The ABCs of An EPIC Girls' Trip! May, 2019-Q is for: Quietly Sending this Trip Report off Into an Internet Sunset (8/25)

[Steppesister]

Loved the gorilla pics despite the camera mishap!! So sorry about the air b n b thing. Just as I was considering trying that, I live in a condo/townhouse, not sure if it's allowed, probably not...ugh. Glad you were able to find something else instead, although that's a bit more actual work lol but sounds exciting! I'm not sure if I missed something, but did you ever find out how they knew that you had worked at Disneyland?

Thanks, Kathy! It was meant to be, I suppose, although it was a pretty sweet side gig. I think you probably would be, just read your contract or HOA beforehand. It is, and in the long run it will beef up my resume and with a move in my future, perhaps that is better in the long run.

I never did find out how that guy knew. Sure was disconcerting, though. Not scary, just... weird!!

 

[Steppesister]

YAY for the new Short stay gig, maybe you'll be offered more hours later and you can make even more $,not sure how that would work.

Yes!!! I have NO Idea where this new job will lead, and it was VERY clear in the acceptance letter that I'd forfeit 20% of my pay/ wage should I move from per diem to either part or full time in lieu of bennies. We'll see...

 

[Steppesister]

How special for Your Royal Highness and your Court! A little Pixie Dust is always around the corner, or a lot!
I hope your friend's daughter is doing better.
Love the Alice art! Doesn't rival some of your photos though.

I've had so many magical moments from complementary Cokes to full on upgrades... sure does keep me comin' back!

She is, although tires very easily. It'll take months to get back to "normal" after open heart surgery. Even for a healthy, fit young woman it sure takes a lot out of the body.

Thanks!! I love it too and see it every single day.

 

[Steppesister]

I Apologize, I missed that you are single now . PM me if you wish. God provides. We have learned this over and over lately. Almost don't skip a beat when things happen anymore. And He is faithful. Praying for you, and happy you have the new job.

I've been pretty quiet about things, Tammie. Just don't feel a public forum is the place to air some things in full. But I also know I have made some very deep and fulfilling friendships here on the DIS and know they have my back when times get tough. Yes, He does; I definitely believe that! Thanks for the prayers, my friend!

 

[Steppesister]

Baby Grace is adorable! I can see why people were waiting so long to see her!

And, congrats on the new gig! Sorry to hear the airbnb thing didn't work out...

Isn't she the CUTEST???? It was fascinating to watch her be so well cared for!

Thanks for the good wishes on my new/additional job! I start on the 27th and am super excited to launch into something new!

 

[Steppesister]

Was the phone that went swimming a new one too?

.... Ish.

2 years? maybe?

Onwards and upwards!

You make it sound like mountain climbing.

But it's a great shot!

Thanks!

Traded in rides for alcohol.

No trading erupting volcanoes for extended neck longevity.

… is yours???? That's a great shot! Are you kidding???

Really?! You think so? I wasn't sure really.

I didn't say you had to kill yourself!

.... my neck is listening.

 

[Steppesister]

Wow so many updates and so fast.

Sorry!! LOL!! When I have some downtime I have to crank them out. I'm trying super hard to wrap this beast up and start my next one!

I've been stuck waiting on luggage before too. It's so frustrating when you have placed to be and people to see.

Very! Super inconvenient. I'm usually pretty good and remembering all I need without it, but the boxes of gifts were too heavy to lug around to the park that morning.

I've very curious and how your driver knew so much about you. Maybe he's a Diser too?

Your guess is certaily as good as mine. I honestly have zero idea!

Enjoyed your pictures of baby Grace. So sweet!

She truly is a marvel to look at. Just precious!

I think it's really cool that you're working on your Wilderness badges. Good luck.

It'll take several trips I'm sure! There's quite a few of them.

And Good Luck with your new side hustle. Try not to wear yourself down too much.

Thanks!! I hope it goes well and is the less stressful of the two jobs!

I loved all your birthday celebrations. The video at O'hana's is priceless.

I am such a dork.

You making me really want to try the Edison when we do a no kids trip, hopefully in the future.

I hope you get to! It's a lot of fun! Fun vibe in there!

 

[Steppesister]

My goodness! What a roller coaster. I'm surprised that the apartment vetoed the Airbnb a bit on the one hand... and understand it on the other a little bit. Either way, sorry to hear that you were enjoying it, making money... and had it shut down.
But! Exciting about the new job! Sounds like it'll be a good fit and... pays better? Hello!

It has been. And continues to be. I get it too in some respects. One tenant said it might be due to their insurance requirements. I think it's a money/control grab. Maybe someday I'll have a house again and can try my hand at it again. I did enjoy it. It'll certainly beef up my resume and that's never a bad thing. Nor the $$$$$.

Awww... we love you too and are always happy when you can find a few minutes to share stories with us.

Hopefully a few more (last) updates soon and then I can launch my new PTR/TR.

That's sad. I'm glad things seem to have turned around for you?

It's....as you say... .a roller coaster.

That's gotta be some kind of record.

I know!!! Pretty unique way to spend a birthday!

And I highly doubt you look ridiculous. Probably adorable. Like you're having fun.

Heh.... dufus works.

Wow. I didn't know that about it. Knew the phone went swimming, you've mentioned that a few times, but... what rotten timing!

I wonder what she'll do when her kids get older? Self-ban herself?

That looks pretty interesting. Wonder what it was. Or did you find out?

I did not because it screamed $$$$$.

Funny. "Is that my table?...""That's your table!"

LOL! I bugged them enough that I indeed was that squeaky wheel.

mmmm… love Deviled Eggs. Those look good.

They were!! Underneath was some prociutto. Mmmm!!

Obviously the stilt guy wasn't bringing in enough of a crowd!

I think fringe and leotards are gonna win over pants any day of the week.

How were they?

Not bad!

Good plan. "Are you done with that?"


"Nope!"

Just... keep... stalling....

Me too!
I've never been able to hula even one hula hoop.

I was pretty decent in grade school and Jr. High, but now it'd be just, um, dangerous.

Maybe... you left relatively early. Maybe that happens later at night?

It is certainly possible. Or only on weekends? Or not even there anymore. ?

It's gone? Darn! I wanted to try it some day. Guess not.

Oh no, it's still there, but rumor has it they dumbed down the drinks and don't even serve the "magical" color changing one any more. Sad, lure folks in, then wreck it.

 

[Steppesister]

Wow! I didn't realize the Edison was also a variety show! So much to see, so little time.

I know!! They keep adding really great stuff and I'll never get to it all!

 

[Steppesister]

What a great night out on your birthday. The Edison definitely looks like a place I would enjoy. I much prefer a laid back evening with some music and entertainment as opposed to a loud dance club.

It sure was!! Loved it!

I think you would too. It's a perfect place for a date night! And I agree! I like to dance (a lot!) but this is a bit on the more laid back side. For the record, there is a dance floor and people WERE dancing and having a WONDERFUL time.

 

[Steppesister]

I don't even want to know…

As long as she was home by midnight!

What??? That doesn't sound very princessy

Even princesses find work to do.

Uh oh... heads are gonna roll.

Darn right!

And they say there's no personal information tied to those Magic Bands... Bring me my tinfoil hat!!!!

I do wonder...Maybe they've partnered with FB.

It happens to the best of us. It happens to people like me too.

Sucks, don't it?

In no way was I going to make a sarcastic comment about the Senior Merit Badge.

What were we talking about?

The one time you don't follow the rules...

I know! And I have stories about just that....

I think it is safe to say that they really wanted you! Congrats!

I think so!

Great picture! You just look like you're happy and having a great time... and that dessert looks pretty good too!

I sure was! It is really a fun place to spend a Disney evening.

 

[Steppesister]

Catching up...

Story of my life.

Ew. Thanks for not repeating that in Salem.

Aw, come on! It'd be perfect TR material!

If I had a dollar for every time someone said that to me...


I'd be broke.

Me too.

The first rule of TR writing.

Followed closely by "exploding helicopters make everything more believeable!"

Is that a kind of fish?

Ah...now I get it. I like it! Enjoy the cahooting!

Oh we sure did!

Except installing a new garage door opener. Someone else can do that.

How about snaking toilets?

And she wrote a strongly worded memo!

I know how to do those, ya know.

Whoa. I knew our phones were spying on us, but still...

It's kinda scary....

Wow, cool! What a neat connection.

How many people can lay claim to that?!

Another sensible decision unjustly punished.

I coulda had those photos for less than a pack of gum.

My little guy would love that. And he's a completist like his dad, so he'd spend all day collecting every single one.

And he would. There are a ton of those dumb badges. And yes, I'll try for every single one.

Wow, that must have been really recent. You were just telling us about that arrangement. Sorry to hear the news.

It was rather sudden.

Hey, I'm glad for the good news on the rebound!

I couldn't waste time. The hours I was getting at my "real" job just weren't quite enough. Ironically, perhaps because I scared the ca-ca out of my boss, she scheduled me for almost 40 hours next week. LOL!

Hey, some of us can enjoy it, right?

And you, Sir, were the only one who took the bait. I knew I could count on at least one of the DISDads.

Wow...that's different.

Glad you enjoyed it! Not sure it's my cup of tea, though.

You don't like cake bites??!!! <reconsiders friendship>

 

[Steppesister]

It looks like a nice evening at The Edison!

We haven’t been there yet and I didn’t realize they had performers other than music, very cool!

Happy Belated Birthday Liesa!

It sure was, Caroline! Super fun place!

Yes, they do! Dancers, aerialists, they even host occasional theme nights like the Gatsby Nights and Halloween stuff.

 

[Steppesister]

I'm still sad for you about this. Lost photos sometimes hurt more than lost material things, I find. But the trip report must go on!!

Very true. I did go back and try to repeat a few of them, but I'll never know for sure what I lost. I still have a list of what I tried at the F&G food kiosks and can find Web photos of those, so there's that.

I don't think this is a fair assessment of your usual TRs, or of this one! I'm still enjoying it very much!

Aw, thanks, Meghan.

I can understand what provokes this kind of behaviour, but it still isn't very nice.

It sure isn't. Just wait in line, folks. Maybe since it was such a hugely popular event Disney should have done more to make it a more crowd friendly process. ??

Oh my goodness

Adorable, no?

That's awesome! I've had this recommended to me a few times now, so we might have to give it a shot! It looks like fun!

It's a lot of fun! I loved talking with the CMs and taking time to stop and read the informational boards to complete the little projects.

I'm sorry to hear this didn't work out! I've stayed in a few Air BnBs and had great experiences, so I can see how it could be a great opportunity hosts to make some extra income and meet new people. You would make an awesome host for travellers!

It is!! I've only heard of one horror story, but that was remedied well. For the millions of rentals it's really very safe.

Your new job sounds like a great fit! Sorry to hear that it's been stressful with the finances being tight, but I'm glad you've found something that should be interesting work and pay well! I hope you enjoy your days there.

I sure hope it is!! I'm nervous, as anyone is staring a new job with new people and new processes and tasks to learn. But I think it is a good fit and I'll do fine.

Yay!! In case I haven't said so yet, Happy Belated Birthday! Another year on this planet to spend with those we love, and a day all about celebrating YOU? Always a good thing!

Thanks!! They just keep getting better and better, although it'd be hard to top #50!

Oh my goodness! How incredibly sweet!! This would absolutely make my day.

It was so wonderful. Such a generous, yet absolutely free, gift. Such a precious memory!

Your Edison visit seemed very enjoyable, despite missing out on the aerial performer. What a lovely birthday treat...Mmmmmmm...cake!! We just celebrated my birthday a couple of days late with my family yesterday, and my cake was lovely, but it didn't look nearly this decadent!

Just another reason to go back someday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MEGHAN!! Many thousands more blessings this year!

 

[Steppesister]

As usual, all your photos are good, but I happen to like this one with the double image/shading effect. I presume a raindrop caused the effect, but I like it.

I think it was that way because it's through the royal carriage window. I liked the effect too.

Atta girl. Put him in his place!

Grrrr!

I remember you telling me about this.

He did pull through in many fronts in the end.

Interesting...didn't realize you could shirk your royal duties just by being alone.

Well, one must write the royal memoirs. So not a total shirking.

Gratuity? I didn't think the royal staff got such things.
Girly bubbles? How, perchance do they differ from manly bubbles?

They are... bubblier.

Things like this definitely affect their gratuity for me. Your JOB is much more than just taking my order and bringing my food. The single thing I take most note of is if my glass gets empty and if more than once, not good. That is the thing the server has DIRECT control over. The order could be wrong because of either the server or the kitchen. The food could be cold because of either the server or the kitchen. The drink...that's all on them. <sigh>....I need to get back to Tiffins soon. The service there is as good as the food. Other places on property should take note.

Agreed! I'd add a couple of other signatures to the list, but it's a short one.

 

[Steppesister]

We need people to look at us with envy.

It does have a certain sick sense of gratification, doesn't it?

Ah! Yes, good point.
That's what rope drop and/or Morning EMH are for.

That's the plan!

It didn't end well.

ruh ruh...

Yeah, especially at Disney where you need it for so many things.

Hence a park bag for the extra battery pack. Among other things like mole skin, Tylenol, and a poncho.

Got it. Thought it might be:

GREAT, now I have to watch that one too. LOL!

 

[Steppesister]

I guess you forgot...another thing @pkondz and I have in common...no coffee for us! Definitely blech!

More for me!

For $8 an hour difference, new job sounds like it needs more hours.

Maybe... but, it's only more $$ if I agree to stay "on call" or "per diem". If I bump to part or full time, I lost 20% of that in exchange for bennies. I'd rather have the ^^pay. So will keep it at per diem and try to get that one shift per week. For now....

I'm just glad my work requires my mind and not my body.

It's close. Stupid neck.

 

[pkondz]

You make it sound like mountain climbing.

No. Meant it more as a good wish for an even better trip/TR in the future.

Really?! You think so? I wasn't sure really.

Oh yes. The baby just peeking out from behind its mother? Really good.

It's....as you say... .a roller coaster.

LOL! I bugged them enough that I indeed was that squeaky wheel.

"For the love of God! Can someone please find this annoying lady a table????"

I think fringe and leotards are gonna win over pants any day of the week.

I was pretty decent in grade school and Jr. High, but now it'd be just, um, dangerous.

Too many suitors would come running, and trip and fall over themselves?

Oh no, it's still there, but rumor has it they dumbed down the drinks and don't even serve the "magical" color changing one any more. Sad, lure folks in, then wreck it.

Well, that's... disappointing.

It does have a certain sick sense of gratification, doesn't it?

Hence a park bag for the extra battery pack. Among other things like mole skin, Tylenol, and a poncho.

We were talking about how you need a phone in Disney.
But yes, you do need to bring other stuff with you.

GREAT, now I have to watch that one too. LOL!

Well, I've seen neither, so you're still ahead of me!

 

[Steppesister]

N is for: New and Nomalicious Noshing At Flower and Garden 2019​

Flower and Garden is a veritable wonderland of sensory experiences! And, as if the explosion of colors and patterns done in a flowery medium isn’t enough, EPCOT adds tastes on top of scents, both savory and sweet, into the mix. While it’d be impossible to sample every offering in a small handful of visits to the park, I did make a pretty decent dent in the lineup. I was able to get to EPCOT on 4 occasions in my short 6 days, and made it the priority park because of the Festival- even over my favorite park, Animal Kingdom. So, when you see the vast quantities of food being consumed, remember, this was done over several visits and shared with 2 other people! I’m an oinker, but not quite as oinkerish as it may seem at face value.

I started off my kiosk visits by getting a Festival Passport. I still act like a 5-year old sometimes and think it’s fun to add the little stickers as I go. I also know that it’s a fairly effective marketing strategy by Disney to get you to buy more stuff. I wonder how many millions of dollars were separated from wallets of unsuspecting parents by having their kiddos traipse to the very back of gift shops to work on their Duffy Bear Kidcot Masks...??

​

Armed with my sticker book I ventured out. Last year at F&W, I was frustrated over and over by the near sell out of Festival Pins so wanted to find one of those as quickly as I could.

​

I did find one at Pin Traders but also wanted to check out the food and other merchandise at the Odyssey where the Arbor Kitchen was located. On this day, I tried:

Smoked Salmon Stack with Avocados, Tomatoes, Sour Cream, Caviar and Focaccia Crostino – $5.50​

I liked it and thought the combo of ingredients worked very well, but would have been better if not as salty. Wowza!

I did go back on another day to check, on the off-chance, they’d have leftover Garden Party cakes, but it was an event-specific one and I was sad. To ease the pain, I tried the:

Fried Green Tomatoes with Blue Crab-fennel Salad, Remoulade and Smoked Paprika Oil – $6.00​

I really loved these a lot. Not my favorite item at the Festival, but it was really very nice and a pretty big portion to boot.

On a hot day and adding so much sodium, I needed a lot of water which I got at the next kiosk at The Taste Track. In addition to a FREE cup of ice water, I got a Berry Mint Tea Julep, the non-alcoholic one without the Bourbon. It’s not on the Disney Food Blog, so I have no idea how much it was.

​

This was so, so yummy!! I really loved it- light, refreshing and perfect for a hot day!

In no particular order at all, here are the other items I tried over the course of the week:

From Flavor Full Kitchen:



Citrus-poached Salmon with Ancient Grain Salad, Roasted Vegetables, Citrus Greens (GF) – $6.00



From the Garden: Roasted Beets, Cashew Cheese and Micro Herbs with Lemon-oil Dressing (GF) (V) – $4.50​

That may have very well been in my top 3. Just loved this!

From The Citrus Blossom:



Lobster Tail with Meyer Lemon Emulsion and Grilled Lemon (GF) – $8.00​

Tiny for the price but quite delicious.

Crispy Citrus Chicken with Orange Aïoli and Baby Greens (GF) (KA) – $5.75
​

Super crispy and very good. Not in top 3, but would definitely get again!


No photo of the VV:

Citrus Shortcake: Orange Chiffon Cake, Lemon Curd, Mandarins, Whipped Cream, Citrus Crumble (V) – $4.25
​

and

Orange Sunshine Wine Slushy – $6.50


From Northern Bloom:



Seared Scallops with French Green Beans, Butter Potatoes, Brown Butter Vinaigrette and Apple-wood Smoked Bacon (GF) – $7.00

and (both pictured above)

Griddled Maple Pound Cake with Warm Peach Compote and Sweet Corn Gelato featuring Burton’s Maple Syrup (KA) – $4.50

From the Honey Bee-Stroh:



Roasted Cauliflower with Buckwheat Honey Carrot Purée, Wild Rice Pilaf, Asparagus, Honey-blistered Grapes, Sunflower Brittle and Coriander Flowers (GF) (V) – $4.50​

In my top 3. Soooo good! The flavors all worked together so perfectly!

Honey Tandoori Chicken Flatbread with White Cheddar Cheese, Charred Vegetables, Clover Honey Sour Cream and Micro Citrus Greens – $5.50​

A small portion IMHO.

At La Isla Fresca:



Tropical Freeze (non-alcoholic) (KA) — $4.25

Loved this one too, but thought the Blueberry Mint slushie was better from Taste Track.

From Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market:



Toasted Pretzel Bread topped with Black Forest Ham and Melted Gruyère Cheese- $5.25​

And there it is! The surprise outlyer. Who'd have ever thought this simple dish would have won me over?! The pretzel was so soft and fresh and it was salty, but not too much so! The cheese was still warm as well and maybe it was because I was hungrier when I tried it? I just know it stole my heart as winner of the Eats.

From the Refreshment Port:



Stow Away Mary: Classic Bloody Mary with Absolut Vodka garnished with Pimento-stuffed Olives, Cherry Tomato, Celery, Jumbo Shrimp and Smokehouse Jerky
​

As usual, I spent far more time eating outside of the actual pavilions. There is so much good food offered before I ever get there! I really felt they did a great job at keeping to the theme of "Fresh from the Garden" using ingredients to match the specific kiosks. There was a nice variety of savory, hot, cold, sweet, GF, Dairy-free, vegan, meat, you name it. I truly think there was enough variety for everyone to truly enjoy the food-side of Flower and Garden. With all the variety now for this Festival, I think it's taken 1st Place for Favorite Festival at EPCOT.

***While I DO have a new TR up (link a few posts below this), this one’s not dead yet. Still a couple chapters to go... ***

 

[Steppesister]

No. Meant it more as a good wish for an even better trip/TR in the future.

Oh I have NO doubt!! None.

Oh yes. The baby just peeking out from behind its mother? Really good.

I just wish it's face could have been more in focus. No amount of LR is gonna help that.

"For the love of God! Can someone please find this annoying lady a table????"

Too many suitors would come running, and trip and fall over themselves?

I can step over them.

Well, that's... disappointing.

Don't get me wrong... still a wonderful place to relax on the Boardwalk and I will find myself there again, for sure! But! I wish they'd kept closer to the original theming!

We were talking about how you need a phone in Disney.
But yes, you do need to bring other stuff with you.

Yes, the need for a phone, which dies. So you need a battery pack to go with it. And other stuff. And now we're at needing a bag. I hate bag check. Follow my train of thought, if you dare.

Well, I've seen neither, so you're still ahead of me!

If you like quirky, Burton-esque, you'd love this one.