Always Let Your Stomach Be Your Guide About This Page:

[dsteiny23]

Yay!! Another Sharon TR! Sorry your mom couldn't make the trip, but I'm glad your dad is doing okay. I'm gonna have to try out this little airport of yours one day. I can't imagine the line tomorrow at JFK is going to be quite as short. LOVE the air-quote smilie friend...hysterical!!

[lazanya]

Great start!

[Dlandmom2]

Great start! Boy you sure lucked out with loverboy! If I have to fly alone, I generally try to fly red eyes so I can at least "fall asleep" if I end up with an "interesting" neighbor! Thankfully, I don't have your luck in attracting "interesting" neighbors!

[MosyBliss]

Happy Dance for a new PRINCESS SHARON trip report!!

[Colexis Mom]

Great start Sharon!

[BJ Wanlund]

Great start! (And my first post is about 4 pages in...)

Anywho, I'm not a "weirdo magnet" per se (proud weirdo-in-a-good-way right here ), but I tend to be a "sane person magnet"... You connect the dots...

Back on-topic, NICE view! And too bad your mom couldn't come with. And the "air quotes" friend is just funny!

BJ

[PrincessSharon]

First, thanks for all the wonderful comments! Y'all are awesome! Love you guys!

Originally Posted by mcc0313

Thanksgiving day - 22 days, I have faith you will get it done Great start, sorry your mom could not go with you, hoping everything is ok with your dad. Lots of great meets and great food....I am scheduling my reading of your TR after I eat lunch (not that it will stop me from salivating over my keyboard as I look at all your pictures....lol)

Hey now! I said Thanksgiving "weekend" not Thanksgiving day. But I'll have it done, no worries. I've been busy writing and am already nearly halfway done. This reminds me, I need to send you a PM about Earl.

Originally Posted by coffeechef

Oh boy ..oh boy you started your TR,, Iwas excited to read your Mom would be with you as I love hearing about her candy experiences. I hope your Dad is feeling better and that Mom can maybe do a future trip with you. "Sweet Mabel in candyland"

OMG, she'd never want to come home! And she might get arrested. Now I'm cracking up over the mental image of some poor teenager having to drag my mother away.

Originally Posted by Principessa_di_Fata

YAYYYYYYYYYY! I love your TR's! I'm so excited you started! What a fortuitous view - just perfect for you!

Can't wait to read more! *note to self - EAT before reading her TR*

Yes, that's good advice!

Originally Posted by mousestruck

How exciting... another Princess Sharon TR... and just a few days before my trip... so now I'm even more anxious to leave! So sorry that mom couldn't join you, but I am glad that dad is doing well. Cracked up at weirdo dude. I sometimes attract those in airports... maybe there's just a lot of weirdos in airports! Anyhoo... sounds like you have lots of fun meets in store. Looking forward to following along!

I wish it was just airports. They find me everywhere. I guess it means I look like a nice person, so I should be happy about it. I guess.

Originally Posted by ilovedisney0_0

See, that room was meant for you! (and I hear ya about the Swolphin - I have never been a fan ) I am so glad to hear that your dad is ok!

PS - your 'air-quote' smiley had me cracking up laughing out loud at work - when I am supposed to be working with patients right now! Ooops!

That's a cute smiley isn't it? Love that lil' guy!

Originally Posted by mommapants

Great start Sharon. Thank God I'm not so far behind on this one. Sounds like you have lots of meets planned - it was so nice meeting you in person.

Thank goodness you didn't have to sit next to your new friend on the plane.
Can't wait to hear more.

It was so great to meet you Holly! And Evan is just too cute!

Originally Posted by Grammy Grumpy

I've been waiting for this TR! So glad it's started, but could you finish before the 18th? That's when we leave for WDW and I'd like to see the end of this before we go. No pressure of course (and just kidding of course!!!). On with it!

I doubt I'll have it finished by then, but I'll have a good chunk of it done!

Originally Posted by disney_duke

YAY!!! So excited to hear about this trip, especially the chocolate part. Whew, you dodged a bullet on your flight. Can you imagine if your new BFF sat next to you?? Oh my, no, let's move on..... You were destined for that room with a view. Very nice!

I'm sure he would've been convinced I saved the seat for him. I totally dodged a bullet!

Originally Posted by num1DVCfan

I'm cracking up already! I can't wait to read the rest of your trip report. I held my breath, I thought for sure that guy was going to end up next to you on the plane. Talk about lucky!

I thought for sure he'd be next to me too! Good thing I've got good karma, right?

Originally Posted by lauriep

I'm cracking up at the first sentence (of your 2nd post)!! That was a close call with random plane dude. I love the TOT-view rooms at BWV, although you do have to walk nearly all the way to DHS for them. The Swan/ Dolphin views, I agree, are not the best. Sorry your mom couldn't join you, but glad your dad is doing well. Your TR title could be the title for ALL my trips!

My TR title could be the title for a lot of peoples' trips!

Originally Posted by Big Baloo

YAY! You've started!
Glad your Dad is all recovered and hope that your Mom isn't too sad about missing out on the trip.
I laughed when I read about Random Dude, because I always get "Drunk Who is Usually Dressed in Leather Person".
Great room and a sweet view, too. Totally worth the walk, no?
Looking forward to waaay more!

I think I met that drunk dressed in leather! I have to say that I meet my share of weirdos, but I have plenty of nice people talk to me too!

Originally Posted by Luv2laff

Great start! And from one "weirdo-magnet" to another- I feel for you! They always seem to find me too!

My sister!

Originally Posted by cubfancolleen

Caught up. Your view from your room makes up for the random weird dude (but only because he didn't sit next to you on the plane! That would have required a room IN ToT!).

Definitely!

Originally Posted by FitMom

My first PrincessSharon TR!

Welcome!

Originally Posted by ilovedisney247

I miss you already !

Me too! But I'll see you again soon!

Originally Posted by HollyH

I love me some Princess Sharon TR .

Great view from your room. Glad the Random Dude didn't end up being your seatmate. Sorry your DM couldn't make the trip but I'm sure I'll read you brought her some fudge back, right . Good to hear that your DF recovered quickly from his surgery.

Can't wait for more!

Thanks! And yes, DM always gets fudge. I would've really been in the dog house if I didn't bring her anything back after she couldn't go herself!

Originally Posted by MayraLR

I was anxiously waiting for this TR! So glad you started, finally.

What was up with that weird dude? He was moments away from becoming a stalker. Glad he wasn't headed to WDW because that would've been a problem.

Can't wait to read more!

Quiet you! It hasn't been that long! Besides, it won't take me months to finish it! Yeah, at first I was afraid he would end up with me on DME, but I found out early into his life story that he lives in Ocala. Phew!

Originally Posted by mimidodaplgo

Wow, I feel like I just finished your last TR, and here comes another!! And I so enjoy them!! Great start and so looking forward to more..btw, awesome view from the balcony!!

Well, if I'd listened to Mayra and started it right away (just kidding Mayra, I like to tease you ), you would have finished one and went right to the other. So Mayra, that's why I waited. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Originally Posted by disneydani

Love that you set a TR deadline....means those updates will be a comin' fast and furious,

Glad you arrived safely and were able to ditch weird dude relatively quickly.

Danielle

I'm confident I'll get it done. I got a little burnt out writing TRs (not complaining about the travel, mind you), so I figured out that if I wrote my TR as quickly as possible, I wouldn't be constantly writing all year. So I try to write the whole thing shortly after getting home, then post a little at a time. It's been great so far. No unfinished TR hanging over my head all the time!

Originally Posted by honeybee723

Just realized you had another TR in the works. First, I'm really bummed that you don't have a trip planned for this Thanksgiving. If you did, then it would have been great to finally meet you in person. Oh well, there's always another time. I also think it's rude for someone to try to start a conversation when your listening to your ipod, or reading a book. They just don't get the hint do they? Thank goodness that seat filled up next to you.

I thought about it, but I knew it'd be very crowded, so it was easier to unthink about it. But I'm planning a trip to D.C. some time next year, so maybe I'll get to meet you then! And people are always asking me for directions in the subway when I'm wearing ear buds. Why don't they pick the person standing right next to me? You know, the one not wearing ear buds? I think I need to practice my mean look!

Originally Posted by m.mouse

I am soo excited for another Princess Sharon TR!!

And now I have a confession to make....I also was in Disney the 13-17 and one early afternoon I was heading into DHS with my best friend and who walks right past me but YOU! I have read so many of your TR that I was star struck! ( I swear I am not a crazy person, although this story is kinda making it out that way huh?) Anyways, I turned back around in total shock and you had disappeared into the crowd. I must have been standing there for a minute or so because my friend had to come back to find me and ask me 'What are you doing!?'( It was her first time in DHS and she was determined to ride the TOT) Not wanting to explain the situation with her because she already thinks I'm a Disney freak , I made up some excuse and we moved along. But the whole way down Sunset Blvd I was thinking about how if I saw you again I was most definitely say hello and introduce myself that time! But it was not meant to be on this trip so I just wanted to say !

Can't wait for more!

OMG, so I wish you'd said hello! I love meeting PassPorters! And you certainly don't look like a weirdo, so it would've been nice to meet you! Maybe we'll get another chance some day!

Originally Posted by lovin'd1sney

Just joining in! I've read many of your trip reports so I figured it was time I chimed in Can't wait to read more!!

Hello! And welcome aboard! Glad you enjoy my TRs!

Originally Posted by goofysdtr

Yay! Another PrincessSharon TR! I, for one, am glad that you travel down there so frequently. It makes for rather entertaining reading for those of us who can't get away quite so often.

Glad to hear your dad is doing well! I'm sure your mom was sad leaving you at the airport when she was *supposed* to be going with you! I know I get a little depressed when my parents leave me behind & go.

I love that you meet interesting characters wherever you go! He was extra-special, though, because he didn't even get the headphone sign.

I'm just glad everyone isn't sick of me already! You like me! You really like me!

Originally Posted by Caldercup

You are a "weird magnet," girl. Was your friend named Jackie? Or perhaps something starting with a T?

You know, I can have wedding invitations printed up in a snap!!

Really, have you seen some of my friends? And I just have one word for you, Miss Smartypants. TBSAALTA.

Originally Posted by Suzie-Q

Love the title, but I have to say thanks for the "ear worm" .....and always let your stomach be your guide...give a little whistle!
Take the straight and narrow path, and if you start to slide...give a little whistle...
There!!
Now I've given it to you, too!

You don't remember my "I'm a Maniac" Trip Report? Take that!

Originally Posted by OhToodles!

I'm really going to have this song stuck in my head now as it's also playing on my ipod right now.

Great start Sharon! I'm beginning to think Jill goes to WDW just as much as you do.

Jill is definitely there as much as I am. Maybe more!

Originally Posted by scrappyjae

Another Princess Sharon TR to brighten up this bland week. I am not a "weirdo" magnet, but the other kind of magnet (think body part you sit on). Yes, if they are anywhere in a 5 mile radius I will find them.

Great view from your room! It's a sign.

I don't think I want to know!

Originally Posted by dsteiny23

Yay!! Another Sharon TR! Sorry your mom couldn't make the trip, but I'm glad your dad is doing okay. I'm gonna have to try out this little airport of yours one day. I can't imagine the line tomorrow at JFK is going to be quite as short. LOVE the air-quote smilie friend...hysterical!!

I'll be happy to give you a guided tour! Seriously, I love having a small airport. It feels like a private airport.

Originally Posted by Dlandmom2

Great start! Boy you sure lucked out with loverboy! If I have to fly alone, I generally try to fly red eyes so I can at least "fall asleep" if I end up with an "interesting" neighbor! Thankfully, I don't have your luck in attracting "interesting" neighbors!

It was a late flight, so I could've fallen asleep right away. I did take a short nap for real!

Originally Posted by BJ Wanlund

Great start! (And my first post is about 4 pages in...)

Anywho, I'm not a "weirdo magnet" per se (proud weirdo-in-a-good-way right here ), but I tend to be a "sane person magnet"... You connect the dots...

Back on-topic, NICE view! And too bad your mom couldn't come with. And the "air quotes" friend is just funny!

BJ

BJ, being a Passporter automatically makes you not weird! Because we have a "weirdo" thing in common!

And I love all your great comments, but I have a train to catch, so I'll have to post the update I have ready later tonight. folks!

[BJ Wanlund]

Originally Posted by PrincessSharon

BJ, being a Passporter automatically makes you not weird! Because we have a "weirdo" thing in common!

I meant in real, outside-of-PassPorter life! On PassPorter, we're ALL weird!

BJ

[MayraLR]

Originally Posted by PrincessSharon

Quiet you! It hasn't been that long! Besides, it won't take me months to finish it!

Touché!

[Caldercup]

Originally Posted by PrincessSharon

I just have one word for you, Miss Smartypants. TBSAALTA.

That's not a word -- it's a torture device!!

[Eeyoresmom]

I can't believe that I 'almost' got to meet your mom! I'm glad to hear that your dad is recovering so well.

[PrincessSharon]

Day Two – Saturday, October 15
My first taste of the F&WF – what will it be?

I was up before the wakeup call, having had a good night’s sleep. First thing I did was go onto the balcony to check out my daytime view. I discovered I also had a view of the tennis courts, which, if you’re familiar with the Boardwalk, will tell you how far away my room was! There was the slight benefit of being practically at DHS, so the walk there was fairly short.







I got ready and headed out. It took me 12 minutes from leaving my door to the front gate of DHS. And that’s at a leisurely pace while eating the orange I had for breakfast. If I took the stairs at the end of the hallway (past exactly one door – the last room in the place), I ended up about halfway along the path to DHS.


I was happy not to have to look at it (though it isn’t quite as ugly as the Dolphin I think)


My room is along the back of this building – second from the end!





The park still hadn’t opened when I arrived, so I chose a turnstile line to wait. WARNING! If you ever see me standing in line at the turnstiles, do not, under any circumstances, get in line behind me! I have a great talent for choosing the line which will be slowest moving (when it hasn’t completely stopped for some reason). Too bad I can’t think of a way to make an advantage out of it.

Once I made it through, people were still being held at the rope, so I was able to make up a little ground. I decided that I wanted to try to ride TSM first, so I would brave the insanity and try to make my way there first thing with the rest of the herd.

My strategy at TSM first thing (and I think it’s a good one) is to immediately get into the queue, ride, and then pick up a FP for later. However, because I only planned to ride once, I didn’t need to do the last step. It was a good strategy. I was riding within 10 minutes. It’s been a while since I’ve been through the standby queue, though, so I had to snap a pic of Mr. Potato Head.



I got a personal high score!



And even better, I was high scorer of the day!!



And even though it was only like 8:15, that score wasn’t topped the entire day! As far as anyone here knows

Once I’d finished my ride, I noticed that the lines to pick up a FP were fairly short, and the return time wasn’t terribly far off, so if I'd wanted to get a FP, it would’ve been easy, peasy, mac-and-cheesy.



I don’t have many pictures of DHS, so I decided today I was going to correct that and get more photos. I only remembered for a few minutes but at least my collection grew a little.





And it helped me to notice these traffic signals in several areas of the park. Or maybe it was the dinging sound they made as they changed that made me notice them? Anyway, I thought they were cool.



I grabbed a TOT FP and got in the standby line. I wanted a few drops, but I knew I wouldn’t be in the park long enough to make it a marathon morning. The standby was posted at 10 minutes, which is practically a walk on.






Next time I’m in there, I’m stealing that key! That’ll make it so much easier to sneak in


After my first drop, I channeled my nephew Isaiah and I carefully scanned the gift shop for new merchandise. I noticed some ears that I had to give a new home.



I have to tell you, I got tons of comments about those ears. Cast Members in particular seemed to love them, especially the ones at TOT (naturally).

I spotted the t-shirt my nephew Noah wanted to get in August (he didn’t get it because they were out of his size). I wanted to be positive I got the right one, so I texted DSIL a picture to make sure. Then I went and had another drop. The line had started to build up some, so the wait was about 20 minutes at that point.

I wanted to do RNRC, so I walked over there and joined the SRL. The standby was at 40 minutes, so the park was definitely getting busy by this point. Luckily, the single rider line was short. Unfortunately, while I waited, the ride went down for a bit, so it took a lot longer than it needed to. I figured I’d text Melanie and Linny, since they were both at the BC (Linny and her family were staying there, Melanie had a breakfast ADR at CMC). I'd put in Linny’s number wrong in my phone, so I didn’t get her, but Melanie said she’d be there!

The ride wasn’t down long, but then they had to send each coaster through without people, so that made it a bit longer. Once it was working again, I was quickly in the limo and on my way to the concert!

After that, I picked up another TOT to use later that day (I planned to return to watch Fantasmic! and ride TOT that evening). Then I used my ripe TOT FP, getting lots of comments about my ears.

With that done, I headed out of the park. It was not even 10:00 at this point, and the park was already getting crazy crowded! I was kind of glad to be leaving the craziness, at least temporarily.

On the way out, I got some photos of the Cars topiaries out front. I was glad to see them, as they weren’t finished when I visited the F&GF in the Spring.







Continued…

[PrincessSharon]

I took the boat to the BC and looked around the lobby. I was hoping to spot Linny by chance, but I’m not that lucky. While I was looking for her, Melanie found me and we had a nice little visit. I got to meet Mel’s Mom and friend, and Meri kind of remembered me from when we met in NYC (I was impressed, because Meri was kind of sick the day we met!) The visit was somewhat interrupted when their pager went off, but no worries, as we had plans to meet again the next day.

I had plans to meet up with Jill and her family in Epcot, so I walked on over.



As soon as I crossed the turnstile, I realized I needed to load up a wristband gift card, so I took care of that post haste.



And then into the park. Knowing the Koenigs like I do, I figured they weren’t in the park yet, even though I was in my second park already AND had been to a mini PPer meet. Not judging, just sayin’. I sent Jill a text to let her know I was in Epcot and then strolled around.



World Showcase wasn’t open yet (it was around 10:45 by this point), so I passed the time taking photos.





I’d seen a photo of a really cute pirate outfit for Duffy that I wanted to pick up for my nephew, so I went in and bought it. Duffy’s one year anniversary was the day before and they were giving out free t-shirts (Duffy sized) to AP holders. I asked if there were any left over and there were, so I got one of those as well. I’ll have to remember to get a photo of Isaiah with Duffy dressed as a pirate so you can all see how cute he is. Because if you look online, the photo only shows Duffy.

By the time I was finished shopping, it was time to start eating! I didn’t really have a plan, so I just started strolling. The empanada in Argentina caught my eye, so the choice was made. There were passports available right at the food booths, which was convenient (even more so, because the passports were already stamped for the country you picked it up in )


Argentina - Beef Empanada

It was pretty good, but not really memorable. Also, it was so large that I didn’t want to eat the whole thing and fill up right away, so I ended up throwing about half of it away.

My next stop totally should’ve been my first (but I was too hungry to make it all the way there). It was the one thing I’d been most anticipating, if you can believe it. Because it was so early, the Scandinavia booth had hardly a line, so before long, I was happily eating the Swedish meatballs. I heart Swedish meatballs so much!


Scandinavia – Swedish Meatballs with Lingonberries

They were really good. The meatballs were good and had a nice texture, and the lingonberries added just the right amount of sweetness (though I wish I’d gotten more of it). Wish I could have some of those right now. After scarfing those down, I continued on and made my next stop China. There were a few choices, but I was in the mood for dumplings.


China – Pork Pot Stickers

They were actually very good. They were fried and nicely crispy without being soggy or greasy. It was about this time that I heard from Jill. They were parking their car, so I figured I’d head back to meet up with them in FW. On the way, I saw something looking FABulous so I had to sample it.


Brazil – LeBlon Frozen Caipirinha Cocktail

It was okay. Kind of tasted like a sweet version of a Gray Goose Slush. If I’m honest, I like the Gray Goose Slush better (and I like sweet drinks!). Also, it made my lips tingle. I hope that’s not unusual!

I passed the cranberry bog (I love cranberries) and I got a free sample of Craisins, which I had for breakfast the next morning. I thought this was a fun little addition to the F&WF, and I have no idea why I didn’t bother to take a photo!

Jill told me they were riding Mission Space, so I walked over there and finished my FAB, which had completely melted in mere seconds. It was warm, but it melted a lot faster than your average frozen beverage, and believe me, I know a thing or two about frozen beverages.

Jill texted me to say that she and Maddie were playing games while Mary Devall and Thom did the orange version (a first for Mary Devall). I found them easily and after hugs, Jill and I settled in and started catching up. Maddie proudly told me that she’d done the green side for the first time, so it was a big moment for both girls.

Up Next: Eating an entire country

[lauriep]

Those TOT ears are FANtastic! I can't believe it was so hot here just a few weeks ago. It's quite chilly today-- long sleeves and a hoodie!

[tootogether]

Just thought i'd attach a couple of my pics from the Craisins exhibit. It was quite interesting.

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