Trip Report Relaxin' on the Rue D'Baga *COMPLETED*

Another school year is winding down and students are being tested on what they have learned. Have they mastered what was taught? A good teacher will ensure that most will pass with flying colors. Experience in itself can be a good teacher. We learn what works and what doesn't. We learn patience. We learn to adjust our expectations. And hopefully, we learn from our mistakes.

Those of you who read my last trip report ~
http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/go-with-the-flow-its-spring-break-you-know-completed.912354/
know that I am a planner who doesn't always adapt well when my plans go awry. But I am learning to be more flexible (though will always be a work in progress!) And what better environment to learn in than Walt Disney World?!

So on with the show!
Cast: Tuvalu and Woody

(Wait, no Em? She's one of the teachers doing the testing! )

Dates: May 3-8, 2016
Location: C'mon, the title gives it away!

Join us as we spend extended time at the Flower and Garden Festival (the main reason for this trip) and find pleasure in slowing down to stop and smell the roses (literally and figuratively .)

 

[Tuvalu]

We headed for the Test Track side of Future World, since we missed it last month.

Woody and I think Epcot should always have floating planters, not just during F&G. They are so uniquely beautiful.

Hidden Mickey!

Mission Space/Horizons will always have a special place in our hearts.

We visited the Festival Center and did not take a single picture . We always enjoy the history of F&G exhibit and the making of the topiaries. Since we were in "plant mode" we opted to take another ride on Living With the Land before leaving Future World for our tour of World Showcase.

 

[Tuvalu]

Remember those 3rd graders we saw earlier? Turns out there were many more of them...not just in those yellow shirts, but in blue and red shirts too, all from different schools. It must have been a special "3rd grade day" at Epcot! We often see school groups at Epcot in May, typically 5th grade or 8th grade prior to their "graduations." But this is the first time we have seen groups so young. (Hence Em's apprehension of taking a bunch of 8 year olds to Epcot.)

Woody and I planned to pop into the Butterfly House after leaving the Land until we saw a large contingent of little yellow shirts headed in that direction...nope, not gonna go there! Mexico was calling us .

Apparently Mexico was also beckoning the 3rd graders, as there was a group gathered at the bottom of the steps. Fortunately we beat them inside and we were able to enjoy a quiet boat ride as we searched for Donald.

We strolled through Norway, China, the Outpost and Germany noticing the different plantings and color schemes. When we got to Italy I was so happy to take this picture (similar to the one I took on rainy Wednesday) in the sun!

Despite our big breakfast, all the walking had made us hungry! We breezed past America and Japan in order to satisfy our appetites with this:

We shared the Shawarma Chicken platter . Woody nabbed a corner table adjacent to two doorways, so not only did we have a pleasant breeze but we could people watch as well.

The Serveur Amusant was performing in France as we walked by. He makes me so nervous!

There was a Photopass photographer across the bridge and we stopped to get our picture taken. We had no idea what our "Magic Shot" would be...turns out it was pretty cute!

(Disclaimer: That is NOT leftover lunch on my chin...according to Woody, it's an artifact. Look it up! )

Hey gang, are you thirsty? We were. A visit to the Cider House in the U.K. was in order. Woody chose a Cigar City lager and I had this little beauty:

For the uninitiated:

(My wonderful daughter surprised me with this when I arrived home on Mother's Day.)

We sat on a shady bench as we drank and this was our view:

Mary Poppins appeared for her meet and greet so we watched that for a while. A leisurely ride on a Friendship boat to the Studios followed. I had made our fastpass selections for the Studios. We had already missed two of them (did not care since we were having such a lovely time in Epcot) but arrived for the most important one:

Oh, how I would love to gloat about this high score....but alas, I cannot. Woody trounced me. I'm tellin' ya, that old lady last month got inside my head!! I had another pitiful TSMM score.

 

[TheMouseFan]

I hope Em enjoyed her shirt! I have the same one, or one very similar that I got back in 2011!

I agree about the floating planters! I always think they look awesome in everyone's pictures when they come back from F&G, but I have never seen them in person. I'm hoping some will still be up when we are in the park on June 6! I'm really enjoying all of the F&G pics in your report!!

I didn't even notice that on your face until you said something about it!!

 

[Tuvalu]

We perused some gift stores before leaving DHS. That's the beauty of an AP ~ being able to go into a park and only ride one attraction (or none...we've done that too) without feeling like we wasted money. We noticed that a Riverside bus was waiting at a stop (at DHS, POFQ and POR have their own bus stops) so we climbed aboard, figuring we could walk the path along the Sassagoula back to French Quarter.

Which is just what we did.

We like the elegance of the stately mansions. When our kids were growing up we had to stay in Alligator Bayou since those rooms slept 5. Once the boys left we were able to try Magnolia Bend...and those Royal rooms, oh my!

Fireworks in the headboard...I mean, c'mon!

Back in French Quarter territory

Look at me...relaxin' on the Rue D'Baga

 

[Tuvalu]

We decided to take advantage of the water taxi and go to Disney Springs for dinner. That place is still a hassle to get to via bus with the ongoing road construction, so the boat makes a visit more appealing.

It's fun to see Disney Springs from the water.

We're here!

There are lots of fine dining options at Disney Springs. I have read glowing reviews of The Boathouse, Morimoto Asia, Wolfgang Puck and Paradiso 37. So where did we go? Earl of Sandwich! Wait, it gets better...the picture of the meal below? We shared it!

The sandwich is the Original ~ roast beef and cheddar ~ in case you're interested.

After our hearty dinner we walked around Disney Springs...because we hadn't done enough walking yet today! (I believe Woody set a Fitbit record.) We explored the new Landings area (Town Center had not opened yet). The Imagineers have done a fabulous job with the "re-imagineering" of the former Pleasure Island. Unfortunately, heavy crowds made it difficult to fully appreciate all the details. Additionally, the place is LOUD...between the outdoor live music and soundtracks from inside the restaurants you cannot carry on a conversation with your companion(s). The decibel level is deafening. Woody is an experienced "sound guy" and commented that it is possible to balance out the sound so both live music and conversation can be enjoyed.

The noise was beginning to give me a headache so we made our way back towards the Marketplace, which is much quieter by comparison. We had an ice cream craving....Ghirardelli's to the rescue!

Ocean Beach Sea Salt Caramel sundae on the left, single scoop Chocolate Marshmallow sundae on the right. I almost choked when the cashier said, "That'll be $19.95." (And that was after my AP discount!)

Yes, the sundaes were yummy if expensive. But there is a Ghirardelli at an outlet mall near our home where everything is 40% off, including the same sundaes...so we may get our Ghirardelli fix there from now on!

It was dusk when we got to the water taxi dock. Suddenly there was a BOOM...and right before our eyes a fireworks show began!

The CM on the dock was quick to announce, "Those aren't Disney's." Woody guessed a private event at Bonnet Creek, since that was the direction the 5-7 minute show came from.

Our boat arrived after the finale. I didn't mind the wait...I finally got to see some fireworks.

 

[myhappyplace]

You have totally convinced me to stay at POR or POFQ for my next next trip, in Aug 2017.

 

[MinnieM123]

I agree that the floating planters would be a welcome addition to EPCOT all year. They are just so beautiful, and every May, I have to stop and just look at them in the water. (It's also nice to see them above from the monorail, too. )

Appreciated your reference to Horizons--have fond memories of that attraction. (Oranges . . . mmm . . . )

Your pictures of the Riverside/French Quarter area were interesting. I've never been over there, but I know that quite a few members on the board love that resort area.

Oh, I think the Festival Center at EPCOT is only open in the weekends during F&G, right? I missed the Festival Center (over in the old WOL pavilion), because I arrived in WDW on Sunday, and decided to go over to MK, instead, to visit a graveyard. (below)

 

[Tiggerish]

The coral shade of the F&G t-shirt that you chose is very flattering! Fantastic photos, the sunshine makes such a difference at Epcot at this time of year.

Looks like Hook is yelling, "Keep moving, people! Move along!"

Let's just say that Em was not the least bit envious of the teachers/chaperones.

These two remarks made me LOL for real.

World Traveler (the store adjacent to the International Gateway) was the only place we saw it

I like that store. I loved it before they cut it in half to put in package pick-up.

Woody and I think Epcot should always have floating planters, not just during F&G. They are so uniquely beautiful

I agree!

 

[lostpro9het]

After the run, Em and her friend got their picture taken with Javy.

So cool Em got to participate in this! I got to spend 06:30-14:00 on Saturday installing upgrades and patches into our Banner system

 

[Woodywrkr]

Oh, how I would love to gloat about this high score....but alas, I cannot. Woody trounced me. I'm tellin' ya, that old lady last month got inside my head!! I had another pitiful TSMM score.

So what you're saying is that I didn't beat you. You just didn't score enough due to the psychological scars from a ride you took without me weeks ago?

 

[ScarletBegonias]

POFQ looks so beautiful! We are doing Riverside on our next trip! I haven't been since it was Dixie Landings a LONGGGG time ago!

I also have only seen like 1% of Disney Springs! We only ever seem to make it to World of Disney and then leave. I've got a lot of exploring to do!

 

[Tuvalu]

I agree about the floating planters! I always think they look awesome in everyone's pictures when they come back from F&G, but I have never seen them in person. I'm hoping some will still be up when we are in the park on June 6! I'm really enjoying all of the F&G pics in your report!!

I think you and Brian need to plan a couples trip during Flower and Garden!

 

[Tuvalu]

You have totally convinced me to stay at POR or POFQ for my next next trip, in Aug 2017.

You can't go wrong with either...both have their charms . Thanks for reading!

 

[TheMouseFan]

I think you and Brian need to plan a couples trip during Flower and Garden!

I keep telling him that same thing!!

 

[Tuvalu]

Oh, I think the Festival Center at EPCOT is only open in the weekends during F&G, right? I missed the Festival Center (over in the old WOL pavilion), because I arrived in WDW on Sunday, and decided to go over to MK, instead, to visit a graveyard. (below)
View attachment 143190

Yeah, the Festival Center is only open Friday - Sunday during F&G. But c'mon, is visiting a graveyard ever a mistake?

 

[Tuvalu]

POFQ looks so beautiful! We are doing Riverside on our next trip! I haven't been since it was Dixie Landings a LONGGGG time ago!

I also have only seen like 1% of Disney Springs! We only ever seem to make it to World of Disney and then leave. I've got a lot of exploring to do!

Riverside is indeed beautiful and has only gotten prettier over the years since you last stayed there.

You probably still won't get to see much beyond the Marketplace on your next trip...with Once Upon A Toy, the amusements, World of Disney and the Lego store, you'll have a hard time dragging Harper away!

 

[ScarletBegonias]

Riverside is indeed beautiful and has only gotten prettier over the years since you last stayed there.

You probably still won't get to see much beyond the Marketplace on your next trip...with Once Upon A Toy, the amusements, World of Disney and the Lego store, you'll have a hard time dragging Harper away!

So true!!!! I think us two adults are going to try to see it without her, otherwise, we'll never get very far!

 

[Gabe1]

Well color me curious but I was reading the Mosquito thread. Did you or @MinnieM123 also notice problems with mosquitoes on property during your trips?

 

[Gabe1]

Riverside is indeed beautiful and has only gotten prettier over the years since you last stayed there.

You probably still won't get to see much beyond the Marketplace on your next trip...with Once Upon A Toy, the amusements, World of Disney and the Lego store, you'll have a hard time dragging Harper away!

I really love Riverside. We couldn't use a CM discount there a few years ago so we stayed at the French Quarter. We opened both of those resorts back in the early 90s. We are fond of both. What I did notice in both 2014 and 2012 was the FQ was not receiving as much upkeep as it had. The sidewalks around the square of the pool outside the fence had large cracks and some holes. The bushes there and around the lobby were not individual but had grown into large masses. The rattan chairs outside the lounge had seat cushions placed on top cause the wicker had broken through on all of them. Things like that. Hoping it has improved over the last couple of years. Oddly I didn't find the same things out of order last year at Riverside.

 

[MinnieM123]

Well color me curious but I was reading the Mosquito thread. Did you or @MinnieM123 also notice problems with mosquitoes on property during your trips?

I've only had a brief chance to scan the beginning of that thread, but gotta tell you, I didn't notice ANY mosquitoes from Sunday through Wednesday! I even brought those little towelettes with DEET, anticipating mosquitoes, but none were there (so I never even opened any of the packets).

At morning and night, I'd be out on my balcony at the SWAN, and thought to myself that they must have sprayed the heck out of the area. So, I'm not sure why others noticed them, but perhaps the bugs were located in certain areas only? By the way, when I came home, i didn't have any bites, and usually I end up with a few when I return back from Florida. (I just figured they were spraying more this year down there due to the threat of the Zika virus.)