May the Porg Be With You! A 13 day November adventure! *COMPLETED 2/23!*

[paradesintherain]

Day 8 - November 7th - World Showcase, Part 3!


Next on the tour around the world was Morocco!

No drinks in Morocco, just lots of exploring.

I was trying to get a cute picture of Aaron and Shebl on the fountain in Morocco. Aaron had other ideas.

Since Aaron wouldn't cooperate I asked them to make the Porg face.

After exploring Morocco we continued toward France. I had to take a picture of my favorite booth. These flags are just too great.

And Test Track looked especially beautiful across the way.

Once in France everyone went to the Food & Wine booth for the orange Grey Goose slushes, but I'd already had it and wanted the original. And that was a fantastic choice, it was the best of the three Grey Goose slushes I've had.

We found another PP in France, and this guy was great! His name was Raul and he was super creative and pleasant. All the pictures you see were his idea.

I don't like this picture, but REMY!

And then he had us place the Porg in our hands and pretend he was the magic shot. So funny to us!

After the pictures, the Porg was thirsty.

Allie and I encouraged Aaron and Shebl to go get pictures with Raul because he was so great.

When we finished our drinks we headed to the UK. We claimed a table outside of the Rose & Crown so Aaron could have his fish and chips. He's OBSESSED with the fish and chips from that outdoor stand and thinks they're the best in the world. I opted for something sweet from the Ireland F&W stand.

Warm chocolate pudding - served with Irish Creme Liqueur Custard

This was SO GOOD. It hadn't been on my list of things I wanted to try, but I'm so glad I did. It was like a warm gooey brownie with vanilla sauce.


Our last stop (or anyone's last stop) was Canada. We explored the shop a little bit, but didn't do much else.

At this point we really needed a restroom so I thought we could head to the one in Innoventions. I'll leave you on the cliffhanger of if we make it to the bathroom in time. ​

 

[paradesintherain]

Day 8 - November 7th - Epcot at Night!



So we were on the hunt for a bathroom! I thought Innoventions with the Light Lab was pretty close from Canada, and I knew the bathroom was decent. Turns out it really wasn't that close. BUT we made it!

The Innoventions bathroom is so retro, like an 80s mall. You know how Walls of Disney are a thing? What about Bathroom Walls of Disney?!

Let's make it happen!


We had power walked through a lot so we turned around to explore what we had missed. Everything looks so pretty at night!

I decided to get a snack from Wine and Dine Studio.

Seared Scallops, Truffled Celery Root Purée, Brussel Sprouts and Wild Mushrooms featuring Melissa’s Produce

I thought the scallops were really good, but I couldn't handle the celery root puree. It was gritty and just not appealing. And I was disappointed in the lack of brussels sprouts since they're probably my favorite vegetable. Shebl got some of that chocolate nitro stuff, but I failed to take a picture. She enjoyed it but said it was very rich. We ate our snacks on the grassy area, which was very enjoyable. I think we talked about riding Spaceship Earth on the way out, so I grabbed a FP.

After our snacks we decided to make our way toward the front of the park.

I think we went in MouseGear and I bought a really cute Epcot shirt - you'll see it later in the trip! Then I took some pictures of Aaron and Shebl showing off their food babies.

Once again, the FP was a good idea since Spaceship Earth had at least a 30 minute line.

Allie and I Porg'd for our future.

We left the park after our ride on Spaceship Earth.

All in all it wasn't the wildest Drink Around The World day, but I think we had a great time! When we got back to the hotel Aaron and Shebl went for a swim.

I hadn't eaten anything very substantial so I grabbed the falafel platter from The Mara again.

After swimming and meals we all went to bed. I had planned the next day as a sleep in day, and we really needed the extra rest!


TO be continued!

​

 

[disneyAndi14]

I love all your WS pictures, it looks like a great drinking (in moderation) around the world tour! I think your bubbly in Italy is Rose Regale, very tasty!

 

[missangelalexis]

Fun time in WS! I love the PP pics in France, especially your Porg "magic shot" I loved the lobster roll from F&W- so good!

 

[unwritten01]

Great Porg faces! Naturals..

 

[paradesintherain]

I love all your WS pictures, it looks like a great drinking (in moderation) around the world tour! I think your bubbly in Italy is Rose Regale, very tasty!

You're absolutely right, that's what it was! It was very delicious.

Fun time in WS! I love the PP pics in France, especially your Porg "magic shot" I loved the lobster roll from F&W- so good!

That PP person was the best! The lobster roll was seriously delicious - I wish it was year-round.

Great Porg faces! Naturals..

Thank you! We worked really hard at them!

 

[paradesintherain]

Day 9 - November 8th - DHS!


I am DETERMINED to finish this thing before my next trip which is now just 29 days away. So let's get to it!


We woke up a bit later today, which was the plan because of drinking around the world the day before. I wasn't sure what kind of shape people would be in, but everyone was fine since it was such a moderate day. Still, it was nice to sleep in.

Today was another DHS day, and we planned it as our Star Wars day.

Spot the Shebl!

Our first order of business was Starbucks. They had an adorable Coco cupcake.

I hate the new designs of the Starbucks mugs. The only one I like is the Hollywood Studios mug, and I already bought the previous version. Sad I missed out on Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. While we were waiting for our drinks the First Order march started outside, so I ran out.

Starbucks in hand we decided to wait for the Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away show. What a mouthful that name is.

It was pretty hot at this point, but I had to be front and center. When C3PO and R2 were waiting on side stage for their turn 3PO noticed me wearing my R2 dress and waved like I was an old friend.

This show was very weird. If you haven't seen it characters just come onstage and kind of pose for a little bit, then leave the stage. At the end they all come out together and pose. I liked seeing all the characters, but still found it very odd.

"Only YOU can prevent forest fires!" No? Wrong character?

Rey was PERFECT.

C3PO waved at me again before leaving the stage, he really loved me.

And then Rey just stares at the lightsaber for a while.

Rey and Chewie had a really adorable hug, but I missed it, so here's some post-hug.

Still not sure if it was worth the time to watch that show, but I guess it was neat to see once. I can see how a kid would really love seeing the characters up there. It just might be a little more fun if there was some sort of story or conflict or something.



To be continued with LUNCH!
​

 

[richmo]

I don't remember Rey there when I was there last in September. She really looks the part!

 

[missangelalexis]

So cool that C3PO was showing you show much love!

 

[Mamiamjo]

Kara, Now that I've just caught up on your TR, please feel free to continue
But seriously, Great Report, thanks for sharing your vacation with us

 

[SweetSerenity]

I'm here and just read your report! Hope you update soon!

 

[tinkerdorabelle]

Day 7 - November 6th - Magic Kingdom Morning


Even though we had an early night, we still had a slow start and wouldn't make our Peter Pan FP, so I switched it to Mad Tea Party before we ran out of time. We arrived at the Magic Kingdom and people promptly went to the bathroom.

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It was kind of a busier day so the Main Street vehicles were just parked so I made Allie take my picture.

It seemed like we were waiting forever so I texted Dad, and I guess they couldn't find us after they left the bathrooms so they went ahead to the Tea Party, assuming we were there. Face palm. So off down Main Street we went. These pictures are weird because only the castle is in shadow.

We went around the Tomorrowland side of the castle and I noticed a dead fish in the water. Disney details are the best!

We met up with the rest of the family at Mad Tea Party, and boarded our tea cups! Aaron and Shebl rode together, and Dad, Allie, and I rode together. Oh, and the Porg!

When the ride ended I went to Aaron and Shebl to take a picture of them, and some other guest came up and was like "are you getting out?" Yeah, lady, give them a second! Plus there were plenty of other teacups nearby. So basically, I didn't get a great picture.

The next FP we had was for Space Mountain but Aaron wasn't feeling great still, and we all couldn't decide what we wanted to to do. So we hung out in Tomorrowland for a bit debating.

In the end Aaron decided to go back to the room and rest, and Space Mountain was down so I switched our FP to Pirates, so we trekked to Adventureland.

I love this ride!

We made it to Pirates, and good thing cause it was getting hot out.

I love that Allie and Shebl were both hanging on to their headbands, and I'm loving on the Porg.

I wrote that we got wet on Pirates in my notes, but I don't really recall that. Guess I'll trust past me. Dad was getting too hot now so he decided to go to Disney Springs to track down some shorts. The forecast had looked MUCH colder before we arrived, so he hadn't thought to bring any shorts.

The day was already planned to be a sort of girl's day, so it worked out nicely for us. We wandered around a bit checking out the sights, and got some PP pics in front of the castle since we had dressed up for tea later in the afternoon.

I don't think we had eaten anything much this morning and we were all ready for a snack. Shebl really wanted a churro and I had a snack in mind in Fantasyland!

Cheshire cat tail!

My snack was really good - sort of a chocolate croissant type thing with frosting. Allie and Shebl both got drinks. No CMs seemed to know where churros were, and the app was no help either, so we just kind of wandered around Fantasyland assuming we'd find a cart eventually.

We found Shebl's churro near the entrance to Storybook Circus, and we sat down to enjoy our snacks as the marching band came by! A churro was on Shebl's must-do list, and I think she was pretty happy with it.

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There was still some time to kill before our last FP so we hit up Philharmagic!

I love Philharmagic, but it needs some updating! We all had a hard time getting our eyes to focus at first, and the film feels really dark. But at least it's nice and air conditioned!

Our last FP was for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, predictably. They sent us to rows 1 and 2, and I grabbed row 1 because they literally always place me in the back cars. Turns out, it's better in the back, but it was a neat experience anyway.

Nailed that princess pose! Shebl was licking her lips haha!

I took a couple photos on the ride. I usually don't bother, but since I was in the front I gave it a shot.

So gooood

It was then time to head out of the Magic Kingdom. We had a very important ADR for tea at the Grand Floridian! ​

Wow am blown away by your pics. Did you say most of your pics are taken with the Canon SX730, even the low light indoor ones? We just were trying to decide ourselves between the Canon SX730, the Sony Cyber HX80 or HX90 and Lumix DCZ570 and did a search and your pics came up with the Canon. I think the Canon is going to be the one we choose then, holy cow they are gorgeous. We just wanted a smaller point and shoot and all of the ones mentioned are similar size, wanted wifi and also selfie capability with flip up screens. Very much enjoyed your shots! Are you getting those beautiful rich saturated colors from the Canon?

 

[tinkerdorabelle]

Day 6 - November 5th - DAK at night


After the rain died down and we had finished our drinks we found our seats for Rivers of Light, which was at 6:30.

There was a PP photographer with a Rivers of Light sign. I think I mentioned before that I love these signs, so I waved her over.

The little flower thingies started heading out a bit before 6. And then the show started. My camera wasn't super cooperative for this show.

I WANTED to like Rivers of Light... but I didn't. It was very underwhelming, and a little "what just happened?". There were pretty elements, but nothing ever really came together for me. I don't think anyone in my party was very impressed, but I was glad we watched it.


Since it was now nice and dark we made our way to Pandora. Animal Kingdom at night is perfection.

It was neat to see all the glowing elements at Pandora, but I almost liked it better during the daytime. It's just SO dark at night.

(one of these might be Allie's but I can't remember!)

We played around on the glowing drums a bit. Aaron takes any opportunity to play musical instruments.

After getting our fill of Pandora we headed out of the park. Originally we had an ADR for Boma this evening, but Aaron wasn't feeling well and the rest of us weren't so sure we were up for a buffet, so we canceled and ate at the Mara, where we all got flatbreads.

I got the pepperoni. It was adequate for a pizza craving.

Allie and Shebl got the Mixed Tomato Flatbread. Allie liked hers, but I don't think Shebl was a fan at all and it made The Mara a restaurant she didn't like too much.

Mixed Tomato Flatbread - Vine-ripened, Tomatoes, Roasted Garlic, Fresh Herb Ricotta, Artichoke and Red Peppers

Dad got the chicken flatbread. Shebl liked this flatbread better. It was still pretty early in the evening after dinner so I explored the resort a little. Allie went back to the room to relax and Shebl was going to go to the hot tub/pool to meet up with Aaron. Dad might have gone to the hot tub as well.

I went to the savanna outside the lobby, as I hadn't visited that yet. And it's lucky I did because I found Shebl there wandering around trying to find the pool! AKL can be super confusing, but I was able to point her in the right direction.

After exploring for a bit I headed back upstairs to call it an early night!

Up next: Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios! ​

Did you say you are getting these beautiful shots from your Canon SX730, even the low light ones? Wow, we are just looking at that camera to purchase, did a search on here and your photos came up and I'm blown away. Are you adjusting the color or using a Photoshop also or does it just come out this gorgeous, is the camera easy to use? Thank you for the info and keep your gorgeous pics coming, they are blowing me away

 

[paradesintherain]

I don't remember Rey there when I was there last in September. She really looks the part!

She was really great! I wish there was a Rey M&G

So cool that C3PO was showing you show much love!

I was in heaven

Kara, Now that I've just caught up on your TR, please feel free to continue
But seriously, Great Report, thanks for sharing your vacation with us

Haha, I'm slacking so much! Thank you!

I'm here and just read your report! Hope you update soon!

Thank you! I WILL finish this trip report in 21 days! haha

Wow am blown away by your pics. Did you say most of your pics are taken with the Canon SX730, even the low light indoor ones? We just were trying to decide ourselves between the Canon SX730, the Sony Cyber HX80 or HX90 and Lumix DCZ570 and did a search and your pics came up with the Canon. I think the Canon is going to be the one we choose then, holy cow they are gorgeous. We just wanted a smaller point and shoot and all of the ones mentioned are similar size, wanted wifi and also selfie capability with flip up screens. Very much enjoyed your shots! Are you getting those beautiful rich saturated colors from the Canon?

Thank you!! Most of the low light, and all of the fireworks photos are the Canon. There may be a few low light photos that are from my iPhone but I don't think many. It's a great size and I love the ability to transfer photos to my phone with wifi. I haven't edited anything in Photoshop either, I was very pleasantly surprised with it!

 

[paradesintherain]

Day 9 - November 8th - DHS, part 2!


After watching some Star Wars characters it was time for lunch at a family favorite at Mama Melrose! Along the way we saw some Star Wars land construction.

I know Mama Melrose can get mixed reviews but we've only had positive experiences, and I think the atmosphere is pretty great. Plus the Fantasmic package works out really well for us.

The olive oil with the spices and the sourdough bread is amazing.

Shebl and Allie got the margherita flatbread for their appetizers, and I believe they both enjoyed it.

I got the fried calamari appetizer. I was going to try something new since I always get the calamari, but the server recommended that I get the calamari because the menu would be changing next week. This appetizer is always great.

For entrees, I was between two dishes and again the server recommended one because it was about to be changed. So I got the mahi mahi. The sauce blew my mind and the fish was so delicious. Pretty bummed that they changed the menu on this one.

For dessert on the Fantasmic package they give you a sample plate. I believe this was a blood orange cake, tiramisu, and a lemon cheesecake. These were all great, but the tiramisu was probably my favorite.

Our server at Mama Melrose was Barbara, and she was fantastic. This meal lived up all our expectations, and we all left VERY full.


Then I only had one thing on my mind: Star Wars Launch Bay. I had wanted to go first thing in the morning but was overruled for the stage show.

We first got in line for Chewie and didn't wait too long before we were getting the best hugs ever. And here's your first glimpse of my R2D2 dress.

Chewie really loved Allie, who was Disney bounding as Han Solo. He hugged her for a long time.

At first Shebl thought Chewie was noticing her food baby from lunchbut he was really just pointing at the Millennium Falcon.

Aaron also got his Chewie hug. As a lifelong Star Wars fan I think this was a great moment for him.

And our group photo, Porg included!

Chewie gave us one more hug. Love him so much!

I'm not sure what the others did, but Allie and I decided to meet BB-8. It was actually a really cute meet and he'll try to say your name in his beeps. The PP person kinda sucked though and only took one picture. I get that it's a mostly stationary object, but there's still a certain amount of interaction! Oh well.

To be continued with some coasters and towers!
​

 

[tinkerdorabelle]

Day 8 - November 7th - Epcot and a surprise!


We got a later start today, which seemed to be a theme. May have had something to do with the fact that I convinced Allie to curl my hair. Anyway we missed our 9:35 Spaceship Earth FP which was no real loss. Our destination today was Epcot! Allie had been looking forward to this day for a very long time, and we were scheming to surprise the others.

We arrived to Epcot around 11. Look how cute Aaron and Shebl are!

We stopped for some PP at the entrance. I guess Tinker Bell was there too. And a Porg.

Our second FP was at 11 at Mission Space, so we made our way there. We ran into the Bubblegum Wall on the way, and it was our basic goal to hit all the walls. Unfortunately I don't seem to know how to Instagram pose in front of colorful walls, but Shebl nailed it.

I'm really not a fan of Mission Space. I find it boring, and mildly uncomfortable, but I decided to try out the green side since there was a new film.

The new film was even more boring. I was surprised how realistic the sensations felt on the green side given that it's not a centrifuge. Or rather, the centrifuge is nonfuctional.

Porridge the Porg and I checked out the Mission to Mars game (I think that's what it's called) at the exit of Mission Space. Fun fact: Allie's brother helped create this game! It's more fun than the ride, tbh.

After Mission Space I suggested that we walk over to Test Track to check out the wait times. It was, of course, way too long, so we kind of wander to the side with Allie leading the way and we get to this door.

Allie just walked right in and Shebl was like, "Ummm, I don't think we're supposed to go in here..."

BUT DON'T WORRY GUYS, Allie is a GM employee and this was totally ok. Allie wanted to surprise everyone so I kept my mouth shut. Allie got to be fancy and show her ID in the elevator to get us to the GM lounge, and up we went!

The lounge was really quiet, and relaxed. There was an attendant at the desk and that was it. It consisted of a big room that looked out toward Spaceship Earth, and a smaller room that had design stations, windows overlooking the inside of Test Track, and a free soda station. There was also a super clean bathroom!

I think the first thing I did was go to the design stations and leisurely design a car. Too bad it was still super ugly and impractical.

Allie took this great panorama of the front lounge area.

And I took pictures of Allie taking selfies for her work friends back home.

The views from the lounge were pretty spectacular and it was just so peaceful in there!

Hi, peasants! (kidding, kidding!)

Even the Porg enjoyed the lounge!

After we had properly explored and relaxed (and used the bathrooms with no other guests!) we went to the attendant and got a FP for Test Track! Definitely a great bonus!

Old Test Track is still better, and Radiator Springs Racers beats all. But the ride photos always come out just great here!

So, we pulled off the surprise and that ended up being one of Dad's favorite parts of the trip, and I have to agree. Thanks, Allie!



To be continued!

​

Wow your pics are really wanting me to go again asap!! Sorry to ask again but these outdoor pics you just put on are taken with your Canon point and shoot or your phone? I did ask about the indoor photos but are your outdoor ones with the beautiful colors taken with the Canon? You also have a great creative eye, but we are deciding between a point and shoot and the Canon was one of them or just upgrading our phones also. Beautiful, just stunning all of them. Really enjoying

 

[missangelalexis]

Your lunch sounds like it was awesome! And I love the pics with Chewie, so so cute!

 

[paradesintherain]

Wow your pics are really wanting me to go again asap!! Sorry to ask again but these outdoor pics you just put on are taken with your Canon point and shoot or your phone? I did ask about the indoor photos but are your outdoor ones with the beautiful colors taken with the Canon? You also have a great creative eye, but we are deciding between a point and shoot and the Canon was one of them or just upgrading our phones also. Beautiful, just stunning all of them. Really enjoying

Most of them are on my Canon, I think a few here and there are my phone. All the Star Wars stage photos are the Canon, for example. And the safari pictures. Stuff like that. it's got great zoom! And my iPhone is just a 6s, FYI!

Your lunch sounds like it was awesome! And I love the pics with Chewie, so so cute!

It's so good, I really recommend it if you haven't been! Chewie is the absolute best - one of my favorite meets for sure!

 

[unwritten01]

I think the porg liked Chewie!

 

[mamamelody2]

Just found your report and I'm really enjoying it!!uu
Looking forward to the rest!