A Poutine Less Trip Report: Four Days of Zoology, Deluxe Resorts and Lots of Rain

And so I am back. While I do love typing up these reports, to do so means that you have to be back from your trip . However this was another successful trip and my 10th to the World. So it is official, I have now hit double digits! So may consider that a bit much but I say the more the merrier.

Tim was at home this time, which was a bit of a bummer after introducing him to the World. Everything that we did, I wished he was there and wanted him to experience everything that we were. It just solidifies how much I want him to be by my side for all trips. However, he was extremely supportive of me needing a much needed break from what is currently my reality and the stress that is flooding my life. He had jetted out to Vegas a month or two prior and knew how much fun I would have down there. When the opportunity presented itself to have a mini getaway with one of my best friends, he did not hesitate at all. He told me to have fun, not think of work and enjoy myself.

So on this trip, we had myself. To refresh of those who don't really know me, here's a brief bit of info:

I work in Food & Beverage, am a massive Foodie, a HUGE kid and lover of all things Disney. Mary Poppins is my all time favorite Disney character and Disney movie, followed closely by Toy Story and then UP. I am also a big Star Wars and Pirates fan. I am by no means a girlie girl and would rather by a pirate then a princess any day.

Although Tim could not join me for this trip, I had the absolute next best option. I re-introduce to you...dah dah dah dah... Jennie!

Jennie and I have been friends for almost 15 years. We met at our Dance School and have stayed such great friends throughout the years. She dropped in during my last trip in October several times with her boyfriend and this time was a ladies trip! Jennie left for the Disney College program 8 years ago and had been bitten by the Disney bug ever since. She is now a cast member and loves all things Disney as well. Like me, a giant kid and the biggest Star Wars fan I have ever met. It is completely her fault that I am the Star Wars fan that I am. She took three days off to hang and play with me. It amazes me and thrills me that she still enjoys playing in the parks as much as I do. Thankfully she put up with my craziness for these days and all the photos that came with it.

So here we go! Because this here is the wettest wild in all the wilderness!!!! :sohappy:

 

[MillerPoppins]

Loving the TR so far. It's great that you could make the most of a rainy day like that. Me, I'm "hardcore" and would do the same. My wife and kids, not so much.

Thanks! As long as it's not freezing out, give me a poncho and I'm happy!
:lol:

Isn't the Flower & Garden festival GREAT?! That's why I always try to make one of my annual visits while it's going on (although it will always lose out to the Food & Wine festival when only one annual trip can be made...:lookaroun)

Those guys in the cart are the official F&GF mascots or something, this is the first year for them, they are supposed to drum up interest in the Festival, particularly at kids, I think :shrug: I do know that they give out stickers and act a bit over-the-top.

Wills & Kate tote bag? Blech. :hurl:

You ladies totally rock berets. Love the hat photos. Jennie looks astounding in a fez.

I'm so glad that you got a beautiful day to make up for the rainy one. IMO, there's nothing better than wandering World Showcase on a balmy day.

Oh, and even though I actually did enjoy the movie, I also find the scene in Ratatouille where the rats flood into the kitchen hard to watch. It makes my stomach turn.

I forgot how fun the Flower & Garden show is. It's been 6 years since I've been there during it. It was gorgeous and the guys in the cart were fun! Thanks for that hat compliments! It's not easy to rock a Fez but I guess Jennie can do it! :lol: I'm glad I'm not the only one who doesn't like Ratatouille. That movie was a HORROR movie to me! Tim and my brother think it's hilarious to put it on and have me walk in on it...I run out of the room!
Thanks for reading!

after hearing about these grand marnier slushies all through the forums I must know where in France I would find them,please anyone with info other than some place in the france pavillion please let me know.

Thanks for reading a long and sharing my hatred for Ratatouille! Ok, so if you are coming over the bridge to France from Great Britain, the cart with the orange slushies is on the left. They also have different wines, champagnes and also a Grey Goose Citron Lemon Slush as well, but I just can't get past the Grand Marnier! :slurp: Hope this helps!

 

[catnrob]

MONCHICHIS!! I so remember those from my childhood. Did you know they had their own Saturday morning cartoon too!!!! I never had one but the kids down the street did and I remember wishing I had one too.

 

[MillerPoppins]

I took some more photos because Japan is one of the most visibly gorgeous countries in Epcot. Which lead to comment on how difficult it must be for the cast members that are here in Orlando to be with us and not in Japan with their families. Jennie didn't even think of that fact. Our trip was just days from when everything happened over there. My heart just breaks for all those people and hope that the kids that are over here with us don't have families that are suffering.

Ok so back to photos...no more downers!

I have ALWAYS wanted to eat at the Yakitori House, however again, we weren't really hungry at this point. Plus Jennie is still finding her way through exotic cuisine. She's come a lonnnnnnng way from where she was thanks to her awesome boyfriend. Goodness knows I have tried to expose her to new things but for the longest time her main staples for food were salad with ranch dressing, pizza, fries with cheese and also was a vegetarian for the longest time. She now enjoys many different foods and restaurants including going to the Wave often as well as Jiko. She even likes Duck! But Japanese, I think we are still working on. Especially Sushi.

Love the Koi pool!

So we were making our way out of lovely Japan and onwards to America.

I wanted a "Ball" shot but noticed the little bonsai trees set up too.

The thing we didn't get is that it listed how many years it had been alive and then how many years it had been in "training". We didn't get that immediately. But it turns out it means that that is how many years it had been getting trimmed to shape it to be the way it is. Very cool!

To America we go!
And what do we see first, a shirt based on something that signifies all things America and gluttony!

Wonderful! And then more topiary!

 

[Tiggerish]

That movie was a HORROR movie to me!

Y'know, that's totally understandable, considering you're a chef. I mean, bad enough to see a kitchen overrun with rats, but to have to deal with one sitting on your head, pulling your hair??!!! Eeek!

OK, now not only I am totally grossed out, my head feels all creepy *shudders* And I've made you hate the movie even more, if such a thing is possible. :hammer:

 

[Dianarella]

I made my way into D Street, which I had never been in before. Had a really interesting conversation with some cast members, who were completely surprised that I was from Jersey. Yeah, not all of us fake tan and have giant poof's on our head. If they showed South Jersey on a tv show, I think people would cry false advertisement. We are a whole different crowd south of Long Beach Island.

Believe me...even us Jersey Girls North of Long Beach Island have no idea where they got those cast members.

I grew up at the Jersey Shore and still have a summer house there (Monmouth Beach)...yet never saw anyone who looks like the characters they are! Very strange show to me.

Love me some Wawa.

And love your report. Your pictures are great and I'm glad the trip worked out for you. Sometimes we all just need to get away.

 

[MillerPoppins]

MONCHICHIS!! I so remember those from my childhood. Did you know they had their own Saturday morning cartoon too!!!! I never had one but the kids down the street did and I remember wishing I had one too.

I so don't remember the cartoon! And I think my cousins had one...I don't remember. But now you can finally get one in the Japan pavilion!

Y'know, that's totally understandable, considering you're a chef. I mean, bad enough to see a kitchen overrun with rats, but to have to deal with one sitting on your head, pulling your hair??!!! Eeek!

OK, now not only I am totally grossed out, my head feels all creepy *shudders* And I've made you hate the movie even more, if such a thing is possible. :hammer:

No you haven't made the movie worse for me..I just never watch it. Once in the theatres was more then enough!
Ughh...and then I just read an article online saying that Matthew Morrison from Glee just had to leave his house because it's infested with rats...:hurl:

Believe me...even us Jersey Girls North of Long Beach Island have no idea where they got those cast members.

I grew up at the Jersey Shore and still have a summer house there (Monmouth Beach)...yet never saw anyone who looks like the characters they are! Very strange show to me.

Love me some Wawa.

And love your report. Your pictures are great and I'm glad the trip worked out for you. Sometimes we all just need to get away.

Thanks so much! Yeah they got those people from NY that's what gets me the most. They aren't even from here!!! Ughhh...I hate it!

 

[MillerPoppins]

After some more pin trading and another checkpoint spot, we headed in to the American gift shop!

America - Home of the Free and Obnoxious.

And of all the great and Patriotic merchandise in that little shop, there was the best of the best in there....

GO PHILS!!!!

We were quite happy with this just like I was in the fall when they had Eagles merch in there during the October trip! Very nice. So outside we went for more pin hunting. At the small booth outside, we found they were selling The Monkees CD's! I LOVE THE MONKEES! It was there because Davy Jones was performing during the Flower Power concert series. I have the CD but I was just happy to see it there.

We passed the Fife & Drum Core and got some shots of them!

And onwards to Italy!

Very cute! And you know what else is cute? Those little plastic cups you get wine in. But first, we thought let's talk food. It's almost mid afternoon at this point so we should probably think of eating. I asked Jen what she was in the mood for and we were both kind of up in the air. So she tossed out the idea of trying Via Napoli. I was up for it so I went to see if they had available while Jen went to get our next checkpoint sticker. I arrived inside which seemed pretty busy and spoke with the hostess. At first we were told 5 minutes, then it went to thirty. I thought, Ehhh...I'll check with Jen. So back I went across the Italian Pavilion to find Jennie.

We chatted about it and thought, no we'll just keep moving. So we got our sticker and headed into the wine shop.

It was time for another adult beverage!

No hats in Italy...so we got our photos in this country with Wine!

So we wandered outside and had a seat at a nice table. We were chatting and then decided, yeah if we are going to sit and wait, we might as well wait for a table while we are doing this. I ran back across the pavilion and asked if they still had a thirty minute wait. No, now it's back to 5...go get your other party member. OK! Back across the Italian pavilion, told Jennie to pack up and ship out and we ran back across the pavilion. In we went, checked in and sat for a moment.

 

[mamamouse]

SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!!! OMG I love mon chi chi,I had so many of those toys as a kid and my fave was the board game,okay now you've done it I'm so bee lining it to get the toys for my daughters(I dunno why But whenever I see a toy i had as a kid I have to make sure my daughters get them too odd obsession I dunno lol) Now was it China or japan??? I guess i gotta go read again lol

 

[mamamouse]

RE: the slushies.... Thanks look at you even giving instructions I appreciate thanks so much!:sohappy:



Thanks for reading a long and sharing my hatred for Ratatouille! Ok, so if you are coming over the bridge to France from Great Britain, the cart with the orange slushies is on the left. They also have different wines, champagnes and also a Grey Goose Citron Lemon Slush as well, but I just can't get past the Grand Marnier! :slurp: Hope this helps![/QUOTE]

 

[MillerPoppins]

I don't think my butt was on that seat 2 minutes and we were up and on our way in. They took us to the area that used to be outdoors but is now locked in on the side. We got a nice seat right by the window, causing me to get this awesome photo!

Our server was not very friendly at all. It was awkward. Worse then France. But Jen had finished her Prosecco and moved on to a Zinfandel. I stuck with my Pinot Grigio and we ordered our food.

I got the Carciofi- Artichokes, Pecorino Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese and Truffle Oil:

Holy incredible batman! This pizza was out of this world!!!! Little pricey, but what isn't in Disney? Come on...seriously, amazing!

Jennie stayed true to basics and got the Margarita Pizza:

This was also very good. It's amazing how simple, basic ingredients can sometimes be the best. We chatted and enjoyed our lunch thoroughly. I really enjoyed watching the intoxicated Father next to us who clearly had a couple beers and was REALLY psyched for Snow White. He was clapping and chanting "SNOW WHITE! clap clap clap SNOW WHITE clap clap clap!" Yeah Dad...have another one.

After some more relaxation, wine and wonderful pizza, we headed out but not before some more photos!

Ok so we hit up the ladies room before we went out. At this point, I was in a silly, goofy mood. Thanks to you Pinot! They had gorgeous Italian opera on and I decided to add my own little bit in. So it was something like this beautiful Laaaaaaa Laaaaa or whatever in Italian. And I decided to drop in a BAH BAH BAH melodically. Jennie was silent at this point so I figured she either couldn't hear me or just was ignoring me. Turns out, she was laughing so hard she couldn't speak. There was other folks in the bathroom at this point but I really didn't care. The BAH BAH BAH would come back in later quite a few times throughout the day.

Out we went. Also, Italy was our last checkpoint so we got our "prize". Two buttons saying that I completed the World Raceway Challenge. Ok so not the greatest thing in the world but something hopefully my niece would like.

I took a few more lagoon shots as we made our way to Germany.

Having fun!

Next garden area, Tangled!

Very cute. Haven't seen the movie yet although I now own it. So I just gotta watch it, but Jen was raving about it. I loved the set up!

 

[accord99cutie]

I am loving your report!!! It is very easy to read, and the pictures are just great!!! I feel like I am right there with you!!! Can't wait for more!

 

[tiaragirl]

I really enjoyed watching the intoxicated Father next to us who clearly had a couple beers and was REALLY psyched for Snow White. He was clapping and chanting "SNOW WHITE! clap clap clap SNOW WHITE clap clap clap!" Yeah Dad...have another one.

"Yeah Dad.. have another one." Totally something I would say.

Between this and your opera attempt, I am peeing myself laughing. You have a way with words.

 

[PeoplemoverTTA]

I'm living vicariously through your trip report - you do a ton of the goofy stuff my sister and I do when we're in WDW :lol:

And my goodness I am insanely jealous that you met Julie Andrews!! Mary Poppins is my favorite movie of all time, Disney or not. Just epitomizes Disney magic to me. The first time I saw Remember...Dreams Come True in Disneyland (which is narrated by Julie Andrews), I bawled my eyes out. I'm such a sap :lol:

 

[Foolish Mortal]

If you are from the Mid-Atlantic Region, then you will appreciate my trusty red friend here...

I should have direct deposit here :lol: Love this report !! Tons of laughs and great pics. Can't believe I just found this thread. I must look in this section more often ! And Phils stuff in the America store ? what what what finally, something worth buying.

 

[MillerPoppins]

I am loving your report!!! It is very easy to read, and the pictures are just great!!! I feel like I am right there with you!!! Can't wait for more!

Thank you so much! :wave:

"Yeah Dad.. have another one." Totally something I would say.

Between this and your opera attempt, I am peeing myself laughing. You have a way with words.

Thank you so much! I love writing and I'm glad the goofiness translates well on to the screen!

I'm living vicariously through your trip report - you do a ton of the goofy stuff my sister and I do when we're in WDW :lol:

And my goodness I am insanely jealous that you met Julie Andrews!! Mary Poppins is my favorite movie of all time, Disney or not. Just epitomizes Disney magic to me. The first time I saw Remember...Dreams Come True in Disneyland (which is narrated by Julie Andrews), I bawled my eyes out. I'm such a sap :lol:

Yeah I get really emotional during the movie in One Man's Dream with Julie's narration of that. She gets me every time! Thanks for reading along! :wave:

I should have direct deposit here :lol: Love this report !! Tons of laughs and great pics. Can't believe I just found this thread. I must look in this section more often ! And Phils stuff in the America store ? what what what finally, something worth buying.

Thanks so much! I'm glad we have the PA/NJ representation in Disney whether it be our awesome baseball team or the best convenient store in the country!

 

[HouCuseChickie]

OK- playing catch up. First off...the Monchichi things totally freaked me out. Not b/c they're freaky (well, they kind of are), but they came up in conversation the other day at work and I was having trouble finding the best example of the song (from old commercials) on YouTube.

Love the hats...I think the fezzes in Morocco are my faves.

DH also expressed interest in that turkey leg shirt. The sad thing is- I could see him wearing that with pride! I guess as long as he doesn't wear it with pride while acting like the drunk father near you guys in Via Napoli.

Can't wait to read more!

 

[PirateTink]

Super fun TR!!! Love it! And man, how do you and Jennie look that gorgeous after a day of soaking rain?! The HM awning pic, beautiful! Lol, my sister and I had a day of rain once at the MK too-- I agree, fun for the day, but NOT something to wish for every time! :ROFLOL:

 

[MillerPoppins]

OK- playing catch up. First off...the Monchichi things totally freaked me out. Not b/c they're freaky (well, they kind of are), but they came up in conversation the other day at work and I was having trouble finding the best example of the song (from old commercials) on YouTube.

Love the hats...I think the fezzes in Morocco are my faves.

DH also expressed interest in that turkey leg shirt. The sad thing is- I could see him wearing that with pride! I guess as long as he doesn't wear it with pride while acting like the drunk father near you guys in Via Napoli.

Can't wait to read more!

Yeah the thing is he just randomly popped out with the monchichi song! Out of nowhere! LOL and then I guess I did the same thing in the store. I don't remember them having a show but apparently they did... :shrug:. Anywho, thanks for reading!

Super fun TR!!! Love it! And man, how do you and Jennie look that gorgeous after a day of soaking rain?! The HM awning pic, beautiful! Lol, my sister and I had a day of rain once at the MK too-- I agree, fun for the day, but NOT something to wish for every time! :ROFLOL:

Thanks! And thanks for the superkind compliments. Neither of us felt very beautiful during the day at all but we made it. That's all that matters!

 

[MillerPoppins]

Next up, Germany Pavilion. I must admit, this is probably my least favorite pavilion. Why? It's nothing against Germany itself, but I think a lot of it stems back to the fact that I don't like German food. However, bring on the soft pretzels and the beer!!!

First stop, the Christmas shop. Jennie was talking about the pickle ornament which still cracks me up as we were wandering around.

We did wander through the Caramel Kitchen but it was so packed you couldn't even get a shot of all the goodies! So we continued through some of the other shops and of course, got our next country photo!

These beer hats totally remind me of the hats that Damon Wayans wore doing Men in Film on In Living Color.

Then we found this chicken hat???? Really don't get this one...

We wandered our way through to toy shop with all the bears next. Jennie thought this was awesome..

Me? Not so much...

To be fair, I don't like princesses or the color pink. One might say "But the sword??" Swords are cool, yes. Pink swords?? Oh heck no!

We did not purchase coocoo clocks or any beer steins.

I know...cries of disappointment from homes everywhere. Does anyone actually buy these? The beer steins I could get but the clocks? Really?

We found our next group of topiaries! So we headed over and I had a situation that was truly put your foot in your mouth moments that was so bad I don't think I can even type it on here. But let's just say what I took a photo of, was standing in front of me in true human form. And I announced what I was taking a photo of a little too loudly....UNCOMFORTABLE!!! :brick:

Yeahhh...if you pieced that story together, it was not one of my finest moments.

 

[MillerPoppins]

The outpost was next and I have to say, these might be some of my favorite topiaries around the World Showcase...

Digging it!

This one came out blurry which I was a little bummed about.

So although the Outpost is not really a country (not actually sure what it is) we had to have a photo there too!

As we made our way to China, Jen had been telling me about this spiked peach iced tea at the Tea stand.

She claimed that it backed a true punch and was super yummy. I was a bit apprehensive about this. I had a truly gross experience at the China F&W Booth two years ago. My Mom and I had stepped up to get the dumplings and chicken for the Food & Wine festival and the little cast member saw my Birthday pin. He started yelling "IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!" I said thank you, and he disappeared to the back of the booth. He reappeared with a drink in his hand and said "This is for you, this is for your Birthday!" Awwww....so sweet! I accepted his sweet gesture and we wandered over to a nearby bench. The drink was a green tea plum wine slush I believe. We each took a sip and nearly keeled over! It was like cough syrup consistency and straight up sugar. SIMPLY AWFUL! While it was one of the nicest gestures in Disney, it was simply terrible. We finished our food and then scooted over to a trash can where the little man couldn't see us. So I was a little apprehensive about her tea that she was talking about.

While she waited in line and purchased, I took some other photos.

Red Bean Tea Ice Cream

Jen got her tea, and I had a sip. People, Peach Snap tastes like a Snapple Peach Tea with Peach Scnapps...BUT A LOT OF SCHNAPPS! Amazing!!! But holy strong tea. I didn't get one because I wanted to save my drinking appetite to try the Avocado Margarita I had heard about on here in Mexico.
So she sipped away while we wandered through China.