Trip Report *COMPLETED* No Ring (delayed), No Rivers Light, & Donald Duck’s the President

As I stir my pasta noodles for dinner, a single tear slides down my cheek. DEPRESSION. It’s cold, it’s dark, and I am home…this unfamiliar place that is not my Disney World hotel room. (PLUS WHY AM I COOKING?!) This cold Philadelphia air chills me to the core, and when I woke up this morning I contemplated chucking my cell phone out the window. I knew my alarm was waking me up for work, not to catch a Disney bus. What is this life?! WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY does it have to end?! The hardest part of planning, and changing your plans, and obsessing over your plans, and then finally living out your plans is the part at the end. The part where it’s all over, it’s all done, and going on a Disney website, or checking a restaurant menu is like pouring salt on an open wound.

As you can tell from my title, no I didn’t get my Disney World proposal and no I didn’t get to see Rivers of Light. Thought I would throw all the heartbreak right at you from the get go, so we can move on to happier memories. (This just means my boyfriend owes me a BIGGER diamond, and a trip back! Maybe when ROL opens?!)

I have just returned from the most fabulous trip to Disney, and I am already itching to go back. I am trying to convince someone, anyone (hello out there!) to book a weekend getaway… That’s the thing with Disney, they always leave you wanting more! Unless it’s it just something us Disney addicts feel, we are always eager for our next fix!

For those who don’t know me, I’m Nicole, and I love Disney World. I have loved Disney World for 11 years now. (This is how they start these meetings right?!)

I was in the Disney bubble from November 4th to November 13th and it was not enough time. NOT ENOUGH TIME I TELL YOU!!! I stayed at Port Orleans Riverside and fell truly, madly, and deeply in love with this BEAUTIFUL riverside resort. My last two trips have been in July and August, and I think those trips (in the summer nonetheless) were MUCH less crowded. SO MANY PEOPLE! It was the end of a race weekend, the last week of food and wine, NJ teacher convention week, and election week. One word of advice, DO NOT EVER GO AT THIS TIME! (keep rereading the go at as goat LOL)

Let’s begin!



November 4th-

Our flight was not until 5:50 PM Friday night. I originally was planning to work in the morning, but it turned out I was able to take the whole day off. Of course I woke up super early with excitement, did all my last minute packing, and then stared at the clock for hours on end. Go figure!

This text arrived and my anxiety immediately started kicking in. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN! Will we not have room? Will they downgrade us to a tent along the riverbank? Will I have to fight off alligators and zika mosquitoes while sleeping outside? My boyfriend tried to calm my fears, and decided we should get a move on it. Airport here we come!

SEPTA was on strike (public transportation buses, etc) so of course traffic was nightmare! I tried my hardest not to freak out and bite off all my nails before even reaching Orlando.

After what seemed like forever, we made it! Hustled through security and straight for the bar!

Round 1

Round 2

Round 3—oops?

And our first food picture of the trip! Chicken tenders! My anxiety was so high all day that I forgot to eat, and I was feeling pretty tipsy. Food is always a good idea!

We paid our tab, and decided to wait by the gate for our magical plane to Orlando! TAKE ME HOME BABY!!!

Ummm.. where is our plane?

Come to find out our flight is delayed until 7 PM… I was too hyper and couldn’t sit still so off we went to check out the airport shops and burn off some energy.

We stumbled upon this wonderful sight, and couldn’t resist.

So much for trying to stay hungry to use up those quick service meals tonight!

The time ticked by soooooooooooo slowly. We watched a woman scream at the American Airlines attendant because he was making her check her bag… SCREAM. She kept threatening him, saying she was going to call Disney and tell them he ruined her trip. There was a family standing beside us, and they told the father he had to go on a later flight because they oversold the plane, and even he didn’t go as ballistic as this woman. Getting to Disney is stressful people!

Soon I was admiring this stunning view. HAPPY PLACE HERE I COME!

And we’re off!

Our flight was quick and painless, and soon the announcement came on that we arrived in Orlando!! A little boy a few rows behind us screamed out “NOOOOOOOO, we went to the wrong place! We are supposed to be in Disney World!”

I showed my boyfriend what I pro I was at maneuvering through the Orlando airport, B side, you can’t hide from me! My Mickey turned green and all my anxiety from earlier in the day melted away. The familiar aroma of the Orlando airport, the big Mickey hands waving you home, the smiling cast member’s faces, it didn’t matter if I’d be sleeping in a river, I was here!

Our magical express filled up quickly, and I didn’t even mind that we were one of the last stops. I soaked up that arrival feeling, the feeling that a full trip is ahead of you, that this really is the ultimate moment of beginning, that the possibilities are truly endless. Plus, it gave me more time to answer trivia questions! I think everyone on the bus thought I was psycho with the amount I got right!

And off we drove into the night. Even though the sign wasn’t lit up due to construction, I still felt it. The transition to being “on property”. That butterflies fluttering in your stomach feeling, when you know you’ve truly been welcomed home.

 

[prfctlyximprct]

Nov 8th

We walk inside, and I’m in love. It starts slowly, but as I glance around the queue, it builds and builds. Maelstrom who? (new number who dis?)

It was so well detailed, that I kinda sorta wished I was waiting in the 90 minute line. But only kinda sorta…

I loved this ride! The music, the animatronics, it was so cute! For those who miss Maelstrom, Let it go, let it goooooooooo….

Haha, but seriously, it’s a super sweet, very well done ride. I know, I know, keep the IPs out of World Showcase and all that, but I have to disagree! This breathes fresh life into Epcot. Ratatouille ride coming soon? I can only hope

The photo is hysterical- I knew there was a drop somewhere and I think I was preparing for it? Or maybe I just got splashed? One of those two reasons must be the reason that I made this face! And check out Joe, Mr. Not Amused. LOL, not one of our finest moments, that’s for sure!

The wintery world of Frozen didn’t offer any refreshments, and everyone knows I can’t go more than an hour without food! Time for some serious festival-ing!

We backtracked to the Farm Fresh booth for our first taste of Food and Wine. We sampled the loaded mac and cheese and the raspberry hard cider.

So good! We ate this in about 2 seconds flat. I had to force Joe to stand back while I snapped a picture LOL.. I thought we were setting the bar high with this as our first choice! It was delish!

Next up was the Hawai’i booth. We chose the Kalua pork slider with pineapple chutney and the Kona Big Wave Golden Ale.

Again, YUM! We honestly should have gotten two of everything! I am picky when it comes to beer, but I really liked this! I would order it again for sure!

We really didn’t expect to LOVE everything so much! Two bites for Joe, two bites for me, and it was on to the next one!

We headed to the Islands of the Caribbean and picked up the Jamaican Beef Patty and a Caribbean Sangria.

Yep, I posed it on a light post. We had been lucky before with finding a table, back here not so much! I didn’t mind though, you take what you can get!

We both enjoyed and it was gone quicker than it came! We looked through our passport book and tried to figure out what we should have next. Even though everything was bite size, we knew we’d be full soon!

I snapped a picture of the pergolas- I want one of these in my backyard!

The menu that seemed most appealing was Canada- so back that way we traveled.

Picked up the Canadian cheddar cheese soup with a pretzel roll and the “Le Cellier” wild mushroom beef filet mignon with truffle butter sauce. Can you say YUM? OH MY GOODNESS, YUM. Unfortunately, we had no table, or light post to rest our food on, so yes, we ate this fine meal on a trash can. LOL

I was wishing we didn’t eat at Sunshine Seasons earlier in the day. What was I thinking? We were starting to fill up, so we decided it was time to just drink and forego the food for now.

Again, snapped shots of Scotland for my friend! Never did get anything here despite her recommendations! Oops!

Our final destination was a little further in to the World Showcase.

And, voila! How I love France and Grey Goose slushies!

Lucky for us, we scored the most perfect little table. We sat and savored our drinks, while we looked out at the crowds, and gazed happily over World Showcase Lagoon. It’s moments like this that make lasting impressions. It’s in these little quiet moments, where you truly take a step back and appreciate your vacation. In the real world, the 2016 presidential election was taking place, but here in the World Showcase we found a moment of calm.

Cheers!

 

[Daveeeeed]

Nov 8th

We walk inside, and I’m in love. It starts slowly, but as I glance around the queue, it builds and builds. Maelstrom who? (new number who dis?)

It was so well detailed, that I kinda sorta wished I was waiting in the 90 minute line. But only kinda sorta…

I loved this ride! The music, the animatronics, it was so cute! For those who miss Maelstrom, Let it go, let it goooooooooo….

Haha, but seriously, it’s a super sweet, very well done ride. I know, I know, keep the IPs out of World Showcase and all that, but I have to disagree! This breathes fresh life into Epcot. Ratatouille ride coming soon? I can only hope

The photo is hysterical- I knew there was a drop somewhere and I think I was preparing for it? Or maybe I just got splashed? One of those two reasons must be the reason that I made this face! And check out Joe, Mr. Not Amused. LOL, not one of our finest moments, that’s for sure!

The wintery world of Frozen didn’t offer any refreshments, and everyone knows I can’t go more than an hour without food! Time for some serious festival-ing!

We backtracked to the Farm Fresh booth for our first taste of Food and Wine. We sampled the loaded mac and cheese and the raspberry hard cider.

So good! We ate this in about 2 seconds flat. I had to force Joe to stand back while I snapped a picture LOL.. I thought we were setting the bar high with this as our first choice! It was delish!

Next up was the Hawai’i booth. We chose the Kalua pork slider with pineapple chutney and the Kona Big Wave Golden Ale.

Again, YUM! We honestly should have gotten two of everything! I am picky when it comes to beer, but I really liked this! I would order it again for sure!

We really didn’t expect to LOVE everything so much! Two bites for Joe, two bites for me, and it was on to the next one!

We headed to the Islands of the Caribbean and picked up the Jamaican Beef Patty and a Caribbean Sangria.

Yep, I posed it on a light post. We had been lucky before with finding a table, back here not so much! I didn’t mind though, you take what you can get!

We both enjoyed and it was gone quicker than it came! We looked through our passport book and tried to figure out what we should have next. Even though everything was bite size, we knew we’d be full soon!

I snapped a picture of the pergolas- I want one of these in my backyard!

The menu that seemed most appealing was Canada- so back that way we traveled.

Picked up the Canadian cheddar cheese soup with a pretzel roll and the “Le Cellier” wild mushroom beef filet mignon with truffle butter sauce. Can you say YUM? OH MY GOODNESS, YUM. Unfortunately, we had no table, or light post to rest our food on, so yes, we ate this fine meal on a trash can. LOL

I was wishing we didn’t eat at Sunshine Seasons earlier in the day. What was I thinking? We were starting to fill up, so we decided it was time to just drink and forego the food for now.

Again, snapped shots of Scotland for my friend! Never did get anything here despite her recommendations! Oops!

Our final destination was a little further in to the World Showcase.

And, voila! How I love France and Grey Goose slushies!

Lucky for us, we scored the most perfect little table. We sat and savored our drinks, while we looked out at the crowds, and gazed happily over World Showcase Lagoon. It’s moments like this that make lasting impressions. It’s in these little quiet moments, where you truly take a step back and appreciate your vacation. In the real world, the 2016 presidential election was taking place, but here in the World Showcase we found a moment of calm.

Cheers!

Imagine if they would have upgraded Maelstrom to 2016 instead of replacing it with something that is not even set in Norway. Ratatouille works a lot better for France since it is about the French food and is set in France. It also has more going for it because it does not replace a classic. I'm sure Frozen is great, but Maelstrom 2.0 would have been the far better route.

 

[BuddyThomas]

Nov 8th

We walk inside, and I’m in love. It starts slowly, but as I glance around the queue, it builds and builds. Maelstrom who? (new number who dis?)

It was so well detailed, that I kinda sorta wished I was waiting in the 90 minute line. But only kinda sorta…

I loved this ride! The music, the animatronics, it was so cute! For those who miss Maelstrom, Let it go, let it goooooooooo….

Haha, but seriously, it’s a super sweet, very well done ride. I know, I know, keep the IPs out of World Showcase and all that, but I have to disagree! This breathes fresh life into Epcot. Ratatouille ride coming soon? I can only hope

The photo is hysterical- I knew there was a drop somewhere and I think I was preparing for it? Or maybe I just got splashed? One of those two reasons must be the reason that I made this face! And check out Joe, Mr. Not Amused. LOL, not one of our finest moments, that’s for sure!

The wintery world of Frozen didn’t offer any refreshments, and everyone knows I can’t go more than an hour without food! Time for some serious festival-ing!

We backtracked to the Farm Fresh booth for our first taste of Food and Wine. We sampled the loaded mac and cheese and the raspberry hard cider.

So good! We ate this in about 2 seconds flat. I had to force Joe to stand back while I snapped a picture LOL.. I thought we were setting the bar high with this as our first choice! It was delish!

Next up was the Hawai’i booth. We chose the Kalua pork slider with pineapple chutney and the Kona Big Wave Golden Ale.

Again, YUM! We honestly should have gotten two of everything! I am picky when it comes to beer, but I really liked this! I would order it again for sure!

We really didn’t expect to LOVE everything so much! Two bites for Joe, two bites for me, and it was on to the next one!

We headed to the Islands of the Caribbean and picked up the Jamaican Beef Patty and a Caribbean Sangria.

Yep, I posed it on a light post. We had been lucky before with finding a table, back here not so much! I didn’t mind though, you take what you can get!

We both enjoyed and it was gone quicker than it came! We looked through our passport book and tried to figure out what we should have next. Even though everything was bite size, we knew we’d be full soon!

I snapped a picture of the pergolas- I want one of these in my backyard!

The menu that seemed most appealing was Canada- so back that way we traveled.

Picked up the Canadian cheddar cheese soup with a pretzel roll and the “Le Cellier” wild mushroom beef filet mignon with truffle butter sauce. Can you say YUM? OH MY GOODNESS, YUM. Unfortunately, we had no table, or light post to rest our food on, so yes, we ate this fine meal on a trash can. LOL

I was wishing we didn’t eat at Sunshine Seasons earlier in the day. What was I thinking? We were starting to fill up, so we decided it was time to just drink and forego the food for now.

Again, snapped shots of Scotland for my friend! Never did get anything here despite her recommendations! Oops!

Our final destination was a little further in to the World Showcase.

And, voila! How I love France and Grey Goose slushies!

Lucky for us, we scored the most perfect little table. We sat and savored our drinks, while we looked out at the crowds, and gazed happily over World Showcase Lagoon. It’s moments like this that make lasting impressions. It’s in these little quiet moments, where you truly take a step back and appreciate your vacation. In the real world, the 2016 presidential election was taking place, but here in the World Showcase we found a moment of calm.

Cheers!

I am LOVING this, and again, you two are the cutest ever. But hey, how amazing, I didn't see any drunks passed out in bushes or vomiting in garbage cans like people claim in some of the main threads. Hmmmmmmmm.........starting to have proof of their exaggerations. So glad you had a good time. I know the politic thing is not to be discussed on here, but I have to admit that I'm dying to know what happened when you saw the election results. I promise I won't hate you if you were in favor of Cheetos the Evil Clown from Hell.

Ducks and runs.

 

[Heatherbell]

Following. Following. Following. Actually....stalking....
I absolutely LOVE your trip reports.

 

[Figgy1]

I agree the original Soarin was better. Replacing the smell of oranges with dirt WT..........

 

[DisneyJeff]

Lucky for us, we scored the most perfect little table. We sat and savored our drinks, while we looked out at the crowds, and gazed happily over World Showcase Lagoon. It’s moments like this that make lasting impressions. It’s in these little quiet moments, where you truly take a step back and appreciate your vacation. In the real world, the 2016 presidential election was taking place, but here in the World Showcase we found a moment of calm.

This is the best post ever!!! It totally captures one of the things that make Disney great!!!

BTW... props for going on Mission Space - orange!!! It's actually one of my favorite rides, although I normally have to go on it alone. My wife hates it.

 

[MinnieM123]

This is the best post ever!!! It totally captures one of the things that make Disney great!!!

BTW... props for going on Mission Space - orange!!! It's actually one of my favorite rides, although I normally have to go on it alone. My wife hates it.

Has she tried the Green side? I've been on Orange in the past, but I avoid it now, in case it makes me light-headed. (I worry about that under the hot, Florida sun, so I've switched to Green.) I think the Green side is still very fun, and she might enjoy that.

 

[SSH]

This is the best post ever!!! It totally captures one of the things that make Disney great!!!

BTW... props for going on Mission Space - orange!!! It's actually one of my favorite rides, although I normally have to go on it alone. My wife hates it.

Me too...my husband can't do those motion simulator rides or coasters...so I'm always going on those alone.

 

[LadyBelle]

I will never go on that ride - green or orange - again. That ride messed up my head for the entire day at EPCOT.

 

[DisneyJeff]

Has she tried the Green side? I've been on Orange in the past, but I avoid it now, in case it makes me light-headed. (I worry about that under the hot, Florida sun, so I've switched to Green.) I think the Green side is still very fun, and she might enjoy that.

Green is the only side she has tried. She won't even look at orange!! I think she dislikes the confined space more than the motion sickness.

 

[Tiggerish]

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your election day outfits!! You've coordinated your ears & shirts to your plans for the day impressively well so far, but this is such a home run!

Lucky for us, we scored the most perfect little table. We sat and savored our drinks, while we looked out at the crowds, and gazed happily over World Showcase Lagoon. It’s moments like this that make lasting impressions. It’s in these little quiet moments, where you truly take a step back and appreciate your vacation.

Regardless of what day it is, this is a perfect description of why we (all of us, I'm sure, not just you and me ) keep going back to WDW. Well stated, and I'm glad you found that perfect spot to enjoy your moment!

 

[prfctlyximprct]

Imagine if they would have upgraded Maelstrom to 2016 instead of replacing it with something that is not even set in Norway. Ratatouille works a lot better for France since it is about the French food and is set in France. It also has more going for it because it does not replace a classic. I'm sure Frozen is great, but Maelstrom 2.0 would have been the far better route.

I do agree. I think Frozen should have went in Magic Kingdom, they should have put in somewhere in Fantasyland. I think they are trying to get the crowds out of MK unfortunately. Looking forward to see what the other Disney parks get in terms of Frozen, I really think with the amount of money that movie made, they should have made a whole land- not Norway. Even with DHS, they should have built Frozen land and Toy Story land. Ah, but who am i?

I am LOVING this, and again, you two are the cutest ever. But hey, how amazing, I didn't see any drunks passed out in bushes or vomiting in garbage cans like people claim in some of the main threads. Hmmmmmmmm.........starting to have proof of their exaggerations. So glad you had a good time. I know the politic thing is not to be discussed on here, but I have to admit that I'm dying to know what happened when you saw the election results. I promise I won't hate you if you were in favor of Cheetos the Evil Clown from Hell.
Ducks and runs.

I am glad you think we are cute! Sometimes I think we look like brother and sister and it's really weird... LOL Food and Wine was totally classy, except for this one guy I saw vaping, and another group of girls carrying around a 90s style boom box. No one puking in bushes, or passed on on the ground... but hey, there's always next year.
It's hard not to avoid politics when you are in the world on election day.. thought I could but I was wrong. That part will be coming soon I promise!

Following. Following. Following. Actually....stalking....
I absolutely LOVE your trip reports.

Thank you, I'm blushing

I agree the original Soarin was better. Replacing the smell of oranges with dirt WT..........

I am glad you agree! I thought I was crazy, I mean the world is so much bigger than Cali, but for some reason it wasn't the same!!

This is the best post ever!!! It totally captures one of the things that make Disney great!!!
BTW... props for going on Mission Space - orange!!! It's actually one of my favorite rides, although I normally have to go on it alone. My wife hates it.

Thank you, Disney is truly beautiful and I think we sometimes are in such a rush we miss out on enjoying our vacation. I'm glad you can relate to my post! And I love Mission Space, I get why people don't, but I feel like they make you unnecessarily dislike it before you even give it a chance!

Has she tried the Green side? I've been on Orange in the past, but I avoid it now, in case it makes me light-headed. (I worry about that under the hot, Florida sun, so I've switched to Green.) I think the Green side is still very fun, and she might enjoy that.

I agree- try green!

Me too...my husband can't do those motion simulator rides or coasters...so I'm always going on those alone.

Don't ever go to Universal! LOL.. I feel like that's all they have!

I will never go on that ride - green or orange - again. That ride messed up my head for the entire day at EPCOT.

I'm sorry!

Green is the only side she has tried. She won't even look at orange!! I think she dislikes the confined space more than the motion sickness.

I can definitley see getting claustrophobic in there!

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your election day outfits!! You've coordinated your ears & shirts to your plans for the day impressively well so far, but this is such a home run!
Regardless of what day it is, this is a perfect description of why we (all of us, I'm sure, not just you and me ) keep going back to WDW. Well stated, and I'm glad you found that perfect spot to enjoy your moment!

I thought we looked the part well! I was tempted to wear a "Pizza for President" shirt, but I liked our red, white and blue theme. And thanks for noticing about my coordinated ears, it took a while to pack and match them to outfits! LOL I am crazy!!!
Glad my description resonates with you, we all know those moments, those moments that make us want more! Disney lovers united!

 

[blreinsel]

I know exactly what you're talking about with the pie face and squirrel!!!! I seriously LOVED that show and wanted to be on it so badly! PIE ME. SLIME ME. I DON'T CARE!

Loving every part of this.. Your F&W selections so far are all things that I would love. Most of the time I see what people get from the booths and am like Even more proof that we need to go together....

 

[MinnieM123]

Green is the only side she has tried. She won't even look at orange!! I think she dislikes the confined space more than the motion sickness.

I can understand that--the first time you go on that attraction it is a bit claustrophobic at first. I've even given that some thought a few times--I've wondered what would happen if there was a power failure--would the people be stuck inside there for hours?! (I assume there would be a manual lever for the CM to open these up, but I've had that "no way out" thought once or twice, while confined in there! )

 

[larryz]

Well done TR!

In the real world, the 2016 presidential election was taking place, but here in the World Showcase we found a moment of calm.

... and a perfect attitude to have while you're on vacation!

 

[prfctlyximprct]

I know exactly what you're talking about with the pie face and squirrel!!!! I seriously LOVED that show and wanted to be on it so badly! PIE ME. SLIME ME. I DON'T CARE!
Loving every part of this.. Your F&W selections so far are all things that I would love. Most of the time I see what people get from the booths and am like Even more proof that we need to go together....

We do need to go together! Joe and I are kind of picky eaters, so a lot of the booths we couldn't find anything to try! We were really determined to get something from every booth, but sometimes you just can't make yourself eat something. This is why I love your trip reports, your restaurant selection is always on par with something I would wanna eat! Let's totally go together! LOL

I can understand that--the first time you go on that attraction it is a bit claustrophobic at first. I've even given that some thought a few times--I've wondered what would happen if there was a power failure--would the people be stuck inside there for hours?! (I assume there would be a manual lever for the CM to open these up, but I've had that "no way out" thought once or twice, while confined in there! )

OMG- this thought has never crossed my mind, but thank you! LOL Now this will be all I think about when I am in there! AHHHH haha!

Well done TR!

... and a perfect attitude to have while you're on vacation!

Thank you so much! I am glad you are reading it!!!

 

[prfctlyximprct]

Nov 8th

Drinking continued. I just had to rub it in to everyone back at home by sending them selfies. I am such a nice friend.

Happy Election Day! Xoxo Nicole… Most didn’t appreciate my enthusiasm. Although they won’t admit it, I know during their nail biting news watching saga, a picture of me looking like a tool wearing Mickey ears made them de-stress for just a minute. The power of Disney.

Joe and I perused through our Food and Wine booklet, trying to find other options we would be brave enough to try.

We were soon interrupted by this little performance…

We clapped and watched along with the masses, it was such a fun routine! I can’t get over the talent some of the cast members have! I admit, I am a bit jealous. This was something straight from the circus!

And then this happened…

When in France…

It’s not our fault the performance lasted so long

After two Grey Goose Slushies, it was time to move on. I was afraid if we stayed at that table 2 would turn into 4, and then 4 into 8, and then I’d be crawling through Epcot! There was more to see, and more to eat! That always gets me moving.

But first, Photopass!

If you look closely, you can see my ears are resting on Joe’s face. I kept hitting him in the head with my ears all week! LOL!

Look, even Photopass is sometimes lopsided! Guess I ain’t so bad after all

I loved all the Food and Wine details they added… how cool! Now where can I find that barrel...

Morocco looked so picturesque, I loved this!I think they should have the lights and flags up all the time!

Passed through Japan. Look at the blue sky… so stunning!

Our next stop was at The American Adventure, at the Hops and Barley Booth. In the past year, I just discovered that I like crab and lobster! Who knew what trying things could do? So many doors are opened now for me…. (See Nicole! TRY IT! YOU MIGHT LIKE IT!) Sorry Sebastian.

I can’t decide if this or the mac and cheese was the best thing we ate from Food and Wine Festival. This lobster roll was hefty, and it actually filled me up! It was chilled and soo sooo sooooooooooo yummy. I am drooling as I type. I would fly to Epcot for this right now. I swore I wouldn’t go during Food and Wine for my next trip because of the heavy crowds, but looking at this picture has me convinced otherwise. IT WAS THAT DELICIOUS, PEOPLE. I would gladly fight through an obstacle course of strollers if this was the prize at the end. Okay, I’m rambling again…

 

[prfctlyximprct]

Nov 8th

Next up on the food agenda was..

MMmmm Italy!

We had to wait for 10 minutes for the chicken parmigiana to be ready. We stood with a woman who was also waiting and she kept trying to get us some free drinks for the hassle. She was hysterical. Unfortunately, it didn’t work

Ten minutes pass and this man wearing a chef hat rolls out a metal cart filled with glorious chicken parm! MY HERO!

We spotted a table but it didn’t help my photography skills…Think my best work in on top of trash cans..

It was steaming hot, and it was good! I think I have said this about everything? But in all honesty, I really liked it! Who doesn’t like baked ziti and chicken? I wish every day that I was Italian, for the food! And the grandmas who make you eat and eat and eat! So good! I am still regretting that I didn’t get the cannoli as well. FOOD REGRETS ARE THE WORST REGRETS

These clouds looked scary, but it was a hot sunny day.

See just my picture-taking abilities; this is what the day really looked like! My Epcot days are always so perfect, guess I better go knock on wood.

Our next stop on this World tour was lovely Germany! Auf wiedersehen! Oh wait, I think that means good-bye…

Instead of heading right into Karamell Kuche like I normally do, I had to make a pit stop elsewhere. See what the Food and Wine Festival does?! It makes you neglect old favorites. I am so sorry Germany caramels, I will be back to devour you all soon.

This little beauty was calling my name!

I may have mentioned this in a previous trip report, but I used to be obsessed with the show Roseanne. There’s an episode where the Connor family gets to go to Disney World, and Dan is upset that Magic Kingdom doesn’t serve alcohol. Roseanne then tells him about Epcot, and he literally sprints out of MK. He is panting and then stumbles upon Germany, where he discovers you can order a liter of beer. I’m not sure if they do this anymore, as I have never seen this in person, but this episode has stuck with me forever, and I always chuckle about it when I am in Germany!

I have turned into Dan Connor! GRAPEFRUIT BEER THO! Has anything ever tasted so wonderful?

My ears are falling down, LOL

A nice man offered to take our photo together, what would we do without Photopass!

We then found ourselves in Mexico; the wait time for the Three Caballeros was a mere 30 minutes (I know what the heck!) so why not hop aboard? We first checked out the shops, and found a few things we needed!

Joe could definitely rock that sombrero all trip- too bad he didn’t agree! I have to rock my ears, so there’s just no way a sombrero works with my attire!

We were feeling woozy, maybe it was all the drinks? We thought these canes could definitely help us out as we continued our drinking voyage around the world!

We then hopped in line for the Three Caballeros, and were singing the song for the rest of the day! We’re the three caballeros, three gay caballeros, they say we are birds of a feather!!! (Try to read that and NOT sing it, I DARE YOU!)

It’s a delightful attraction and I loved the animatronics at the end! YAY for being back home in WDW! I can’t believe they were gone for so long! I love that they are original; dating way back to 1971 (my mom would kill me that I just said way back) and they fit the ending of the ride so perfectly! They originally premiered in the Mickey Mouse Revue attraction in MK on October 1st, 1971 and then went to Tokyo Disneyland but now they are home!! I was so happy, it’s the next best thing I have to Walt himself! Donald with the maracas makes me smile from ear to ear!

Our fiesta was soon over, and it was time to head back out in to the sun. I really wanted to stop at La Cava del Tequila, but the line to get in was an hour and a half long. BOOOOO!!!! Joe said we could try again later on, so off we went back into the daylight. I snapped these photos on the way out, thought this was neat because we were visiting in November!

Italy, Germany, Mexico, who gets to travel to all these countries in just one single solitary day? I was counting my blessings. Epcot was providing a much needed escape that Election Day. I swear I think we forgot it even was Election Day! Who needs the real world when you can have a Disney World! Mickey Mouse for President!

 

[prfctlyximprct]

Nov 8th

We started to circle counterclockwise at this point. I was on a mission. I promised myself I would finally try the cronut this trip, but I was soon distracted by another offering on the menu.

Hello Dole Whip with rum! I had been drooling over this on the Disney Food Blog for months now, and I just could not pass it up! I swear, one of these days I will try the freaking cronut! Why I didn’t order both, I’ll never know! Oh Disney food regrets! AGAIN PEOPLE, FOOD REGRETS ARE THE WORST REGRETS

The only complaint I’d have with my Dole Whip is that it was too small! Gimme more! SO YUM. From now on, all my dole whips must be topped off… LOL I finished before we even got through Canada.

This was the only Remy I could find! And it was out in the wide open, Oops! I am not good at these games.

We were soon back at an all too familiar place from earlier on in the trip! Rose and Crown! Guess those Strongbows really caught a hold of me!

The Piano Lady was pumping out some tunes, and the whole crowd was singing along. I had never seen her before, and now I am obsessed! She was amazing! Some of the songs she sang were so comical; everyone at the pub was cracking up and just having the best time. Her happiness was contagious.

We had three rounds before deciding it was time to pay it forward with our wonderful little table by the window. Time flies in the Rose and Crown, why can’t it just stand still?

We headed back towards France… This really was a day of coming and going. Wandering the world, that’s how we roll.

The Photopass photographer told us to look at each other lovingly, and this is what happened LOL

Before making a beeline towards the Grey Goose Slushie stand, we continued on towards the Poland booth. My Dad is Russian and we celebrate Russian Christmas and Russian Easter with my Baba and my father’s side of the family; piergioes are always a holiday staple. I swear, homemade piergoies are one of my top 3 favorite foods. Could these compete?

We grabbed the kielbasa and potato pierogi as well as a beer. I am guessing this is the Okocim Euro Pale Lager? I can’t remember so I am cheating looking at my passport book! Everything tasted delicious, but I hate to admit, my Baba’s are better. Maybe she has a future in Orlando? Baba, I can help you! Let’s move!

Again, check out the trashcan!

We noticed a super long ling while we were eating, and then realized everyone was waiting for Boyz II Men. I didn’t realize the lines would be soooooooooo long, so I told Joe we could try and check them out at a later time offering. He really wanted to see them because they are originally from Philly. Turns out, they started letting people in for standing room only, and we got an awesome spot on the side. It worked out perfectly, because the line for the next show was already forming! Joe saved my spot, and I went on a mission for beverages.

The closest option?

Joe got Bud Light (AGAIN BORING!!!!) and I got this little beauty.

Not Your Father’s Hard Root Beer Float. You may be asking, would you get this again? WOULD I GET THIS AGAIN? HOLY JEEEZ LOUISE I WOULD GET THIS AGAIN. (I may or may not have had TWO while we grooved That’s for you to ponder)

Boyz II Men were freaking amazing! I felt like I was at an actual concert, not in the middle of theme park. They had everyone in Epcot on their feet dancing, it was so surreal. I expected them to do one song and then be done, but they legit put on a show. I still am fangirling! And I wasn’t even the bigger fan, Joe was! He took a few videos for a few friends back home, and nobody could believe we were in Epcot. How cool is this! The Eat to the Beat Concert Series is a definite perk to Food and Wine Festival. Who knew?!

The worst part of the show was leaving. Masses of people soon engulfed us, and Joe had to drag me by the arm. I am seriously like a child! We had about 25 minutes to get to our dinner ADR, and I didn’t think we could make it with the crowds. Thank goodness Joe now knows his way around World Showcase, or else I would have missed one of my most favorite meals of the trip!

I had been dreaming of Le Cellier for years now, but the 2 credits just always steered me elsewhere. I was so happy to finally be eating here. And the tease from the Canada Food and Wine booth just increased both of our anticipation! We arrived with time to spare, and I was able to purchase this wonderful Epcot sweatshirt. You can never have too many Disney clothes, am I right? Plus, it was starting to get chilly!

After my embarrassing photo shoot, it was time to check in. They told us they were running a little behind with reservations, and we said we did not mind. It was nice to just sit down and relax. Plus, they offered us snacks and drinks while we waited!

Could the hype live up to this? LOL.. I’ve never had a pickle with cheese before, but let’s just say I didn’t hate it! Before I could swallow this bite, we were being called. Right on time! Would I regret using 2 credits? Would the Canadians start judging us and treat us poorly so we didn’t plan to immigrate to their country depending on the election results? Could I fit anymore food into my body? Oh so many questions!

 

[Mrhappyplace]

Where can you get the rum dole whip? The cronut must be tried it is really quite good! I may have to plan on a hard root beer float next trip.