June-11 Trip: Are you Eating, Flying and Sailing Nuts? FINAL UPDATE 9/14

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FORTY DOLLARS! She was supposed to use her gift card but they didn’t accept them there. So guess who got stuck with the tab? You are right. Dad. She is tricky like that.

:laughing: She's good.

We were headed to one of my favorites, Beaches and Cream.

Perfect timing. I'll be at BCV in less than a month. Yum.


B&C is the V&A of Ice Cream. No harpist but it is bright and festive.

I love bright and festive. Ice cream I can take or leave but love B&C.
 
Day 5 Thursday, June 16: Park Day 2 AKA Princess meeting Princesses

Up by 6:30 to make our 8:45 reservation at Cinderella’s Royal Table. Made it to the bus stop at a reasonable time and were at the front gate just before 7:30. Today was an early Extra Magic Hours with the park opening at 8:00. (Remember that) There was a separate line for those having character breakfasts off to the left. DD insisted to stay in the line she picked out but I finally convinced her to join me. As a side note, I am notoriously bad at picking lines to stand in. There could only be a couple of people in front of me and the other lines would still move faster. So it is understandable that she was a bit leery.

We were let in first and allowed to stand in another roped off area in front of the arches under the train station. About 15 minutes before rope drop for everyone else, we were let loose on the parks. Nice taking pictures with very few people around you.

Last time I was here in March, this was a fake facade to hide construction and there were temp walls covering the sidewalk. Not a nice sight but it looks pretty good now.
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Not exactly Princess garb. She was pretty happy though because she likes Cindy’s.
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In front of the castle
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This place is special to me. Back when they started the Wine and Dine club (predecessor to TIW) the group was relatively small and they staged periodic wine tastings and dinners. They had a dinner at the castle for about 50 guests. DD’s mom and I were lucky to snag reservations. They had a long table in middle of the castle walkway and we sat in front of here.
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They took us over to the MK from T&T Center on the ferry where they served wine and hors d'oeuvres with Disney brass and the winemakers. Then came dinner. We were lucky enough to sit across the table with the VP and Dir. of operations for the MK. I remember most walking down Main Street all by ourselves with the background music playing. Really entertaining evening.

Anyway back to the story.

We kind of cheated a bit. (Don’t turn me in) We got into the breakfast reservation line to get in before EMH started but our ADR wasn’t until 8:45. Instead of trying to get in early, we decided to hit a couple of attractions first. After non-suspiciously mulling around the castle, we waited until the crowds were allowed in.
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From there we were the first in line at the roped off area near Frontierland. Unfortunately, that rope didn’t drop so our plans to be the first on Big Thunder were foiled. Instead, we headed to Tomorrowland. We were still one of the first to ride Space. Also grabbed fastpasses. I wasn’t sure how I was going to handle getting in and out of our rocket ship but with a little effort, it was fine.

After our mission in space, we needed to head back to the castle. Time for breakfast. By waiting a bit, there we no lines at the hostess station and to meet Cindy. She was in full character of course and with no one else there, she was also in a chatty mood. Normally, I am not one to chit chat with the characters but this time did my best to keep the conversation going. My Princess made me be part of the picture so I was not able to take pics of the two of them. Departing, they hugged and it looked like a great pic. Instead of that one, we got the obligatory photo of the three of us. I should have asked for that one instead but didn’t think about it at the time.

We then take the elevator to the King Stefan’s dinning hall and were seated. Our waiter brought over a wand for the kid and a sword for me. OK. Next time I go diving, I may bring it with me. Have to think of a good gag to use it.

Have to admit, Cindy has some nice digs
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Notice due to our later ADR time the place is empty and getting ready for the next seating. It was nice that the mad rush was not around us.
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Starting with assorted pastries which were pretty good
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I had the eggs with bacon and sausage
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She had the yogurt, fruit and granola thing. This is not how it came out but it was partially eaten by the time she took the picture.
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I used to really like this character meal a lot. No, not because of the Princesses which was DD’s reason but believe it or not the food. The sausage is different than many breakfast links and very tasty. But, they decided to once again get cheap on us. In the past, they also served this stuffed french toast which was very good. Now, instead of getting it with the regular breakfast, you can only get it as a separate meal. It is not like they are already charging you a small fortune for this experience so I can see why they need to cut corners like this. In case you can’t tell, that last statement was dripping with sarcasm.

It is now time for the girls to come out. This is DD’s favorite part of course. I can see her in the college program auditioning for a Princess role. She already thinks she is royalty.

Snow is up first and they pose together
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She then grabs my arm and says in that Snow voice, Don’t you want a picture too? You are not Bashful are you?” No but I can be Grumpy. Thought it but didn’t say it. Normally I do not like pictures of myself. Especially pictures with the characters. No, I am not afraid of royalty, I just feel a bit awkward. Funny that I don’t feel that way when it comes to Jasmine. Wonder why? Anyway, I get up and DD snaps this one.
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So, in 15 minutes, I have two pictures of me with Princesses. More than on the last number of trips combined. The girls parade through at a leisurely pace. No one else asks for my picture.

With Aurora
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Then Ariel
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My Princess
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And one of her favorites. Belle
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Getting out of picture space so the next post will have the rest of the castle snapshots.
 
Breakfast was over and time to hit some more rides but first a couple of more pics of Cindy’s place. First her downstairs parlor.
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Nice tapestries too.
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Gus and whats his name keeping an eye on her. DD pointed this out and the number of times I have been here, never saw it before.
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DD and a knight of the round table?
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Cindy also has a pretty good landscaper
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What am I looking at? I don’t know.
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I wonder if Cindy lets them come inside?
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That is it for breakfast now time for the riding part.

Up Next: Day 5 Thursday, June 16: Part 2 MK AKA Fat and happy and ready to ride
 
Sorry I got here a bit late for the Pre Trip, Report and the Trip Report :upsidedow
I was at Disney the same week you were and have not been on the boards too much over the summer.
Thanks for the link to the Festival of the Lion King videos...they really brightened my evening :love:

Glad to see that you are on the mend from the spring!
 


I am notoriously bad at picking lines to stand in. There could only be a couple of people in front of me and the other lines would still move faster. So it is understandable that she was a bit leery.
You and me both... sometimes I stand there second guessing myself trying to decide which line to get in, knowing that whatever I pick will be wrong. :lmao:

They took us over to the MK from T&T Center on the ferry where they served wine and hors d'oeuvres with Disney brass and the winemakers. Then came dinner. We were lucky enough to sit across the table with the VP and Dir. of operations for the MK. I remember most walking down Main Street all by ourselves with the background music playing. Really entertaining evening.
That must have been an incredible evening! I would love to be able to experience something like that.:thumbsup2

We kind of cheated a bit. (Don’t turn me in) We got into the breakfast reservation line to get in before EMH started but our ADR wasn’t until 8:45.
I don't consider that to be cheating. That is just some excellent planning and good use of time.:thumbsup2

It is not like they are already charging you a small fortune for this experience so I can see why they need to cut corners like this. In case you can’t tell, that last statement was dripping with sarcasm.
That's a shame. I've never eaten in the castle, and quite frankly, at the price they charge, I don't have much desire to do so. Maybe one of these days if we have our own princess...

This is DD’s favorite part of course. I can see her in the college program auditioning for a Princess role. She already thinks she is royalty.
I'm sure she'd do very well as a Disney princess! She should have plenty of experience from observing them.:rotfl2:

She then grabs my arm and says in that Snow voice, Don’t you want a picture too? You are not Bashful are you?” No but I can be Grumpy. Thought it but didn’t say it.
You should have said it. I'm sure if nothing else it would have made for an interesting interaction with her.:lmao::rotfl::rotfl2:

Normally I do not like pictures of myself. Especially pictures with the characters. No, I am not afraid of royalty, I just feel a bit awkward. Funny that I don’t feel that way when it comes to Jasmine. Wonder why?
I know what you mean... on both points.:rotfl2:
 
What we did not have was this. One of these days.
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Not exactly Princess garb. She was pretty happy though because she likes Cindy’s.
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Yea, grades are in, students did well which means I did well. (memememe)

I am not one of those professors who thinks a 2.5 is average. I think if I have a 2.5 average in my class I am not getting the information to the students and I need to reformat my course. Now for three weeks of freedom. Not really because school breaks are when I prep for the next semester’s class. BUT during this break we are going to visit a certain mouse for nine whole days!

The last time we ate at Beaches and Cream, a couple of years ago, a group of 30 or so young folks (in their twenties) were having a “kitchen sink” contest with 4 or 5 of their group at each kitchen sink. It was a blast watching them. It was late, we were tired having just arrived in Florida and just wanted to eat – anywhere. BC was close and they said we could sit at the counter as they had a large group coming in. We had just gotten our order when all CMs started doing a mad dash in building the sinks. At first we had no idea of what was happening but a nice young lady sitting beside us recording the contest told us about the contest. She said once a year this group comes in and has their contest (not sponsored by BC). The group sitting behind us won. As soon as they finished they stood up and started singing (not very well), “We are the champions of the….” . It was a great way to start our vacation.

Your princess looks like a princess regards of her garb. By the way, that is a very cute outfit.

So where is the picture of your sword? Yea for Miss Snow for making you stand and having your photo made.
 
Nice shots of your Princess! So now you order entrees there? When I went they brought you some of everything and replenished each dish as requested. For the price they charge they should be serving caviar with breakfast. (Although, I'm not sure I would enjoy that, but it's the point!) :lmao:

I'm glad I can say I've eaten there because I'm not sure I'll be back.
 


OT but looking at your early morning picture of the MK and your princess, I remember what you said about getting up early for rope drop when we take our DGD to WDW. Not knowing IF that will ever come to pass ( for all kinds of reasons), I knew I could do one thing with her. My DH and I took her to Disneyland last weekend to watch the Disneyland All American College Band. Our push stroller was denied entry and my DH took it back to the car. I carried my DGD (20 months old) into the park to wait for him and put her down in Town Square to watch the kids. She took my hand and we walked down Main Street toward the castle, exactly what I had wanted to do with her. It was just the memory I wanted, hand in hand with her pointing at the castle. Not quite 2 years old but knowing exactly where she wanted to go.

I'm going to confess here...we haven't ever gone to a character meal at WDW.:eek: I'm so enjoying your TR, just might have to visit Cindy's with my DGD.
 
Sorry for the lack of posts. I am not ignoring you, I just got back from a road trip to Savannah, up to Kentucky and back. Updates coming after I get settled back in. Need to get this done.

What a fantastic memory for your daughter and you. Smart move on your part having her practice in the tub.

Sounds like we say the same things to our daughters, "she can do anything she wants. As soon as I am dead and gone" For me that includes extra piercings, tattoos, dating. :rotfl:

One of the best things I ever did was get her certified to scuba dive. We have lots of good memories diving together. She started talking about a tattoo. I don’t know if she is serious or pulling my chain. All I have to say is OVER MY DEAD BODY!

Great update! You seem to know the best of all the best. V&A's is great at it's time, but there are some times when a great burger and fries is all you need. I've never been to Beaches and Cream, but really hope to get there for a good unpretentious meal! The Burgers sound great and so do the sundaes, we'd probably have to split both to really enjoy them.

Glad you got your money and someday we hope to try the indoor skydiving thing too, but there are a lot of mobility issues to overcome. We'll see it if happens.

Looking forward to the next parts of your trip!

B&C is a great place. Well worth the wait. My Disney knowledge comes from years of trial and error. That and advice from the many people out there that love Disney.

:scared1: Although I guess the sign says $2/inch and judging from the picture it looks like they probably gave you a little break on the price.:rotfl2:

They actually measured it twice. Glad she did because the estimate was more than the actual price. The thing that gets you is the beads and the dangly things.

That's why she took you with her.:lmao:

Ain’t that the truth.

Those pictures could be considered cruel and unusual punishment. I always love a good burger and that one looks delicious... and then there's ice cream too!!! :banana:

At least I am also torturing myself. Hungry right now and I just looked back at the pics again. Have to go eat now.

Looks like an enjoyable evening. I'm trying to see if we can squeeze Beaches & Cream in during our trip at some point. Maybe leave DHS and walk over since there's really no place in the studios that I just absolutely have to eat. Burgers and ice cream are always a winning combination. Actually, I'm really hoping our big family trip next year comes together. I can see a few of us running off to face the challenge known as the kitchen sink.:rolleyes1

I would love to get a group together to try a sink. Let me know when you do it. Maybe I can help.

Wow. Nice.
And almost fell off my chair with humble. :rotfl2: ;)

Don’t do that, it would hurt.

I'm sorry CJ.
What a lovely choice to mark his passion.

Thanks. He was a really great guy to be around. One thing for the last couple of years of his life, he quit his well paying job in Orlando as a programer to work on a dive boat as a Divemaster. He followed his dream. The place for the plaque is very beautiful.

:rotfl::rotfl2::rotfl:
And I'm with you on the online check-in. The same.

Many times I have been able to get a better room than what was actually assigned. If it happens great, if not, not a big deal.

You know I thought I was a giving - happy for others -person. I really did.

But I found myself swearing under my breath at this catch. OMG, pure jealousy. PURE UGLY JEALOUSY. :rotfl2:

Now now. If it is any consolation, I have no trips planned. Waiting to see if I can get Aulani next summer.

:laughing:

Fine work.

Lucky there were no radar traps around.

You know what killed me about this entire post - well that you remark about meds, wine and the doctor. :rotfl2:

Hey doc - :lmao: -you know what's next? I think I'll go indoor skydiving! :3dglasses

No worries about the shoulders - they'll do what they want. :rotfl:;);)

Hey, they said I could go scuba DIVING. I just changed scuba to sky.

OMG. How incredibly giving and loving of you. :lmao:

:sad2: :laughing:

:rotfl2: This entire post is priceless.

Should we go back to the mental health box? :lmao:

Thank you and no we will not revisit the health box question.

How incredibly shocking.

It actually felt better than I thought it would.

Nice.

How did you decide on this activity?

Very curious. EDIT: Forget it. I caught up. Found it.

It was fun. Glad I found her segment on it when I was channel surfing.

I have to say, after reading your TR's DH and I did finally get to B&C this trip and we absolutely LOVED IT!! We ate there twice (really ARE the best burgers on property) and also grabbed ice cream a couple of times. It's now on our "must do" list every trip.

Same here. Glad I could help.
 

Your time will come Kate. I have adopted the “her dad is crazy” approach to boys. Worked so far. I am actually thinking about the senior prom. Her school is full of smart geeks and she is not interested in them at all. Maybe she will go stag with all her friends.

:laughing: She's good.

Seventeen years of practice.

Perfect timing. I'll be at BCV in less than a month. Yum.

I love bright and festive. Ice cream I can take or leave but love B&C.


Have a great time. Storm-along-bay and B&C are great things about BCV. Expect a full report.

Sorry I got here a bit late for the Pre Trip, Report and the Trip Report :upsidedow
I was at Disney the same week you were and have not been on the boards too much over the summer.
Thanks for the link to the Festival of the Lion King videos...they really brightened my evening :love:

Glad to see that you are on the mend from the spring!

Better late than ever. Hope you trip was as fun as our was. Have nothing planned in the near future and I am starting to get withdrawals. Thanks for the thoughts on the “recovery.”

You and me both... sometimes I stand there second guessing myself trying to decide which line to get in, knowing that whatever I pick will be wrong. :lmao:

If you see me in a line, get in another one.

That must have been an incredible evening! I would love to be able to experience something like that.:thumbsup2

It was an unbelievable evening. At the time (it still may be true) it was the only time they served alcohol at the Magic Kingdom. Don’t know if they serve drinks at after hour parties or not.

I don't consider that to be cheating. That is just some excellent planning and good use of time.:thumbsup2

Me too. Great minds think alike.

That's a shame. I've never eaten in the castle, and quite frankly, at the price they charge, I don't have much desire to do so. Maybe one of these days if we have our own princess...

It is a shame that they keep charging more and giving less. Thankfully, when my princess was young it was a better deal.

I'm sure she'd do very well as a Disney princess! She should have plenty of experience from observing them.:rotfl2:

She already thinks she is royalty some time. She may go to Central Florida for college and may do the college program. We actually laughed about what Princess she would be. Cindy, NO, Snow, a somewhat no, Ariel, YES, and Belle yes. Actually she admitted if she could be any Princess, she would do it.

You should have said it. I'm sure if nothing else it would have made for an interesting interaction with her.:lmao::rotfl::rotfl2:c

I am sure she would have handled it like Snow White and would all the time be dragging me so I would be in the picture.

I know what you mean... on both points.:rotfl2:

On the Princess discussion she said Jasmine would be cool but I nixed that.

Yea, grades are in, students did well which means I did well. (memememe)

I am not one of those professors who thinks a 2.5 is average. I think if I have a 2.5 average in my class I am not getting the information to the students and I need to reformat my course. Now for three weeks of freedom. Not really because school breaks are when I prep for the next semester’s class. BUT during this break we are going to visit a certain mouse for nine whole days!

The last time we ate at Beaches and Cream, a couple of years ago, a group of 30 or so young folks (in their twenties) were having a “kitchen sink” contest with 4 or 5 of their group at each kitchen sink. It was a blast watching them. It was late, we were tired having just arrived in Florida and just wanted to eat – anywhere. BC was close and they said we could sit at the counter as they had a large group coming in. We had just gotten our order when all CMs started doing a mad dash in building the sinks. At first we had no idea of what was happening but a nice young lady sitting beside us recording the contest told us about the contest. She said once a year this group comes in and has their contest (not sponsored by BC). The group sitting behind us won. As soon as they finished they stood up and started singing (not very well), “We are the champions of the….” . It was a great way to start our vacation.

Your princess looks like a princess regards of her garb. By the way, that is a very cute outfit.

So where is the picture of your sword? Yea for Miss Snow for making you stand and having your photo made.

Congratulations on molding the minds of America’s youth. Good attitude on the teaching profession. If you don’t mind asking Professor, what do you teach? Great story on the contest. Must have been fun to watch but I can only imagine the rushing around by the wait staff trying to get them all together. Have fun on the trip (or if you are there, I hope you are having fun). Post of a sword pic after the next dive trip.

Thanks for the kind words about the “kid.” She has a royal attitude at times and she has the princess wave down. Not a big fan of pictures of myself, but how could I turn down that sweet high pitched voice.

This from a Disney Blog on the Kitchen Sink contents:

The legendary Kitchen Sink dessert at Beaches and Cream at Disney’s Beach Club Resort is a gargantuan bowl, er, kitchen sink, overflowing with sugary treats. Here’s the list of what’s included:

½ cup fudge topping, warmed
½ cup butterscotch topping, warmed
½ cup peanut butter topping, warmed
1 medium banana, sliced in 1/2 –inch slices
1 cinnamon spice cupcake (2 ½ x 1 ¼-inch), quartered
1 angel food cupcake (3 x 1 ½-inch), quartered
2 4-oz. scoops vanilla ice cream
2 4-oz. scoops chocolate ice cream
2 4-oz. scoops strawberry ice cream
1 4-oz. scoop mint chocolate chip ice cream
1 4-oz. scoop coffee ice cream
3 tablespoons chocolate syrup
¼ cup marshmallow crème
¼ cup strawberry topping
¼ cup pineapple topping
1 14-oz can dairy whipped topping
1 brownie (6-inch x 6-inch), quartered
1 regular-sized (2 ounce) candy bar, quartered
4 chocolate cookies with cream filling
1 tablespoon sliced toasted almonds
1 tablespoon dark and white chocolate shavings
1 tablespoon chocolate cookies with cream filling, crushed
1 tablespoon chopped jellied orange slices (approximately 2 large slices)
1 tablespoon milk chocolate chip morsels
1 tablespoon peanut butter chip morsels
1 tablespoon chocolate sprinkles
1 tablespoon rainbow sprinkles
½ cup drained maraschino cherries

Nice shots of your Princess! So now you order entrees there? When I went they brought you some of everything and replenished each dish as requested. For the price they charge they should be serving caviar with breakfast. (Although, I'm not sure I would enjoy that, but it's the point!) :lmao:

You used to be able to order the regular breakfast or the yogurt granola thing. The regular breakfast they would serve you of plate of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns and the stuffed french toast. If you wanted more of anything all you had to do was ask. Same now except that they separated the stuffed french toast into another breakfast selection. I would imagine if I asked for it, they would have brought it. Didn’t want to bother but should have. The french toast was the best thing on the menu.

I'm glad I can say I've eaten there because I'm not sure I'll be back.

Not sure if I will go back for a while. The only reason we did it this time was DD wanted to do it.

OT but looking at your early morning picture of the MK and your princess, I remember what you said about getting up early for rope drop when we take our DGD to WDW. Not knowing IF that will ever come to pass ( for all kinds of reasons), I knew I could do one thing with her. My DH and I took her to Disneyland last weekend to watch the Disneyland All American College Band. Our push stroller was denied entry and my DH took it back to the car. I carried my DGD (20 months old) into the park to wait for him and put her down in Town Square to watch the kids. She took my hand and we walked down Main Street toward the castle, exactly what I had wanted to do with her. It was just the memory I wanted, hand in hand with her pointing at the castle. Not quite 2 years old but knowing exactly where she wanted to go.

I'm going to confess here...we haven't ever gone to a character meal at WDW.:eek: I'm so enjoying your TR, just might have to visit Cindy's with my DGD.

Great memory. I did that with my daughter and hopefully will do it with her kids many years from now. Good for her knowing where to go. You can tell she was brought up the right way. NO CHARACTER MEAL? That will change soon.
 
On the Princess discussion she said Jasmine would be cool but I nixed that.
:thumbsup2 Good call. :lmao::rotfl2::rotfl:

½ cup fudge topping, warmed
½ cup butterscotch topping, warmed
½ cup peanut butter topping, warmed
1 medium banana, sliced in 1/2 –inch slices
1 cinnamon spice cupcake (2 ½ x 1 ¼-inch), quartered
1 angel food cupcake (3 x 1 ½-inch), quartered
2 4-oz. scoops vanilla ice cream
2 4-oz. scoops chocolate ice cream
2 4-oz. scoops strawberry ice cream
1 4-oz. scoop mint chocolate chip ice cream
1 4-oz. scoop coffee ice cream
3 tablespoons chocolate syrup
¼ cup marshmallow crème
¼ cup strawberry topping
¼ cup pineapple topping
1 14-oz can dairy whipped topping
1 brownie (6-inch x 6-inch), quartered
1 regular-sized (2 ounce) candy bar, quartered
4 chocolate cookies with cream filling
1 tablespoon sliced toasted almonds
1 tablespoon dark and white chocolate shavings
1 tablespoon chocolate cookies with cream filling, crushed
1 tablespoon chopped jellied orange slices (approximately 2 large slices)
1 tablespoon milk chocolate chip morsels
1 tablespoon peanut butter chip morsels
1 tablespoon chocolate sprinkles
1 tablespoon rainbow sprinkles
½ cup drained maraschino cherries
OK, this thing looks absolutely delicious in every way except for that coffee ice cream part. I am not a coffee drinker and can not stand anything that has that flavor to it. I'd be afraid a scoop of that would begin to melt and contaminate everything else with that flavor. :scared1:
 
Love ,love your trip report -
Sounds like you have had a very busy summer ,so glad your
feeling better !
I'm sure having so many fun things planned helps keep you going and
in turn you stronger and closer to your A game everyday :thumbsup2
 
I hope your trip to Savannah and KY was a good one. I am anxiously awaiting an update. :rolleyes1 School starts in three weeks, and we have new faculty orientation in two weeks. My free time will start to be a mere summer memory. Not that I am pushing you to hurry at all!


OK, this thing looks absolutely delicious in every way except for that coffee ice cream part. I am not a coffee drinker and can not stand anything that has that flavor to it. I'd be afraid a scoop of that would begin to melt and contaminate everything else with that flavor. :scared1:

I've read on the restaurant boards that you can substitute different flavors of ice cream if you need/want. You can change those scoops to a different flavor and enjoy!!!
 
Have nothing planned in the near future and I am starting to get withdrawals.

I hear you on the withdrawl thing...that's why I am going back next week!
One Kitchen Sink for my DD's birthday instead of a cake-thanks for the itemized list from the blog so I can calculate my workouts ahead of time ;)
 
...If you don’t mind asking Professor, what do you teach?

I'ma ... :crazy2: ... professor of psychology. I was “trained” to be a researcher, teaching was supposed to be one of those unpleasant things you had to do when working in academia in order to do your research. My first job after graduation was at a university and I found out I like to teach, I like to interact with the students. I did not enjoy the research aspect of the job so I started looking for a gig where I could focus on teaching. I now teach at an inner city community college and it is a great job, a bit challenging at times and the school is located in an area where I would not want to have car trouble at night or very early in the morning but otherwise I think I have one of the best jobs on earth.


...Your time will come Kate. I have adopted the “her dad is crazy” approach to boys. Worked so far. I am actually thinking about the senior prom. Her school is full of smart geeks and she is not interested in them at all. Maybe she will go stag with all her friends.

We had a conversation last night during dinner about “crazy people” and people with psychological disorders. Our neighbor is crazy, not a thing wrong with him psychologically but he is nuts, scary nuts. I take it you are pretending to be the “scary nuts” type of dad.

...kitchen sink.

I wonder how many calories are in a kitchen sink?

Now for “proud mama” time, my daughter just had her braces removed and is one happy child. Me too because her million dollar smile did not cost quite that much although at the time we paid for them it felt like we were spending a million dollars. Rather than splash her photo all over disboards (yes, I am excited about the outcome of money well spent, not just for appearance but because I know it will avoid future dental problems) I posted a before and after photo here. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2732915&page=26
 
Day 5 Thursday, June 16: Part 2 MK AKA Bye Snow

First up after breakfast was Snow White’s Scary Adventures. Decided to do this one last time before they replace it with the Dwarfs’ Mine Train or whatever they are going to call it. Last time we rode it was years ago so decided to say goodbye.

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Ooooh, Scary
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Our mine train. Sneezy. Appropriate because DD sneezes a lot.
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“I’m Wishing.” For what, I don’t know.
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More Scary
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Bye Snow. Always hate to see an original go but what the heck. At least not as wounded as much when they took out Toad.
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Then it was a walk around the Fantasyland construction walls
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It is coming along
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This expansion is going to be massive. Can’t wait until it gets done. Too bad my little one is no longer little. She is still going to want to ride them all so dad can tag along and not feel like an idiot riding dueling Dumbos solo.
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The Fantasyland entrance to the skyway is now gone. One of the Disney regrets I have is that I never rode the skyway. Too late now. It is unfortunate they could not repurpose the building because I always thought it was architecturally interesting.
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We were on our way to the Haunted Mansion. When I was here in March, the interactive queue was having soft openings and most of it wasn’t working. Today it was.
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I heard that these statues were suppose to do things but not today. Maybe a false rumor.
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A few more pics
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The Ravenscroft organ
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The Captain
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The books replicating the Library scene. They pop out randomly and you push them back in. Kind of like whack-a-mole for books. The symbols form a saying or sayings if you decipher it right. The message probably says, “Buy more plush toys especially Duffy the Bear.” (Christmas Story reference).
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The poetry book. It starts a poem and expects guests to provide the last word.
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Almost out of Pic space so the rest of the morning will be in the next post...
 
Still at the HM

Miss Leota
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Now she sees you
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Now she doesn’t
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He is now relegated to the Pet Cemetery. We miss you Toad.
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Then it was over to Tomorrowland. But first DD wanted to watch the Dream Along with Mickey show.
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I don’t know about you but the blinking eyes on the new characters can go. Many of my pics of the show are characters with their eyes closed.
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I’m scared, are you?
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Everything is OK, thankfully
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Standing for the show was the only time my back really hurt. Needed to sit down so where did we go?
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Buzz was a manageable wait so we decided to try it. Time to kick DD’s butt. Final score.
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In my defense, she was working the joystick and just as I was zooming in for a big score item, she would move the car away. To be completely honest, she usually kicks my butt but the last time we road it together I got something like 700,000 points. Don’t ask me how. I am not trying to hide any secrets but I don’t know how I did it.

From there it was over to the Washer and Dryer. Big Thunder was fun as usual. I thought I took a video of the ride but I can’t find it anywhere. It may be on the other computer that still needs to be fixed.

I was really disappointed with Splash. Many and I mean many of the AA and other effects were not working. I am used to some things out every time I ride it but this was ridiculous. In need of a major rehab.
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Nothing like stretching out on the front porch
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Getting a little tired so we decided to head out for the day. After all we still have Epcot tonight and planned on both MK & Epcot tomorrow.

We got trapped by the Move it Shake it parade
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Took a picture of the wait board. Really surprised by the very manageable crowds. This was around 12:30.
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So it was out of the park for a rest back at the Boardwalk. Overall a good morning. Breakfast was OK (Princess liked the interaction with the Princesses, and we rode some of our favorites. Did it all in a relaxed pace in plenty of time to chill at the BW and have plenty of time at Epcot.

Up next: The end of the day at Epcot, Dinner and Illuminations. AKA Ooooh, Ahhhh.
 
I've reallyenjoyed your TR's over the years. Although the trip details change, the closeness between you and your dd is constant. As a fellow parent of a teenager, that's no small feat!! Thanks for sharing, and I hope you continue to get better.

We were at Jambo House the same week as your trip. It was a nice time to go, not terribly crowded, and the heat wasn't too bad. DH always takes our older dd and I take our 5 yr old (she has some special needs, so it's better that we all split up for the day). When I read your TR's I think about DH and DD. They too have a special bond, and have a great time together.

Anyway, thanks as always, and best wishes to your dd for her senior year!!
 
Still enjoying your TR! You and your daughter remind me so much of my relationship with my dad growing up. My parents divorced when I was very young, and I would go visit my dad in California and he would take me to Disneyland. He was (and still is) a big kid, like you - enjoying all things Disney just as much as I did. Special memories - and now he comes with us to take my daughters to Disney! I love watching him with my girls having a blast on the rides and making it all as magical for them as he did for me.
Looking forward to more! :goodvibes
 
Sorry, Sorry, Sorry.

Things are really busy right now. Getting DD ready for school and a major redo of the kitchen.

See, I am not lying. Still waiting on the cabinets.
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Plus some work on the family room
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OK, where were we. Back at the Boardwalk.

I was getting hungry so over to ESPN. DD doesn’t like the place so her loss. I love it. A sports fan’s paradise. Where else do they have TVs in the bathrooms? Had the chicken dinger appetizers. Basically boneless chicken wings. Mild or Hot? Not sure how hot it was so ordered them mild with a side of hot sauce. Mild was relatively plain and the hot was a little too much so the combination went really well. Good size portion, tasty for bar food. Total was around $15 less discount plus tax and tip.

From there, back to the room for what else, a nap. Nice to be able to relax at Disney. Since owning DVC, my park touring has radically changed. No more bell to bell commando mode. Well, once in a while, but not today. Or this trip.

Well rested, it was time for the two of us to head over to EPCOT. The plan was to tour World Showcase until dinner at the Rose and Crown. While leaving the MK and riding the bus back to the BW, I posed an option to the child. We can blow off the parks tomorrow and just relax at the resort. Totally her choice. I would do either.

She decided the hotel for tomorrow so we changed the game plan a bit. We were headed to Future World for a few rides. But first these guys were playing.
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It was near the end of their set so we watched for a few minutes. Not a big fan but better than fingernails on a blackboard.

On the way to FW we saw these guys.
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Not a big fan of the sequel but again, better than fingernails on a blackboard. We saw it on IMAX 3D and the 3D was OK. Spent the extra bucks not because we wanted to but because we didn’t want to wait an hour for the 2D showing. After it was over, my only comment was, “Too much Mater.” Liked the topiaries though. May have been left from the Flower and Garden Festival.

Soarin was out of the question so we opted for the single rider line for Test Track. Not that missing Soarin is a big deal for me. If you read my other trip reports, I believe Soaring is “borin.” Wait for TT was about 35 minutes but every time I ride this I get a headache. Not from the ride but the queue. That techno, slam-bam noises drive me crazy. Next time my I-Pod to pass the time.

Thats got to hurt
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Talk about headaches
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Never noticed this sign before. Year TT opened. Nice touch.
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Also something I never noticed. An aerial view of TT. Pretty cool.
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The mass exodus out of the preshow
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A blurry view. Thought I took a video of the speed run but can’t find it. Maybe on the other computer that is still broke.
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Scary. She has her learner’s permit and even has a car. She can’t take the test until October so she still needs to drive with me. My biggest fears are about to start. Not to mention my wallet when the insurance costs skyrocket.
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From there, my favorite ride in all of WDW. Yes, Mission Space. I know a lot of people hate this ride but I love it. Orange side of course.

Recreation of Mission Control?
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Too bad they don’t let you suit up before the ride.
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I always loved our exploration of space. One regret is that I never saw a shuttle launch at the Cape. Hopefully the US will be launching again soon.
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Sorry Horizon fans (I was one) but this is a beautiful pavilion
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Crowds again were not very bad. Borin had only a 60 minute wait. We would have ridden it if we had time. Didn’t so we were headed to Spaceship Earth. Dame Edna (Yes I know it is Judy Dench) is often maligned as the new narrator but it is mostly the script. “Thank the Phoneticians.” My favorite of all time was Walter.
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It was getting close to dinner time so we headed to the UK. First the mandatory shot of the fountains.
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“Club Cool. We have to stop at Club Cool.” Why? Because the Princess likes a couple of the selections there. No, not Beverly. Although we have enjoyed tempting others to partake of that sweet nectar.
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Why the long face?
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Opps. We missed it by about 15 minutes.
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Her hopes dashed we walked to the UK. Dinner at the Rose and Crown. First time for either of us.

Love the gardens area.
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And the architecture.
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Pic space is almost out so the next installment will be dinner and Illuminations.
 

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