The Quest for 40 About This Page:

[Principessa_di_Fata]

Sorry the corn was a disappointment, but it sounds like everything else has been great!

I can't wait to see the MM&Y show again. It is a great show, and I just love how they do it. Only 7 months to go!

[OhToodles!]

1,998 ghosts - love it! Did you see Dumbo at night? Gorgeous!

Originally Posted by dsteiny23

We've been eating a TON of corn lately since I found a recipe on the web to do it in the microwave (who wants to wait for water to boil ) Wrap each cob in wax paper (after shucking...and Tyler will do it for a quarter an ear ) Then microwave for 2 minutes per ear. YUM!

You can also leave them in the husks (whole husk - no cutting) and put them in the microwave for 4 minutes each (I think). Then take them out, cut the bottom off, and shake out - takes all the silk off without the work and the corn is cooked! [It's on You Tube - check it out.]

[DisneyLuv]

Great update! Corn dogs, fries (with cheese and ketchup) and lemonade! YUM! YUM! YUM!

[lindawdw]

Hi Sharon, Finally got back to your TR after being away from the Boards for a while. It sure sounds like a fun trip so far and I especially enjoyed seeing all your food choice pictures I agree with Heather about Pecos Bills. It used to be our favorite counter service place to eat in the MK but the last few years it just hasn't been as good as it was years ago. We like the Columbia House better for lunch now. I also thought the new Dumbo rides were just enchanting! The water fountains around it with the changing lights make it so beautiful at night time! Loved seeing the refurbished rooms at OKW. I haven't stayed there since 1996. I loved the color scheme back then but they really did a nice job with the refurbishment! We drove every where when we stayed there so we never had to deal with the buses. That guy that stood in front of the bus to stop it was a real idiot You wonder what is going on some people's mind when they do things like that! Glad you were able to time your coordinated HM ride with Karen and Zack

[hleland]

I'm a little late to this TR, but I've now got to make a list of snacks to try next time I go. That carrot cake cookie and those corn dog nuggets look really good!!

[Linnynad]

OMG....dogs, fries, popcorn, that lovely looking lemonade..........this day sounds pretty much perfect snacking wise. Casey's looks adorable, I can't wait to check it out. Of course on our way out of the park for the day though

Originally Posted by dsteiny23

We've been eating a TON of corn lately since I found a recipe on the web to do it in the microwave (who wants to wait for water to boil ) Wrap each cob in wax paper (after shucking...and Tyler will do it for a quarter an ear ) Then microwave for 2 minutes per ear. YUM!

Putting our precious Jersey corn in the microwave. that's so wrong.................we can't be friends.

[mcc0313]

Loved the bi-coastal HM ride...glad you got to enjoy a ride with Karen. Snacking looked yummy today, frozen corn would have brought some thumbs down for me as well. If they are going to do corn on the cob they should do it right. Love the lemonade...Angel was reading your TR with me earlier and she mentioned she never got a fresh lemonade last trip so it has gone on the must dos for this trip.

Not liking the forshadowing for the next installment...you worked very hard on your snacking around the world (even though I would not call it unheathy, I mean you are getting all the major food groups in there ), hope WDW does not mess it up too much.

[travismom]

Note to self....Casey's Corner Corndog Nuggets is a must!!! They looked so yummy!! My family and I are big fans of Pecos Bills, but the last time Travis and I went, (Jan. 2012, they did seem to be a little "off" in taste!) Columbia Harbour House is now one of our favorites.
As always, I'm totally amazed at what all you can do in such a small time frame!!
Can't wait for more!

[goofyboysmama]

Nice evening at MK. The corn sounded like a great idea, but too bad it was just Green Giant.

[ilovedisney247]

I just have to sneak in and let you all know how much I enjoyed letting Disney know exactly how bad I think the food at Pecos Bill's is. If you see a CM standing around the exit closest to Adventureland with one of those electronic clip boards--flag them down and participate! It won't get better unless we complain. I specifically told them that they have THE WORST cheeseburger on property. (I can't figure it out because they start with the same patty as all of the other CS locations--they just manage to absolutely destroy them at Pecos Bill's)

[DrDolphin]

Glad to hear you told them a thing or two Heather... I tend to avoid PBs and head to CCH for that exact reason.

[lindawdw]

Originally Posted by ilovedisney247

I just have to sneak in and let you all know how much I enjoyed letting Disney know exactly how bad I think the food at Pecos Bill's is. If you see a CM standing around the exit closest to Adventureland with one of those electronic clip boards--flag them down and participate! It won't get better unless we complain. I specifically told them that they have THE WORST cheeseburger on property. (I can't figure it out because they start with the same patty as all of the other CS locations--they just manage to absolutely destroy them at Pecos Bill's)

Good for you Heather! My DH and I have been very disappointed in the food at Pecos Bills for quite a few years now. We used to always make it the place to go for CS when at the MK but not as of late Glad you said something.

[PrincessSharon]

Thanks for all your great comments!

Originally Posted by dsteiny23

I've been trying to get you to overlap one of your dozen annual trips with my one measely trip a year.

Corn dog nuggets are now added to my November snack list. Can't wait to try out Dumbo and the queue line and anything else we can get on in the new FL. We've been eating a TON of corn lately since I found a recipe on the web to do it in the microwave (who wants to wait for water to boil ) Wrap each cob in wax paper (after shucking...and Tyler will do it for a quarter an ear ) Then microwave for 2 minutes per ear. YUM!
I think the boys will like Sorcerers, if only to trade cards...or fight over them...with each other.
TL dance party sounds like a place Jason needs to visit. Is that all year, or only a summer thing?
Frontierland is our fave place to watch a parade. You can watch with us in November from there.

It's crazy that we haven't managed to have an overlapping trip! We'll just have to plan something!

And I think the Sorcerers cards are much more popular than the actual game! The TL dance party has been going on on my last few trips. But I'm not sure it's all the time.

Originally Posted by honeybee723

You know, I think Pecos Bill's is overrated too. Not a fan, and that corn on the cob doesn't even qualify to be considered "cob" since it was so small. That drink looked scrumptious though. Not sure how long I'll be hanging around Casey Jr. since I'm also not a fan of getting wet at amusement parks or walking around with a wet child at an amusement park.

Casey Jr. is a great place to get very wet. If you want to stay dry, you just have to stay away. Even while sitting on the nearby bench, I got wet.

Originally Posted by Straitlover

MMMM, corn dog nuggets! Was that cheese or mustard on the fries? One day i will eat at Casey's.

The lemonade w/ the foam - is that "real" lemonade or the Minute Maid stuff out of the dispenser? I hate MM lemonade. I'm always on the lookout for real lemonade.

It was cheese on the fries. And the lemonade wasn't Minute Maid.

Originally Posted by Coop

I'm drooling at those corndog nuggets and fries! And popcorn and lemonade and. .. .At least, they are no points on Weight Watchers if I just READ about them.

Originally Posted by taylan1

Great update! You got a lot done! So I want to know.....how was the lemonade? It looked rather interesting with the wildberry foam on it. Inquiring minds want a review!

The lemonade was good, but not as good as I was building it up in my head! I like tart lemonade, and it wasn't tart enough for me. But the wildberry foam was great!

Originally Posted by iloverags2

Just finally catching up with your report!

I am so with you guys on Pecos Bills. We ate there once, and 'meh. It was ok, but nothing to write home about. Sure, if you get a burger and like to pile everything under the sun on top of it, maybe. For me, one time was enough.

And I so did not know they have homemade potato chips at Friar Nook's! I must go there now! Hmmmmmmm...plan to make a WDW getaway for chips. Check.

Yeah, I think people rave about Pecos Bill's burgers because they can dump tons of stuff on them to make them better. And make sure Friar's Nook is open before you make a special trip (not that it would be a hardship to have to find something else to eat).

Originally Posted by mousestruck

Sorry the corn was a dud... but I'd say you're doing pretty good on the snack score card! I cannot wait to see the new Dumbo ride! It's been a few years since we've done that ride, since my kids are older and no longer have the patience to wait on that looong line. But the new-and-improved version may be enticing... brings back lots of great memories for me! The bi-coastal HM is super cool! What a fab idea!!! Also glad you're having such a great time with Heather.

You can give the Dumbo FP a try!

Originally Posted by JKnott17

Great day! Lots of great snacks too! Sorry the corn was a dud, it didn't look very good and it was so small That lemonade with the berry foam, that looked interesting though! How was it?

It was good, but not quite tart enough for me. To give you an idea of my tartness level the frozen lemonade slushes are about perfect as far as tartness goes. This lemonade was less tart than that. The foam was a nice additon, though.

Originally Posted by ilovedisney247

In honor of this trip I'm snacking through dinner--I had a teeny lentil soup, some stuffed grape leaves and some greek olives. My thanks goes out to Whole Foods!

Originally Posted by LLaffinPlace

I lived the bicoastal HM ride.

Sharon, I thought for BTMRR they were enclosing the standby line (maybe windows) and adding AC. No sign of that?

There was definitely no AC. Oh, the geysers were working, so that's something.

Originally Posted by lfredsbo

YUM! Fun!!! All sounds so good right now!!!!

Just a thought with the camera issue............. did you format your memory card when you put it back in your camera after downloading pics? I had a similar issue a few years back (while visiting WDW!) and I went into the photo shop at DHS..........oooh - that's weird, same park ...................and apparently with my camera, it was important to always remember to format the card when putting back in camera - I was still new to the digital stuff - but now each and every time I download to my computer - I make sure to format the memory card again when I put it back in the camera!

I will have to remember that memory card trick!

Originally Posted by sc507

So, I had to interrupt my reading to go get a plate of pickles. Yeah, I said plate of them Anyhoo....so neat that you got to ride at virtually the same time as Karen!

A plate of pickles? That's enough to share with me!

Originally Posted by OhToodles!

1,998 ghosts - love it! Did you see Dumbo at night? Gorgeous!


You can also leave them in the husks (whole husk - no cutting) and put them in the microwave for 4 minutes each (I think). Then take them out, cut the bottom off, and shake out - takes all the silk off without the work and the corn is cooked! [It's on You Tube - check it out.]

Dumbo at night is gorgeous! And I'm intrigued by this corn in the microwave thing!

Originally Posted by Linnynad

OMG....dogs, fries, popcorn, that lovely looking lemonade..........this day sounds pretty much perfect snacking wise. Casey's looks adorable, I can't wait to check it out. Of course on our way out of the park for the day though




Putting our precious Jersey corn in the microwave. that's so wrong.................we can't be friends.

Okay, maybe no corn in the microwave after all.

Originally Posted by mcc0313

Loved the bi-coastal HM ride...glad you got to enjoy a ride with Karen. Snacking looked yummy today, frozen corn would have brought some thumbs down for me as well. If they are going to do corn on the cob they should do it right. Love the lemonade...Angel was reading your TR with me earlier and she mentioned she never got a fresh lemonade last trip so it has gone on the must dos for this trip.

Not liking the forshadowing for the next installment...you worked very hard on your snacking around the world (even though I would not call it unheathy, I mean you are getting all the major food groups in there ), hope WDW does not mess it up too much.

Yeah, Disney ruined my plan! But I've figured out how to outsmart them.

Originally Posted by goofyboysmama

Nice evening at MK. The corn sounded like a great idea, but too bad it was just Green Giant.

Funny you should say that! That's what I called it when I was eating it!

Originally Posted by ilovedisney247

I just have to sneak in and let you all know how much I enjoyed letting Disney know exactly how bad I think the food at Pecos Bill's is. If you see a CM standing around the exit closest to Adventureland with one of those electronic clip boards--flag them down and participate! It won't get better unless we complain. I specifically told them that they have THE WORST cheeseburger on property. (I can't figure it out because they start with the same patty as all of the other CS locations--they just manage to absolutely destroy them at Pecos Bill's)

It's perfect that a burger aficionado like you got to give your two cents!

[PrincessSharon]

Day Three – Monday, June 18
Disney throws a monkey wrench in my unhealthy plan

It was already my last day. I was up by 6 and packed and quickly got ready. I remembered to pick up my package from my purchase in Epcot before I checked my bag in at RAC (so I wouldn’t have to carry it home). I quickly got my bag taken care of and got a boarding pass (A20 this time ). I stored my little backpack for later and then waited for the AK bus.

I made it to the park in time for rope drop. It was an EMH morning, so there was no ceremony or anything.



When the park opened, I headed right for Asia. I walked straight onto EE. The Yeti is in a sad, sad state. It’s worse than disco yeti with the strobe lights. It’s even worse than drunk yeti leaning along the track. They don’t light him at all, so it’s like he’s not even there. This really makes me sad. I am starting to think it would be worth it for them to shut the ride down to fix him, even if it takes six months to do it. But they should wait until after the family trip in August. I don’t know how Isaiah would react if he couldn’t ride it!

After a second spin on Everest, I had a stroll around the gift shop. There wasn’t any new merchandise. I don’t know what will happen if there’s nothing new by the end of August. Isaiah might spontaneously combust if he can’t find something to buy!

I walked over to Africa to take a safari. Luckily it was early enough that the standby was only 10 minutes, and even better, the animals were still plenty active. I didn’t have my camera, but some of the animals were so close to the truck, I couldn’t resist a few shots with my iTouch.







In fact, at one point, a giraffe walked right into the road in front of our truck! That caused a little girl to yell to the CM “You almost ran over him!” and the CM replied, “No, he almost ran over us!” I was thrilled to get a good look at the cheetahs actually walking around. No photos of that, though.

At the end, there are no more geysers or anything, and of course the whole big red storyline is gone now. You can clearly see there is construction going on, and the CM talks about rumors of zebras moving in.

I had it in my head to have a Heather-inspired breakfast this morning. That is to say, a cupcake! Unfortunately for me, Disney’s new healthy eating initiative means that cupcakes are a no no. At least for breakfast. Both the bakery by Tusker House and the one by discovery island had plenty of baked goods, but no cupcakes yet. I asked the CM and she told me the cupcakes would be out later. So I suppose if you want a cupcake for breakfast, you’ll have to plan ahead and buy it the night before.

I decided to let Disney brainwash me into a healthy breakfast.


Fruit salad, Tamu Tamu Refreshments $8.99

This is a fairly new item. I’d just learned about it on a podcast a week or so before my trip. I’m a big fresh fruit eater, so this is a typical breakfast for me. I thought the fruit was fresh and sweet, and there was a whole lot of it. It’s pricey at $8.99, but there was enough to make a meal or two people could share it. I got a lot of stares and “where’d you get that!” after I bought it! I’ll definitely be repeating this one! And I asked the CM if it was available all day (because at the time I was planning on a cupcake but still wanted the fruit bowl) – it is!

After my very filling breakfast (Disney approved ), I walked the PFET. I needed to check on Lilly. I was happy to see a hippo sleeping on the big rock in front of the window.





And Lilly was playing on her new tire (plastic) swing. So cute! Of course I didn’t have my camera, so this is the lousy picture I got.


Look carefully – she’s just to the right of the tree trunk

Incidentally, just lately I’ve been thinking of getting a new camera, with a more powerful zoom. I love my camera, but I hate that it has a measly 3X optical zoom.

After the PFET, I had planned to go over to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, but the train was down. It never occurred to me that you’re effectively barred from RPW if the train goes down (or stuck there if you’re already over there). That’ll have to wait for next trip.

I walked over to Asia and strolled through the trail there.



There was only one lonely tiger visible, and because of the sun glare, I couldn’t get a good photo of it. But I did enjoy spotting lots of animals. With that done, though, I felt like it was time to leave. The park was getting very crowded and it was already quite hot. I figured the shows could wait for next time.

I decided to spend the rest of the day at Epcot. I sent Heather a text letting her know to meet me there if she could (she had a phone interview).

I decided to take whatever Epcot area resort bus arrived first, then I realized, there’s only one. For five resorts. Five deluxe resorts. Anyway, it turned out that I hopped off the bus at Blizzard Beach for a water parks only snack! I’ve got an AP that gets me in, so why not?



I never realized how much squirting water there is at BB until I walked through the park wanting to stay dry. There are little light streams of water everywhere, that wash your feet off. They weren’t hard to avoid, I just hadn’t noticed them before now. I went straight for the mini donuts stand.



And I got a treat that I rarely enjoy – not because I’m too full, but because I don’t visit the water parks that often.


Mini donuts $3.99

I got a half dozen, since I was eating them by myself. And I couldn’t even finish the half dozen! But they were oh, so good. Tasty! The CMs at the entrance were surprised to see me exiting so quickly, and one CM was all, “How nice! You brought me donuts!”

I had a fair wait for the Epcot resorts bus, I’d say at least 25 minutes. It seemed as though I saw a bus for every single resort (including the first time I ever saw an Art of Animation bus), and some of them had two buses arrive before finally the Swan/Dolphin/Yacht/Beach/Boardwalk seriously! Ugh! bus arrived. And I complain about it more because you’re already making an additional stop at BB on the way back from AK. Split that bus up, Disney!

Continued…

[PrincessSharon]

I took the bus all the way to the BC (hey, it was hot and I felt the air conditioning was worth the bus ride ). Then I walked over to Epcot. I wanted something to eat again, but something savory. So I went with a snack I have at home often. Dumplings.


Pot stickers, Lotus Blossom Café $4.99

I had two items on the “must do” list today. And it was time to take care of the number one item.


Italian margharita, Gelato stand $10

Ah, the Italian margharita. My favorite FAB. As I said, I love lemonade, and this tastes like the most delicious frozen lemonade ever! I could drink 6 or 7 of these no problem. Well, there’d be a problem, but I wouldn’t have any trouble doing it.

Then I walked over to take care of the other item on the list. I had to finish my FAB, but I had time to enjoy it, so it was fine. While I was finishing it, I heard from Heather and I let her know to meet me at the AA pavilion.

Then I headed in and grabbed a seat to watch my favorite live entertainment at Epcot.



I recognized a couple of new faces, which made me wonder if any of the old singers moved to California to join the DL VOL. I’ll find out in a couple weeks!

When their show finished, Heather found me. We decided to see the American Adventure. Then we went out so I could get a snack. I’m pretty sure Heather got something here too, but for the life of me, I can’t remember what. I’m sure she’ll let us know.


Mickey pretzel, Fife & Drum Tavern $4.29

I’m glad to see the Mickey pretzel is catching on. I don’t know why they introduced it as a test. I mean, can you imagine anyone going, “Mickey pretzel? Don’t you have a plain one?” Anyway, I decided to get the cheese dip to go with it this time. Yum!

We were done with WS, so we made our way back to FW. I wanted to see how the construction at Test Track was coming along, so we swung by there. There’s not much to see, but I’ve noticed they’ve moved a few of the cars outside, along with a salesman or two.

Heather felt like having ice cream, so we went to the Fountainview Café. The line was out the door (literally) and didn’t seem to be moving at all. So Heather decided to bag the ice cream idea and we returned to Sunshine Seasons. Heather ended up getting a beet salad instead! I was too full to eat anything else.

We went into Innoventions next and checked out Vision House, the Green house exhibit, which was new to both of us. It was interesting to see how many different ways you can do things to be environmentally beneficial. Heather saw a bookcase she really liked, but it wasn’t listed on the little handout, so I don’t know if she ever found out where to get one.

They seemed to be removing some exhibits, so I’ll have to check back my next trip to see what’s new in there. It was getting close to my DME pickup time so Heather and I left the park. Heather kindly offered to drive me to the airport, but I didn’t mind taking DME (besides, I needed to go back to OKW to get my carryon bag). I’m actually glad it worked out that way because I got to see something new!

Heather and I hung out a bit at OKW, checking out the volleyball court and some sort of stage that we tried to figure out what went on there. When we could prolong it no more, we said our goodbyes. I wished Heather luck on her interview in a couple of days, and then she was gone. See you in August, Heather!

I collected my little string bag (with not much more in it than a jacket and a blanket, because I get cold on airplanes and in my experience, the DME bus is always freezing! ). Not long after that, the DME bus arrived. I climbed aboard and noticed it was a brand new bus. It had larger, flat screen TVs and blue seats with seatbelts. I snapped a few photos.





And I can report that the AC in the new buses is just as cold as the older ones! Brrr! I put my jacket on the second I sat down, and got a few envious glances. I can gloat about it, but to tell the truth, it took me a few freezing trips to MCO to learn that lesson!

We didn’t make any additional stops, so before I knew it, we were pulling in at the airport. I didn’t have to worry about checking a bag, so I went straight through to security, where there was a pretty substantial line. Luckily, I got pulled out to go to a special line, which at first I thought meant the x-ray screener, but it was just a shorter line because I’m awesome.

I stopped at McDonalds for a cheeseburger (I have to admit, at this point I was ready for something resembling an actual meal), and after that, I headed to my gate (which, for once, was only 1 away from the food court area).

The flight was running late, and they estimated us to be about 20 minutes late taking off, but thanks to a relatively empty plane, we were able to get everyone boarded quickly and left only 10 minutes late. I had nobody in the two seats next to me until the last person got on – she was a SWA employee flying standby, and she took the aisle seat.

I went right to sleep, and when I woke up as we were making our descent, the woman next to me had vanished. Seriously, she was nowhere to be seen, but her stuff was still there. And she never returned – at least not before I got off the plane. I hope she didn’t end up in the Twilight Zone or anything. Hey! If she did, she can probably ride the TOT all the time. Jealous!

After landing, I headed down to claim my suitcase. For some odd reason, half the bags came out on carousel 2 and then it stopped. A minute or so later, there was an announcement that our bags would be on carousel 4. I wonder if someone’s bag stuffed up the works. I’d hate to be that guy! Anyway, my little bag came out a couple of minutes later.

I have to make a little confession here. These days, I always kind of hope my bag doesn’t show up and ends up lost in Cleveland or something. Why? Well, I never put anything I need in my checked luggage, so my dirty clothes can go to Cleveland and I have an excuse for not unpacking immediately. I have travel extras of everything – hairbrush, toothbrush, etc., so I don’t need to unpack to get at anything for home use, and I’ve been known to go a week or more with my suitcase still not unpacked (luckily my dirty clothes aren’t stinky ).

Also, when SWA loses the bag, they give me a $50 voucher for picking it up, and the airport is literally 5 minutes away from the train station I use when commuting to work, so for 10 minutes worth of trouble and a day free of didn’t-unpack guilt, I’m okay with it. In fact, I always think about not tipping the RAC agent and being surly to him so he’ll lose my bag on purpose, but I can’t do that. I’m always pleasant, and I always tip! Maybe I should just ask the guy to send my bags to Cleveland by mistake.

Anyway, you guys still love me, right? I got my bag (no free $50 for me ) and called my DF to let him know I had it (he was waiting in the cell phone lot, which is like 2 minutes away).

Up Next: Final Thoughts and Ramblings