"I bet they get Charmin" A May 2014 Girls Trip **04/03 THE END**

[amberg93]

Sooooo, just noticed a lovely looking banner. Yay for another trip in the works. That'll help with the Disney blues.

An Epcot bus. Totally appropriate foreshadowing.

Wow, I didn't even know you had considered DVC. That's pretty exciting even if you did pass for now. And free ice cream is always appreciated.

While it may be true that you might not have pockets, it's also true that more often than not, you'll probably have a bag.

Aww, I love that your driver was so sweet. Plus opening day at Disneyland (even if illegally) is a pretty cool story.

I like the Friendship Boats too. Really REALLY slow, but such a nice jounney. And also, THEY'RE FRIENDSHIP BOATS!

Yup, we're getting all the planning started and it is helping for sure. Though I wish it was sooner, but at the same time.. November was the best trip for us weather and crowds wise, so hopefully it will be again.

Buses are only there when you don't need them. Isn't that always the way?

We were so close, but it worked out for the best. Maybe someday. Yummy ice cream.

True, but not always. Marie and I don't like bags a ton so like formal nights on the cruise. Ugh. Terrible. Neither of us want to bring a bag just to carry out cruise cards, you know.

It was a super cool story. He was a super cool dude. Just the sweetest.

All true. And it was something different too. I think the girls enjoyed it?? I don't really know, I didn't ask.

Free ice cream and Fastpasses?! I should do a tour. I agree that resale is the way to go, though. My mom and I ran the numbers for the new Poly DVC and it was scary expensive.

my sister just started dating her first girlfriend so I'll have to mention the pockets thing to her and make sure one of them always has a bag or something…

Harry sounds fabulous! I love cast members so much.

Fun fact, when I was six years old we stayed at All-Star Movies and I broke that rule to get a picture with the Toy Story RC car…and I got poked with some pine needles on the way out. That was the last time I was ever a rule breaker. The whistle picture is great, though!

Yeah, in May, you don't want to be walking far. The boat was definitely the way to go.

I reallllly want to stay at an Epcot resort for Food & Wine. One of my Disney bucket list goals. Casually roll out of bed and mosey over to Epcot for some feasting.

Ahhhh big family trip coming up!!! I just did one of those so I know how fun they can be (but also a bit stressful ). And you'll be back at Sports!! That's awesome!!

DVC is not cheap for sure. Buying direct through Disney is even more expensive too.

Good plan If either of them likes bags it'll be easier. Otherwise they should try and stagger the dresses/skirts for someone to have pockets.

He was a great CM for sure.

Did your RC picture actually turn out well too? Cause that's what really matters if you already broke the rule

Maybe the walk would have been okay if we could stop at resorts or whatever, but that was not the case and then we would have had to walk to lunch too. Ugh. No.

Me too! We should just get a Disgroup together and all chip in money to get a villa at the Beach Club and all just eat around the world and everyone else can do the drinking and I'll be the designated leader if anyone has too much to drink

It is gonna be so awesome! I'll post some more information before the next update, but I'm really nervous after this trip to be traveling with so many people.

Free ice cream is definitely a good motivator

I get torn on DVC and can totally understand why you considered it/were close, but definitely probably one of those things that if you are all hesitant about to wait - and looks like that worked out for the best

Hmmm, I wonder if the reverse is true and when there are two guys in a relationship they find themselves thinking "What the heck are we going to do with all these pockets?!?!?!?!?"

Gotta love the super secret entrance to EPCOT - hope you got to see what you wanted of the Flower and Garden Festival

I would sit through lots of sales presentations to get free ice cream and fastpasses.

Yup. I mean, the thing is that it'd be nice but especially right now with just the two of us who don't mind staying Value and get discounts with Marie's stuff it actually makes less sense.

I'll ask my brother and his fiance and get back to you.

Thanks and it's pretty cool over there.

 

[DisDance]

Nice of you all to go back with a errands when she left her band! I haven't stayed at All Star Sports in YEARS, like 15+, I'm surprised to see how nice the grounds look! Very nice landscaping, I was going to just abbreviate the name but I realized that would wouldn't be allowed on DIS lol. I've stayed at The BC, in the villas, the location is absolutely perfect I would take being walking distance from 2 parks over anything, even though I think having a view of MK would be amazing too.

 

[MarieLightning]

Nice of you all to go back with a errands when she left her band! I haven't stayed at All Star Sports in YEARS, like 15+, I'm surprised to see how nice the grounds look! Very nice landscaping, I was going to just abbreviate the name but I realized that would wouldn't be allowed on DIS lol. I've stayed at The BC, in the villas, the location is absolutely perfect I would take being walking distance from 2 parks over anything, even though I think having a view of MK would be amazing too.

We couldn't have left her go back by herself, and it was probably the best decision of the day too, because our driver really was the sweetest man ever. Which, he actually told us to hide in the van and not tell anyone he accidentally took us on his errand to AKL because that's not allowed - he should have dropped us off first, then gone on. Hopefully, no Disney officials read this TR - I wouldn't want him to get in belated trouble

It's definitely our favorite of the All-Stars, if mainly for the convenience of its layout. But it does look very nice and well kept - they all do, really! After all, it's all Disney property. Every resort has to have the same standards, if not the same size or luxury.

And yeah, I normally abbreviate it to ASSports, but even that may be a bit odd looking now that I think about it

We're definitely planning on staying at either BC or the Boardwalk at some point in the future, probably through borrowing points. We want to do a short stay for purely Food & Wine purposes, so we want to be able to just roll out of bed, go get stuffed and tipsy, and roll back to the resort

But we do have it on our bucket list to stay at every single Disney resort at least once, even if just for one night, so hopefully someday we'll be able to say we've tried them all!

 

[MarieLightning]

Day 7, Part 2: An Ode to Food.​

​

Being late always makes me feel really anxious, so we hussled along through the World Showcase so we could make it in time for our reservation.

I mean, we've never been turned away for being late - probably because we've never been late more than five minutes, ten tops, but it still stresses me out.

Thankfully, it wasn't too long until we finally make it to the proper pavillion for our meal experience - marking a first for all of us, since Amber and I had never eaten in...

Italy!

Spoiler alert: We'll definitely want to do that again.

We had our lunch reservation at Via Napoli, which I was very excited about trying out! Back on our first trip, in November 2012, we had contemplated eating at Tutto Italia, but ended up cancelling it for Chefs de France (or Teppan Edo maybe. One of the two, I can't remember - neither were bad decisions, but you know. Back story). So although I'd always heard some good comments about the food in Italy, we'd never tried it for ourselves. I was looking forward to doing so.

We walked in the restaurant and were seated shortly afterward. I also took a moment to tell the girls to keep a look out, because I'd also heard this restaurant has a reputation of having cute waiters. I don't remember how much we verified that fact, though, so don't quote me on it.

Our orders were taken quickly and drinks were brought out first. Everybody but me just got water, but I treated myself to a strawberry acqua fresqua.

Which, any drink that has chunks of strawberries floating in it is a winner as far as I'm concerned (Red Robins freckled lemonade ftw), and this was really tasty. Unfortunately, not a free refill, but it was still very good.

It wasn't too long until food was brought out, and we all (almost) dug in happily!

Merranda contented herself with an appetizer of Tortellini in Brodo, which she liked very much.

Veronica horrified me by simply eating Mozarella Caprese.

She was satisfied with it apparently, but being the mom of the trip, I was very concerned about how small a meal this was.

Eli got Paccheri alla Creme con Pollo (which is pasta with cream, chicken and peas).

Here we hit a small problem, because there was somehow bacon in this dish, although it wasn't listed on the description of it, and seeing as she doesn't eat pork, she had to send it back. They hurried to bring back out another plate, which resulted in pasta that was a bit too al dente for her taste, but she ate it still. Ultimately, she thought it was very good, but would have been better if the pasta had been more cooked.

Traci built her own personal pizza, with pepperoni and mushrooms - which, I believe she enjoyed, as I can't remember comments for sure, but I mean... why wouldn't she, right?

Because Via Napoli pizza is where it's at, guys.

And thus Amber and I shared a personal pepperoni pizza, because we established beforehand that it looked to be about the size of a frozen pizza and half of that is all we ever eat anyway. Plus, money saving, yay!

Lord I could have eaten it all by myself. It is sooooo good. If you've never been and like pizza, do yourself a favor and head right on there next time you're there. I don't even know how we managed to not eat there in September (well, I do know, but spoilers), but you better believe me that this pizza will find its home in my belly again in November.

The dough is light, very thin and soft underneath the toppings with a puffy, perfectly crunchy crust. The mozzarella is fresh (which makes sense since they make it in house) and I would have had double on it if I could. The sauce tastes like tomatoes. Not tomato sauce - fresh tomatoes. And I mean, I'm the kind of person that doesn't want to see the sauce on her pizza - I want it covered with cheese, cause to me that's the real star of pizza. Yet this pizza comes out with sauce oozing all through the scarce (for my taste) cheese and it's still totally glorious.

Amber has her Mama Melrose steak to marry. I will write songs about Via Napoli pizza.

Originally, I had also really wanted to try the Zeppoles - that was actually one of the main reasons for picking this restaurant - but in the end, I didn't know if I could have eaten them all, so I passed on dessert.

Merranda and Veronica decided to split a tiramisu.

It made its way around the table for everyone (but Amber, who doesn't like tiramisu) to try, and it was quite tasty.

And then, surprise! Our waiter came around with a group of his coworkers with a special dessert for Amber and a song to sing!

I had noted a celebration on each of our reservations (for being cancer free), but when you put just a general celebration, not a birthday or anniversary or something like that, it's really a toss up of if they will do something for it or not. Generally, it depends on if the waiter notices the button or not. In this case, he did, and it was definitely a very sweet gesture.

Amber enjoyed her dessert, and soon after we paid the bill and headed on our way out. I had to stop by the restroom first, so Amber decided to go camera happy outside while waiting for me.

To be fair, we haven't ever really fully explored Italy to its full potential.

Which probably has to do with the fact that it's a fairly small pavillion and is mostly made up of restaurants, but still.

Apparently, she had to commemorate my return.

Clearly, I felt this was unnecessary.

We left Italy and made our way on in the World Showcase.

Amber likes taking crowd pictures. She says it gives a better feel of what it would have been like. Also, it may allow people to spot themselves just walking around.

Passing the outpost, with Simba and Rafiki showing off their best colors.

Still walking. More crowds. It wasn't terribly crowded as we've experienced it in October, but it was the Friday of the last weekend of the Flower & Garden Festival, so that probably affected it some.

Off to China!

We were headed over as we wanted to meet Mulan. Unfortunately, by the time we got there, the line was closed. We decided to move on and try to come back for her next set instead.

Click for next post​

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

See, all that stress is just one of many reasons I do not do ADR's. I've gotten so I don't feel I have to be anywhere in particular at any moment and I kinda like that.
That said... I actually do want to eat in Via Napoli just because so many people have and so many people love it. Not so much caring about all the cute waiters though.

Having finally had what I consider good pizza in Disney (care of Wolfgang Puck Express), I'm glad there is equally (if not better) options in the parks.

I just am not a big fan a normal "Disney Pizza". Plus, I am totally all about the sauce.

Love the extra special surprise for Amber. I do, from experience, recommend Italy for all your celebration needs. They really are fabulous.

I totally agree about crowd photos. It gives an idea about the volume years later when you just can't remember.

 

[Newsies]

My stomach just growled during this update.

That pizza literally looks delicious. As does the pasta. And the mozzerella. Great photos!!!

 

[dramadrew]

I was wondering when the drama story would come in. Yikes! I think for reasons like this, I'd be afraid to go with friends. I am hopefully going with family in 2016 and I hope it's not stressful. I'll just need to remind myself I've been there before, did mostly everything, and now it's time to take in the sights and go with the flow.

 

[courtneybelle]

Via Napoli!!! All your meals look phenomenal. I'm always tempted to get pasta but I love their pizza too much.

We'll split zeppoles sometime, I want them so badly but I'm never hungry enough for dessert.

Aw I'm so glad they recognized Amber! My sister got the same dessert for her birthday and raved about it.

 

[MarieLightning]

See, all that stress is just one of many reasons I do not do ADR's. I've gotten so I don't feel I have to be anywhere in particular at any moment and I kinda like that.
That said... I actually do want to eat in Via Napoli just because so many people have and so many people love it. Not so much caring about all the cute waiters though.

Having finally had what I consider good pizza in Disney (care of Wolfgang Puck Express), I'm glad there is equally (if not better) options in the parks.

I just am not a big fan a normal "Disney Pizza". Plus, I am totally all about the sauce.

Love the extra special surprise for Amber. I do, from experience, recommend Italy for all your celebration needs. They really are fabulous.

I totally agree about crowd photos. It gives an idea about the volume years later when you just can't remember.

Usually we don't get too stressed about it though, when it's just the two of us, but when there's a lot of people involved it's a bit different. Besides, the food is worth the stress

It is soooo good. I'm definitely putting it on the list of potential repeats for our future trips. Of course, doing that means we'll never try anything else at Epcot because we also always have to do Teppan Edo, but you win some you lose some

Amber says the Wolfgang Puck BBQ Chicken pizza was better than the Via Napoli pizza, but I'm not sure if that's because of the pizza itself or because of the toppings

*asks*

She says because of the toppings. But then amends with "because I just do". So I don't know what to tell you there

It was really nice. We've learned from October to not just expect anything special for a celebration because unless it's something specific, it's more likely than not to be overlooked. That being said, when they do take notice, it's always all the much better

True. Well, it depends on the area (a crowded picture of certain HS areas mean nothing since it doesn't absorb crowds well) but generally, it's a pretty good pointer. It also makes you miss November crowds *sigh* (or other low seasons we haven't experienced)

My stomach just growled during this update.

That pizza literally looks delicious. As does the pasta. And the mozzerella. Great photos!!!

Disney food will do that to people!

The pizza was honestly A++. Would recommend. And I think the girls would recommend their dishes too! All in all, a great decision

I was wondering when the drama story would come in. Yikes! I think for reasons like this, I'd be afraid to go with friends. I am hopefully going with family in 2016 and I hope it's not stressful. I'll just need to remind myself I've been there before, did mostly everything, and now it's time to take in the sights and go with the flow.

Yeah, not the most pleasant experience ever.

I think it's just a matter of knowing yourself and how you handle other people. The main problem is we see Eli so seldom, we tend to forget the fact that the most we can do without clashing is a few days. Though, after this we probably won't anymore! But it's easier to know how to handle family members.

Via Napoli!!! All your meals look phenomenal. I'm always tempted to get pasta but I love their pizza too much.

We'll split zeppoles sometime, I want them so badly but I'm never hungry enough for dessert.

Aw I'm so glad they recognized Amber! My sister got the same dessert for her birthday and raved about it.

I definitely understand that love. I don't think I'll ever do anything but pizza there. All the pizza. Glorious pizza.

Good deal! Amber doesn't like desserts with cheese (like, cheesecake, cannolis, etc) so I couldn't split them with her. It's just too much for one person. Splitting partners are the best for allowing to try something you normally would have to pass on

It was really nice of them! Amber did very much enjoy her dessert, too. It's nice and simple, which is good after a big meal. Sometimes you just get freebies that you just can't handle.

 

[amberg93]

Day 7, Part 3: "Are there more flags than usual?"​

Immediately upon coming to Norway I noticed what I thought was an abnormal amount of flags.

I also noticed this troll.

And some flowers.

But back to the abnormal amount of flags. Turns out there was an abnormal amount of flags and here was why:

It was Constitution Day!

Some of the flags.

I took some pictures while waiting for others at a bathroom break.

Throughout the rest of the day I'd see Norwegian workers walking around with flags draped over their shoulders or wearing shirts with their flag on them. Basically, the ones that weren't working were partying it up for Constitution Day, which I thought was pretty cool.

People.

More people.

I do like the Mexican pavilion.

Hi there, Spaceship Earth.

Flower and Garden festival means lots of flower pictures.

I mean, look at how beautiful this sight is, monorail included. Makes me Disney sick.

We decided to use one of our DVC fastpasses for Test Track.

Traci and I made this car together.

And Veronica and Marie made this car, proving that great minds think alike.

Warning: the following is probably the worst picture I've ever taken and is of Eli and Merranda's car.

Which was basically a Batmobile.

I tried to retake it but it was too late at that point, we were being hurried along.

Here we are, enjoying the ride.

When we got out, the line was considerably longer than when we'd entered.

C'est la vie.

I don't know what the focus was supposed to be in this picture, but here it is anyway.

We decided that we needed to check out the Festival Center, so we made our way over that way.

Everything is better when you can see Spaceship Earth around.

Flowers.

And more flowers.

What can I say, I like taking pictures of the flowers.

Click for next post​

 

[Newsies]

Oh wow, lots of pretty pics in this update! I especially like your flower ones!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Very cool to be there during a special Country day like Norway's Constitution Day. A little extra bonus.

OK, did you all plan to have virtually the same car, or was it a complete fluke? Pretty cool either way.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

We've never eaten Italian at Disney - largely because being from New York we have some pretty amazing Italian restaurants here so we go for other options. I think I need to break my rule for Via Napoli though - just hear nothing but good things about it. I also want to do Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar for a data night at some point. Oh well, guess rules (even if you make them up) are there to be broken

I've heard good things about the strawberry acqua fresqua - though no free refills is a bit Buzz Killington of them

Good to know that there is bacon in that chicken pasta dish. My wife doesn't eat pork either and we are always checking if things have meat in them and sometime the waiters get confused but there are times things have bacon snuck in them without being listed on the menu

Glad you all enjoyed your food - the pizza does really look good. Very nice of them to notice Amber's button and bring out the dessert

That is cool that the non-working Norway CMs got to party-it-up for Constitution day. I wonder how the Arondellification of the pavilion will impact such celebrations

That's a great shot in that photo across the water with the Imagination Pavilion and the monorail in the back.

One of these years I will have to do Test Track - never done it in either of its versions (Soarin' always takes precidence and then we have never been able to get a FP+/- nor wanted to wait the hour+ long wait it always has when we are there). The making your own car part looks like fun and I am super supportive of designing a batmobile ... I mean, to be fair, you have never seen me and Batman at the same place at the same time

 

[MarieLightning]

Oh wow, lots of pretty pics in this update! I especially like your flower ones!

Well then you sure are gonna like the next update

Very cool to be there during a special Country day like Norway's Constitution Day. A little extra bonus.

OK, did you all plan to have virtually the same car, or was it a complete fluke? Pretty cool either way.

It definitely was nice! It made us curious about seeing what the Canada pavillion looks like on Canada Day. But finding out in person would mean being there in the middle of summer, and that's just not gonna happen.

It totally was a fluke. I guess we were all in the mindset of obnoxious! (Though, who am I kidding, when designing Test Track car I'm always in the mindset for obnoxious)

We've never eaten Italian at Disney - largely because being from New York we have some pretty amazing Italian restaurants here so we go for other options. I think I need to break my rule for Via Napoli though - just hear nothing but good things about it. I also want to do Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar for a data night at some point. Oh well, guess rules (even if you make them up) are there to be broken

I've heard good things about the strawberry acqua fresqua - though no free refills is a bit Buzz Killington of them

Good to know that there is bacon in that chicken pasta dish. My wife doesn't eat pork either and we are always checking if things have meat in them and sometime the waiters get confused but there are times things have bacon snuck in them without being listed on the menu

Glad you all enjoyed your food - the pizza does really look good. Very nice of them to notice Amber's button and bring out the dessert

That is cool that the non-working Norway CMs got to party-it-up for Constitution day. I wonder how the Arondellification of the pavilion will impact such celebrations

That's a great shot in that photo across the water with the Imagination Pavilion and the monorail in the back.

One of these years I will have to do Test Track - never done it in either of its versions (Soarin' always takes precidence and then we have never been able to get a FP+/- nor wanted to wait the hour+ long wait it always has when we are there). The making your own car part looks like fun and I am super supportive of designing a batmobile ... I mean, to be fair, you have never seen me and Batman at the same place at the same time

We're not expertly versed in Italian food, so we probably wouldn't be the best critics to tell you definitely go for it and it'll be the best you've had But, although they do Americanize their food options, World Showcase pavillions are so tremendous at staying true to their origins, and the pizza we had was completely delicious. Definitely not like any pizza I've had before. I did also have a look at Tutto Gusto once and it seems to have some very appealing options!

It is, though it's fairly common for drinks that aren't basic to not be a free refill I guess, at least in regular restaurants. Except again that freckled lemonade at Red Robins But it was very, very good and refreshing.

Looking at the updated menus on Disney's website (they've added dish descriptions now), it does now list pancetta, so if it'd been there then we may have caught it. But yeah, pork should definitely always be listed for dishes, if just for religious purposes of people who cannot eat it. Eli can't eat it because it makes her feel ill, but if she hadn't realized before tasting the dish and had eaten a small piece, she would have been fine. I can't imagine anyone that's Jew or Muslim would have felt the same.

10 out of 10 pizza, would recommend. And it was a very nice surprise and good dessert!

I think they would still ultimately celebrate. I know a lot of people are upset with this turn of event, but I can't bring myself to be one of them. The World Showcase cultural representation is already jaded to adjust itself to common stereotypes. And it's not necessarily a bad thing - although I'm sure many people appreciate the pavilions, people expect a certain thing out of them. Like, kimono clad ladies in Japan, and lumberjacks in Canada. And I mean, if people had such an interest in the cultural learnings of Norway, the movie room would not have always been so empty, you know? At least, with the expansion they shouldn't touch anything but the Maelstrom, and they may even be able to restore the church to its original setting rather than Frozen art. Ultimately, it'll still be Norway, with an added section that's a bit less Norway.

Amber is very proud of that picture It is a pretty good shot

I do looove Soarin', more than Test Track (though Amber, not so much), and really the only way to fit both in a day without a ridiculous amount of wait is to rush over to either of them first thing in the morning.

 

[MarieLightning]

Disclaimer: This update constitutes of many flowers, as one update would from an Epcot day during Flower and Garden festival. If flowers (and a general lack of knowledge about them, other than 'those are sooo preeettyyy'), you may want to skim along until you see non floral pictures.

Day 7, Part 4: Flowers Here, Flowers There, Flowers Everywhere

We continued on our way toward the Festival center, not having anything specific planned for a little while longer, and figuring it'd be a good way to pass the time. Besides, Amber and I were curious about it. We'd been to the Food and Wine Festival the previous October and had never even gone close to it then.

We made it before too long, entering a completely new area of the park to us.

And like everywhere else, it is very pretty.

It's just a shame that it goes unused for such a long part of the year. I know they can't have special events year 'round, but it seems to me they should be resourceful enough to figure out stuff to put in there during Winter and Summer times.

Now, I do have a fairly limited knowledge of flowers.

But I can at least tell you this.

There were orchids.

Many orchids. That's cool though, because I love orchids. The purple ones are my favorite, which they unfortunately did not have, but I do like all of them.

Veronica has a much better insight on all things flower and plants than any of us do, though. She did recognize a few species, too.

We took some time exploring the area, or at least most of us did. Eli wasn't super interested, so she headed back outside to get her phone charged.

In the meantime, the rest of us had a look at the merchandise area, which was really a score. See, it was the last weekend of the festival, which means a lot of things were actually on a fifty percent off sale.

Amber scored a super cute t-shirt for fifteen bucks rather than the regular thirty dollars pricing, and I got a bundle of three tote bags (each one depicting a different character topiary - Mickey, Minnie and Donald) for five dollars. I also got a Minnie wind chime for my mom, and both Amber and I got pins.

Veronica was also looking at buying something, and she looked at some of the plants they had, but of course that's not the kind of thing that you can just bring easily on a plane (especially since she didn't have a checked bag, only carry on luggage) and although she did inquire about shipping costs, she ultimately decided not to get anything.

Amber got a picture of Intermissions Cafe, though we didn't get anything there.

And before too long, we decided to start heading on our way out.

With a few more plants pictures.

More orchids!

I think it's so neat that the inside pattern of the building calls back to Spaceship Earth.

At that point, we started rushing a bit, because we did have somewhere we wanted to head back to, and we were running a bit short on time, so we started making out way back.

Toward the World Showcase!

As you can see, it was a pretty crowded day. I mean, not the worst we've ever experienced, but far from being the best either.

We were headed back to China! We wanted to give meeting Mulan another try. Unfortunately, once again, by the time we arrived the line was yet again closed, and it was sadly her last meeting time of the day.

I felt especially bad about this because, as mentioned before, prior to the trip we had asked each of the girls to give us a list of characters they wanted to meet, and their top one that they wanted a solo picture with. Mulan was Merranda's, and now we'd just missed the last shot at meeting her.

Of course, being the sweet person she is, Merranda didn't make a big deal of it and we just moved on.

We decided it was the perfect time for a quick break, and maybe a small snack too!

Amber and Traci headed inside Lotus Cafe to get cups of water and find a table while the rest of us headed to the China festival booth!

Merranda and Veronica decided to split the vegetable egg rolls.

Meanwhile, Amber and I split the candied strawberries.

They were not a big hit with Amber. The sesame seeds threw her. I, however, very much appreciated the mix in tastes - which is odd since I'm not typically big on sweet and salty, although it seems to be a popular thing. I was all for those strawberries, though.

We don't have a picture of it, but Eli also got some strawberries (which she felt similarly about as Amber, so they actually made their way around the table for other people to try, which I don't remember the general consensus for). She also got a Popping Bubble Tea, which she thought overall tasty although the bubbles threw her off.

Roof picture!

Around the time we were done snacking, Traci had decided she really liked the looks of Merranda and Veronica's spring rolls, so as we headed back out, she made her way over to the booth and got herself some.

The rest of us elected to look around as she did so.

Click for next post​

 

[MarieLightning]

Day 7, Part 5: I've Got A Dream... A Canadian One!

Gaaasp what? Two updates in a row? From Marie?

Well, it's to make up for the fact that the last one was half flowers, so here we go!

We decided to look around the outside shop cart. Obviously, whenever doing such a thing, it is mandatory to play with these guys.

Now, I know that this little guy has a good level of popularity based on much appreciation from certain frumptastic trip reports.

But I'm personally a big fan of this buddy. He's my new best friend. And he's purple!

Soon, Traci had finished her snack and we were done browsing. Eli got a parasol in the process, and we were on our way back around the World Showcase!

We waded our way through the crowds, though it was actually thining a bit at this point.

By Germany, we came across neat topiaries we hadn't gotten pictures of yet!

Snow White! Precious, even in shrubbery form.

And of course, the dwarves.

I'm just realizing now, we didn't get Happy anywhere in there. That's ironically sad.

We then came upon one of the reasons for thining crowds - the Flower Power Concert was about to begin!

Look at all those people. So many people. That's fine, stay there people - that means less of you in the rest of the park. Mwahaha.

We stopped by America as a few people were in need of a bathroom break, and I was in need of my favorite snack.

The Canadian Dream!

For any of you that are not familiar with this, it's basically the American Dream, minus the blue raspberry slushie with double strawberry slushie. It's so delicious and I was one heart broken because they had briefly pulled it from their menu in October 2013. So this was a big moment for me, finding it again on the menu. I may have excitedly yelped.

I'm a child.

We then continued on to Morocco, where we decided to stop and explore as we hadn't yet and it is gorgeous.

Amber, however, had something else in mind, but she decided to go on her mission alone and we waited for her by the railing while watching Mo'Rockin.

Meanwhile, Amber went off to France so she could grab one of these beauties!

La Vie en Rose frozen slush! Which consists of Vodka, Grey Goose Orange, St. Germain Liqueur, and white and red cranberry juice. She enjoyed it very much! I had a taste, but it was a little bitter for me. I'm not that big on red cranberry juice, but I'm also unfamiliar with St. Germain Liqueur, so it could have been either or.

They gave her one of these for free along with it.

Because... after consuming such an adult beverage, you need something to help bring the kid in you back out?

That's my explanation and I'm sticking with it.

Drink in hand, we made our way toward the pavilion for a visit!

So gorgeous.

Look at all the beauty.

How can anyone not appreciate Morocco? They just can't, I'm sure.

Amber's favorite pavilion is Canada, but mine is Morocco. It's just so pretty and immersive.

I just think that you get a certain feeling in Morocco that isn't as easily attainable in the other pavilions. Maybe because once you're in, you can't see outside of the pavilion anymore. You are just legit roaming the streets of Morocco.

It also has some of the best merchandise ever that I have absolutely no use for but still want to buy all of it because it is so very pretty.

I controlled my urges, however, and we soon moved on yet again because we did have a specific plan. We had suggested watching the American Adventure with the girls, but they decided on a different route, and we agreed to the alternative. I know, it's such a shame. Then again, none of them were ever very enthusiastic over many of the shows we had seen thus far, so there's no knowing if they would have appreciated it, and without the official answer, you and I can all pretend they are not forever banned from Disney because they disliked the majesty that is the American Adventure.

We passed by France as we kept moving along through crowds and heat.

Can you guess where we stopped?

Any ideas?

I'll give one more hint.

Click for next post​

 

[Newsies]

Could you have possibly stopped in... THE ENGLAND PAVILION?

I certainly hope that means there's a Mary, Winnie the Pooh, or Alice M&G involved within the next update! Even if there isn't, England is one of my favorite pavilions so as long as there's lots of photos I'll be content either way

More fantastic photos!!!

"Ooh" and "Ahh" to that Canadian Dream. I've never heard of that or the American one, but now I know what to try next time I'm in Epcot!

Your writing style is hilarious. I kept laughing throughout both updates, especially the part where you talk about "the majesty that is the American Adventure". I love the AA, so I'm in the same boat as you when it comes to people who dont

Great updates!!!

 

[MarieLightning]

Could you have possibly stopped in... THE ENGLAND PAVILION?

I certainly hope that means there's a Mary, Winnie the Pooh, or Alice M&G involved within the next update! Even if there isn't, England is one of my favorite pavilions so as long as there's lots of photos I'll be content either way

More fantastic photos!!!

"Ooh" and "Ahh" to that Canadian Dream. I've never heard of that or the American one, but now I know what to try next time I'm in Epcot!

Your writing style is hilarious. I kept laughing throughout both updates, especially the part where you talk about "the majesty that is the American Adventure". I love the AA, so I'm in the same boat as you when it comes to people who dont

Great updates!!!

Hmmm I don't know... could we?

That snack really is awesome. I love the mix of vanilla soft serve with slushie, and strawberry is my favorite flavor (and mixes so perfectly with vanilla) so it's just cold deliciousness

Thank you I'm bad at actually updating in a timely fashion so I'm glad if my writing style can make up for it

I am hopeful they would have appreciated the American Adventure though. You know, call to their better patriotic sides

Thank you!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Wow - two updates! This is Great!

In some ways it is nice that they have the extra space for things like the festival center, but yeah, it does go unused much of the year. Like you said - I am sure they could think of something to put in there during winter and summer. Especially during crowded times like in the summer have an air conditioned play area for kids and over the holidays have like a hot choclate bar and area to warm up, etc.

That's awesome that they had all the discounts. 3 tote bags for $5 has to be the best deal ever at Disney

Too bad about not getting to meet Mulan, glad that Merranda wasn't too upset though

So do the American Dream and Canadian Dream have alcohol in them or just smoothies? On our honeymoon they had a drink that looked just like the American Dream but each layer was a different alcoholic beverage (i.e., Pino Colada, Strawberry Daquiri, etc.) and then more alcohol was floated on top. It was called the "No Worries, No Problems" for obvious reasons. In any event, I am glad they had again the beverage you most enjoy!

I love the Morocco Pavilion - do think the same way as you as they have a ton of merchandise that looks awesome but I have no real use for

Ok, the free gogo applesauce to go with the La Vie en Rose frozen slush is just so bizarre (or Soba Czar as we like to say). I hope they didn't think you were supposed to put that into the slushie. Maybe it is so those of us with kids have something to give the kid to keep them occupied while we enjoy our drink in peace. Very strange.

 

[MarieLightning]

Wow - two updates! This is Great!

In some ways it is nice that they have the extra space for things like the festival center, but yeah, it does go unused much of the year. Like you said - I am sure they could think of something to put in there during winter and summer. Especially during crowded times like in the summer have an air conditioned play area for kids and over the holidays have like a hot choclate bar and area to warm up, etc.

That's awesome that they had all the discounts. 3 tote bags for $5 has to be the best deal ever at Disney

Too bad about not getting to meet Mulan, glad that Merranda wasn't too upset though

So do the American Dream and Canadian Dream have alcohol in them or just smoothies? On our honeymoon they had a drink that looked just like the American Dream but each layer was a different alcoholic beverage (i.e., Pino Colada, Strawberry Daquiri, etc.) and then more alcohol was floated on top. It was called the "No Worries, No Problems" for obvious reasons. In any event, I am glad they had again the beverage you most enjoy!

I love the Morocco Pavilion - do think the same way as you as they have a ton of merchandise that looks awesome but I have no real use for

Ok, the free gogo applesauce to go with the La Vie en Rose frozen slush is just so bizarre (or Soba Czar as we like to say). I hope they didn't think you were supposed to put that into the slushie. Maybe it is so those of us with kids have something to give the kid to keep them occupied while we enjoy our drink in peace. Very strange.

I know I outdid myself! And now the waters have turned and I'm the one bugging Amber to do an update. The end of the world is coming.

That would definitely be some great stuff to put in there, I'm all for a hot chocolate bar in winter time! Maybe you should email the company. I'll back you up! But sometimes it is really just a shame to see all the unused space in Epcot.

It really was an awesome deal. They had great discounts on a lot of stuff, and next year we may be hitting around the end of Food & Wine so we may be lucky enough to get a repeat of that happen for F&W merch! Fingers crossed

It was really unfortunate planning on my part, but she's such an easygoing person that I was probably more upset about her not meeting her than she was herself!

The American Dream (unofficially Canadian dream to me) is totally alcohol free. The actual drink is bottom layer strawberry slushie, soft serve vanilla ice cream in the middle, and top layer blue raspberry slushie. It's really good that way too, but I'm just not that big a fan of blue raspberry slushie. That drink sounds like an awesome drink though! I'm all for strawberry daiquiri!

Morocco in my humble opinion has the best merchandise in the World Showcase. It's just unfortunate that I don't need Moroccan lamps and cushion covers and a bunch of jewelry. I could excuse the last, but I actually hardly ever wear jewelry and Amber knows it.

It is a bit weird, but actually what you're saying makes a looot of sense. I've heard reports of people before saying how sometimes their kids will see them with those kind of drinks in hand, and you know, it just looks like slushie to them, so they want to try it. So then instead you can give them apple sauce to divert their attention while you drink your adult beverage without getting a brain freeze from having to make it disappear asap to avoid a meltdown