The ABCs of a New 'Ohana Adventure-G is for: Greetings From Teppan, Good-Byes, and Good News!!! - COMPLETED 1/7

[pkondz]

Mornings suck

Yes.

Full stop.

Except when you’re at Disney and headed to your favorite park.

Yes, as well!

As with most Disney planners who don’t want to, you know, wait in horrendous lines (and by that I mean anything over 20 minutes) plan.

I've just written about standing in a 45 minute line for TSMM... but... you have to pick your battles at DHS. (And now it's even worse!)

A lot of planning went into the 9-day itinerary. A. Lot. EMH’s, park hours, a balance of time in each park, who wanted to do what, extra stuff we’re doing, where we wanted to eat…

Nah. I'm just gonna wing it.

Having done RD three times in all of my last trips, I can affirm that the time they let you in and line you up at Pandora is WELL before the advertised time.

I did know this. Contemplating doing it... but probably won't.

Word to the wise: line up at 6:15 at security for a 6:30 tapstile entry to the Pandora holding area, and a 7:00, or just before, entry to the actual FOP queue.

This is for an 8am opening time?

If you cannot jog, risk being jostled, have a short temper, or are claustrophobic, sit this out. No really. It was terrifying. I won’t do it again alone but will once with my kids.

Karma's a B though, and there's more to the story that I'll tell on my other TR later today if you're interested.

Ohhh... I'll be reading that next. Should be interesting...

The goal is to be on a bus by 11:00.

That's not like you. Normally you spend the better part of a day there, don't you?

That said, I made FiPs for SE, Soarin’, and Figment but may or may not use them all.

Figment????
And Soarin' instead of TT?

how often does one get to eat anything by a Disney-real volcano with boats floating by, or under a faux twilight sky?

Good point. We'll see if the lackluster food (hopefully not, though) is overshadowed by the décor.

Not die getting on FOP

Oy.

Your turn! Have you been to the Food and Wine Festival?

If so, what has been your most memorable (good or bad) dish? And more importantly, how can I design my car to beat my son?

It had to be the Kalua pork. I shared a bunch with some friends. It was fun!

As for the car... no idea. Although the BF of one of the aforementioned friends typically scores best of day. No idea how.

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Hi Liesa, signing in! Would have been here sooner but I was working like crazy and I am now on vacation visiting family so my Dis time has been limited this month.

I am super jealous of your two night stay at the Poly; I would love to stay there one day. Crossing my fingers for you that the Skyliner starts running earlier than expected to make transport easier for you at CBR.

For my favourite resort it is a tie between WL and AKL. WL is so beautiful and I have a sentimental attachment to it as it was our "first" WDW resort. I try and get back there for a visit every trip even if we aren't staying there. It is just so relaxing, it is themed beautifully and I enjoy the boat ride to Magic Kingdom. My other favourite is AKL. It is so immersive, the food offerings are great, the pool is wonderful to spend an afternoon at and nothing beats sitting on your balcony and watching the animals.

Our arrival tradition is also to start at DTD. It just makes sense to go there and have a relaxing start to the vacation. I enjoy browsing the shops to get an idea of things that I may want to purchase, grabbing snacks or a meal from one of the many great restaurants and I always love stopping at Basin and grabbing some lovely bath bombs.

 

[ariane37]

Before dinner, depending on how long ME and check-in takes, we’ll probably have time to squeeze in a drink and appie at Jock’s. Love that place and it’s right across the way. I think the kids will enjoy the theming there as well.

This sounds perfect to me since we love Jock's! I also really like the idea of DS on arrival day. It used to be that we never went to DS or just went for a bit so the kids could visit the LEGO store and WOD; it was never a place Steve and I needed to spend time. But now with all the delicious food offerings and awesome lounges we hate to skip it! We went directly to Jock's pretty much last week when we went and unless we have an early morning arrival on a short trip I think more and more DS will be our first stop on upcoming trips

Arrival Day Must-Do's- None really, although I might see if Jock's has a souvenir mug.

I believe they do! Whenever I get my cool-headed monkey they ask if I want the cup but so far I haven't. Although I did mean to buy a Jock's t-shirt last week and forgot.....guess it means I go back next month!

And now.... your turn! What is your favorite thing to do or place to go at DTD?

Um........jock's?

I imagine I’ll be able to talk the kids into a cinnamon roll and a breakfast sandwich at Kusafiri’s

That cinnamon roll is divine

The kids, believe it or not, want to do LwtL

I actually love LwtL, especially the seasonal changes they make throughout the year. When you're there, there will probably be some nice touches for the F&W festival

After that’s done, we’ll start making our way around WS going counter-clockwise winding up in Mexico for an ADR at San Angel.

This is a new place for me and, while I’m quite aware of its spectacularly mixed reviews, I am mostly going there for the theming and the simple fact that I’ve not done it before. I have heard that the service is beyond sucky, and the food is at best mediocre

Well, we really LIKE SAI so I hope you do too! We ate there in Feb. after a few years' absence. My meal was great and Steve declared his snapper dish the best meal of the trip??? Which is usually reserved for a signature so that say's a lot! And he's talked about that meal many times since; we'll be back. I don't remember our service being bad either! It doesn't stand out as great but doesn't stand out as having taken too long or our server being nonexistent or anything like that.

 

[Steppesister]

Yes I thought my chicken was very salty. But the girls all enjoyed their meals so maybe it was just me. I don’t think any of us is dying to go back.

I'd sure like to try it at least once. Someday....

 

[Steppesister]

That's fine. They can enjoy missing out on the good rides and being forced to go to the Country Bear Jamboree on their trip.

I'k okay with that.

Have never eaten there. Someday I need to fix that.

Yes, you do!

And I'm dying to get over there. It's just never worked out.

Next trip! Send the kids out shopping or whatever, and sit for a spell with a drink. OR, better yet, since I DO think your kids would enjoy it too, go there for appies for dinner (they are big enough) and hit up Raglan for dessert and watch the show.

I'm kinda boring. Most of the shops don't interest me, so I usually just end up at World of Disney if there's something I wanted in the parks earlier but didn't pick up. I wish the art store had more affordable offerings.

Me neither tbh, but my answer in the next post.

I'd like to spend more time there and try more of the restaurants. Really liked Homecomin' there and I want to get to Jock's. Someday.

I'm sure you'll get there! You just need to build it into the Plan purposefully and commit to it. You won't be sorry!

 

[Steppesister]

This brings back memories of the opening day of Pandora. I did post FB life video while we were headed to FOP with the masses.

YIKES! I cannot even imagine! Although, I picture this with my kids when we hit up SWGE in 3 weeks.

You have a great plan for hitting the thrill rides and grabbing some grub.

I think it'll work out well and get us to bed at a decent hour for AK RD!

We ate here in 2004 and really enjoyed it. DH keeps asking to go back, he really liked the atmosphere and his margarita. There are just so many other places to try. I'm interested to see what you think afterwards.

I am hopeful that it's going to be a great experience.

Can't help you on either of these. I haven't been to F& W yet and I never get to design the car.

Really?! I thought you'd been there since it runs for so long. It's almost hard to avoid F&W now. LOL! I've designed a few, and they've all been losers. LOL!

 

[Steppesister]

Sorry, it's unlisted.

Are you hoarding the pixie dust?

Sure...
Because you'll renew after you start your next trip.

Honestly not sure... thinking I might change things up a bit after this.

I'm sure I will. Maybe I'll get a chance this upcoming trip, but... not sure.

I sure hope so!!

What the heck are Magic Rocks???

Crystals that grow in water.

 

[Steppesister]

I've just written about standing in a 45 minute line for TSMM... but... you have to pick your battles at DHS. (And now it's even worse!)

DHS is an entirely different animal, and I HATE what they've done to how you have to tour that park, which leads ME to just not touring it much, if at all. Ride the one or two rides you can, and jet out. SWGE may change that since it's new, but sad..... The shops suck, the shows are stale (but I AM looking forward to finally seeing Frozen Sing Along), and there's only one restaurant I like (HBD) but now with the recent excellent reviews of Mama's I want to try that too.

Nah. I'm just gonna wing it.

Good luck with that.

I did know this. Contemplating doing it... but probably won't.

It was worth it. Was hard, but worth it.

This is for an 8am opening time?

7:00 EMH and 8:00 hard opening.

That's not like you. Normally you spend the better part of a day there, don't you?

Yes, but we have 2 others dips into the park- another morning and an afternoon/evevning.

Figment????
And Soarin' instead of TT?

Since we won't be there until later, and WS is far more enjoyable to my crew, we may skip it. It may very well be a throw away. Depends on how quickly after we get there that we get hungry.

Good point. We'll see if the lackluster food (hopefully not, though) is overshadowed by the décor.

I've had two posters say that they liked it- Ariane and Vanessa. So maybe this is one of those cases I just need to try it for myself and reserve judgement.

It had to be the Kalua pork. I shared a bunch with some friends. It was fun!

As for the car... no idea. Although the BF of one of the aforementioned friends typically scores best of day. No idea how.

That sounds like a really nice memory! I have so many memories of sharing F&W with friends as well.

I guess you have to do it more than I do to develop a strategy.

 

[Steppesister]

Hi Liesa, signing in! Would have been here sooner but I was working like crazy and I am now on vacation visiting family so my Dis time has been limited this month.

YAY!! Lessa's here! I'm so glad you've signed on!

Work has been crazy for me as well! Long hours. I picked up another per diem job to get a few more hours as well, so no more weekdays off.
DISTime for me has been more limited as well.

I am super jealous of your two night stay at the Poly; I would love to stay there one day. Crossing my fingers for you that the Skyliner starts running earlier than expected to make transport easier for you at CBR.

I hope you get to! It's such a lovey resort and to me to retro-Disney.

For my favourite resort it is a tie between WL and AKL. WL is so beautiful and I have a sentimental attachment to it as it was our "first" WDW resort. I try and get back there for a visit every trip even if we aren't staying there. It is just so relaxing, it is themed beautifully and I enjoy the boat ride to Magic Kingdom. My other favourite is AKL. It is so immersive, the food offerings are great, the pool is wonderful to spend an afternoon at and nothing beats sitting on your balcony and watching the animals.

I can see that! Your TRs are often from one of those 2 and I always love your photos!

Our arrival tradition is also to start at DTD. It just makes sense to go there and have a relaxing start to the vacation. I enjoy browsing the shops to get an idea of things that I may want to purchase, grabbing snacks or a meal from one of the many great restaurants and I always love stopping at Basin and grabbing some lovely bath bombs.

Perfect way to start a trip for sure! And yes! BASIN! I often pick up some bath products as well. So lovely to bring home and remind me of my trip. I love a bathbomb while I'm there too after a long day in the parks!

 

[Steppesister]

This sounds perfect to me since we love Jock's! I also really like the idea of DS on arrival day. It used to be that we never went to DS or just went for a bit so the kids could visit the LEGO store and WOD; it was never a place Steve and I needed to spend time. But now with all the delicious food offerings and awesome lounges we hate to skip it! We went directly to Jock's pretty much last week when we went and unless we have an early morning arrival on a short trip I think more and more DS will be our first stop on upcoming trips

It's really "grown up", hasn't it? So much more for adults and enough to spend a fair amount of time in. Even aside from the amazing dining options and expanded shopping places, it's simply a really lovely space now. Easy to find a nice spot and sip a drink or eat and ice cream and people watch.

Jock's is my jam too. Love it there!

I believe they do! Whenever I get my cool-headed monkey they ask if I want the cup but so far I haven't. Although I did mean to buy a Jock's t-shirt last week and forgot.....guess it means I go back next month!

I think I have the Cool-headed Monkey one already. I had heard they sold the copper Mule mug at some point, and am hoping that's available as well. We'll see... At least I have the pin from there.

Um........jock's?

That cinnamon roll is divine

Better than Gaston's IMHO.

I actually love LwtL, especially the seasonal changes they make throughout the year. When you're there, there will probably be some nice touches for the F&W festival

Me too!! And yes, the overlays are pretty great. I've seen both the Fall and the Christmas ones and think they add a fun touch!

Well, we really LIKE SAI so I hope you do too! We ate there in Feb. after a few years' absence. My meal was great and Steve declared his snapper dish the best meal of the trip??? Which is usually reserved for a signature so that say's a lot! And he's talked about that meal many times since; we'll be back. I don't remember our service being bad either! It doesn't stand out as great but doesn't stand out as having taken too long or our server being nonexistent or anything like that.

This is so great to hear!! I wasn't regretting my choice, but your review does make me more hopeful this meal won't be a disaster. And Iove fish a lot! I might get that. When I think back to all of my trips to Mexico as a kid, fish is what we consistently ate- bass, abalone, shrirmp, mahi, etc...

 

[Steppesister]

F is for: FINALLY! SWGE and Finding Adventure- Day 3
​

Remember how we have that goal of getting to bed early after EPCOT?

Yeah, it’s not going to make any difference. Because it doesn’t matter what time you go to bed, 4:00AM is going to hurt. Even at Disney. I am hoping all the hype for SWGE lives up and that the 4:45 Lyft ride will be worth it. I told the kids that my payment is getting to be the Pilot on MF.

Our hope is to be at the tapstile line by 5:00AM and wait with the rest of humanity in the pre-dawn hours waiting to be crushed. If Pandora RD is bad, I cannot imagine this. And yet, I can. As for line cutters: a well-timed Vaderian throat crush oughtta do it.

​

Hopefully my flabby thighs won’t create too much of a seismic disturbance as we trot to the newly opened Land and make it onto MF without too much injury or incident. This would, admittedly be a bad time for a repeat blood letting performance such as I had last year in Animal Kingdom. They may or may not have called ahead to let them know I’m coming so a spill kit can be ready.

Anyway, instead of browsing right off the bat, we’ll ride, jog over to SDD, pound that out, then hit up ToT and RnRC, then go back to SWGE and look around. I’m excited to take in all the, from what I hear is, phenomenal detailing. And yes, I have been watching the movies to bone up. I’ve not really ever been a die-hard SW fan but can certainly appreciate artistry and talent with anything done well. My guess is that the quality the Imagineers put into this will make any average touron an aficionado. The fact that we’ll be back twice more during the trip will make it easier to leave at 10:45 for AK where we’ll spend the rest of the day and evening.

What’s up first there?

Eat.

Duh.

Flame Tree is on the docket because it’s near the entrance. But, you know what right across the way? That’s right, 8 Spoons. While one of us stands in line for:

2 Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches, topped with cole slaw and served with baked beans $10.99

The other will scoop up one of these:

Baked Macaroni & Cheese $4.49

and one of these:

Baked Macaroni & Cheese served with shrimp and sweet chili sauce $6.69

​

That really should feed all 4 of us. As I’ve said before, we’re not big eaters and we'll likely grab a snack or something later if we need or want it. Plus! None of us will want to fill up a lot because we have an ADR at Sanaa for the early time of 5:35.

Which leaves time in the middle for EE (hurry and eat, Kiddos, rides be a’waitin’!), a Safari (on the left side of the Jeep, @buzzrelly) plenty of time to hit up the trails. I have no idea if they want to see ITTBB, but I’d be game for that. Been years.

After Sanaa, (Come to Mommy, My Sweet little Bread Service…) we’ll take another flight on our Bansheeboos and, uhh, enjoy our ride. After, uhh, that, I guess we’ll wander around Pandora so the kids can experience the magic and beauty of the bioluminescent world. And that, uhh, will bring us to the end of another glorious day in Disney. I’m sure the Tree of Life Awakening will usher us out of the park and onto a bus where we’ll develop enough hypothermia to need medical assistance before bed. Or at least a nice hot bath with a Basin Bomb.

​

Day 3 Must-Do's: 1) MF; 2) Pics of SWGE; 3) 8 Spoons Mac n Cheese; 4) A few more of my Wilderness Badges 5) Don't die getting in MF

​

To answer last chapter's question, I have a few things I love to do at DTD. I've only recently discovered the Art of Disney Store and while most everything is WAY out of my price range or totally not my style, I do love to browse. And last time, as I shared, I found something that I did love and came home with. I also really enjoy Basin when I have several times splurged on Bath Bombs or soaps. One of my most vivid and sweet memories of DTD is from years ago when my Grandparents met us in Florida for a day and we all went to DTD to check it out. It was our first time there for all of us and I will never forget how cool the Candy Caldron was with the witch stirring the pot. That window scene is no longer there and I couldn't find a Google image of her, but I do remember it. She's always been a favorite character of mine as far as Villians go. We all got a caramel apple and shared it and I left with that Disney glow and wishing I could stay forever.

Currently, Jock's, the Edison, the live music acts, especially Nova Era, and Amorette's hold a sweet spot for me. I love the BGM and often play it on YouTube when I get home from work.


And now, it's YOUR turn: Which trail do you prefer- Maharaja or Gorilla Falls? And why?

Or, if you've never been on either of them.... which would you rather do with the evening at AK: wandering in Pandora, ROL, or watching the TOL Awakening? You can only choose one... No, really you can't do all 3 due to timing of park closing now.

​

 

[irene_dsc]

Or, if you've never been on either of them.... which would you rather do with the evening at AK: wandering in Pandora, ROL, or watching the TOL Awakening? You can only choose one... No, really you can't do all 3 due to timing of park closing now.

Since I haven't been there yet, I'd say wandering in Pandora. If I had a second evening, probably TOL Awakening? I've heard such meh reviews of ROL.

Gotta say, the morning stampede is not sounding like something I would want to do, and dh even less! I wish you and your kids luck with that!

 

[Steppesister]

Since I haven't been there yet, I'd say wandering in Pandora. If I had a second evening, probably TOL Awakening? I've heard such meh reviews of ROL.

Gotta say, the morning stampede is not sounding like something I would want to do, and dh even less! I wish you and your kids luck with that!

ROL was for me, a one and done. While pretty, its lackluster storyline leaves a lot to be desired. Just this gal's opinion, mind you.

I'd say, if you have a FP for the ride, skip the RD Stampede. But, if you have kids and it's their first ride on it and they want to do it more than once, that's the only way you'll get to. The cost of a 2nd ride, I'm afraid.

 

[DLo]

Shrimp + Mac and cheese = awesome. I had it last year I think. Those are two of my favorite foods so I had to try it .

I like whichever trail has the tiger . My college mascot is a tiger so I have soft sport for them. ( and tigger )

 

[Steppesister]

Shrimp + Mac and cheese = awesome. I had it last year I think. Those are two of my favorite foods so I had to try it .

I like whichever trail has the tiger . My college mascot is a tiger so I have soft sport for them. ( and tigger )

I've tried several of the Mac-n-Cheeses around the World and this is the very best. I love the cheesy sauce made with the real deal and cheese baked on top. Man! And that sweet chili sauce on top.... wowza!!

That is the Maharaja Trail along with the bats and (better) aviary.

 

[vamassey1]

I told the kids that my payment is getting to be the Pilot on MF.

I hope that works for you.

Anyway, instead of browsing right off the bat, we’ll ride, jog over to SDD, pound that out, then hit up ToT and RnRC, then go back to SWGE and look around.

More thrill rides! I really looking forward to just looking around SWGE to see the details. I know you're going to take some great photos.

After Sanaa, (Come to Mommy, My Sweet little Bread Service…) we’ll take another flight on our Bansheeboos and, uhh, enjoy our ride. After, uhh, that, I guess we’ll wander around Pandora so the kids can experience the magic and beauty of the bioluminescent world.

I think they are really going to love Pandora @ night.

Which trail do you prefer- Maharaja or Gorilla Falls? And why?

I like Maharaja better. I think it has better theming.

Or, if you've never been on either of them.... which would you rather do with the evening at AK: wandering in Pandora, ROL, or watching the TOL Awakening? You can only choose one... No, really you can't do all 3 due to timing of park closing now.

​

If I had to chose and I was with someone who had never seen Pandora at night they would be the winner.

 

[Steppesister]

I hope that works for you.

Hehe, me too.

More thrill rides! I really looking forward to just looking around SWGE to see the details. I know you're going to take some great photos.

Me too! And I sure hope so. I know it'll be all people-y but I hope I can sneak out some photos that are less so.

I think they are really going to love Pandora @ night.

I do too. It's so immersive with the sounds and lights and everything.

I like Maharaja better. I think it has better theming.

I 100% agree with this! The backstory is actually quite incredible.

If I had to chose and I was with someone who had never seen Pandora at night they would be the winner.

Again, agreed. It's definitely quite a feat in Imagineering talent!

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

4:00AM is going to hurt

Yep, that will be painful but hopefully worth it. You guys are going to have a long day!

And now, it's YOUR turn: Which trail do you prefer- Maharaja or Gorilla Falls? And why?

I love the theming of the Maharaja Jungle Trek but I have rotten luck and the tigers are always snoozing in some hard to see corner so therefore I have to give the edge to Gorilla Falls. The gorillas are always up to something and I love the landscaping. I'm also a big meerkat fan and could watch them endlessly.

 

[buzzrelly]

Hi Liesa!

I thought I joined in this fun already but apparently I hadn't!

Your kids are adorable, I don't think I've ever sen pics of them!

Your plans sound fun! I'm excited for you getting to see SWGE so soon and having all your DIS-meets

I figured since I'm so late, I'll just answer your last two questions..

And now, it's YOUR turn: Which trail do you prefer- Maharaja or Gorilla Falls? And why?

Gorilla Falls! And I think you know my reason…baby gorillas

Or, if you've never been on either of them.... which would you rather do with the evening at AK: wandering in Pandora, ROL, or watching the TOL Awakening? You can only choose one... No, really you can't do all 3 due to timing of park closing now.

​

TOL Awakening, although I still haven't actually seen ROL yet. I just can't seem to get excited about it.

 

[Jenny Sanders]

Have you been to the Food and Wine Festival? If so, what has been your most memorable (good or bad) dish?

Anything with alcohol! LOL! Just kidding. I am a fan of anything with seafood or cheese...