ABCs of a Nursing School Grad Trip + FL Keys Mini Report;D is for: Dang! Last Chapter of this TR...

[glennbo123]

Now, my guy readers... I did not forget you. I aim to please and I don't think I've failed you.... Here ya go:

Just two photos? And no zoom on that camera of yours? Well, thanks for thinking of us at least.

I think every man, woman and child now has a Disney Visa, so meh…. Not sure I’d go back unless I REALLY needed to charge the phone and was desperate.

Good to know!

 

[Steppesister]

Overall, a great shopping trip. I think you found some great souvenirs, and I love that it allowed you to go inside each pavilion and explore it more than most guests do. Plus, a solo morning? That's great!

YES!!! Exploring at my own leisure PLUS Solo time! Just doesn't get much better!

I was entertained by your Germany description. Now that I live over here, the explanation of the buildings and statues made a lot more sense. And yes, that one in the back really does remind me of Burg Eltz!

That's a place I have not been. Someday.... someday...

Whew, that Chase Lounge did seem crowded. I suppose everyone was looking for a place to escape the heat and recharge phones.

Yeah, not my thang, unless needed. And actually, in this case it was. With Meets happening in not too long after that, a phone was pretty necessary.

I did learn that you can also charge your phones in the Space Mountain gift shop as well. Spend me some boring solo time in there as well.

Just two photos? And no zoom on that camera of yours? Well, thanks for thinking of us at least.

This was the day I had my 18-22 wide angle on, so no, not today. Plus... .well, lady taking pictures of that. Just, no. I have some from my last trip I could dredge up though.... They are.... ummmm... better.

Good to know!

Maybe NOT during F&W would be better, I don't know. It was just very hectic and not fun.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I think I stole that actually from either Mark or ponzi.

I thought it might have been you... Thanks for that. I stole it.

I believe I've always called it FiveBucks while @pkondz goes with the equally appropriate $tarbucks. So you made up a nice hybrid there.

I think I like the German Pavilion because I’ve done some exploring of Germany and it does bring back some very fond memories- especially those spent with Magdalene (@Flossbolna ) and Katharina (@nodnol ). What a delightful trip to Nuremberg they helped us have, despite having tragically sick family during our stay.

I can see where that would bring back excellent memories!

I even found a pretty elusive Hidden Mickey:

Nice one!

Perhaps it is just me, but the teensy tiny train is pretty hard to pass up. So I didn’t. I spent probably a good 20 minutes just watching the thing go around and around and around. Mesmerizing. Did you know they put up little banners on the lamp posts for Food and Wine?

I did not know that! But I can definitely see the appeal of watching trains. Because trains.

DANG IT! Just over the allotment. OH well, they’re pretty enough that I did it anyway. Sorry, if that messed some of you up on The Contest.

Oh, that's fine. I can't even remember what I guessed.

Sidle on up, Girlie- time for a Not Your Father's Hard Root Beer:

That stuff is dangerous!

No. Not IN the pond, but nearby. Sheesh. I wasn't that stinky.

Now, my guy readers... I did not forget you. I aim to please and I don't think I've failed you.... Here ya go:

Thanks, Liesa. I appreciate that. I've always liked the architecture of that stage area.

$9.50 only partially down the crapper, but at least none on her shirt. 1 for 2 today in that department.

That's a great batting average in baseball.

Pat flashed her card faster than Janet Jackson flashes a Super Bowl crowd and BAM!

Free Cokes and water flowed from never-ending fountains, and did I mention there was glorious air conditioning as well? NO? Oh. There was air conditioning. But no seating. We didn’t stay long. Just enough time to re-charge our phones, and take in the crowd.

I'd sit on the floor. I'm not proud.

In fact, my favorite pieces are some wall sconce candle holders that @Captain_Oblivious and Julie sent me.

Excellent! Julie will be very happy that you've put them to good use.

 

[Steppesister]

I can see where that would bring back excellent memories!

We've talked about a re-do many, many times.

I did not know that! But I can definitely see the appeal of watching trains. Because trains.

I so wanted to do the Behind the Steam Tour this time, but it wasn't running. Always next time, I guess. Because... .trains.

Oh, that's fine. I can't even remember what I guessed.

I'll get guesses up soon.

That stuff is dangerous!

I know. This one actually was insidious. And delicious.

Thanks, Liesa. I appreciate that. I've always liked the architecture of that stage area.

Oh yes.... just lovely!

That's a great batting average in baseball.

In this case, I'm not sure I wanna up my game.

I'd sit on the floor. I'm not proud.

Oh, you have no idea how many times I"ve parked my kiester on the curb.

Excellent! Julie will be very happy that you've put them to good use.

I see them every day and think of you guys.

 

[GoofyFan1515]

Okay, well at least this one wasn't ALL shopping. Drinks, architecture and trains are always a good thing! You also got some other really nice pictures, and a couple of really impressive sights to boo.........t!

Can't believe you got pictures of two other Hidden Mickey's and didn't mention it, but the one you captured in Germany was

 

[orangecats2]

I a mask from Italy! And not the little one you got. But not $850 either. Hopefully something less than $50.

 

[pooh'smate]

We've talked about a re-do many, many times.



I so wanted to do the Behind the Steam Tour this time, but it wasn't running. Always next time, I guess. Because... .trains.

We were there right before you and we were able to that tour and it was really good. Our tour guide said that tour is the first one allowed in the park and we were able to see the cast members drying everything off.

 

[Steppesister]

Okay, well at least this one wasn't ALL shopping. Drinks, architecture and trains are always a good thing! You also got some other really nice pictures, and a couple of really impressive sights to boo.........t!

Can't believe you got pictures of two other Hidden Mickey's and didn't mention it, but the one you captured in Germany was

Hey, I take care of all my readers.

Well, I know the one on the prince on the left in Germany on his crown. Not sure of which other one you're talking about...

I a mask from Italy! And not the little one you got. But not $850 either. Hopefully something less than $50.

They are impressive and there are so many styles! Not sure what you could get for under $50. My little fridge magnet was $12.

 

[Steppesister]

We were there right before you and we were able to that tour and it was really good. Our tour guide said that tour is the first one allowed in the park and we were able to see the cast members drying everything off.

yeah! I have NO idea what was up for our day? or week? or...? Brook tried and tried to get one for us and nope.

It certainly does start early, so I can imagine a fair amount of "behind the scenes" park maintenance would be still going on.

 

[pooh'smate]

yeah! I have NO idea what was up for our day? or week? or...? Brook tried and tried to get one for us and nope.

It certainly does start early, so I can imagine a fair amount of "behind the scenes" park maintenance would be still going on.

Our guide said it was one of the most popular tours. It was so neat to ride around the park before it opened.

 

[GoofyFan1515]

Well, I know the one on the prince on the left in Germany on his crown. Not sure of which other one you're talking about...

The drain in the bottom of this picture, slightly left of center among the rocks. There is a Hidden Mickey right in the middle of it.

 

[Steppesister]

Our guide said it was one of the most popular tours. It was so neat to ride around the park before it opened.

Excellent to know!! I really need to get myself on it!

The drain in the bottom of this picture, slightly left of center among the rocks. There is a Hidden Mickey right in the middle of it.

OH Geez.... DUH!!!! I actually found and posted that one on my last TR, and specifically took it FOR the HM. Thanks! It WILL count towards the ones for The Contest, certainly.

 

[orangecats2]

Also meant to say that Japan has one of our favorite QS spots. DH liked the sushi and the pavilion is so pretty! But we did sit inside because it was so hot!!!
Next trip I want to try to get to Via Napoli for lunch one day. Want to try that famous pizza.

 

[Steppesister]

Also meant to say that Japan has one of our favorite QS spots. DH liked the sushi and the pavilion is so pretty! But we did sit inside because it was so hot!!!
Next trip I want to try to get to Via Napoli for lunch one day. Want to try that famous pizza.

Glad you liked that one!

I'll be getting to VN later.... not sure where it'll fit in with the alphabetical approach.

 

[Steppesister]

J is for: Just a Little Jig​

With plenty of time wasted after hearing, “Welcome Home!”, baggage ridiculousness, the Premiere of the Incredible Children’s Disappearing Act, Scene I, and the debut of Let’s Waste Time, we finally headed out to DTD- our usual Arrival Day tradition. Yes, we made it with 1 minute to spare. You think I’m exaggerating per my usual Trip Report writing style. I am not. We barg… er made our way politely into the door of Raglan Road, passed the line that stretched out the door, and approached the podium at 5:59. That was cutting it WAY too close.


I was in a (more than usual) pushy mood and told the hostess that we’d wait up to half an hour extra for a table near the stage. Yes, they said it’d be about that long. Fine. Stuff to do. I’ll cut straight to the chase and tell you it was FAR more than worth it: 1) because I had time to grab Drink Letter A (my Air Pirate Mule) from Jock Lindsay’s (but only very barely) and 2) it was near the stage.


For those of you who’ve been to Raglan, please feel free to absolutely disregard this post. For those of you who haven’t…WHY haven’t you?! Shame on you!!! You’ve been missing out!


We were handed our cute little heart attack-inducing pager device and were told to toddle off for a while. So, we did. In different directions. It didn’t take me long to ditch the kids…. Er… I mean let them discover Disney on their own. Eh hem…..


I had only just ordered my Mule when, as you already know from my DTD Chapter, I was flashed. 10 minutes. It was then that I discovered that Disney lies. If they tell you it’s going to be half an hour, it will be far less, and you’ll be knee deep into something else. If they say it’ll be 5 minutes, I can guarantee you it’ll be 45. And yes, it did happen, but that’s getting ahead of myself.

With drink in hand, (yes, I did waltz into the place with a drink from somewhere else) we 3 were seated in the PRIMO HOUSE SEAT!!! A 3 Topper Bistro just up off the main stage seating area. Just raised enough to see over the heads of those seated… down there. You know that scene in The Return of the King when Gollum is dancing around in glee with the ring in his hand? Yeah, pretty much that was me at having scored the best table in the house. And I swear it wasn’t the Mule talking.



As we were seated the band and dancers were between sets, so we had time to look over the menu and evaluate our appetites. Except that I’m an anal planner and I’d already decided about a year before we sat down what we’d be getting. Good thing my kids know better than to mouth off. Okay, okay. Just kidding. I’m not THAT bad. But we did order what I’d planned, with the addition of a tomato soup for Zach to add a little filler for him. Our server, or rather servers were very nice and brought us the Irish bread service with Guiness dipping something or rather. It was amazing. But that’s not what I was here for. I was here for sausages. And mashed potatoes. Because mashed potatoes.






It was plenty for all of us to share 3 ways. We’ve been over this before… we just aren’t big eaters. Besides, we were much too entranced with the Irish dancing. It was like a mini River Dance, but you know, up close and personal. And it was serious amounts of fun. We clapped, we watched mesmerized, we ate, we laughed, and there was no small amount of, “WOW, Mom! This is amazing!” going on… even from my 14 and 18-year old cynical, too-cool-for-school kids. To this day, when I ask them about the things they loved the most and remember as the most fun things we did, they bring this dinner up.

Now, enjoy the photos, all too many of them, of the Raglan Road Irish Dancing and live music.












The next few were of a really neat part of the show in which this guy dancer and the bodhran drummer had a duel. The drummer would play a rhythm and the dancer would have the chance to match it. It got faster and more complicated as they went on. The crowd was going nuts!

















I’d heard about the legendary Bread Pudding from here, but by the time we ordered it, we were just too full. I know, LAME. We got it to go and ate it later with some ice cream from Ghiradelli's later that evening. Remember? After we danced out little tooshies off at the DTD Dance Party?


So… who should go to Ragland Road?


EVERYONE! This is a MAJOR 2 thumbs up from Steppe!! Kids, adults, tweens, everyone who has a soul will love this place. If you’ve been and you don’t like it, well, sorry, I probably just offended you. Then again, if you don’t like mashed potatoes and sausages and Irish Dancing, you should probably re-examine your life.

 

[KathyM2]

I'm so glad you loved RR and also waited for the table near the stage. When we went, we had to crane our necks or stand up to see anything and even then the view wasn't great. We still had fun but I had table envy for those who could sit and eat and drink AND watch the show at the same time! I love your pics!

 

[Steppesister]

I'm so glad you loved RR and also waited for the table near the stage. When we went, we had to crane our necks or stand up to see anything and even then the view wasn't great. We still had fun but I had table envy for those who could sit and eat and drink AND watch the show at the same time! I love your pics!

I think I enjoyed it even moreso knowing that Zach and Anara were also. I think it's something they'll remember about Disney for a very long time. I'm so happy we scored a great table. It made it just so much more enjoyable!

Thanks!! I think they turned out well for being a dark place.

 

[Flossbolna]

I think I need to re-examine my life, but I did enjoy your pretty pictures!!

 

[Steppesister]

I think I need to re-examine my life, but I did enjoy your pretty pictures!!

HAHAHA!!!

Ok, but seriously.... you don't like sausages potatoes and irish dancing?!?!

 

[franandaj]

I probably need to re-examine my life based on your criteria. Sausages and mashed potatoes, yes, in fact we had Bangers and mash for dinner on Thursday night, but loud bands and Irish dancing not so much. In fact when I ate at Raglan Road we sat outside so that we could all chat. Most of had the Fish and Chips. We left when the band started setting up.