Escaping The Brutal Northeast For Sunny, Warm Florida and Fun! Completed 7/12 - Page 41 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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Oh my lord! I was viewing the beginning of this TR and I can't believe I began this on 6-22-2014! Still, not done yet and with 600 posts to it! Even crazier is that it was only a 7 day trip! But, I do give a lot of details commencing with a sort of PTR (after I returned (as I was still completing my France TR from 2013) ...and then to the TR!
I have always wished to update this TR during the week, but since I don't return from work until about 6:30 pm, it's not exactly possibly. I, unfortunately don't have it all written out in advance like our aces here (Cheryl and Cam) do, but I have a lot of notes to go by on, when I can do it on the weekend for a great update! Than there is the time consuming problem of Photobucket, which slows down the process so much and at times makes an update impossible! I swear they must consult with Disney, in regards to how to make their sites so user friendly!
Well anyways, sorry to bore everyone one with this but in a wrting mood tonight! Plus, I had an espresso tonight......no work on the 4th, so all good!
My last major update on this TR will be this weekend....plus a minor one for the flight home and then a brief summary! Then it will be on to my next Tr, which was my first ever cruise(April) and Disney of course! I also (May) perhaps include a TR from my short trip to Memphis with 5 friends and one brother, which was enjoyable as well! That's if anyone here is interested in it! But, the cruise TR comes first!
So everyone....please be patient as I'm sorry!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Last edited by SuperDave; 07-04-2015 at 12:03 AM..
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Oh trust me Dave, my trip reports are not all written out in advance. I write them as I go, but I have to put all the photos in and check everything and I'm rarely more than a few instalments ahead of what I'm actually posting. Don't worry about how long it takes to post a trip report - we're enjoying reading and it's nice to relive your trip over such a long period of time.
Oh trust me Dave, my trip reports are not all written out in advance. I write them as I go, but I have to put all the photos in and check everything and I'm rarely more than a few instalments ahead of what I'm actually posting. Don't worry about how long it takes to post a trip report - we're enjoying reading and it's nice to relive your trip over such a long period of time.
Thanks and glad you're enjoying it!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Today, I slept in a bit as my flight home doesn’t depart until about 9 pm. I got up around 9 am and went to Riverside Mill for some basic breakfast, with that being....orange juice, coffee, banana and a peach yogurt. The weather was quite comfortable this morning but somewhat overcast.
A couple last photos of Sassagoula River at Riverside.
I returned to my room and finished up the rest of my packing, which only took a few minutes. I called bell services to have my bags picked up and brought over to Resort Airline Check In, which is always convenient, than having to deal with it at the airport. Meanwhile, I checked around my room and bath to make sure I had everything and not leave something behind, which I did. It took a good twenty minutes for a CM to arrive as I’m sure they were quite busy around 10:30 am. He brought my bags down to the cart and I took the ride with him over to Airline Check In. We took all these back roads and paths I never get to see, while staying at the resort, which was interesting.
Airline Check In was quite busy today as there were several people in front of me and unfortunately all families with multiple bags. I probably had to wait about fifteen minutes, but I guess it could have been worse! After, completing this I brought my carry on bag over to luggage services and have it stored for a few hours as I’d be heading to Epcot shortly. The CM gave me a claim ticket, which I stored in my wallet for pickup later. Now, I could get down to the important business of the day and spend some of my remaining hours with some quality park time!
I had everything I needed for going to Epcot and that includes my camera, which I had packed in my carry on but remembered to take it out before having it stored! I made the short walk over to the South Depot in front of the resort and wait for a bus. It was a bit of a wait for an Epcot bus and would probably miss my first Fastpass+ reservation for the day. It was for Mission Space, although the wait times are usually never that long for it, so I wasn’t worried! Finally, after a good twenty minutes an Epcot bus pulled up!
There weren’t a lot of guests on the bus, so I was able to get a seat. After a few pickups at the various depots around the sprawling resort, I was on my way to Epcot and probably there in about ten minutes or so around noon. My ADR for lunch was for Teppan Edo at 12:30 pm, so I just walked over there as I wouldn’t have time to much else before it.
Like these girls all decked out for the F&G Festival near Spaceship Earth!
Had some time before my ADR, so got some photos on the walk over to Japan
Like this topiary in England
Chefs de France. Haven’t dined here in quite some time as I’ve found my experience mixed on two previous occasions. Will try again eventually.
Morocco’s minaret
The design and overall look of these tiles are so exquisite! In the Morocco plaza.
More of Morocco
Arrival in Japan!
One of my favorite sights in World Showcase, Japan’s Koi Pond! Just so peaceful here and especially from the upper level.
Fish in Koi Pond
It was nearing 12:30 pm so I walked up the stairs to check in to Teppan Edo for my ADR. I was looking forward to dining here as I haven’t before in my previous trips. There are many hibachi style restaurants in the area back home and probably why I have never dined here. Although, I have been to Tokyo Dining on a few occasions and enjoyed it quite a bit.
After checking in I was given a pager and probably only waited a few minutes before it lit up. One of the hostesses led me down the hallway for Teppan Edo, where there are several rooms with hibachi (teppanyaki) grills with each of them having four to a room and can accommodate I think eight guests per table. Many of the rooms were quite full! I was seated next to a family of four with young kids from the UK who live just a bit north of London. I enjoyed chatting with them a bit during my meal.
Once everyone at my table was seated we were each given a hot towel to refresh our faces and hands. Always, love the feeling of this! Our hostess gave us our menus and served us each a glass of ice water. I was quite hungry so I made up my mind that I was going to have an appetizer as well as a main course. First I ordered my beverage, which was a sake sampler of three different types of sake and all served cold. They were all very good!
For my appetizer I was in the mood for some sushi and had a combination of spicy tuna and salmon rolls, which I enjoyed a lot. The CM came around to take orders for our main course. After this we were served a clear soup with onions and Shitake mushrooms, which is standard fare in a hibachi restaurant. Although, pretty basic the soup had a lot of flavor. What disappointed me next is that we weren’t served the usual iceberg lettuce salad with the ginger flavored thousand island dressing. It costs extra if you want it. This usually comes with your meal in my many experiences in these establishments! Oh well!
Soon after, our Teppanyaki chef came to our table and began her incredible show for us. Always enjoy the onion volcano!
Our chef putting on a good show, which makes the experience eating here so good besides the food itself!
We were served a variety of vegetables and accompaniments including, udon noodles, zucchini, onions, fried rice and mushrooms. We were also served a spicy mustard and sweet teriyaki sauce for our meal. For my main course I went with the beef tenderloin and chicken combo. The show was very good and our chef was quite good and entertaining, which always makes the experience at a teppanyaki grill an enjoyable experience with good food. I really enjoyed my meal here. I was quite full and decided to skip dessert as there usually aren’t great choices in most Japanese restaurants.
By the time I left the restaurant it was getting close to 2 pm and walked to Future World to walk off my meal and use my next Fastpass+ for the day, which was Test Track. Unfortunately, I don’t have many photos for this part of the day for no apparent reason. After enjoying Test Track I went on Mission Space (Orange Side), which only had a ten minute wait and then my final Fastpass+ for Nemo and Friends. This is always a fun ride and a good way to get out of the heat for a bit and take a relaxing ride.
It was about 3:30 pm or so and wanted to leave Epcot close to 4:30 as my DME pickup at Riverside is at 6 pm. I went over to Spaceship Earth and saw the line was quite long. It always moves quite quick, although the wait wound up being about twenty minutes. This was as good as ever and a good way to end my day at Epcot.
I was good for time as it was about 4:15 pm and I made the short walk out of Epcot and to the resort buses. I only had a few minutes to wait for a bus and I was back at Riverside between 4:45 and 5 pm. I picked up my carry on bag at luggage services outside and when I offered the CM a tip, he refused it! I thought that was quite nice of him! He hoped I had a magical stay and told him I always do!
I still had nearly an hour until my Magical Express pickup to Orlando International Airport so I spent some time exploring the resort a bit and made sure I had everything in my carry on. All was good! In my travels I ran into these guys outside!
I’ve never taken one of these rides at Riverside, but I’m sure it would be quite enjoyable, but am sure a bit pricey!
So I just killed some time for a bit, while I waited for DME to arrive for my pick up. Just after 6 pm my bus was pulling up and it was now time to bid adieu to Disney until next time.....
NEXT: Quite A Contrast in Conditions!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Last edited by SuperDave; 07-12-2015 at 04:14 PM..
Dave, I'm just like Cheryl. I write my updates back at home. Pretty much they are written the day I post them using the notes and photos I've taken. If something didn't get put into the notes, I may or may not remember it when I finally get around to writing. I have made numerous attempts to start the writing while on the trip as thing to do right before bed. But I just don't want to give up the time while on vacation.
Epcot seemed the perfect place to end your WDW trip. It was neat to see stuff from the 2014 F&GF that was still there this year. Glad you enjoyed Teppan Edo.
What a great way to spend your last day at Disney! Teppen Edo looks like it was quite tasty. Hibachi is always a fun time!
I really enjoyed my last day at Epcot and this is the way I do it now with some park time, a nice meal and a later flight home! Teppan Edo was a lot of fun with some great food!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tara O'Hara
Your last day at Epcot sounds wonderful!! We love Teppen Edo!!
I had a great time there and most enjoyable meal as well!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cam22
Dave, I'm just like Cheryl. I write my updates back at home. Pretty much they are written the day I post them using the notes and photos I've taken. If something didn't get put into the notes, I may or may not remember it when I finally get around to writing. I have made numerous attempts to start the writing while on the trip as thing to do right before bed. But I just don't want to give up the time while on vacation.
Epcot seemed the perfect place to end your WDW trip. It was neat to see stuff from the 2014 F&GF that was still there this year. Glad you enjoyed Teppan Edo.
Thanks for the info Cam as I can't find the time to do my TRs during the week and thought you wrote out a lot of it during your trip! You don't want to waste all of your vacation time doing this so best the way you do it. I have notes and my photos and never seem to have problems with the TR with specifics!
I think Epcot is the best place to end a WDW trip with great attractions and better yet so many great dining choices for a great lunch! Not as much of this in the other parks, so most likely it will be Epcot on my departure day, unless I decide on HBD on this day as I did back in 2012!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
What a great last day - you certainly packed a lot in and I'm glad you got to try Teppan Edo, as it's one of our favourites. We don't have restaurants like that over here where we live, so it's a real treat for us to go there.
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What a great last day - you certainly packed a lot in and I'm glad you got to try Teppan Edo, as it's one of our favourites. We don't have restaurants like that over here where we live, so it's a real treat for us to go there.
It was a great way to end my trip and happy I was able to get a lot done! I'm surprised you don't have eateries like this near you as you're not that far from London!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Colexis Mom
Great last day at Epcot! Sorry Teppan Edo didn't have the salad with the ginger dressing! That's my favorite!
Yes, I love that salad too and was a bit of a letdown! But, other than that I had no complaints!
Quote:
Originally Posted by lfredsbo
Sounds like a great last day!!!!
It certainly was! Better, to take a late flight home and spend some quality time in the parks rather than waiting around in the airport or getting home earlier to start on the laundry!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
I like to do Epcot on my last day as it's my favorite park!
My family enjoyed Teppan Edo when we dined there in 2012. The show they put on while cooking is great!
I like to do Epcot on my last day as it's my favorite park!
My family enjoyed Teppan Edo when we dined there in 2012. The show they put on while cooking is great!
It's my favorite too! A good one to do on the last day with so many good dining choices to pick from for a nice lunch!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
When the DME bus pulled up, quite a few guests got off as that’s always a good sign and I’d have a good choice of seating! There were only a few of us that got on.....at least initially! I scanned my Magic Band with the driver, took aboard my carry on bag, found a comfortable seat and just relaxed! The others boarded and the driver told us there would be a bit of a delay as a family was running a bit late! Don’t you love it when this happens and how some people are so well organized, prompt and a complete lack of planning? When they arrived one woman was at curbside opening up one of her bags and re-packing and checking for certain items! This just made the situation that much better! The DME driver said something to her and soon they were all on board and we were ready to depart Riverside. First there was another stop at Saratoga Springs Resort. Only a few passengers boarded, but there was another delay for a couple more, who were running late! Although, just a few minutes this time, but just the idea of it bothers me! Does it take that much effort to be somewhat prompt?
After this, we were on our way to Orlando International Airport for my flight home to Westchester Airport in New York. The driver was pretty entertaining and quite chatty. The usual film was shown on board and after this and some relaxing we arrived at the airport at about 7:20 pm. Not bad, considering the unplanned delays! I love the resort airline check in earlier as now I didn’t have to do that at the airport and wait in line. One of the perks of staying at a WDW resort!
I didn’t have to board until 8:30 pm, so I had a bit of time to get something to eat before proceeding to TSA security. Always, something I look forward to when flying! I walked to the food court and had a couple of slices of pizza and a coke at Sbarro. The pizza is decent here, but not as good as some of the eateries back home and in New York City. After this I walked back towards the middle of the terminal and relaxed for a bit while watching the animated fountain there, which I love, that the Hyatt overlooks. Finally, about 8 pm or so I went over to the TSA security line, which was quite long. Lucky for me and my “Even More Space” seat on JetBlue, as I was allowed to jump ahead a bit in line. After about five minutes I was through, without a problem.
After clearing security I took the monorail for gates 1-29 and walked to my gate, where I waited until it was time to board. They announced at the gate there would be a bit of a delay boarding as they were waiting for my plane to arrive from Buffalo. I thought it may be a bit long, but it was only an extra 15-20 minutes, so not too bad! I called my colleague from work Sharon, who would be picking me up in Westchester and informed her of this.
Finally, at about 8:45 pm they began boarding for my flight. Having the seat I had, was one of the first to board the flight as I was seat 1A. Not bad! After everyone boarded, which only took about fifteen minutes (as the Embraer 190 is not a huge plane and seats around 100 or so), we began to pull away from the gate and begin taxiing out to the runway for takeoff. There were only a couple of planes in front of us, so there wasn’t much of a wait to depart. Finally, at about 9:15 we were in the air. There wasn’t much to see out the window during the flight as it was nighttime and was quite overcast at about forty minutes or so into the flight. Had a bag of Terra Blue Chips and a Coke on board and watched some Direct TV. We landed at about 11:30 pm. It looked like it was raining pretty good outside!
We disembarked rather quickly and I went to baggage claim downstairs, which is quite a short walk as this is a small airport. There are only eight gates! My two bags were there fairly quickly and I called Sharon to tell her I was off the plane and had my bags. She was waiting in another lot and would be there in a couple of minutes. When I went outside, I just couldn’t believe the contrast in conditions as it was warm and sunny with temps in the low 80's, just a few hours ago in Orlando. Meanwhile, in New York it was cold, torrential rains, windy with temps in the mid 30's! I should have headed back into the terminal and taken the next flight back to Orlando!
Sharon arrived and I loaded my bags into her car and began the 20 minute or so drive back home. The rain was really coming down at times, but with not a lot of traffic on the roads made the conditions easier for her. I was home at about midnight and yet another enjoyable and sensational trip to Walt Disney World comes to an end!
Some Opinions:
This was another great trip to Disney World and I enjoyed every aspect of it from Port Orleans Riverside and my king bedroom in Alligator Bayou, fantastic dining experiences, three rounds of golf, the four WDW theme parks with some new experiences, the ongoing transformation of Downtown Disney, resort lounges and entertainment.
Would I have liked to do other things? Of course, but when I play a few rounds of golf, it makes it more difficult to get all of the park time you desire. I couldn’t get in all of my Fastpass+ reservations on some days as I also played golf. But, you have to trade one off for the other and make some sacrifices. That is unless, you add a few more days into your stay, which I have in the past. All in all I was quite pleased with this trip and only a few minor hiccups along the way!
That makes TR #2 in the books and on to begin my next TR, which is my first ever cruise and better yet on the Disney Magic from April!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!