The ABCs of a New 'Ohana Adventure-G is for: Greetings From Teppan, Good-Byes, and Good News!!! - COMPLETED 1/7

[Steppesister]

Still

Still reading.

This will give you an idea of how far along I am. I vaguely remember both Small World and Carousel of Progress from New York World's Fair and I know I'm in the minority when I say they two favorites. I guess my other nostalgic favorite is original Figment from when our sons were young. It was always our first stop in Epcot.

Are you feeling better now?? You were sick for quite some time!

You may be a minority but they are certainly two of mine also.

Figment, while not a favorite, does bring back wonderful memories from my own daughter loving it. She still has her plush years later!

 

[Steppesister]

No way!!!!! Please tell me they serenaded you!

Yep, and I posted the videos too.

 

[missjackiemcg]

Lovely little photo journal of your trip! I still haven't been to Disneyland, and it is certainly on my "someday" list, but I sure hope I can make it a Christmas trip when I do go. It looks so extra magical

Loved your picture with Santa!!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I find it hilariously ironic that we’d gone from Club 33 to Club $3.33.

We’d all thrown in a vote or two for the attractions that were must-do’s and up first was BTMRR.

Everyone has chosen wisely.

I, of course, grabbed a few more photos and some turned out even better than the first batch.

These are great shots!

You know what that is; that thing you get when your underwear are wet and it makes your butt cheeks itchy.

I don't want to admit it, but I do know what that's like.

Stressful does not even begin to describe it, and well, I guess it was fun, but yeah, I suck at that sort of thing.

There's a resounding endorsement!

I’d heard good things about the skewers from Bengal and Alison had told me about the bacon-wrapped asparagus spears that were to die for.

I imagine bacon would be an improvement on the asparagus.

Indiana Jones was next up and I’d forgotten how fun that ride is. Bumpy and jerky, yes, but nicely themed and unique.

On a side note, I have a call into the surgeon for reals.

Uh oh. That doesn't sound good.

Our last ride of the day was Guardians and I think Su-Lynn almost had a legit ChunkyDump on it.

I can't blame her!

My very good friend, Magdalene (@Flossbolna ) is in California and this weekend has been planned for months, possibly even almost a year, I can’t wait to see her and Michael, and of course, Fran and Alison.

Yay! Hope you had an awesome time seeing all of them.

(Y is for: Yes, that title's a stretch...)

That resort looks really great at Christmas time.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls... it's THAT bench.

Seriously.... who would think handing off a kid on a moving attraction at Disney is okay?

I dunno. How badly do you want to get rid of the kid?

While WDW has the charging stations down pat, there is NOT ONE SINGLE USB OR OUTLET IN THE ENTIRE PARK FOR CHARGING a phone.

You'd think they would have figured this out by now.

It took me a while to answer, but I came up with "Flying Lessons!". His comeback was brilliant: "Like, to fly and airplane or, like lessons from Tinkerbell?" Without missing a beat, I retorted, "Well, I was thinking more along the lines of lessons from (you) on how to fly a sleigh!!"

Awww...

Wow, great shot!

 

[aboveH20]

Just read your good news. You like Small World. Hooray. Unfortunately when we were at DL last month it was closed to get ready for the holidays. An even bigger bummer was it was closed when my son and I went to Tokyo Disney. We missed it by one day

I totally agree with you about the stinginess of "adult" in adult beverages. My husband doesn't drink so it's something I enjoy on my solo trips. Starting to think I may need to find a different vice!

Do you work with people who went to the same nursing school as you? My sister was an RN (and eventually CRNA). I would always ask nurses where they went to school, and I think in all my years of asking only found one other person who went to the same school. Not sure why.

Back to and your TR which I'm thoroughly enjoying. Thank you for taking the time to write it.

 

[rentayenta]

Hi!

 

[MeghanEmily]

Meantime: to get you started... when you’re stuck in a line what do you and yours tend to do?



Surf the net or Disney App? Look for details in the theming? Talk with each other? Something else?

Since we're two adults, we often tend to just chat, or catch up on social media/emails on our phones, etc. One of our favourite games to pass the time is the "Who Am I?"/20 Questions game. At Disney we try to keep them Disney/Pixar-themed. As of late we've also managed to get ourselves back into playing the brilliant time-sucking game that is Pokemon Go, so we did a lot of that at Disney last month when we were waiting for things.

we settled in bed while visions of Dole Whips danced in our heads

Mmmm Dole Whips...

I believe that ^ is made entirely of chocolate...

I Don't know if this picture show up properly in my quotes or not (I managed to copy and paste some things and get it all messed up!) But the Oogie Boogie chocolate sculpture is very impressive.

we all made it in and stopped for a group photo. Hey! Look at us!!

​

https://liesaburen.smugmug.com/Disneyland-Fall-2019/i-62v6BMn/A

https://liesaburen.smugmug.com/Disneyland-Fall-2019/i-62v6BMn/A

A lovely looking group you had!

I don’t remember about anyone else, but Kari and I who rode in the front were SOAKED and I don’t mean like after-a-Florida-downpour soaked, I mean soaked like I-swam-in-the-Pop-pool-with-my-clothes-on soaked.

Oh no! That sounds wild!

Earlier in the day, I’d requested to eat at Bengal BBQ and/or the Tropical Hideaway. So naturally, we did both. I’d heard good things about the skewers from Bengal and Alison had told me about the bacon-wrapped asparagus spears that were to die for. I mean, I’d already died a thousand deaths on the Falcon, what’s one more? She was right.

Yum! Sounds delicious! I love asparagus.

Believe it or not, this trip did not include a:

​

https://liesaburen.smugmug.com/Disneyland-Fall-2019/i-X5J3kQV/A

https://liesaburen.smugmug.com/Disneyland-Fall-2019/i-X5J3kQV/A
I can't believe you made it through a trip without a dole whip! That's no easy feat!

Sorry, just not super into it. Sure, I enjoyed it, but just not memorable for me. Do I want a Baby Groot? Sure, everyone on the planet does. Is Rocket funny? Of course! Beyond that, I couldn’t even tell you the plot. Sorry, I know I just fell to a new low on most of y’all’s opinion, but there you have it.

I hate to say it, but I agree with you about Guardians of the Galaxy. I didn't dislike it by any means, but I couldn't get enthused about it either.

Believe it or not, I’m headed back tomorrow... SURPRISE!!!!! My very good friend, Magdalene (@Flossbolna ) is in California and this weekend has been planned for months, possibly even almost a year, I can’t wait to see her and Michael, and of course, Fran and Alison.

Yay!!

To be brief however, I’ll say that during the 2 days I was there I rode a grand total of 8 attractions and spent most of my time wandering aimlessly and taking a zillion photos. I’m an old fart now and am happy watching the bands, stopping for snacks, shopping (gasp! but I did have specific items), enjoying the holiday decorations.... old fart stuff.

If this is what being an old fart is like then I don't want to be young! lol

Santa was having a little Meet and Greet and when I walked in he asked what I'd like for Christmas. It took me a while to answer, but I came up with "Flying Lessons!". His comeback was brilliant: "Like, to fly and airplane or, like lessons from Tinkerbell?" Without missing a beat, I retorted, "Well, I was thinking more along the lines of lessons from (you) on how to fly a sleigh!!" His laugh was jolly and deep and after our Christmas portrait, we wished each other a very Merry Christmas.

How wonderful!! This was quick thinking on Santa's part. An awesome interaction.

It started to snow pretty heavily so we shoveled our way back to the Lounge for dessert course. Erm, maybe that was we went back to the Lounge and shoveled some more food into our faces.

 

[Steppesister]

I love it! Great picture

Thanks; it was such a fun group of friends!

I'm with you. I tried watching it a few times and can't seem to get through it. I feel the same way about Avatar. Luckily, I still LOVE Pandora and I'm sure I'd love GotG ride as well.

I was wondering g if I was the only one. I’m glad that’s not the case!

Again...killing me! I need to move out West, I think! Lucky you!

But if you were out West, you’d be at WDW far less!

 

[Steppesister]

Looks like you are having another awesome time at Disneyland how fun!

Love all the pictures!

Thanks, Caroline! We really did and had even another one after that! Lol!

 

[Steppesister]

One and done for us would probably be CRT, a pleasant experience but have outgrown. The must do is Ohana. Never know where to put LeCellier?

Oddly, I’ve never done CRT. When I had kids that were young enough to do a process meal, we chose Akershus and we’re struck by the mediocrity. Kinda wish I’d tried CRT.

If you ever stay at the poly, make sure to do the Twilight Feast. Same food, fraction of the cost.

I’m sure I’ll be back to Le Cellier, but only after I knock a few more places of the list. I did enjoy it but oy! Rich and heavy!

 

[buzzrelly]

But if you were out West, you’d be at WDW far less!

 

[Steppesister]

Well that was a nice surprise! I finally made it to the 20s in your report and thoroughly enjoyed your DL photos. We were there a couple weeks ago with our son who lives in Burbank. I took only one photo so really enjoyed your Halloween shots.

And I definitely agree about the whole PBR (Pushing Buttons Ride). I wanted to look out the front window, not at my elbow. I'm not into Star Wars, but I certainly appreciated the theming.

I grew up spending large portions of my childhood in Pasadena and Burbank. Incredibly wonderful memories!!! My grandma tried to take me to Disneyland as often as she could.

I’m gonna give it another shot as pilot. But if I get assigned anything else, I’m simply going to watch. We’ll see how that goes....

 

[Steppesister]

Oh, I can't wait to hear about your very merry trolley ride!!!!! Hope you're having the most magical time!

Look aback a couple pages, @missjackiemcg . I posted a short video...

 

[Steppesister]

Well it all depends. If I'm by myself I mostly play my phone games, usually Mahjong. That is unless I'm at WDW then I'm working on journaling my trip report. I might work on the DIS, but most often the ride queues are in buildings with no service.

I wish I could write on my phone but the creative juices just don’t flow there. The DIS is harder to use with that device.

When I have the good fortune to have DIS friends in town (like last weekend) we have so much to catch up on and talk about that the devices stay put, and we're all chatting.

That’s something I can agree on!

Yay! I didn't see this since we were madly trying to get out of town, so I didnt know when I saw you that it had been fixed.

I thought you might be scrambling.

I think that's what the Golden Horseshoe was supposed to be only they let all the performers go so no more shows.

Which super sucks!

Pictures coming in my next bonus feature update...which will be after my next main TR update....

It’s not even funny how far behind I am. Weeks literally on every single thread on. This weekend is catch up time!!!

Until this weekend your pilot ride had been the one where we hit the most stuff. Not anymore.

Oh dear! I wanna hear who could have possibly done worse than we managed to.

They have Bao, chips, Lumpia (which look similar to spring rolls) and Dole Whips. They used to have a Ramen salad, but that doesn't seem to be on the menu anymore.

All of which are faves of mine!

Well that's not quite how it worked out! Well at least the quiet visiting..

It sure didn’t! Time went so quickly!

 

[Steppesister]

I'd be on board for that! Great idea!

We should petition for it. I’m sure they’ll listen.

Ok, I'm confused... isn't after-a-Florida-downpour soaked wetter than I-swam-in-the-Pop-pool-with-my-clothes-on soaked???

Hmmm, you may have a point. I’m having a hard time coming up with anything wetter.

Ok, just go be an engineer or gunner or something.

....and it touch a single button.

So it's safe to say that you haven't ridden Dinosaur in a while?

At the time, no. But I fixed that with my kids at WDW.

Oh man... I love Carsland. Having seen Toy Story land... I prefer Carsland. DW and I were just talking the other day after watching the Imagineering Story on Disney + that we need to go back to Disneyland sometime.

Good! If you do, let me know!!

And FWIW, Carsland > Toy Story Land!

I like Guardians. But don't worry, my opinion was already low enough that it didn't drop you any.

Of the ride or me...?!?!

 

[Steppesister]

Holy crap... and then you went to work???

It’s how I roll. Didn’t get much sleep before this Monday’s shift either.

Gee! What a shock! I'm surprised you posted all this.

Shock and awe...?

Hmmm... for some people ("Hi. I'm new here. I don't know about rope drop or FPs...) that's a lot.

I suppose it is. Eek!

But they can always ask questions! We’re a friendly lot here.

I hardly think so. I've met you.

My neck begs to differ.

I'm sorry. That almost sounded like you took a nap at Disney.

The shock value simply increases.

Oh, you can!
You can't keep them for very long, you don't get to go back to Disney... ever... and your accommodations change and become much smaller... and barred... but sure! You can!

Maybe they’ll give me an old bone and some rope.

I'm so glad you wrote that. I spent a fair bit of time trying to figure out what I was looking at.

I was too and I was there!

I am not normally a fan of plates on walls. Just seems so... passé.
But I really like how these line up.

They were hand painted and very well done.

1. Whoa! Hot!
2. It's that hot and fashion goes out the window and survival takes priority
3. I think you look very nice.
4. Hot! (Take that any way you like.)

1) Yes!
2) Yes!
3) Thanks!
4) A solid 98 degrees.

Oh. Sure. Yep. Totally remember that. Uh, huh.

Sure ya did.

I wonder how many of "THAT" bench there are. There's that one. The one in 'Frisco. The one at Imagineering...
I have a theory...

I wonder if it wanders between exhibits...?

Hey! You never told us the story of how you were serenaded by them on the trolley!

Go back! I posted video!

Yeah, that'd be a tough one with a phone.
Tough with a good camera!

Every. Single. Time.

Whoopsie! But... old park...
And thanks for the head's up!

Old park has nothing to do with it. They could rewire/add outlets overnight if they wanted to.

<Wisely keeps his mouth shut here.>

Pretty hard to bop you on the head from here. Poke all you want.

You know how I feel about that ride, but... (with headphones firmly in place) I'd like to see it too, actually.

Did I mention they’ve tweaked the soundtrack?

You had to say "shovel", didn't you...

Oopsies. Had to do that a lot already??

But thanks for all the great photos! I could've commented on a lot of them, but just too many!

Thanks! I had a fun time wandering just to take pix.

 

[Steppesister]

You already used the letter A on the first page of this trip report.

It is a good thing that one of your DL trips had Halloween decorations and one of them had Christmas decorations or it would be very confusing. I love seeing the Grand Californian all decorated for Christmas. What a beautiful resort.

I can’t remember if I already replied to this it’s been so long! Lol! BUT! I’ll start over with A when I shift to WDW.

 

[Steppesister]

Yeah, right!!! You've seen me... there's no way!
Tarzan is supposed to make the girls swoon... not retch!

I don’t recall you dining shirtless at Club 33???

 

[Steppesister]

I hate to say this but...
Yes. Yes you have.

Imma fix that when I go next time. Promise!

Tell me about the last hour at the Grand.

Well, I found a cozy little nook with super comfy couches and a fireplace to charge my phone. It was bliss. At some point some security guards came over and asked if I was ok and if I knew the guy sleeping across from me. That would be a resounding no.

Then I well,.... it was a hot day and I was.... I needed a shower. I trotted in and asked for a pool key to use those showers and got one no problem. As I went in the gate, I asked a lifeguard where the showers were. She pointed to some outdoor showers which wasn’t very helpful at all. She was sure there weren’t any indoor showers at the pool area.

What was I supposed to do strip down and shower without a swimsuit? So I went into the bathroom and gave myself a little sponge bath. I think the lady that walked in felt a little awkward. As soon as I turned around to grab some paper towels, I saw the indoor showers that the lifeguard was sure didn’t exist.

After I was all tidied up. I went back up to the DVC lounge and grabbed a small plate of food to tide me over for a small dinner.

 

[Steppesister]

A personal update...part of why I've been more scarce...I've been spending a lot of time looking for a new job, which I will be starting either the 2nd or the 9th of December. Originally was going to be the 2nd, but they may want me to wait until the 9th (not quite sure why).

I’d love to hear more about what that is! Good luck on your next transition.

It's an app on the phone and it's a BLAST to play with a group. One person holds the phone up to their forehead with the screen facing their group. The group then has to try to get them to guess the word. If you get it right, you tip the phone forward and you get a point. If you give up, you tip the phone backwards and no point. A bit like charades, except the words are on the phone and it keeps track.

Ooooohhhhh, that’s what I saw loads of people playing. I had ZERO idea!

Exactly. Safety is my middle name. And if I got that job, my middle would be much larger.

Well, color me intrigued!

I'm glad I was able to help him out...maybe next time, he and I will have the opportunity to tag team a little. I confess, it's been a while since I've played mostly because I think DW would not be thrilled.

I’m sure he’d enjoy that.