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

[Steppesister]

Hey All,

Great first day at work! I think it's going to be a really good fit.

Still a long week of front-loading/orientation ahead of me, but just wanted to say I'd be on this weekend with more updating. Love me some 3-day weekend!! BOO YEAH!!!

 

[pkondz]

Are you hoarding the pixie dust?

​

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

Oh?

Crystals that grow in water.

Oh! I vaguely remember seeing that way back when.

4:00AM is going to hurt. Even at Disney.

But not as bad as 4am for work.

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

Worth it!

As for line cutters: a well-timed Vaderian throat crush oughtta do it.

They deserve no less.

Hopefully my flabby thighs won’t create too much of a seismic disturbance

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.

Yeah... let's not do that again, shall we? Hmmmm????

jog over to SDD, pound that out, then hit up ToT and RnRC,

Oh! So you're going to risk long lines at SR?

But, you know what right across the way? That’s right, 8 Spoons.

mmmmm…. yes please.

a Safari (on the left side of the Jeep, @buzzrelly)

we’ll take another flight on our Bansheeboos and, uhh, enjoy our ride.

"uhh"??? You don't think you will enjoy the ride? Or?

which would you rather do with the evening at AK: wandering in Pandora, ROL, or watching the TOL Awakening?

I'm pretty indifferent to the trails, so... TOL Awakening. Only because I've done Pandora at night several times. And ROL is boring.

 

[docsoliday1]

Mmm! Sounds like my dinner last night. Ribeye, green beans

Wait! You said you eat crap for dinner
#amiright @afwdwfan ?
Doesn't sound like crap to me.

The climb isn't magical, but the view is worth it!

Understand that.

Be glad

I’m happy to see Epcot getting some attention. It’s really lost it’s place over the last few years. I am actually ok with losing Future World. It’s so hard to keep up with that kind of theme. I just hope the new areas really do get a cohesive theme. The Mary Poppins ride is interesting and past due since it was in the original plans. I still haven’t figured out where the Moana attraction is going. I was thinking Imagination was getting an overhaul but maybe not. I was a bit surprised that no new pavilion was announced since Brazil has been rumoured for a couple years now.

I agree to an extent. I love some of the original things about EPCOT. I just think the imagineers did a poor job planning for keeping it futuristic in the future. I likee all the other stuff besides rides and it was even a good place for school trips...lots to see (and learn) that wasn't a ride. I think it's good some things are changing since they were so outdated, but sad about others

I have to confess that I don’t think I ever walked into Innoventions when it was in this form.

I haven't recently, but enjoyed it more when it first opened, because at that time, I avoided world showcase like the plague. I didn't care about no culture and couldn't afford the food.

I am too! And yes, that is actually a good perspective. Maybe with less specific themes such as Celebration, Nature and Discovery (called 'Neighborhoods' ) will be more manageable to keep updated or rotating with exhibits. I'm loving the M.P addition as I sadly miss GMR over at HS! One of my top 3 Disney movies! As for no new WS pavillion being announced: most bitter pill to swallow.

I think that was the key...they didn't plan on good (smart) ways to update or improve the technology.

 

[pkondz]

I do apologize for the rapid-fire updating

That's okay. Now you have to deal with the rapid-fire replies!

That means the writing will be sub-par, even more so than normal.

Well, when sub-par for you means superior to most... I can live with that.

they adjusted the AK hours for an hour later than the normal 8PM closing and guess it is to accommodate the overflow of folks who have their sanity intact and will flee from any close proximity to DHS)

Quite probably.

Hopefully my Ambien-induced slumber

Doubt you'll need it after being up since 4am.

I didn’t factor in an hour at Bag Check, but probably should have.

You may have underestimated the time required.

Speaking of EPCOT’s entrance, y’all know that a LOT of EPCOT, including the entrance is going to be going through a ton of changes, right?

Ah! So they've finally made that official?

the Camera store (anyone need a tripod ( ),

Who remembers when Innoventions East and West were amazing with the Garbage games, and when you could make a Velcro frog, and play?!?

I don't remember those... but I do remember being fascinated by all the things to see an do in there.
Now... it's a place to avoid or skip.

Sad.

Pandora at night is truly amazing, but I’ve done it a few times now,

Just said the same thing.

What are your World Showcase traditions? First: Your favorite WS restaurant and, secondly, what non-food-related thing do you love to do?

Hmmmm…. traditions? Not sure I really have one... I tend to kinda go where the mood takes me. Maybe.... maybe!... visiting Japan's little garden area? And yet... I've skipped that in the past too.
Fave restaurant. That's easy. Mr. Paul. I haven't written about it, but I have eaten there and it was wonderful.
non-food-related... see traditions, above.

 

[pkondz]

This shouldn’t be such a tough decision, but it is!!! The potential of a colossal waste of time and no rest or nap to show for it or, a massive burnout at 9:00 that night because of too many days of burning the candle at both ends. I just don’t know!!!!

I can see you guys hitting the wall.

The buses can, and often do, take up to and hour or more of roundtrip travel time and I’d like to be back at the park by 4:00. Comments? Thoughts?

Maybe.... there's so much $$$ involved in a Disney trip. Maybe just a little bit more this one time? I'm thinking a Minnie van might be a good idea if you decide on that break.
Instead of being gone for 3 hours (for a 1 hour break)… you could be gone for just a little over that hour.

A Peter Pan Float

Yum. Need to try that.

Steppe’s Answer to Last Chapter’s YOUR TURN Question:

Yet you didn't answer what your fave restaurant is.

Do you take afternoon breaks

Nope. Time is money.... loooooots of money.
I did when the kids were really little, but that's it.

 

[pkondz]

Hey All,

Great first day at work! I think it's going to be a really good fit.

Still a long week of front-loading/orientation ahead of me, but just wanted to say I'd be on this weekend with more updating. Love me some 3-day weekend!! BOO YEAH!!!

Good to hear!
You know what they say...
If you find a field of study that you love, and take the time and effort to learn the trade, you'll never work a day in your life.


Because they're not hiring.

 

[docsoliday1]

As for line cutters: a well-timed Vaderian throat crush oughtta do it.

If only I could use the force as well as I can do his voice.

Great first day at work! I think it's going to be a really good fit.

Yay!!! You go girl!

Love me some 3-day weekend!! BOO YEAH!!!

Truth

But not as bad as 4am for work

Truth also

And ROL is boring

And yet another truth.

Wow, a lot of truth going on around here...what happened to this place?

 

[DnA2010]

Jumping on board Haven't read all the comments, but have skimmed your posts and will read them properly from here onwards...
Some assorted quotes now:

I live in Salem, Oregon

A couple of years ago when I was on Mat leave, we drove up the Oregon coast- LOVED it!

No weekends, no holidays, no code browns. It’s bliss, Folks.

My DH is jealous! He's a paramedic, so all those things are rampant

9 days is plenty long enough to have some really nice park time together

9 days sounds wonderful! We are hoping to return to Florida, not next year, but the one after and I want to make it a longer trip

special water view room at the Polynesian Resort!!

The Poly would be a dream resort for us- we love things Hawaii style

I so we could take a whole day and eat at Captain Cooks, go to Trader Sam’s, use the volcano pool, see the Electrical Water Parade, and hang with the Tiki’s.

That sounds like just heaven!

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

Def anything over 20 min is horrendous

I simply couldn’t wait for the kids to see and experience Pandora and FOP first thing of the trip.

I sure can't wait to see them some day, and my DD15 loves Avatar, so will love it

Sadly, EPCOT’s FW has lost its once former luster for me and only one of the rides is a must-do every trip.

Are you excited for the facelift? I haven't read all the details, but I understand they are going to be doing a lot of work there

What a gorgeous bird!!

I miss the train making the opening entrance

Ohh I remember the train! It doesn't come out at all anymore for opening?

Is this a lime version of a dole whip?? I Love lime stuff!!

 

[suse66]

My real life name is Liesa and I live in Salem, Oregon. While I tolerate it, my kids live here so I put up with it until I can re-locate at some point. To where, I do not know, but traveling nursing is something I would be very interested in looking more into. Speaking of nursing, you may have guessed I am an RN who landed a fairytale job at an ambulatory surgical center. I get to work with women all day long who get new b00bs, kiddos who have rarely seen a toothbrush get all fixed up , and with people who get to leave our care with better vision than they came in with. No weekends, no holidays, no code browns. It’s bliss, Folks.

Hi Liesa! I am very late to the party but am so happy to be here!!

Let’s see… what else? I enjoy traveling and love to do photography when I can. I hope you will enjoy the photos of my travels in the parks. I have 5 amazing “kids", 3 of whom will be joining me this time- same 3 as last time. Here's a photo of us on our last trip in 2016 from our Behind the Seeds Tour:

Love this picture!

What is one Disney Restaurant you try to do EVERY trip and what is one you have tried but was a One and Done for you?

Nomad Lounge all the way! I love finding an outdoor table to settle in at and enjoy a cocktail and some yummy food in beautiful surroundings. Coral Reef was our once and done...we ate there on our first trip in 2009 and had such a bad experience that my boys (then 6 & 8) named it "Coral Reek" and vowed to never go back.

9 days is plenty long enough to have some really nice park time together , enough extra to have a day be completely at our resort and enjoy the Florida sun and pool (more on that later), spend time at DTD (sorry, I’m a stubborn woman and it will always be a nostalgic DTD to me) for shopping, some live music, and to enjoy both new and old places to eat, etc…

( days is perfect!

My try-to-get-to-every-time place would probably be Tiffins or the Nomad Lounge. Sigh…. just wonderful memories there, amazing atmosphere, and they have my beloved Pisco Sour and will make it with the egg white. The food is so excellent at both places and it’s quiet enough to have a decent conversation. Plus, at the Nomad, I adore the outside seating area!! COMFY!!!

You and me both!

What was your favorite resort you’ve stayed and why? And what is a little hidden secret or piece of advice you can share about it?

I adore AKL. It feels like a true respite from the parks. I love the grounds, the theming, the food etc. It's just perfect!

As you may know, I’m on a quest to stay at all the Disney resorts so gave the options of Caribbean Beach or Coronado. For 2 reasons: Values are too small since I have my son who needs a 5th sleeper (which will clog up floor space), and Deluxes are too expensive. Also, both are resorts I’ve not gotten to stay at yet. I described both, gave the pros and cons, location, etc… and in the end, they all chose CBR.

Good choice!

But wait, that’s not all! For low price of only the rest of your savings account, Steppe, you too can be the proud owner of a stay in a Deluxe resort for 2 bonus nights! Just call 1-800-ALL-OFIT for a special water view room at the Polynesian Resort!! Hurry now; deals like this will only get more expensive with each passing day!

Hurray! This will be great!

Do you have an arrival day tradition or what is the thing you look forward to doing first and why? In other words, what gives you that feeling of, “I’m finally in Disney!”

For some reason I always end up traveling on a Tuesday. Of course Epcot has EMH that night so I head there. Strolling around World Showcase with a bevvie in hands gives me that "I'm home" feeling.

After checking into CBR around 4:30, we’ll board a bus and head to DTD for our first dinner at a place we’ve done before- Raglan Road. My son fell in love with it last time we went in 2016 and wants to go back to his favorite meal to start the trip. Frankly, I love it too. What’s not to love about Irish Dancing and amazing live music??

The food and atmosphere are so fun there!

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

Cherry Tree Lane....Disney dresses, Disney Dooneys and Disney Pandora! All my favourite things in one place....

We’ve got FiPs on 2 other days and we’ll all be happy with that. But on our first day, and being our first ride of the trip, we’ll do the AK Early Morning Marathon and hopefully pound that out quickly and move on to get Navi, a Safari, EE (probably single rider), and Dinosaur- in that order- done before breakfast. I imagine I’ll be able to talk the kids into a cinnamon roll and a breakfast sandwich at Kusafiri’s before hopping to EPCOT for the rest of the day. The goal is to be on a bus by 11:00.

You are ambitious!!

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?

No F&W for me sadly. The one bad part about my job is no travel flexibility during the school year.

Day 2 Must-Do’s: 1) Start my Shop-Around-the-World (more on this later for my new readers) 2) Grab a pin from the F&W Festival 3) See VOL 4) Start the Remy Hide and Squeak Hunt. 5) Not die getting on FOP

Must try "Shop Around the World".

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.

Oh my gosh, that is going to be so fun! Crazy, crowded, chaotic but fun!

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.

Sanaa.....mmmmm! Plus that mac'n'cheese from 8 spoons is yummo.

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

Maharaja for sure! I love how calm and peaceful it is. It feels like a whole other world back there.

While it’s not a must-do for me, one of my kids’ favorites is to stop and briefly watch the Jammitors. For F&W, they become the Jammin’ Chef’s I believe, so if we run into them, we’ll enjoy them for a bit before our FiPs for M:S and SE.

Fun!

Today we’ll head clockwise ending in Japan for a Teppan Edo ADR. I hope that there will be plenty of F&W snacking throughout the day, but not so much that it’ll ruin dinner. Speaking of which, I am pretty sure we’ll be splitting 2 entrees between the 4 of us. With an extra order of fried rice (called ‘beef rice’ there) or Tempura it should be ample. Plus, it’s EMH and desserts await just outside the door, no?

Sharing meals is a great option, especially when there are so many snacks to try!

Now it’s YOUR turn: What are your World Showcase traditions? First: Your favorite WS restaurant and, secondly, what non-food-related thing do you love to do? Pick-a-pearl? A certain show or attraction? A particular photo op?

I love Via Napoli for cariofi pizza. The Gran Fiesta Tour is a must do and I have to have a pic by the Japanese pagoda overlooking the lagoon.

At some point, my son will probably launch off on his own to play Sorcerers, and the girls and I might take in a round or two of A Pirate’s Adventure. It’s pretty entertaining and helps one to see some of the finer details of the area.

I really want to try that! Have you gone hunting for Hidden Pascal's yet?

The potential of a colossal waste of time and no rest or nap to show for it or, a massive burnout at 9:00 that night because of too many days of burning the candle at both ends. I just don’t know!!!! The buses can, and often do, take up to and hour or more of roundtrip travel time and I’d like to be back at the park by 4:00. Comments? Thoughts?

This is where Lyft is your friend!! Walk to the Contemporary and order a Lyft/Uber back to the resort. Then do the same in reverse for your return trip. Well worth the $$.

Do you take afternoon breaks and if so (or not) does it depend on whether you have/had little ones along? Do you find you really do recharge if you do? My bus luck stinks so I can count on a 30-minute wait each way. I hate to burn up an hour plus walking time!

Every. Single. Day. I did one open to close day on our first trip in 2009 and vowed to never do it again. That being said, my December trip is only three days so I think it will be full on.

 

[paradesintherain]

The pool looks like a lot of fun, although I don’t imagine we’ll be in it a lot.

I loved it as a third grader! Made my dad go there every night after long days at the parks (while my mom and brother went back to sleep).

I LOVE that it’s on the Skyliner, and I am hoping beyond all hope it’s running some soft openings while we’re there, at least to DHS for SWGE.

The Skyliner seems so cool, hope you have soft opening luck!

Just call 1-800-ALL-OFIT for a special water view room at the Polynesian Resort!! Hurry now; deals like this will only get more expensive with each passing day!

Do you have an arrival day tradition or what is the thing you look forward to doing first and why? In other words, what gives you that feeling of, “I’m finally in Disney!”

Weirdly, no. I do like yours of going to DTD! Great use of an arrival day. I guess, depending on how later we arrive, we've done that a few times.

It is NOT for the weak or faint-hearted. If you cannot jog, risk being jostled, have a short temper, or are claustrophobic, sit this out. No really.

NOPE. Sounds no fun!

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?

I've been once! I think my most memorable dish was a noodle dish in China with shrimp. No idea how to design a better car, seems impossible! I agree 100 percent that the old Test Track was superior.

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

Maharajah for sure!! First, the trail is themed beautifully! Second, there's bats, which are my second favorite animal. Third, there's tigers and I'm definitely a cat person.

Wow what a stunning photo! Glad we agree about the trails!

Now it’s YOUR turn: What are your World Showcase traditions? First: Your favorite WS restaurant and, secondly, what non-food-related thing do you love to do? Pick-a-pearl? A certain show or attraction? A particular photo op?

We always start in Mexico. Like to always get a margarita in the Mexico pavilion.
There's non-food related things in WS? Hehe, I guess browse the store in Japan!
Looking forward to seeing your shopping tradition!

Do you take afternoon breaks and if so (or not) does it depend on whether you have/had little ones along? Do you find you really do recharge if you do? My bus luck stinks so I can count on a 30-minute wait each way. I hate to burn up an hour plus walking time!

Sometimes I take afternoon breaks, but it is a rather large time commitment depending on where you're staying. Just getting out of the crowds and sitting for a bit can really make a difference, and especially for a party I'd want to go back and freshen up and change into my costume. You might consider grabbing a Minnie Van (or regular Lyft) one way to help lower the time loss!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I think my kids are going to very much regret their decision to close down EPCOT the night before. But it is very possible that by this time in the trip they’ll have come to their senses and be begging to get to bed early because 5:30AM is going to really be painful on Day 5. But that’s what you gotta do to be at MK at 6:30 for a 7:00 EMH RD.

Yeah...that's going to be pretty painful. There will be moaning.

I miss the train making the opening entrance, but that won’t dampen our spirits as we are herded to 7DMT and begin our day there.

I agree. The train made for a better start to the day.

The potential of a colossal waste of time and no rest or nap to show for it or, a massive burnout at 9:00 that night because of too many days of burning the candle at both ends. I just don’t know!!!! The buses can, and often do, take up to and hour or more of roundtrip travel time and I’d like to be back at the park by 4:00. Comments? Thoughts?

Well, there's just no way to know with the buses. It's luck of the draw. Maybe you could plan to put the costumes in lockers and then pick them up mid-afternoon, but instead of going back to the hotel, you could go to one of the resorts on the monorail loop (or the WL) and plan to chill in the lobby for a couple of hours.

Do you take afternoon breaks and if so (or not) does it depend on whether you have/had little ones along? Do you find you really do recharge if you do? My bus luck stinks so I can count on a 30-minute wait each way. I hate to burn up an hour plus walking time!

Well, since we don't go every year, we're all about efficiency. No wasted time is allowed in our plans! So we don't take any breaks. If we need to, we'll hop on the Peoplemover or into an air-conditioned show for some downtime. The little ones will usually fall asleep in the stroller at some point.

 

[KathyM2]

DS: @KathyM2 has started a horrible cupcake addiction that I'm not currently seeking help for!

Ha!! Glad I could help lol. I have an addiction to their cupcakes with ice cream sundaes. Heaven in a cup. But as big as a meal so go hungry. I was hoping to have it in CA but their sprinkles doesn't have the ice cream!!

 

[KathyM2]

Great first day at work! I think it's going to be a really good fit.

Awesome!! So glad to hear that!

 

[disneyAndi14]

Hi Liesa!

I’m here, 13 pages later, wow! Your plans sound ambitious, fun, and well planned out!

Our first night tradition is MK, we do our FP and take in all the sights and sounds!

We always make a point to hit DTD, we have eaten at so many places there and really love all of them! Some favorites are RR, Chicken Guy, Blaze, WG Puck Express, Splitsville, and Polite Pig! Ice cream at Ghiradelli is a must

I am also on a quest to stay at all the resorts! I have SS, OKW, and the All Stars left, otherwise I have stayed everywhere else. POFQ is my favorite moderate, PoP is my favorite value, BLT is my favorite DVC and Poly/Grand our my favorite deluxes

I love AK, my favorite park and both trails are so fun, we do them almost every trip!

Love the WS, we spend a lot of time in each country, checking out all the details!

Okay I have said enough, haha!!

P.S. glad the new job is going good!!

 

[buzzrelly]

the girls and I might take in a round or two of A Pirate’s Adventure. It’s pretty entertaining and helps one to see some of the finer details of the area.

That sounds fun. If it's anything like Agent P's in EPCOT, we would enjoy this. I'll have to check it out next time

I imagine the day will go very quickly and around 1:00 we have one major decision to make. Today is our party day, and we’ll have to choose whether to leave the park and brave the bus system to return to our room for an afternoon break to change into our costumes and have a little decompress or, take our costumes and store them in a locker that morning and change at the park. (<< How’s that for an impressive run-on sentence?!) Seriously!! This shouldn’t be such a tough decision, but it is!!! The potential of a colossal waste of time and no rest or nap to show for it or, a massive burnout at 9:00 that night because of too many days of burning the candle at both ends. I just don’t know!!!! The buses can, and often do, take up to and hour or more of roundtrip travel time and I’d like to be back at the park by 4:00. Comments? Thoughts?

I wouldn't do EMH on a party day…I'm not sure if that's an option? I 'd rather wake up a little later and relax and enjoy the morning and then head out to MK and just stay there.

The only way I'd consider doing EMH and then an afternoon break would be if I was staying at BLT or The CR and breaks are truly breaks. I definitely would not go all the way back to CBR in the middle of the day because you seriously wouldn't be there relaxing for more than an hour.

 

[Steppesister]

I is for: Into Batuu​

After being up and out until midnight partying with the ghosts and goblins, we’ll sleep off our treats with a tricky wake-up at 8:00. Not too bad, considering the prior few mornings are planned for 6:00AM, or worse, wake-ups.

It just worked out, after considering all things, that returning to MK the next morning was the best plan. The plan is to hit up some of the lesser-visited things that we may have skipped or didn’t have time for. Oddly, while it IS possible to do every attraction if planned and implemented right and with a hefty dose of luck; I can never seem to, nor have the energy, inclination, or time to try.

It’s been ages since I’ve eaten at a counter service in MK other than Caseys and Pecos Bills. So, for the sake of switching things up and, in the interest of having something different to write about, the plan is to hit up the Harbor House, CR’s, or a place I’ve, believe it or not, never tried, Pinocchio’s. I have to admit, the menu sounds decent, if not theme-park food-ish and sometimes, that’s not a bad thing. They have a salad on the menu which, by this time in the trip, may be critically needed.

After lunch, we’ll zip on out (who’s kidding who? No one, especially me with sucky bus luck, zips anywhere in the middle of the day at Disney unless you Minnie Van it, and money doesn’t grow on trees) to HS. SDD is up first followed by a Frozen Sing-along. There’s been recent chatter here and there that it’s worth seeing at least once, and while I’ve been interested in the past, the less-than-amazing productions of B&tB and Little Mermaid at this park have prevented me from thinking twice.

It's been a spell since I’ve been to Prime Time but do love their fried chicken. We’ll be having an early dinner there between our FPs and our evening activities. I know it may be bordering on blasphemy, but I’m leaning on talking the kids into ordering 1 Sampler and one Chicken Pot Pie to share for the 4 of us. I’m certain that’ll be plenty! Anyone order those before? Good value? Tasty?

I guess we’ll just toodle around seeing what there is to see (and hopefully find short lines for ToT and RnRc) then head over to SWGE for our 5:00 entry. We have a 6:00 Oga’s and the rumor is (and maybe someone can confirm this…?) you can enter up to 1 hour early if you have an experience ressie. We be po’ folk, so we’ll have some restraint and either be satisfied with virgin libations and hope they have the pizazz of their boozy cousins, or dig deep(er) and splurge on a weak, watered down Disney version of a cocktail and leave with the bragging rights of having had an over-priced drink in a cool, new place. Frankly, I’m just there to see the theming and take photos. The things I do for my readers…

After doing a little shady business, we’ll head to the Droid Depot for the one thing my kids actually showed an ounce of excitement over. I had them over for dinner a couple of months ago and they’d actually done some of their OWN research on this and can’t wait to not just build one, but play with the interactive features of it throughout SWGE. Disney has the art of separating hard-working citizens from their money with as adroit skill as Simon Biles on the beam. Instead of just letting a family go in together and build one, they have a rule of only 2 people per station. Which means for all 4 of us to see it at all, we have to build 2. Sometimes I really hate this company. But, like a lot of you, I’m also as willing to part with my cash as easily as Moses parted the Red Sea. So, naturally, we’ll have 2 droids that we’ll use for an hour and then put on a shelf until they end up at the Goodwill in 10 years.

I doubt we’ll have our droids built in time for Fantasmic, but if so, seeing that is on the list of possibilities. Slim chance, but a chance. About as slim as getting a bus in under 30 minutes or of the Skyliner running to get us home. Nevertheless, the park closes at 10:00, so we’ll get at least a little sleep before we have our next SUPER early wakey.

Today's Must Do's: 1) Sleep in!, 2) Get my kids on Barnstormer, 3) Get a drink at Oga's, 4) Build the coolest droid EVER!, 5) Avoid heartburn and constipation at Prime Time.


Steppe’s answer to last chapter’s question: Do you take an afternoon break?

Typically not. Time is just too valuable to leave the park. However! I do like to take a long-ish sit down over a meal or drink with a small plate in a nice, cool place. I’ve been known to do this at the Nomad in AK, any number of places in EPCOT, an early dinner or late lunch at HBD in HS, and well... MK lacks good places. COP is nice to get off one’s feet, as is the TTA. It’s easy to hop the mono and find a cool place at the Poly or Grand though too. That said, on my last couple of trips, I have gone back simply because I’ve been at convenient resorts on the mono or have taken a Lyft. But that’s rare. This is the first trip in a long while with my “kids” and while they can go like Energizer Bunnies, I don’t like to. I CAN go-go-go, but I sure feel it the next day and each day gets progressively harder. This trip will be a lot of pushing through but we’ll see and do a lot.


Now, it’s your turn: What is your favorite night-time show and how do you feel about the several recent changes (Wishes to HEA, Illuminations to whatever it is now (sorry, too lazy to look it up), the changes at HS with a new projection show, etc….)?? Do you often stay for them, or jet so you can get on a bus without a 4-mile long line?

 

[Steppesister]

That will be a heck of a long day if you don't take a break! Maybe uber to and from CR instead of waiting for buses? I also hate waiting for buses but that day sounds kind of exhausting!

I think it will be too. If the kids can and do keep going, I may hop the mono and go nap somewhere on a chair on the Poly beach or something.

 

[Steppesister]

Welp, I have ditched the hat of jealousy and am here to joyously live vicariously again! But, since I have chosen to spend (not waste) time on my day off catching up, I'll keep it short and sweet before I have to start getting caught up on RL stuff.

YAY!!! I"m so glad you're back!! I hope this trip and the TR will bring you much entertainment and joy! I had a lot to do, and still do this weekend, as it's my last free one to pack and get ready for 2 back-to-back trips.

Favourite resort: Definitely ASMu, Hollywood section Honestly can't afford Deluxe, and choose not to revisit Mod's as I really only sleep in my room and am at the parks every minute I can.

Deluxes are pretty spendy for sure!! No doubt about it. With getting to go a little bit more this year, I have intentionally built in time resort time so I can enjoy them more. But, I'm thinking we'll be there far less this trip, except the Poly part when we have a whole day off of the park to enjoy the pool and Trader Sam's and a good sleep.

Really, I don't even bother bringing a bathing suit any more; have only gone in a pool at Disney once...

Really? I can see that though. If you just aren't a swimmer and don't get to the parks often and want to maximize time there it doesn't make sense to spend time at the pools. I didn't when I went only every few years and was with the kids either.

I know I'm really at Disney when I hear the music as I approach the entrance to MK (because it reminds me of my very first trip to DL). And therefore that is the first and last park for me every trip so far.

Sigh.... isn't the BGM at MK special? I just love it!

Restaurants: still currently in love with the Plaza. Once and done: HBD.

I had the most AMAZING meal EVER there on my last trip. I didn't write about it, but wow, that HOT BROWN SANDWICH was amazing and I'm craving it again!! I may sneak in and get one during our next trip without the kids if they'll let me. LOL!

Haven't considered any signature restaurants up to this point because my appetite in the heat is always so unpredictable.

Mine is too but I still go and if I'm not hungry I just get an appie or two. I just really need that QUIET place to decompress after all the noise and crowds all day long.

DS: @KathyM2 has started a horrible cupcake addiction that I'm not currently seeking help for!

LOL!! Nom nom nom!

 

[Steppesister]

I'm having to do this from my phone and it's such a PITA that after you post, you go to the last page.

Huge, huge PITA!
Such an easy fix too....

With like 15 pages to catch up, just no.

Don't blame you one bit!

Also reading your convo with Glenbo, when people find out that you are not seated at the Cantina, they may cancel. Most of the bar is SRO, and you are standing with other parties. We have always been seated, but that's because Fran can't stand for 45 minutes.

I hope so too. We shall see...

I already know we're getting onion rings, fried chicken, probably a milk shake, and maybe even dessert. We have the Cantina afterwards.

I think we're gonna to either a chicken dinner or a Sampler and a pot pie to share between the 4 of us. And we're also doing the Cantina afterwards!

Dont forget you'll be going to SWGE in less than 2 weeks and getting a chance to ride MF:SR there! Plus you will see all the artistry when you go at DL.

Very true, but also want to have my kids enjoy all of it in its newness as well.

I hadn't read about all the changes, but I guess I'm just going to be surprised by some of them!

Most won't be completed for quite some time, but the changes will be huge.

Shabu Shabu with you,

Cannot WAIT for this!

You are rather ambitious to rope drop on a party day! I have a much different plan for our party day and it involves relaxing in the room for the morning!

I'm starting to 2nd guess my idea here.

It's difficult to choose a favorite resort. We pretty much only stay at DVCs. I love OKW for the HUGE jacuzzi tub. Also Boardwalk, Boulder Ridge, and SSR because of their tubs. I like Kidani and BLT cause their one bedrooms have two bathrooms. I like Beach Club for its proximity to Epcot. The Poly is cool, but one can't always stay in a Bungalow, their studios are better than most, but I wouldn't want to spend a week in one. I need to give the GF another shot.

YOu have a quite a vast array of experience. Ive only been to 3 of those.

You know what? My favorite is the Grand Californian! I love the woodwork, the two bathrooms, the tub! That's my favorite!

It is such a beautiful place. I LOVED the time I spent in the lounge relaxing with a glass of wine one afternoon. Sigh....

First day traditions? Fran takes a nap, and I get a bath!

LOL!!! Hitting it hard right off the bat!

Getting on DME. What's gonna be weird this trip is I will not be taking DME back home. Still trying to work out if we do a Mears shuttle or rent a car for the rest of the trip.

OH that will be weird!

As far as F&W, I tend to love the chocolate cake at Ireland, but recently the berry waffle in Belgium has become a favorite.

There used to be some oat cake thing either there or at Scotland and it was so good. Haven't seen it in a couple of years.

I prefer the Maharajah Trek because, well, Tigers!

We haven't been to the new one yet so maybe in October.

I LOVE the Choza! One of my ALL-TIME favorite snacks now is the Empanada from there! YUM!

I really like Spice Road Table

We're going for the first time this trip. Looking forward to it.

 

[Steppesister]

Undisclosed? Area 51????

Surprises...

I can totally relate and understand. Whatever it may be, I wish you my best!

Thanks, Andy.

One that I want to and do try to do every trip is Via Napoli. We love the pizza there, and honestly, if you go in and share a pizza rather than order separate entrees, it is probably the most affordable table service meal you're going to find in the parks.

I think you may be right. Although, we ordered a big one, it wasn't quite enough for us. Next time, we'll know to order a bit more.

It's hard to come up with a "one and done." Most of them that I've done once, while they maybe didn't knock my socks off, I don't have any that I consider and say "nope." However, two of our past, recent, frequent dining restaurants have fallen enough that I'd be fine not going back again. I want to go with the obvious one that you might remember reading about in my TR, but there's another one I'm even less likely to want to return to... Cinderella's Royal Table.

The character meals are only worth it, IMHO if you are there FOR the characters and if the food comes a distant 2nd. I keep reading about dry scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage with little else but Mickey waffles. No thanks. CRT has never been on my radar at all, but then again, lots of kiddos and by mealtime, I'm trying to find a bit of respite. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE kids, but just need a break from kiddo overload over meal.

Deluxe - Wilderness Lodge - Worth the trip to visit it in the winter. Feels so welcoming.
Mod - Port Orleans Riverside - Short walk over to POFQ for your beignets
Value - Art of Animation - Nothing like swimming at the Cozy Cone!

Wilderness Lodge, you say...?

LOVE POR, but POFQ edges it out for the size.

My fave was AoA as well, and I was sadly put out that the only reg rooms were in Little Mermaid Siberia. I'd have LOVED to have stayed in the Cars section! #notsaltyatall

Based on what we experienced with the construction in July, I wouldn't even worry about it.

This gives me hope!

I can't say that we do. We've handled arrival day a number of different ways, but MK is always our first park day, regardless, so I guess that feeling of I'm finally in Disney happens when we walk under the train station since it no longer happens when we see the train roll in loaded with characters.

I think that first step onto Main Street is a kicker for so many. I still get the feels when I walk under the tunnel as well.

Jock Lindsey's

This looks kind of familiar... Hmmm...

The good news is, you can link arms with the kids across the walkway and make a human chain!

And we absolutely 100% will.

I actually like it there, although it has been quite a few years since we've been. Like probably more than 10. So my opinion is likely irrelevant.

No opinion is irrelavent. I'm excited to try it if even for doing something new to me.

Ok, you've kind of got to pick 2 categories to really go for. I think it is 4... power, capability, response and efficiency. You need to shoot for a high score on 2 of them, a mediocre score on one, and just sacrifice the 4th. You can't be good in all. Pick your 1 or 2 to focus on and pick every piece that maxes your score there... For example, a wider wheel base helps with capability and in some cases, response. When you add pieces on to the body, pay attention to what stats each piece boosts or hurts. Some things might be a +1 for power, but if you scroll through, you might find something else that is a +3, so go with the bigger one.

Phew, okay, I think I got it. It's a matter of watching the numbers with every tweak, and only focus on 2 at most and aim high.

Now that I just realized what the abbreviation for Millennium Falcon is...

Buahahahahahaha!!!

Maharaja because tigers.

Several votes for the tigers!

Favorite WS restaurant - Via Napoli
Non-food thing - Just wander the showcase. Honestly, that's pretty basic, but we'll spend a few hours just strolling around taking in the sights and that's all I need...

I so love that too. I love the BGMs in each pavilion, the little artisitic touches...

Yikes... well, we try and we'd like to. Honestly, it takes so much time!!!! You have to factor in around an hour to get to the resort (waiting on a bus + travel time) Who knows how long for the kid to fall asleep, maybe an hour or 2 to nap and another hour back + bag check!!! Honestly, we'd like to take more breaks, but it just wastes so much of the day, and bag check is enough of an annoyance that we pretty much just don't want to leave and come back in once we're already through.

I wastes inordinate amounts of time and kinds stinks. The energy you exhaust with just the travel in some cases nullifies the hour of rest you might get.