun. Dad complimented the food several times and coming from a guy who has travelled to this part of the world and eaten the “real” stuff a lot, that’s a pretty big compliment! After eating our fill, we returned to WS to continue our trek.

 

[javamom]

So glad that you likd Biergarten. I have an ADR here is October, it'll be a first for us!

 

[Queenofallthings]

I love Biergarten, but unfortunately my daughter doesn't so we've only been once I am happy to say that we have a wonderful german restaurant in our city and I can usually talk my girlfriends into a couple of dinners there a year

 

[brookelizabeth]

World peace.

and a French waiter...

 

[brookelizabeth]

I am loving all your WS pictures and wanderings! Those bonsai trees look very cool, I like how they had them in different containers than what is the norm.

Biergarten. Yumm-o!! If it wasn't 3 am I would listen to the bells...I love the sound of them as well! So glad you, and your Dad, had a great meal there - the picture of you two is so fun!

 

[MeMom]

Italy is very pretty.

The bean art in China might be something we could do at school. My kids did bean art owls when they were little.

I once had a rather large lady lose her balance in front of me going up the escalator at the Nashville airport. I was able to brace myself and hold my forearm up to keep her from going backwards for the rest of the way up the incline, but it was pretty scary for a minute. If she had gone, several of us would have gone with her, I am afraid.

Glad you got to share that meal with your dad at Biergarten.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Congratulations on the job, Katie! I know you must be absolutely thrilled to finally have something lined up!!!

Italy is quickly becoming my favorite pavilion in World Showcase! It is just so pretty!

Biergarten sounds like a delicious meal!!! Maybe I can convince the family to try it some time.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I agree, the Italy pavilion is so pretty. I can't remember where but I've recently seen pictures of the new pizza restaurant and it looks gorgeous. It seems to expand the pavilion quite a bit. Rumors had been that there would also be a window there for take-out pizza but unfortunately it sounds like that was just rumor.

So glad you had fun at Biergarten. I am laughing to myself b/c you referenced a hardware store in Switzerland but I was sitting here thinking, hardware store? In WS? How have I missed that?

 

[Lady Lallie]

Glad you enjoyed Biergarten. It's been on my ADR since I read Brook's review and now you gave it another good one. Hmmmm. Might have to break down and try it.

 

[KatMark]

Katie, love the update. So glad you and your dad enjoyed Biergarten (I remember taking my dad there his first visit to Disney and he loved it). Mark and I haven't been in about six years and when I couldn't change our Coral Reef to a time I wanted, I chose Biergarten--and after seeing your plates, I can't wait to be back.

 

[MHTeacher]

Congrats on your new job!

I love your pictures from around WS. Like you, I love that little courtyard in Italy---it's so beautiful!

 

[SoonerGirl]

I thought all of those pots filled with flowers in Italy were so pretty!

Did you have to stand during the China film or were there seats? I loved the film in Canada but didn't like having to stand in one spot for the whole thing.

Sounds like you and your dad had a great time at dinner, one of these days I'll get up the nerve to try Biergarten....

 

[rndmr2]

Great Update! Was this Tues the 4th? If so, we were at The Biergarten this day too, I think it was at about 6:30p. DH loves it there, I like it too, but it was all he could talk about while we were planning the trip and ADR's.

 

[jenjolt]

Awww....I just love WS!! You are right the Italy pavilion is GORGEOUS!! I really want to visit Italy someday but until then I will settle for my pilgrimages to Florida!! LOL

WOW...the more I hear about Biergarten, the more I really want to eat there! It sounds like great food and great entertainment, doesn't get much better! So glad you and your dad were able to have a great meal there!!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Great update Katie. Congratulations on the new job and I'm glad you found something that you were happy to accept!

Loved your pictures of the flowerpots in Italy...they brought back a lot of great memories for me. THanks!

 

[dd50]

Love the pics. Looks like you and your dad had a great time with good food. I have never eaten there but may try it one day.

 

[kschafer]

Sorry to have been so terribly neglectful of my TR!! Life has just been a little busy around here. Nothing in particular, just summertime activities and fun. Trying to squeeze it all in and now that I have a job lined up, school is starting to feel just around the corner (although I still have 3 weeks left and don't plan on wasting it!)

So glad that you likd Biergarten. I have an ADR here is October, it'll be a first for us!

Loved it! would definitely go back!! Hope you enjoy too

I love Biergarten, but unfortunately my daughter doesn't so we've only been once I am happy to say that we have a wonderful german restaurant in our city and I can usually talk my girlfriends into a couple of dinners there a year

I SO wish we had something like this where I live. We are taking a little trip next week and have plans to stop at a Swiss restaurant and I cannot wait!!

and a French waiter...

You go C!!

I am loving all your WS pictures and wanderings! Those bonsai trees look very cool, I like how they had them in different containers than what is the norm.

Biergarten. Yumm-o!! If it wasn't 3 am I would listen to the bells...I love the sound of them as well! So glad you, and your Dad, had a great meal there - the picture of you two is so fun!

Yum yum!! I enjoyed your dinner there in your TR too

Italy is very pretty.

The bean art in China might be something we could do at school. My kids did bean art owls when they were little.

I once had a rather large lady lose her balance in front of me going up the escalator at the Nashville airport. I was able to brace myself and hold my forearm up to keep her from going backwards for the rest of the way up the incline, but it was pretty scary for a minute. If she had gone, several of us would have gone with her, I am afraid.

Glad you got to share that meal with your dad at Biergarten.

I bet your students would love bean art! Another impractical thing to bring home to Mom and Dad where the glue slowly falls apart until they give up and toss it in the garbage (can you tell Patrick just finished an art camp?)

It was a nice dinner with Dad! More fun coming right up!!

Congratulations on the job, Katie! I know you must be absolutely thrilled to finally have something lined up!!!

Italy is quickly becoming my favorite pavilion in World Showcase! It is just so pretty!

Biergarten sounds like a delicious meal!!! Maybe I can convince the family to try it some time.

It really is a relief to know what is coming. The pay isn't as good as teaching but it's as good as I could hope for in non-teaching options!

Can't wait to hear about your dinner at Tutto...it's on my someday list! Definitely consider putting biergarten on yours

I agree, the Italy pavilion is so pretty. I can't remember where but I've recently seen pictures of the new pizza restaurant and it looks gorgeous. It seems to expand the pavilion quite a bit. Rumors had been that there would also be a window there for take-out pizza but unfortunately it sounds like that was just rumor.

So glad you had fun at Biergarten. I am laughing to myself b/c you referenced a hardware store in Switzerland but I was sitting here thinking, hardware store? In WS? How have I missed that?

I was really hoping they might have take-out there. I just can't see myself using a TS credit on pizza

A disney hardware store would definitely make for some interesting shopping pics I've seen the tools in Mickeys garage, not sure how well they would work in our world

Glad you enjoyed Biergarten. It's been on my ADR since I read Brook's review and now you gave it another good one. Hmmmm. Might have to break down and try it.

Yes yes yes!! put it on the list!!!

 

[kschafer]

Katie, love the update. So glad you and your dad enjoyed Biergarten (I remember taking my dad there his first visit to Disney and he loved it). Mark and I haven't been in about six years and when I couldn't change our Coral Reef to a time I wanted, I chose Biergarten--and after seeing your plates, I can't wait to be back.

Ooh, I can't wait to hear how you like it!!

Congrats on your new job!

I love your pictures from around WS. Like you, I love that little courtyard in Italy---it's so beautiful!

Thanks Michelle! Yes, I could spend a lot of time in that courtyard. I noticed they have tables outside of Tutto but have never seen anyone sitting there I would like that!

I thought all of those pots filled with flowers in Italy were so pretty!

Did you have to stand during the China film or were there seats? I loved the film in Canada but didn't like having to stand in one spot for the whole thing.

Sounds like you and your dad had a great time at dinner, one of these days I'll get up the nerve to try Biergarten....

Standing room only in China, sorry! Do you have any motion issues with the circle vision? Mine got a bit iffy a couple times and I had to look down at the floor until it passed (I almost have more issues with perceived motion than actual motion!)

Everyone has their own comfort zone when it comes to food but Biergarten is delish IMO! (lots of people around here rave about the food in Morocco but there is no way you would find me there!)

Great Update! Was this Tues the 4th? If so, we were at The Biergarten this day too, I think it was at about 6:30p. DH loves it there, I like it too, but it was all he could talk about while we were planning the trip and ADR's.

yes, it was the 4th! We finished before you arrived I guess. I must say, I went for the entertainment and found the food to be delicious

Awww....I just love WS!! You are right the Italy pavilion is GORGEOUS!! I really want to visit Italy someday but until then I will settle for my pilgrimages to Florida!! LOL

WOW...the more I hear about Biergarten, the more I really want to eat there! It sounds like great food and great entertainment, doesn't get much better! So glad you and your dad were able to have a great meal there!!

We spent a little time in Italy in 1999 but mostly in the north which has a slightly different feel although there was one town we visited that was simply lovely that reminded me of WS (complete with flowers everywhere!)

Sounds like you and LL need to revist your dining plans for January!!

Great update Katie. Congratulations on the new job and I'm glad you found something that you were happy to accept!

Loved your pictures of the flowerpots in Italy...they brought back a lot of great memories for me. THanks!

Thanks Sharon. I loved those flowerpots!!

Love the pics. Looks like you and your dad had a great time with good food. I have never eaten there but may try it one day.

Well I've probably made my feelings about biergarten clear but consider giving it a try, it's a fun time!

 

[kschafer]

Day 4 comes to an end

Our delicious meal at Biergarten had come to an end so we said goodbye (it is VERY hard to take a decent picture of the interior of this restaurant!

I glanced up at the clock to see what time it was and was very excited!!!

Do you know why? Something special happens on the hour and we were just in time!!

I texted Shelby to let her know we were leaving Germany and they were someplace around Japan or Morocco so we decided to meet in Italy. When Dad and I got there, these guys were just starting a show so we waited here

They were getting ready to perform Romeo and Edna and the girl in the troupe was walking around the crowd looking for a young man to play Romeo. Imagine our surprise when instead of an approximately 16 year old boy, she chose an over 60 year old one!!!

Dad later said he was quite embarrassed by this but you tell me…does this look like the face of a guy who is not having fun?

My Dad is a very funny and quick thinking guy and the girl was feeding him his lines. At one point he repeated what she said and she must have thought he was speaking too softly and she said to him “but louder”. Well in true style of my Dad, he repeated “but louder” which the crowd cracked up at!

I can’t remember why but at one point she checked out his butt

A little video….



He got a button for participating which he was promised would protect him from being picked again for anything so he made sure he put it on

Unfortunately, Shelby didn’t hear her phone when I called to tell them that Dad was in the play and they missed it all. She and Mom arrived a minute or two later. We stopped for a PP pic and moved on our way

I have a great picture of Shelby holding her hand up in the air but the Disney magic is mysteriously missing. I was bummed because I was the only one who knew why the photog asked her to do that and it didn’t turn out. More Disney disguising

And another topiary

Shelby was a bit hungry at this point so we stopped once again in France to pick up a little something. We burned another deluxe credit on a CS meal (but again, one we wouldn’t have used otherwise). I’m pretty sure she got the same pizza-type thing Dad and I had shared and some pastry that we shared later but I cannot remember what!

We stopped to use our FP’s for Soarin, sorry no pics this time. We discussed going to see what the wait time was for TT but Mom and Dad seemed pretty well done at this point and they had no interest in staying for Illuminations. It was just after 7:00 and I figured if we began to make our way out, we would be back in the room in time to skype with our kids so we headed toward the front of the park stopping to check out these beautiful topiaries

But we had one most important stop still to make, one we missed in 2008 and everyone was interested in checking out

And just as we were getting ready to see our futures…my camera battery died and I had left by backup charging in the room, Oh well!! My memories of this ride are a bit fuzzy from my visit in high school and I know it’s gone through a refurb since then but I enjoyed it more than I even thought I would! One final PP for the day

After that, we stopped at package pickup and Mom and Dad gave us a lift back to CSR where we said goodbye knowing we would see each other back in Iowa in a week.

Once again, I had issues this night with connecting to the internet (what’s up with that?!) and for a bit, the technical support guy I talked to thought we might have a bad port in the room but after about 15 minutes, he managed to get us connected!! I had told him about the troubles we’d had the previous night and when he finally got us on, he did something from his end that gave us a free connection for 24 hours! It really wasn’t necessary because I think the problem truly was my computer, not the cable or port but regardless, I appreciated the jesture!

Both Shelby and I managed to talk to our kids before their bedtime and it was nice to see their sweet faces. We called it a night and got to sleep at a decent time with no early morning the next day…WooHoo!