Come On, Drink the Fart! DIS Mega Meet July 2016 TR *NEW TR LINK 2/5

[khertz]

Day 4 Continued: Monday July 25th

After the live podcast taping, I needed to pump and I wanted to change clothes, so we went back up to the room. While I was playing on my phone, I decided I really wanted to eat at Via Napoli. I found a reservation for 4:35 pm and booked it! We left the room at 3:40, but we just missed a monorail leaving when we got up to the platform, so we had to wait a bit for the next one.

At the TTC, we switched over to an Epcot monorail and it was painfully slow. It stopped twice on the tracks, and at some points was just puttering forward. That long time I thought we had to get to the reservation was dwindling!

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We finally got into the park, and we really had to hoof it now to make it to our reservation. I’m sure you can imagine how WONDERFUL fast-walking through all of Future World and into the back of World Showcase in the middle of July was.

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We made it to the restaurant at 4:34 pm! It was closer to 5 when we were actually seated. Since we had the big dessert party coming up that night, we decided to split a margherita pizza.

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Despite not being my beloved Quattro Formaggi, it was an acceptable substitute and hit the spot! After leaving the restaurant, I got a FaceTime call from DS! I answered while standing in front of the bell tower, and DS said, “Ooh, I know where you are, you’re in Italy at Epcot!” I asked him how he knew that, and he said he recognized the bricks behind me. Is this my kid or what?! We chatted with him a bit, and he got to see the flag troupe a bit while we were on FaceTime.

After dinner, we had another long trek in the heat back to Future World to use our Soarin’ FP+.

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I was kind of excited about seeing the new movie for the first time. I’ve never been shy about saying Soarin’ was never one of my favorites. But I have to say, since starting to ride it with DS and seeing him enjoy it so much, I have come to appreciate it a lot more. We both really enjoyed the new Around the World movie as well, and after seeing it, we couldn’t wait to take DS on it for the first time, as we thought it was something he would really enjoy.

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At that point in our trip, the photos from our group on Main Street after the Connecting With Walt meet had not shown up yet in my app, so we stopped at the photo shop near the entrance to see if they could help us locate them. The CM working was so sweet, and helped us locate our photos and added them to my account.

Next, we had a FP for Mission: Space. I hadn’t ridden this in YEARS. It wasn’t one I had ever felt the need to work out rider swap for, so I had just missed out on since we started going with DS.

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We rode with a guy and his teenage son who had never been on it. After not riding for so long, the launch got me REALLY disoriented! I’ve never passed out before, but the way I felt at that part I kind of thought I might. Thankfully, it was better after that, and I enjoyed the rest of the ride. Whenever we get DS to go on it for the first time though, I have a feeling we will have to go on the milder Green side.

Continued in next post...

 

[khertz]

Day 4 Continued: Monday July 25th

After that ride, it was about time for us to start heading back to World Showcase to check in for the Illuminations dessert party.

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It was supposed to be between the UK and France pavilion, so we started walking that way. In the meantime, I got a text from Courtney (@courtneybelle) that she was in Epcot too. A few texts later, she said she was in the tea shop in the UK, so we went over there to meet up with her. DH and I were both a little confused as we walked though, because we kept seeing other people with the DIS Mega Meet lanyard heading towards us and going in the opposite direction.

Finally, I saw Kevin from the DIS coming up on his ECV, so I was able to flag him down to find out what was going on. Apparently, even though it didn’t really look like any bad weather was inclement, just the possibility of rain in the area had caused Disney to enact their rain policy and move the dessert party indoors to the Odyssey building.

We still went over to the tea shop to say hello and chat with Courtney a few minutes. It was so good to see her again!

After hanging out with Courtney, we went over to the Odyssey building. We were ready for dessert party round 2!! They had different kinds of cupcakes, mini cheesecakes, fruit, Key lime tarts, and Mickey bars! I was happy that everything was delicious, and it wasn’t a repeat of the desserts we’d had the night before at MK.

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We had some time to chat with Corey again, who remembered us from the Sip & Snack. And we saw Jeff & Val from our ABD trip. Plus, we finally got a chance to say hello again to Pete, who we hadn’t seen since the Italy ABD trip! So nice catching up with everyone. We had the choice between staying inside of the Odyssey center for the rest of the evening or being escorted by a CM down to the viewing area in France for Illuminations. We decided we wanted to go down to the viewing, but several people stayed behind. We were also given 3D glasses like we had gotten at the 3D dessert party for Food & Wine a few years before that makes lights look like Mickey heads.

When we got to the France pavilion, we still had a few minutes to wait until Illuminations started. This time, since there were so few people and a larger area, DH was able to pick out his ideal spot to set up the tripod. While he did that, I sat on one of the low walls and chatted with a couple of DISers who were also there for an adults only trip and had left the kids at home.

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A glimpse through the 3D glasses!


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We decided to hang around to let the crowds die down, and ended up chatting with Corey again for a few minutes. DH and I decided to stick around a minute to see if we could find Pete to tell him goodbye, but before we could, our evening took a turn. Someone from the DIS recognized me some kind of way (sorry to say I’m not sure who it was) and knew I was a nurse. She came over and told me I should go check on Pete’s mom. I wasn’t sure about sharing this part of our evening, but since Pete talked about it on the show after the meet, hopefully he won’t mind. His mom was a little droopy, so I went over to see if there was anything I could do. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much except to put one of our cooling towels on her neck since Pete thought it might be the heat getting to her, but they were also worried she might be having a stroke. I waited around in case she took a turn for the worse and needed some kind of intervention, but once the Reedy Creek firefighters and paramedics arrived, DH and I decided to go. Thankfully, we heard on the show that Pete’s mom ended up being just fine and it was indeed just the heat.

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We caught the monorail back to the TTC and switched over to the MK loop, then got back to the Contemporary. We basically threw our stuff in our luggage that night and got to bed.

We left early the next morning to hit the road to get back home. It seemed like an endless, yet thankfully uneventful, drive back home. We got the kids from my parents and made it to our house by about 7 that night.

THE END!
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Thanks to everyone who followed along with this TR and commented along the way! I hope it was enjoyable. Keep an eye on this thread for a link to our October 2016 TR that I'm actually ready to start, just trying to think of a good title. lol I'll post the link here when it is up and running!

 

[balty74]

Loved your trip report! We'll be staying at the Contemporary garden wing room in March and your photos of the resort definitely have me pumped!!!

 

[Terra Nova guy]

I answered while standing in front of the bell tower, and DS said, “Ooh, I know where you are, you’re in Italy at Epcot!” I asked him how he knew that, and he said he recognized the bricks behind me. Is this my kid or what?!

You're raising him right! I like the bell tower in Italy. It's actually one of the few places that DW and I had pictures taken with just the two of us. They came out so well that we printed one and hung it on our wall at home, so I see it every day.

I’ve never been shy about saying Soarin’ was never one of my favorites. But I have to say, since starting to ride it with DS and seeing him enjoy it so much, I have come to appreciate it a lot more.

Youngest DD loves Soarin', I would say it's probably her favourite ride, at least it was one our last trip. I always enjoyed it too. I'm not sure how I will feel about the new CG heavy movie, but I think she's going to love the touches the CG gives, like the whale jumping.

Whenever we get DS to go on it for the first time though, I have a feeling we will have to go on the milder Green side.

I have only been on Mission Space once, in 2008 when we were just a family of three (well, youngest DD was only 8 months old, so we actually left her at home with her grandparents). I don't like spinning at all, so we did the green side. But even that DW and DD (then 8) didn't like the enclosed space. I've suggested trying it again on our other trips, but they had no interest. I wasn't overly disappointed but I wouldn't mind doing it again.

Thankfully, we heard on the show that Pete’s mom ended up being just fine and it was indeed just the heat.

I remember Pete talking about that on the podcast. How interesting to her that you were involved. Glad that things turned out OK in the end.

I'll be sure to check for your new TR!

 

[rdkeim]

Loved your TR! Sounded like the perfect adults only get away. Your DS knowing where you were - so funny! The Illuminations pictures were beautiful. Thanks for sharing your trip and wonderful photos. I'll watch for your October link!

 

[missangelalexis]

I can't imagine that speed walk to WS was any fun! But I'm glad you made it on time! I'm sure you were happy to be eating at one of your favorite restaurants.

Oh my gosh what a smart, disney loving boy DS is!!

Mmm nice looking desserts! It's good that they weren't the same from the other dessert party!

Beautiful Illuminations photos!

What a scary end to the night, I'm glad everything ended up ok though.

Thank you for sharing! It was nice to read about the fun you and DH were able to have on your own! Can't wait to read the October report next!!

 

[afwdwfan]

I decided I really wanted to eat at Via Napoli

I feel that way often. It's nice when it is actually feasible to make it happen!

I’m sure you can imagine how WONDERFUL fast-walking through all of Future World and into the back of World Showcase in the middle of July was.

Oh boy... can't wait to do that myself.

Despite not being my beloved Quattro Formaggi, it was an acceptable substitute and hit the spot!

I don't think there is a bad choice there.

I got a FaceTime call from DS! I answered while standing in front of the bell tower, and DS said, “Ooh, I know where you are, you’re in Italy at Epcot!” I asked him how he knew that, and he said he recognized the bricks behind me. Is this my kid or what?!

This is definitely a proud parent moment!

I was kind of excited about seeing the new movie for the first time. I’ve never been shy about saying Soarin’ was never one of my favorites.

I'm glad you liked it. I've always been of the same mindset that I've just never enjoyed Soarin' as much as I feel like I'm supposed to. I hope the new film helps.

We rode with a guy and his teenage son who had never been on it. After not riding for so long, the launch got me REALLY disoriented! I’ve never passed out before, but the way I felt at that part I kind of thought I might. Thankfully, it was better after that, and I enjoyed the rest of the ride

Yikes! I'm glad you survived it and did ok. I like Mission Space, but I guess I'm kind of like you were. Not worth really going through a lot of time or effort to make it happen and if it doesn't, no big deal.

We still went over to the tea shop to say hello and chat with Courtney a few minutes. It was so good to see her again!

I'm glad you got to see her!

Too bad about moving the dessert party and making that walk twice. But at least the weather held off so they could continue with the show!

July 04-039 by disneymom1024, on Flickr
A glimpse through the 3D glasses!

Awesome picture!

Someone from the DIS recognized me some kind of way (sorry to say I’m not sure who it was) and knew I was a nurse. She came over and told me I should go check on Pete’s mom. I wasn’t sure about sharing this part of our evening, but since Pete talked about it on the show after the meet, hopefully he won’t mind. His mom was a little droopy, so I went over to see if there was anything I could do. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much except to put one of our cooling towels on her neck since Pete thought it might be the heat getting to her, but they were also worried she might be having a stroke. I waited around in case she took a turn for the worse and needed some kind of intervention, but once the Reedy Creek firefighters and paramedics arrived, DH and I decided to go. Thankfully, we heard on the show that Pete’s mom ended up being just fine and it was indeed just the heat.

I remember hearing about this on the podcast. I'm sorry it ended on that note, but I'm glad you were there to be a bit of comfort to Pete that someone was there to help.

 

[amazingact21]

I’d say we enjoyed it! Every single thing was delicious!!

Glad to hear you liked Kona. That's one of my favorite breakfast spots. And I think you did the perfect thing, splitting two different entrees. Because, yeah, there's no way that Tonga Toast could be eaten by oneself. Too sweet!

It was really cool to be able to be a part of a podcast!

I still think it's awesome that you were able to attend!

I really wanted to eat at Via Napoli. I found a reservation for 4:35 pm and booked it!

Dang. 2 dessert parties, podcast special events, deluxe resort room, Beaches and Cream sundae, and a spontaneous Via Napoli meal....you basically had my dream trip.

DS said, “Ooh, I know where you are, you’re in Italy at Epcot!” I asked him how he knew that, and he said he recognized the bricks behind me.

That's awesome!

We decided we wanted to go down to the viewing, but several people stayed behind. We were also given 3D glasses like we had gotten at the 3D dessert party for Food & Wine a few years before that makes lights look like Mickey heads.

Beautiful shots from IllumiNations, and the food choices at the party looked quite tasty.

Unfortunately, there wasn’t much except to put one of our cooling towels on her neck since Pete thought it might be the heat getting to her, but they were also worried she might be having a stroke. I waited around in case she took a turn for the worse and needed some kind of intervention, but once the Reedy Creek firefighters and paramedics arrived, DH and I decided to go. Thankfully, we heard on the show that Pete’s mom ended up being just fine and it was indeed just the heat.

Yikes. I remember Pete talking about that on the podcast; I'm glad you were there in case she did require some medical attention.


I can't wait to start reading about your October trip!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Glad you were able to get an ADR at Via Napoli last minute - bummer about the delays with the monorail though - and yeah, moving quickly through EPCOT in that heat does not sound appealing!

glad you got to meet up with Courtney!

The dessert party looks fun and that's great you got to chat with so many people and catch up with a few from the ABD trip - that seems to be a big aspect to ABD that you really can grow close to others on your trip

I had heard about Pete's mom but didn't realize someone had gotten you to look at her .... I was obviously very glad to hear she was ok!

Wow - rather quick trip but you packed a ton in ..... and am really making me want to do an adults only trip

 

[disneyAndi14]

Great pictures of the fireworks, enjoyed your report.

 

[khertz]

Loved your trip report! We'll be staying at the Contemporary garden wing room in March and your photos of the resort definitely have me pumped!!!

Thanks for following along!

The rooms are BEAUTIFUL! We felt so lucky to have been given the opportunity to stay there within our price range for the event. I'm sure you will love it too!!

You're raising him right! I like the bell tower in Italy. It's actually one of the few places that DW and I had pictures taken with just the two of us. They came out so well that we printed one and hung it on our wall at home, so I see it every day.

Haha I feel so proud at moments like this one!! lol

I've always loved the Italy pavilion because I've always wanted to visit there. Now that I have, I still love that pavilion because it reminds me of what an amazing trip we had!

Youngest DD loves Soarin', I would say it's probably her favourite ride, at least it was one our last trip. I always enjoyed it too. I'm not sure how I will feel about the new CG heavy movie, but I think she's going to love the touches the CG gives, like the whale jumping.

DS really loved the transitions, like the whale jumping and the elephants blowing sand, etc. But he still says he liked the old movie better, which surprised me. I thought he would really love the elements of the new one more!

I have only been on Mission Space once, in 2008 when we were just a family of three (well, youngest DD was only 8 months old, so we actually left her at home with her grandparents). I don't like spinning at all, so we did the green side. But even that DW and DD (then 8) didn't like the enclosed space. I've suggested trying it again on our other trips, but they had no interest. I wasn't overly disappointed but I wouldn't mind doing it again.

I used to LOVE doing this ride as a teen. Could do it over and over again. This time I was like, "Yeah, don't need to do that one again for awhile." I guess we will gauge DS's interest now that I think he's tall enough to see if he wants to give it a try.

I remember Pete talking about that on the podcast. How interesting to her that you were involved. Glad that things turned out OK in the end.

I'll be sure to check for your new TR!

It was quite scary, and certainly not the way I think anyone wanted to end the night. But I was very glad to hear later on that she was okay.

Loved your TR! Sounded like the perfect adults only get away. Your DS knowing where you were - so funny! The Illuminations pictures were beautiful. Thanks for sharing your trip and wonderful photos. I'll watch for your October link!

Thanks so much for following along & commenting along the way! It really was a great way to spend an adults only weekend in Disney World. It was kind of crazy how much our approach to the entire thing changed without the kids along.

Most of the time, I think he's totally oblivious and not paying attention to anything, but every once in awhile like this time, he totally surprises me!! He's very observant!

 

[khertz]

I can't imagine that speed walk to WS was any fun! But I'm glad you made it on time! I'm sure you were happy to be eating at one of your favorite restaurants.

Oh my gosh what a smart, disney loving boy DS is!!

Mmm nice looking desserts! It's good that they weren't the same from the other dessert party!

Beautiful Illuminations photos!

What a scary end to the night, I'm glad everything ended up ok though.

Thank you for sharing! It was nice to read about the fun you and DH were able to have on your own! Can't wait to read the October report next!!

Ohh, it was as miserable as you can imagine. lol But getting to eat at Via Napoli kind of made up for the misery of power walking through Epcot in 95 degree heat with 100% humidity.

I know how much he loves Disney World, but moments like that still surprise me! He doesn't seem like he pays attention to the details, but I guess he really does.

The desserts were delicious, and it was great that it wasn't a repeat of the night before! It made both parties feel like money well spent.

It was definitely scary, but I was so glad everything turned out okay for her.

Thanks for reading!!

I feel that way often. It's nice when it is actually feasible to make it happen!

It was so great to just be able to book it on a whim!

Oh boy... can't wait to do that myself.

It was just as FUN as you are imagining! lol

I don't think there is a bad choice there.

You're probably right, although I haven't really strayed from my favorite. I have seen pictures in other TRs and everything looks delicious.

This is definitely a proud parent moment!

He really surprises me sometimes!! He is a Disney diehard just like us.

I'm glad you liked it. I've always been of the same mindset that I've just never enjoyed Soarin' as much as I feel like I'm supposed to. I hope the new film helps.

I seem to enjoy it a lot more now that I am getting to ride with DS and he enjoys it so much. I did really like the new film compared to the old one.

Yikes! I'm glad you survived it and did ok. I like Mission Space, but I guess I'm kind of like you were. Not worth really going through a lot of time or effort to make it happen and if it doesn't, no big deal.

It was a very weird sensation, so I'm not too eager to get back on there anytime soon. It might be another few years!

I'm glad you got to see her!

Too bad about moving the dessert party and making that walk twice. But at least the weather held off so they could continue with the show!

I was glad to be able to meet up with her too! I miss her on the boards, but she seems to be having a blast working in Disney.

It was not fun to realize we had walked all of that way for no reason, but the dessert party made up for it! And it was nice that the weather ended up being great for the rest of the night so we could enjoy the fireworks.

I remember hearing about this on the podcast. I'm sorry it ended on that note, but I'm glad you were there to be a bit of comfort to Pete that someone was there to help.

I wished I could have done a little more, but at the same time, I was glad she didn't need anything more than a cooling towel until the medics could arrive.

Glad to hear you liked Kona. That's one of my favorite breakfast spots. And I think you did the perfect thing, splitting two different entrees. Because, yeah, there's no way that Tonga Toast could be eaten by oneself. Too sweet!

The Tonga Toast was delicious, but definitely too sweet to be the only entree! Getting to sample a little of everything was perfect.

I still think it's awesome that you were able to attend!

It was fun getting to go to a big DIS event for the first time and attend a podcast taping. It's a little surreal watching them banter on stage right in front of you instead of listening in the car or watching on YouTube.

Dang. 2 dessert parties, podcast special events, deluxe resort room, Beaches and Cream sundae, and a spontaneous Via Napoli meal....you basically had my dream trip.

It was our dream trip too! I hope you get to experience it some day. I missed the kiddos, but it was nice to get to do what we wanted to do for a few days.

That's awesome!

He cracks me up!

Beautiful shots from IllumiNations, and the food choices at the party looked quite tasty.

The dessert party was great, and DH loved getting a good view to photograph Illuminations. It was a great event to end out the weekend.

Yikes. I remember Pete talking about that on the podcast; I'm glad you were there in case she did require some medical attention.

It was definitely scary, but I'm glad she didn't need anything more than a cooling towel and a break.

Glad you were able to get an ADR at Via Napoli last minute - bummer about the delays with the monorail though - and yeah, moving quickly through EPCOT in that heat does not sound appealing!

glad you got to meet up with Courtney!

The dessert party looks fun and that's great you got to chat with so many people and catch up with a few from the ABD trip - that seems to be a big aspect to ABD that you really can grow close to others on your trip

I had heard about Pete's mom but didn't realize someone had gotten you to look at her .... I was obviously very glad to hear she was ok!

Wow - rather quick trip but you packed a ton in ..... and am really making me want to do an adults only trip

It was pretty awful, but worth it in the end when I got to eat that delicious pizza!

It was great that we were able to meet up again. I think we have been able to do so on every trip we have taken since she started working there! It's a bummer she's not on the boards anymore, but she seems to be having a blast living & working in Disney World.

One of the benefits to ABD is the network of friends you leave with. And I think you'll find the same with the upcoming Viking cruise! I only know a few of the other DISers from the ABD trip, so I'm looking forward to seeing them again, and getting to make some new friends as well!

After the meet I had wanted to email Pete to see how she was doing, but in the end I decided to wait until the next show, and luckily he announced on there that she had been fine after the medics arrived and that it was just the heat. It was a pretty scary way to end the night!

It is so worth doing an adults only trip if the opportunity ever presents itself. It was really fun getting to do what we wanted to do without any little people objecting. lol

Great pictures of the fireworks, enjoyed your report.

Thank you!! So glad you enjoyed.

 

[khertz]

Well, I finally today sat down and came up with a title for our October adventure, so without further ado, I hope you will join me for...

I'm Not Really Harry Potter, But I AM the Rebel Spy! October 2016 TR​

 

[Imagineer5]

loved the report, and what a fun mini vacation! That dessert party looks wonderful, and how nice to watch Illuminations in a not very crowded area!

Glad Pete's mom was okay, and glad you had some really nice meet ups during the trip

 

[skier_pete]

Spending the day catching up on TRs. Looks like a really fun time. I have to say I used to listen to the Podcast, but sort of stopped when they went to Video podcasting and I found some other Podcasts that moved up on my priority list. However, Pete seems to surround himself with a great group of people, and it looks like they put on a great event.

I did just link to your October TR - hopefully I'll do a better job of keeping up!

 

[khertz]

loved the report, and what a fun mini vacation! That dessert party looks wonderful, and how nice to watch Illuminations in a not very crowded area!

Glad Pete's mom was okay, and glad you had some really nice meet ups during the trip

The dessert party was a great way to end a fantastic adults-only weekend! I'm so glad we were able to make it happen because we both really enjoyed ourselves.

I was so glad to hear she was okay! It was definitely scary at the time.

Spending the day catching up on TRs. Looks like a really fun time. I have to say I used to listen to the Podcast, but sort of stopped when they went to Video podcasting and I found some other Podcasts that moved up on my priority list. However, Pete seems to surround himself with a great group of people, and it looks like they put on a great event.

I did just link to your October TR - hopefully I'll do a better job of keeping up!

I still enjoy listening, but I do feel I'm missing a little something by not watching the videos at times when they are laughing about things on the slides or videos and whatnot. I still enjoy them, but it's definitely different. The team definitely puts on amazing events!! We had a blast.