Week 6 - Feb 9, Date Night at EPCOT

 

Miles – 1990

Where Am I? I know where, but do YOU?  This may be a bit hard, so I’ll give you a less cropped version at the end. 

 

Last week I was in front of the new Fantasyland fence that is hiding the construction of the Snow White and the Seven Dwarves mine train.

***UPDATE ON THE CAMERA CAPER***

We visited Disney’s Lost and Found and were happy to learn valuable items are held 90 days, but our camera wasn’t there. We were given the Port Orleans Lost and Found to contact, as resorts keep their own departments separate from the parks.  I’ve ordered this camera to replace our stolen cameras we wish we’d find in Disney Lost and Found.

NEW

We started at Innoventions and selected StormStruck based on wait time. We are line snobs, don’t you know.

   

StormStruck simulates a hurricane and gives a group of tourists anxiety attacks over FL weather interrupting their Disney vacation while teaching about safer home construction.  Sounds gripping, doesn’t it? 

 

You will sit in the safety of your house (small movie theater) and watch the neighbor’s house weathers the storm.  Your house takes some damage, and you’re slightly  exposed to wind and rain from the storm. Then you get to choose building materials and learn if you and the group chose well. Finally, you go through the storm watching the home built with the materials the group chose. At this point, anyone who isn’t from FL is successfully convinced the roof is going to be ripped off next time a drop of rain falls.

 

Of course there are activities at the end which could be better than the actual attraction, and I use that word loosely.  This is suitable for 1) AP holders or frequent Disney guests 2) People escaping the weather 3) People who just want to sit … anywhere.  Everyone else’s Disney time is better spent elsewhere.  Really…trust me on this.

NEW food

We tried Churritos & caramel sauce at La Cantina at the Mexico pavillion of World Showcase.   

 

PretPretty good ~ I think the caramel sauce should be thicker (SO runny!). They’re good for a change or if we’re in the area but not on my must-have list.

 

 

TIP Agent P Alert!

Phineas and Ferb fans will want to go to the Promenade.  This is the only place to get these treats, so Agent P fans should stop here for “mission supplies”. 

Yeah, we’re Phineas and Ferb Nerds! 

 

Love the quotes throughout the parks! I’m just going to randomly post them.

HINT - These were close to my Week 6 pic. (I didn’t say it was going to be much of a hint, did I?) 

 

No, they didn’t fail to pick up the litter.  They are marking the ground for the the Flower and Garden Festival, I presume.

 

TIP

Had to stop by Canada for an

Off Kilter concert!

Where else are you going to see a rock bagpipe band? Take a notch out of your Disney Pro card if you skip this! Come early if you want a seat, because they have a loyal following, and Disney was too frugal with the benches, seriously underestimating their draw.

TOURING 

Still in grazing mode, we thought we’d stop by Boulangerie Patisserie, and we found they’d moved. The new location lacks the charm of the old one, but it probably services more people faster. I was disappointed to lose the authentic feel of a small, French bakery in favor of a Disney feeding frenzy.  They still have delicious goodies, but I’m in mourning for the old location, so we abstained and foraged ahead.

    

At the back of the dead end

The same yumminess awaits…

And they tried to keep the charm, but it’s too modern, too square, and the line puts you in the center of a packed room in a food court-like fashion.  I know, this is another “take a notch off your Disney Pro card” things, but if you walk by after this renovation, I promise I won’t be demanding you turn in your DP card. You may just get points for Disney magic snobbery.

We retreated back to the starting point of World Showcase, because I was devastated by the French bakery transformation my feet were killing me.

NEW FOOD

At the always-ignored Refreshment Port I spied shrimp with cajun tartar sauce. 

8 Jumbo shrimp with fries for $7.19 seemed a good deal on Disney property!  

 

Ken’s cocktail sauce had more zing than the mild and boring Cajun tartar sauce.

 

 

As we were walking out of EPCOT, my husband observed that we hadn’t ridden anything, yet it was a successful Disney outing.  We hopped on our favorite ride to take silly photos Spaceship Earth, because in the evening when everyone gravitates to World Showcase, this is a walk-on.    

   

Take your glasses and hat off, & make a goofy face!

Refer to week 2 for my thoughts on how to really take pics on Disney rides.

 

Did you figure out where I’m standing? 

  

NEW

• Churritos & caramel at La Cantina (pretty good)
• StormStruck (yawn!)
• Shrimp w/Cajun tartar at Refreshment Port

TIPS

• Don’t miss Off Kilter, and get there early if you want a seat.
• Agent P Fans can buy mission provisions at the Promenade (Turn toward Canada where WS meets FW)
• The French bakery, Boulangerie Patisserie has moved to a larger, more modern location.
• Shrimp lovers head to Refreshment Port for a good value on jumbo fried shrimp & fries.
• Ride Spaceship Earth in the evening when it becomes virtually a walk-on.  Walk right past it in the morning if it’s anything more than a 10 minute wait. 

Week 5, Feb 2 - Super Bowl Magic

 

Miles – 1650

 

OK, Where am I? 

I’m still not lost, but I’m testing your Disney prowess.

 

(This is my favorite shirt to wear to Disney.) 

*Last week I was standing between City Hall and the Chamber of Commerce.

This is a shout-out to the lovely family from Toronto that we met in line at the Pooh characters in case they stop by the blog! I hope you made it to Starring Rolls!

 

Super Bowl Limited Time Magic

  

  

Never having tasted lobster bisque, my choice was obvious.  It was so good! I think this might have been what Meg Ryan was having in the diner in that movie “When Harry Met Sally”.

It could also have been this:

This plain little chocolate cake can either be a hockey puck the reason to draw your next breath. I’d had a few hockey pucks on the meal plan, so when a cast member handed one of these as a treat, I wasn’t expecting much. It was so good I forgot to take a pic.

 

The Super Bowl pre-parade kicks off with cheerleaders and football Goofy! 

Referees Chip and Dale follow!

Celebrate a Dream Come True

View Full Album

Evidently lobster bisque is the soup of champions, since Baltimore won.  I had a lovely time chatting with a Baltimore fan while watching the parade. My husband scored us chairs on the 2nd floor of the train station, so we got to sit!  That is the #1 best way to see the parade!

 

Disney Details – The Train Station

Take a tour of the station and enjoy the train paraphernalia.

The stories of the trains:

View Full Album

Around every corner is something else… 

I don’t want to show you everything. I want you to explore for yourself.

 

~Fruit Price Increase~

Week 2 at Animal Kingdom I got a good sized container of watermelon for about $2.50.  I found it at Liberty Square Market beside the Hall of Presidents for $3.19.  That’s a significant jump.  It’s still not out of line for theme park pricing IF the container is as big as the one at AK.  They didn’t have any that day, so I couldn’t tell.  I will be checking on my next trip, though.  

 

Hidden Seating

Grab your Dole Whip and head toward the spitting camel.  Let everyone else crowd into the outdoor seating outside Swiss Family Tree House like they today.  Just stroll down toward Zanzibar Trading Company. 

 

  

 

 

 

 

Before you get there, though, you’ll see 3 rounded sections with domed roofs. You can go in through the shop down on that end, too.

You will find this waiting for you. No one reads my blog, so this is still our secret.

  

Find the Disney Security officer

Do you see him?  Disney has security dressed like tourists just wandering the parks keeping an eye on security.  I spotted the earphone and wire. He very slowly and casually walked up to the fence, like he was waiting for someone. 

NEW 

• exploring the Magic Kingdom Train Station
• Hidden Seating at Zanzibar Trading Company
• Super Bowl Limited Time Magic
• lobster bisque

TIPS

• The best parade viewing is the 2nd floor of the Magic Kingdom Train Station. Get there early to claim a seat. Grab a snack to enjoy while you wait.
• Hidden seating by Zanzibar Trading Company (across from Swiss Family Tree House)
• Don’t miss Starring Rolls cupcakes at Hollywood Studios.

Tips – The Whole Shebang: Week By Week (click the week to see that post)

 

Tips

Hotel

touring

Food 

Hwk 1 -Stay at Port Orleans Riverside in a Royal Room, especially if you have a little princess, but even if you don’t. These are the closest digs you’ll get to the Cinderella Castle Suite unless you have some serious connections, and if you do…I could be persuaded to come visit the suite, you at any time. *ahem*  Don’t be afraid to show the kids where the switch is for the fiber optic headboard, and let them play with it first.  You’ll get your turn(s).

 T –Valuables (cameras, purses, cars) – Use common sense and lock cars.  Never put valuables on front seat in case you forget step 1.  In the parks don’t leave cameras with strollers or wheelchairs. People steal, and it’s not very magical when it happens to you.

Twk 2 – Have fun with ride photos.  Be silly.  You don’t need to buy the pictures to enjoy trying to achieve a personal best for humorous photo, but you might end up with a true classic. 

FBagels are a good value if you weigh cost vs filling factor.  Veggie trays, watermelon tubs, and fruit assortments can be inexpensive snacks.

FDisney property Hess stations have a small celery & carrot veggie tray for only $1.79, a sale on lg bottles of Smart Water 2/$3, and usually a good price on gas. If you have a car, you can pick up snacks for less here when you hop.  (We drive to hop and pass on busses.)

Fwk 3 – Be Our Guest at MK - In the ballroom sit near but not next to the windows to get the best view of the snowfall. Also, sitting toward an edge should be quieter than the middle. (hard surfaces + big rooms=noise) Don’t forget to make dinner reservations ASAP.  You can reserve online up to 180 days in advance. If you don’t have a meal plan, I’d rather spend money on a character meal than on dinner here.  Then I’d do counter service lunch at BOG.  If dinner is in the budget, ask for the gray stuff; it’s delicious! (if you like an oreo mousse)

Twk 4 - Check the schedule to plan to see Trolley Singers and other “spontaneous” entertainment. Watching the Trolley Singers at the train station gives you the best show, as they go upstairs and sing from the second level.  If you opt for the corner of Main St., a sidewalk is the best view.

TGrab a seat at Sleepy Hollow to watch the parade for a good view if you don’t have to be front row.  There’s less competition for these seats than the 2 rocking chairs around the corner.

F Earl of Sandwich at Downtown Disney is the best deal on Disney property.  Do NOT waste dining plan credits on it, though.

T wk 5 - The best parade viewing is the 2nd floor of the Magic Kingdom Train Station. Get there early to claim a seat. Grab a snack to enjoy while you wait.

T Hidden indoor seating by Zanzibar Trading Company (across from Swiss Family Tree House)

FDon’t miss Starring Rolls cupcakes at Hollywood Studios. They close at 4:00 daily.

T wk 6 - Don’t miss Off Kilter, and get there early if you want a seat. No rush if you’d rather dance.

T Ride Spaceship Earth in the evening when it becomes virtually a walk-on.  Walk right past it in the morning if it’s anything more than a 10 minute wait.

FAgent P Fans can buy mission provisions at the Promenade (Turn toward Canada where WS meets FW)

FThe French bakery, Boulangerie Patisserie has moved to a larger, more modern location.

FShrimp lovers head to Refreshment Port for a good value on jumbo fried shrimp & fries.

T wk 7 Presidents Week is peak season, a completely insane time to travel.  This week should be at the bottom of your possible travel dates list.  If you live in the NE and insist on Disney over this week, stay on site to utilize EMH to the max, use Fastpass, buy a dining plan & make reservations for in the parks, eat at non-peak times, pack Valium and do your homework. Get the Unofficial Guide to Disney World and grab any free reliable phone apps that will help with wait times, most especially Mobile Magic. 

Twk 8 If Space Mountain isn’t running, ride the TTA. You may get a peek (bad pun fully intended) at Space Mountain with the lights on.  

New – The Whole List

  NEW

• wk 1-Stayed @Port Orleans Riverside, Royal Rm
• wk 2-Used props for ride photos to make the photos more humorous,
• wk 3-Be Our Guest lunch in the ballroom – Yum!
• wk 4-Pictures with Long Lost Friends (Robin Hood group & Duck Tales duo). Root beer float with twist instead of vanilla. Watched the Main Street Trolley Singers.
• wk 5-Toured the Main Street Train Station, Limited Time Magic Superbowl mini-parade w/football Goofy & refs Chip & Dale, lobster bisque soup, scored chairs on 2nd fl of train station for parade, hidden seating at Zanzibar Trading Company
• wk 6-Yummies! Churros w/caramel sauce and jumbo fried shrimp at EPCOT, StormStruck at Innoventions, new Boulangerie Patisserie location
• wk 7 – Presidents Week, Valentines Ltd Time Magic, pictures with Cinderella’s Coach 
• wk 8 – Space Mountain with the lights on, service dog restroom area, highest score every on Buzz Lightyear  
• wk 9 – Dapper Dans sing boy bands, Enchanted Tales With Belle (ck tips for when to beat the lines)
• wk 10 – Tangled restrooms and electronics charging park, Be Our Guest lunch in the library, EPCOT Flower and Garden (each year is different)
• wk 11 – Dole Whips at EPCOT, more Flower and Garden
• wk 12 – EPCOT Easter egg hunt, Flower and Garden around WS    

The Disney Photobomb Challenge

 

We’re throwing the gauntlet right here, right now and we’re inviting you to upstage us.  First, how about I ease you into this with a little back story?

The 6 Pack, that’s 5 women plus moi, were celebrating my 50th 29th birthday at Disney, and we’d just had a fabulous lunch at Via Napoli in Epcot as part of the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package.  We came out of the restaurant into the plaza to find this extraordinary study in Disney exhaustion & inappropriate public sleep positions:

Which begged me to jump in…New Facebook Profile?

And then 3 J’s (Julie, Judy, Jean)  safely distanced themselves from the spectacle while, unseen by these pics, crowds of people gathered. Then my cousin, She Who Must Not Be Named, jumped in and Tiffany and I started snapping…

And……

The bar was set, the gauntlet was thrown, the standard for excellence in Disney Photobombing has been clearly established. We’d like to thank our sleeping muses for inspiring such comedic brilliance, as well as the 30 or so teens who were cheering us on, and all the many strangers who ran up with cameras to document this departure from good sense.
More importantly, the challenge stands.  We invite competitors in our Disney Photobomb Challenge.  

Week 1 - POR Royal Rooms

Miles I've driven to Disney this year:

330 as of wk 1

 

Week 1, Jan 5-6 ~ Port Orleans Riverside, Royal Room #5409

New Year Family Meet-Up

 

What a way to start off 2013: staying at Port Orleans Riverside, checking another resort off my bucket list, and finding a Royal Room behind that door!  WooHoo! For any Disney fan, that is a trifecta of awesomeness!!

Take a gander at that lobby, and see if you can find those Hidden Mickeys! This resort is so oozing with laid-back, Southern charm, I swear I *almost* said, "y'all".  Being a Yankee who's lived in southern states 16 years without introducing that, dare I call it a word, into my vocabulary, that is really saying something about the ambiance of this resort.


As you meander through the mini-tour, let me regale you with a little tale.






The Great Camera Caper
Once Upon A Time a king, Her Most High Queenliness, and the princess took a lovely, albeit too brief, trip to a magical kingdom to visit family. They stayed in a beautiful and magical room.  They were so amazed by the Aladdin's lamp faucets, 3D princess picture, magic carpet, fiber optic headboards, and the many details of their room that they took out their enchanted image-making boxes and stored many likenesses on them.  Upon the day of their departure in 2 coaches, they stopped at a roadside stand for reHESSment.  One coach driver securely locked the doors, but the other coach driver who shall not be named, but who should seriously learn never to leave valuables in an unlocked car coach, did not lock the doors, and the enchanted image boxes magically vanished as quickly as a thief could open a car door and lift them off the front seat of a Hyundai, but I digress. Their lovely pictures were no more (as well as a prince's graduation video, so the king was lucky he slept still indoors).  All they had were their memories, the promise of another journey, and, of course, Google. 

Until such time as I can offer my own pictures, I suggest this for a look at

a Port Orleans Royal Room and recommend the 360 video

Can You See the Hidden Mickeys?

 

 

Hint:  Look up and around!

 

Now, honestly, I didn’t get the full Monty when it came to staying here, so I will Just have to repeat it. Darn! My husband drove down on Saturday and spent the day with his family and mine, but my daughter had a church activity. We arrived at midnight.  Being a devout Disney fanatic and man of my dreams, he left the room totally untouched, so we could see it like he had.  Even the towel Mickey heads were in place on the beds. When my camera is replaced, I hope to go back and replace the pictures as well.

TIP

 

The buttons for the fiber optics are on the sides of the headboards. Don't be afraid to show the kids (like a certain member of my extended family whom I will not shame on my blog) for fear the lights will keep any of you awake or because you don't have your Disney mo-jo going and are about as fun as the Grinch getting a colonoscopy. Give the kids free access to this from the first minute you enter the room.  Hey, play it up and say, "Oh, look!  A gold button!  Whatever could it be?  Are you brave enough to push it and see?"  That's right.  I'm telling you to let the KID push the button first.  There'll be plenty of time for your turn(s) later. 

 

NEW

• Staying at Port Orleans and in a Royal Room
• Having both camera and camcorder stolen on Disney property. (I can’t recommend this in the least, so do lock your doors always.)

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