Trip Report It's Two, Two, TWO Trips in One! *COMPLETED*

Title reference for those of you younger than dirt ~



Got it? Good!

This trip report is somewhat unique and calls for a different kind of introduction. This, as you may recognize, is a picture of me and my significant other.

I invite you, if you dare, to follow along on a lengthy adventure that includes three resorts, lots of flowers, exotic food and a Fruber (a what?) Because this report travels directly to.........the Tuvalu Zone.

 

[Tuvalu]

We wandered through Italy....the flowers/planters were our favorite part.....and posed for this awkward photo in Germany.

#goodideasgonebad

Walked inside just for the smell.

I adore the glass ornaments in Germany. I do not adore their prices. Therefore I take pictures and adore them digitally!

Another adore-the-items-but-not-the-price store.

I came thisclose to buying one of these for Tuvalette.

 

[Tuvalu]

Look what's happened to the kiosk that used to sell bracelets, necklaces and earrings from recycled park maps.

I made many purchases at the Bead Outpost. The jewelry was unique, inexpensive and best of all helped the environment (recycling) and the poverty-stricken laborers who crafted each item.

I guess Flower and Garden merchandise is a better seller.

The sun was taking a toll on us and we needed refreshment. We did not stop in China, and we passed by Norway and Mexico since "we did those countries already."

Remember the ice cream Mom didn't have at 50s Prime Time? The opportunity had arrived to satisfy her craving. She got a large waffle cone and found a bench to relax on and enjoy her ice cream. At last!

And since we were in the neighborhood, I couldn't resist another one of these, @sheriffwoody!

Look how my Violet Lemonade matches the purple flowers in the background.
And this time I used a spoon!

We lingered on the bench for awhile, people-watching and gathering energy for the long trek to the bus stop. Pop's bus stop is the last (and furthest) bus stop at Epcot, for those of you unaware. I pondered ordering an Uber, but I thought the pick-up spot was in the same area as the Pop stop....so that wouldn't eliminate any steps. (It would have, however, eliminated our long wait for a bus!)

We arrived back at Pop more than 11 hours after we'd left. We were exhausted, too tired to even step outside our room to watch the Star Wars fireworks.

It had been another great Disney day.

 

[IAmMoana]

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Anyone?

Gone with the wind??

 

[sheriffwoody]

Look how my Violet Lemonade matches the purple flowers in the background.
And this time I used a spoon!

YES! You can never have too many violet lemonades. I've heard one of the new slushy drinks with the boba (in Pandora) tastes really similar. I'm going to try it and see!

 

[LadyBelle]

Mom and I have a soft spot for the Muppets.

Me too. That's one of the last Jim Henson products out there. I want it to stay forever!

Need I say more?

I had those same story tellers in September. They were hysterical!

 

[fractal]

Your celebrity status continues to impress!

That violet Lemonade looks even better after coming in from 95 degree weather outside. Is that a hard drink?

 

[MinnieM123]

Need I say more?

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What I liked best about that show (when I saw it in May) was the wonderful air conditioning inside that theater!

 

[MinnieM123]

"Let's get our picture taken!"

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This is my favorite photo!!

 

[amjt660]

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I know y'all have seen lots of pictures of the Beauty and the Beast topiary....from the front.
How many have you seen from the back?
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You're welcome.

It was my turn to request a sweet treat. And I knew just where I wanted to go....

And thank you!!

You knew where but...

Did you know how far you would go??

Max

 

[Matt and Kelly]

Now on a sugar high, Mom was ready for some shopping!

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One of my dear friends was traveling to London in a few days. Seeing a Beefeater was on her bucket list. I sent her the following, captioned: I don't need to fly across the ocean to see one of these!
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Brother is a big Beatles fan. Had a birthday coming up. Mom debated but did not buy the mug.
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@TrolleyFollower91, this mug's for you!
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Goodbye, U.K.!
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We are big Beatles fans and love checking out all the merchandise! Hence the reason we named our youngest Lennon.

 

[Tuvalu]

Gone with the wind??

Citizen Kane

YES! You can never have too many violet lemonades. I've heard one of the new slushy drinks with the boba (in Pandora) tastes really similar. I'm going to try it and see!

I may have to check that out myself!

 

[Tuvalu]

Your celebrity status continues to impress!
That violet Lemonade looks even better after coming in from 95 degree weather outside. Is that a hard drink?

Nope, it was non-alcoholic.

You knew where but...

Did you know how far you would go??

Max

Senior moment here, Max......need help with the reference.

We are big Beatles fans and love checking out all the merchandise! Hence the reason we named our youngest Lennon.

I wondered if that's how Lennon got her name!

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

Our exploration of Morocco and Japan was quick. I think Mom wanted to avoid the Japanese drummers! (Like mother, like daughter.)

Mom loves Americana. Shopping in Heritage Manor, listening to the Voices of Liberty and viewing the American Adventure are MUSTS.

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"I want to try the Smokehouse," Mom said as we exited the AA theater. (Ah, more proof that she had studied the F&G food booklet!)

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We shared the slider and the burnt ends hash. Both were out of this world!
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Yum, now I wish I had some burnt ends hash. I love that stuff!

And I agree about the ornaments in Germany. They are so lovely but pricey. I collect nutcrackers too and those prices at Germany are way too much. So with me pictures do just fine.

 

[93boomer]

You can get some pretty interesting pictures from the upper deck.

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We usually see this Indian village from the MPB....just like those folks on the train below.
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The HM isn't as imposing when seen from on high.
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Some very cool shots from above! Bravo!

 

[93boomer]

We paused for a picture on the bridge to France.

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(Was I standing on my tip toes? I am not several inches taller than my mama! )

We walked through the gift stores and then went to check the time for Impressions de France....just missed it!
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I know y'all have seen lots of pictures of the Beauty and the Beast topiary....from the front.
How many have you seen from the back?
View attachment 209885
You're welcome.

It was my turn to request a sweet treat. And I knew just where I wanted to go.....Les Halles!

Shockingly, Mom was able to snag a table while I waited in line. The seating area inside is so small. Having a table and chair meant I could take my time savoring this little beauty ~
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I have wanted to try the strawberry tart forever. But I am such a choco-holic I always end up buying a cookie, croissant or mousse instead. Not this time!

Was it worth the wait?
ABSOLUTELY.

I got the purple version of your Minnie shirt Tuvalu!!

 

[93boomer]

I am finally caught up!!! Whew that was a lot of pictures! lol Loving reliving your trip and esp with your Mama!

 

[dmatt87]

We wandered through Italy....the flowers/planters were our favorite part.....and posed for this awkward photo in Germany.

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#goodideasgonebad

Walked inside just for the smell.
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Snow white looks huge!

And you can't just walk inside for the smell - you must buy!!! Last time we went we got the made on site Caramel Popcorn - it was SO GOOD!!!

 

[IAmMoana]

Citizen Kane

Darn! The only one I haven't seen.. I probably should have known.

 

[Tiggerish]

Senior moment here, Max......need help with the reference.

I'm guessing Moana.

Snow White topiary picture..definitely makes one go "hmmm". (that's also a pop culture reference!)

Either of those nearmisses for Tuvalette would have been money well-spent, I think. The lamb is adorable.

That's a shame about the beads! Hope that's not permanent.

Love the coordinating Minnie shirts.

 

[Tuvalu]

Thursday, May 11

Now it's time to say goodbye.......

Wait, I am getting ahead of myself. Indeed, this was the last day of my TWO TRIPS vacation. But the flight wasn't until evening and Mom and I had several more hours of Disney fun to experience.

Only my morning did not start off fun.

When Mom and I arrived at our room last night, it occurred to me that we had not received our "eviction notice" ( @DisneyJeff) ~ our Tragical Express pick-up letter. If you've utilized DME, you know how critical the letter is ~ bus drivers refuse to allow you to board without the letter. (Why they just can't do a MagicBand scan like they do when you arrive is beyond me!) I called the front desk and explained we had not received our letter.

"The letter will be on your door in the morning."
"But we are checking out tomorrow."
"And?"
"And the DME notice is supposed to be on our door the day before checkout. What if we had an early morning flight?"
(Pause) "Oh you're right. The letter will be on your door before morning."

Guess what was NOT on our door in the morning.

So on my way to get Mom's cawfee and breakfast I stopped at the front desk. The CM was very curt even though I explained nicely that we had not received the letter we needed to board our bus (and, by the way, we needed to know WHAT TIME the bus would pick us up!) After much key-punching, she printed off our letter.

Next was the food court. Previously, every time I'd try to make a purchase using my Tables in Wonderland card the register was unable to "read" the card, resulting in a long delay not only for me but for everyone in line behind me. (Yet none of the other locations where I used my card had issues.) So before I entered Epcot yesterday, I went to Guest Services and received a new card.

Guess whose new TiW card did not work.

After repeated attempts, the cashier called for a manager. Another morning of embarrassment for me as my transaction held up the line.

Mom and I ate in the room, finished packing and then hauled our stuff to the Resort Airline Check in. Luckily there was no wait and we continued to the bus stop. The day was getting better!