Canadian Buffoon's Exhausted Vacation - Update 09/01 - New TR link!

[cheryllarsen]

Wow, great read!

 

[cheryllarsen]

Thanks for putting that together. Very interesting reading....

 

[mustinjourney]

I stayed to the left, right behind the CM
and was rewarded with my efforts by
following the CM up to the queue,
into the queue and right up to the ride.
I was the first guest of the day on 7DMT.

<yawn!>
Still tired...

that's hilarious! Well done.

Please keep your cutting remarks
to yourselves.

Since you know it's coming...

Nice photoshop work...either that, or Disney security has gotten really bad AND you have a twin brother you never told us about.

And... I gotta tell ya...
I didn't like it.
Far too many chocolate chips.
At that time of morning, for
breakfast, I just don't normally
like or want a lot of chocolate.
Unless it's hot chocolate... then maybe.

I agree -- chocolate in breakfast foods (except for doughnuts) just doesn't do anything for me.

While I was in the area,
I had a nice chat with a DVC
CM and decided to let myself
get talked into a DVC tour.

Uh oh...wallet could get way lighter.

I offered to let him hold it, but he
surprised me by saying that he
wasn't allowed to touch guests

whoa! Isn't this a family friendly trip report?

It was getting on towards lunch time.
And I was getting hungry.
All I'd eaten that day was a bit
of a cat tail.

not much meat on those things...no wonder you were so hungry.

And not long after I ordered,
I received my chicken sammie
with side of spud salad.

Pretty sure that's what I would've gone with as well -- except I'd have done mac and cheese for the fixin.

And I like to think that this
guy looks like he's 15 feet tall.
(No, he's not photoshopped.
the cars are just that small.)

He does look quite large.

I passed the line for the Speedway
and shook my head.
I just can't imagine standing in
line for the chance to slowly
jerk around a track.
Nope. Not for me.

I'm fortunate that my kids do not like that ride. They both think it's too bumpy. That might be b/c I allowed the car to violently smash left and right their first times riding it. I did it to try and make it more fun, but it apparently had the added advantage that they never want to ride it ever again.

WIN WIN!

Also -- this is easily the worst ride in all four of the parks. Long waits -- noise pollution -- actual pollution -- cue is unthemed and portions are in the sun -- kids bumping you from behind at the end. I honestly can't think of anything redeemable about this ride...and the fact that it's in tomorrowland and isn't at least using e-cars and sponsored by Tesla is baffling.

I'm guessing you might say the teacups -- but at least you don't have to wait an hour to ride those.

And no trip to Tomorrowland
would be complete without
a quick snap of my favourite trees.

I always think they look a little Dr. Seuss-like.

I won't go into all the details
of the DVC spiel.
It was interesting and informative...
but I just don't think it's for me.

To celebrate my conquest,
I stopped by Auntie Gravity's
and ordered a root beer float.

I was surprised, given my recent
heroism, that they asked me to
pay for it.

Hmmm... time for a snack, though.
I picked up a chicken skewer
from the Westward Ho wagon.

I thought this thing only sold refreshments and maybe popcorn. Is the chicken new?

After that torture was over,
I dropped her off back at
the grotto and told her I'd
have to rethink our future.

Sad... but everyone has their limit.

Those were hilarious!

 

[vamassey1]

I completely believe this.

You may know me too well. Should I be offended?

I have had a few people laugh
when they've seen their photo.
I've also gotten a couple
of nods from people watching
the ride from the bridge.

I would love to find this little treasure in my ride photo. You're welcome to surprise me anytime.

That probably would've earned me
a nice lifetime ban!

Good thing you didn't do it.

Oh? What happens?
Tummy troubles?

No, they close early. Wait for the trip report.

Well... now I'm wondering if I
should just stop doing this
considering what happened
last November.

You're harmless. Keep doing it.

 

[juniorbugman]

And by the time I exited
POTC, my PP FP was due.
I decided to mobile-order
a Dole Whip Float first.

OMG.... soooo good.

Nope my favourite is the plain Dole Whip - no float.

I was in full relaxation mode now
and decided to wander around
Main St. a bit.
I didn't take many photos as
I was concentrating (or rather,
not concentrating) on doing
the absolute least I could not do.

Just wandering around and not doing much is sometimes the best way to tour.

And... I gotta tell ya...
I didn't like it.
Far too many chocolate chips.
At that time of morning, for
breakfast, I just don't normally
like or want a lot of chocolate.
Unless it's hot chocolate... then maybe.

Yup I agree - too much chocolate in that for me.

I asked her what ride she
wanted to go on next.
And this is what she picked...

After that torture was over,
I dropped her off back at
the grotto and told her I'd
have to rethink our future.

Sad... but everyone has their limit.

I love the look on the kid in the front row with you. It is almost like she is actually riding with you and he is in awe of it. Priceless
I used to play my 45 record of the IASW song all the time and my younger sister hates that song to this day. Big sister's rule.
pm sent.

 

[pkondz]

Ouch, not a fun way to start your day but it sounds like the day only got better.

Not the best start, but as the
day wore on, my back got
progressively better.
It still hurt, but at least I
wasn't incapacitated!

I don't think I realized the Diamond Horseshoe was actually a restaurant Might have to give that one a try.

Not sure when it's open, however.

Glad you had a fun afternoon with Ariel...until the unfortunate ending!

Tragic, tragic ending.

 

[pkondz]

I'm slowly improving a little each day, and well enough to fly to Tucson tomorrow to visit some friends. Found super chear fares and want to get down there to do a little desert photography.

Nice!
And... you should be there now.
Hope you're having a relaxing
and healing time.

Then you're set!!! No better weapon!
Just don't shoot your eye out.

Oh, no! You said it!!!

You should have been too.

Nah. It's Disney.
Who sleeps in at Disney???

I'll take the propofol.

Huh. I didn't even know
you could get that there.

OH dear! Well, we can't have that! You're already far too sleep deprived!

Then stay out of my
pajamas.

I pride myself on how fast I can be up and out.



but only in Disney. HAHA!

<alarm blares>
"Whelp! Up and at 'em!
Time for work!...


<hits snooze>

Wait, you don't consider chicken meat?

Well... kinda yes, kinda not.

True enough. Been about 4 years since I was on it last... boring.

You were on it 4 years ago???
What on Earth for???

 

[pkondz]

So I'm reading the Unofficial Guide to Disneyland to prepare for our trip in September and they had this quote:

A dad from New Brunswick, Canada, gives this advice for surviving the Happiest Cruise That Ever Sailed: Ask to sit at the back of the boat. Pull out your earbuds once you’re in the building, and blast some heavy metal. You’d be amazed how different and deceptively funny the ride becomes!

Was it you??

No, it wasn't.
I did get the idea from there when I did it.

 

[pkondz]

Love this!

Thanks!

Cool Photo. I love BTMRR although HM is my all time favorite ride.

I think you and I would
get along juuuuust fine.

I really like these but also love chocolate croissants.

Maybe that's a prerequisite.

I have actually never seen this open. Could be interesting to try one time. I would also order a la carte.

I hadn't either.
Why I was 1. bummed
to cancel and then 2.
happy I could reschedule.

Definitely would not be waiting in this line. The smell alone is enough to make a person sick.

Nope! Not for me, either.

My grandmother bought into DVC way back when it was only Old Key West. We used it many times when I was a kid, including going to DLP. My DH and I looked into buying out own points and we decide the cost was not worth it to us. We didn't want Disney to be the default vacation and we didn't think we would get enough value for the money we would be spending.

It's a lot of money and...
while I love Disney, I also
love the freedom to go
elsewhere instead.

I don't mind IASW every once in a while, especially if it is really hot. Nice place to catch some A/C.

I'll die of heat exposure... thanks.

 

[pkondz]

Wow, great read!

Thanks!

And to the TR!

Thanks for putting that together. Very interesting reading....

Glad you enjoyed it!
More coming soon.

 

[pkondz]

that's hilarious! Well done.

Thanks!

Since you know it's coming...

Nice photoshop work...either that, or Disney security has gotten really bad AND you have a twin brother you never told us about.

Actually, you're close.
That's ckondz. The "c" stands
for "clone". I got him to
bring the knife in.

I agree -- chocolate in breakfast foods (except for doughnuts) just doesn't do anything for me.

Yeah, I'll do donuts too.

Uh oh...wallet could get way lighter.

It's Disney...
This is a given.

whoa! Isn't this a family friendly trip report?

not much meat on those things...no wonder you were so hungry.

Just a smidge...

Pretty sure that's what I would've gone with as well -- except I'd have done mac and cheese for the fixin.

I considered it...
then thought that I can
get that almost everywhere...
So that made up my mind.

He does look quite large.

Right?
Cool illusion.

I'm fortunate that my kids do not like that ride. They both think it's too bumpy. That might be b/c I allowed the car to violently smash left and right their first times riding it. I did it to try and make it more fun, but it apparently had the added advantage that they never want to ride it ever again.

WIN WIN!

Also -- this is easily the worst ride in all four of the parks. Long waits -- noise pollution -- actual pollution -- cue is unthemed and portions are in the sun -- kids bumping you from behind at the end. I honestly can't think of anything redeemable about this ride...and the fact that it's in tomorrowland and isn't at least using e-cars and sponsored by Tesla is baffling.

Win win!
And... good point about
Tesla. I wonder if anyone
has asked either party.

I'm guessing you might say the teacups -- but at least you don't have to wait an hour to ride those.

Nah. I'll take teacups
over the cars.

I always think they look a little Dr. Seuss-like.

Huh. I can see that!

I thought this thing only sold refreshments and maybe popcorn. Is the chicken new?

I don't know if it's new...
It was new to me!

Those were hilarious!

Thanks!

 

[pkondz]

You may know me too well. Should I be offended?

You may if you wish, but...

Maybe you could be flattered, instead.

I would love to find this little treasure in my ride photo. You're welcome to surprise me anytime.

Okay, if we're ever there
at the same time, we'll
do Splash together.

Good thing you didn't do it.

No, they close early. Wait for the trip report.

Standing by.

You're harmless. Keep doing it.

Well... there's only going
to be one more... if there's
another.

 

[pkondz]

Nope my favourite is the plain Dole Whip - no float.

Well, then you have the plain
and I'll have the float.
Plenty for everyone!

Just wandering around and not doing much is sometimes the best way to tour.

It was really nice, actually.

Yup I agree - too much chocolate in that for me.

So I'm not the only one!

I love the look on the kid in the front row with you. It is almost like she is actually riding with you and he is in awe of it.

I was really glad to keep him
in the photo for just that reason.

I used to play my 45 record of the IASW song all the time and my younger sister hates that song to this day. Big sister's rule.

What a mean big sister!

 

[pkondz]

Takumi-Tei

As you can see from the title,
I managed to snag an ADR
for, and dine at, Japan Epcot's
newest signature restaurant.

I hadn't really planned on dining
there, even though I had wanted to.
But when I found out that Liesa's
(@Steppesister ) trip was going to
overlap mine by a bit, I asked if
she wanted to have a DISmeet.
We've met a couple of times before,
and I just assumed she'd have learned
from her past mistakes and say "No".

However, she not only agreed to meet,
but when I mentioned Takumi-Tei,
she was very enthusiastic about it!


I suspect it was the food, rather than
the company that sealed the deal.


I didn't have any bags with me
this time so sailed right into Epcot
through the no-bag line.

I love doing that. It makes it that
much harder when I go to the parks
with bags...


I made my way through Future World
and around World Showcase to Japan.
Liesa was sitting nearby, I believe.
Pretty sure she was there before me,
in any case. I could be wrong.

We entered the restaurant and were
immediately enchanted with the décor.

These spheres represent the
themes of the five dining rooms:
Wood, Paper, Stone, Water, Earth.
And each sphere is accompanied
by a Haiku.

Immediately, a sense of calmness
and tranquility enveloped our senses.
The hustle, bustle, noise and chaos
of a theme park seemed distant
and unlikely to intrude on this place.

Our hostess greeted us and led
us down a short hall to the paper
dining room.
I didn't take many photos, as I
was more intent on relaxing
and enjoying the experience.

We were seated at our table
and handed menus.
Isn't this just the best napkin
fold you've ever seen?
Tell me if you've seen better.
(And you may have.)

As we sat, chatted and caught
up on our recent mutual trips,
we also looked around and
took in the room and its décor.

But while the room was pretty,
it paled in comparison to my
dining companion for the evening.

We ordered some drinks and they
were served in short order.

Liesa ordered:

Sakurajima - Kaiyo Japanese Whiskey Sour
with Smoked Cherrywood.
It was served in this smoke filled
container.
So cool.
I've seen that before, but...
Still cool.

I had the:

Kami - Roku Gin, Sayuri "White Lilly"
Nigori Sake, Calipco, Lychee.
Cool glass, right?
Keeps the drink cold
without watering it down
from melting ice.

The server asked us what we
would like to eat and we both
selected the Omakase Tasting Menu.

I don't remember what this
amuse-bouche was...
I'm fairly certain it was
seabass.

We both popped it in our mouths, and...
Holy cow. It was amazing!
We both wondered aloud if we'd
made a mistake in ordering the tasting
menu since this item was on the main
menu as an entrée.
We mentioned this to our server
who told us that many guests do
in fact change their minds and instead
order the sea bass.


I'm not at all surprised... but am very
happy we kept to our respective
choices.
Well, at least I'm happy.
And I'm pretty sure Liesa is too.


Our next course was an order
of sushi.
(Oh. Point of clarification.
I am only showing you photos
of my dishes. Liesa received the
exact same thing, so picture two
of everything on the table.
We did not have to share these plates.)

I did not note what each
piece was, unfortunately,
but I can state that they
were all very, very good.
Among the best I've had.

The next course was incredible.
Nikomi Wagyu (Roasted Bone Marrow,
Braised Jackman Farms Wagyu Shortrib,
Yuzu Kosha, Wasabi Shiso Bavaroise, Warishita)

The meat was melt in your
mouth amazingly wonderful!
I don't know for sure about
Liesa, but I devoured every
bit of it... even knowing there
was more to come.

Next came a simple palate
cleanser and... it may or may
not have been terrible, wonderful
or amazing...

Because when the main course arrived...
Wagyu Tabekurabe (Japanese A5 Wagyu
Strip Steak paired with Jackman Farms
Wagyu Strip Steak, Roast Cippolini Onion,
Curried Potato, Seasonal Mushroom,
Yuzu Kosho, Fresh Grated Wasabi,
Arima Sansho Pepper Reduction)
...any memory of its taste simply...
went away.

Now I've had some very good
steak in my day.
I've even had some amazing
steak in my day.
I've had steak that was so
bursting in flavor that it would
make your taste buds cry with joy...

So I was very curious to try not
one, but two types of wagyu beef.

Our server pointed out the US
Wagyu (on the left on the plate)
and the Japanese Wagyu.

I decided to start with the US Wagyu.


I... I'm not quite sure how to say this...
It was... stunning. By far the best steak
I had ever eaten, in my life.
It was so flavourful, so tender...
I didn't know beef could taste that good.

I marveled at the taste and texture
exploding in my mouth and looked
up at Liesa with wonder in my eyes.
We both just stared at each other,
dumbfounded at the incredible
meal we were eating.


And then it happened.


So... the US Wagyu was
beyond wonderful.
Simply jaw droppingly good.

Then... I tried the Japanese...

Compared to the Japanese Wagyu,
the US Wagyu was garbage.
The difference was so beyond
anything I could've dreamed of
as to be indescribable.

Here I thought I'd found heaven
on a plate when I suddenly
discovered that I'd only found
a cheap imitation of it right
alongside it.

I'm sorry, but... I just can't
explain how spectacular it was.


I spoke with the manager
when he came to visit.
We told him how much
we were enjoying our meal.
I said. "I read that only
about five or six restaurants
in the United States serves
Japanese Wagyu. Is that correct?"

He replied. "No. Not anymore.
Now it's about a dozen."

Picture that... according to
National Statistics, there are
over one million restaurants
in the United States.
And of those 1,000,000+ places
where you could go for a bite...
Only 12 of them have Japanese Wagyu beef.

Boggles the mind, doesn't it?

I think we were both getting a bit
full by now, but... there was no way
I was leaving any of that gorgeous
meat on that plate!
I ate every bit of it and cried a little
bit when it was all gone.


I would have been happy to end
the meal right there and then.
Nothing could compare to that
Japanese beef.
But wanted or not, our server
brought our last course.

Suiren Dani (Japanese Water Cake,
Rose, Kuromitsu, Kinako Crumb).

It looked quite odd, but I can assure
you that it was quite nice and refreshing.
A very nice counterpoint to the protein
heavy meal we'd just enjoyed.

The meal ended with a traditional tea
ceremony (abbreviated... a formal
Japanese tea ceremony can last
up to four hours.)

Every motion is strictly
adhered to and ritualistically
symbolic.

Here, matcha tea is being
whisked.

The server placed our cups
in front of us at the completion
of the ceremony and we were
left to ourselves to marvel
at the incredible meal that we
had just enjoyed.

If it's not quite clear... this may
have been the best meal
I have ever had at Disney...
or anywhere.


Contest!

Answers from previous update:

I have an ADR that I'll
write about.

1. Which park is it in?
a. MK
b. Epcot
c. DHS
d. AK
e. DTD

Answer: b. Epcot.

2. Should be an easy one.
a. Quick service.
b. Table service.
c. Signature.
d. Food truck.
e. Food cart.

Answer: c. Signature.

3. I'm not dining alone.
How many people (including me)
at the table?
a. 2
b. 3
c. 4
d. 5

Answer: a. 2.


30 points/answer


Did you see them?

20 points/per

SCORES:
dolewhipdreams: e: 0, b: 0, c: 0, saw both: 40. Total: 40.
tundra1: e: 0, b: 0, b: 0, saw both: 40. Total: 40.
buzzrelly: e: 0, b: 0, b: 0, saw both: 40. Total: 40.
vamassey1: c: 0, c: 30, b: 0, saw both: 40. Total: 70.
Captain_Oblivious: b: 30, b: 0, c: 0, saw both: 40. Total: 70
franandaj: d: 0, c: 30, d: 0, saw both: 40. Total: 70.
lvcourtneyy: e: 0, b: 0, b: 0, saw both: 40. Total: 40.
Terra Nova guy: b: 30, b: 0, b: 0, saw one: 20. Total: 50.
SimplyGoofy: e: 0, b: 0, b: 0, saw both: 40. Total: 40.
disneyAndi14: b: 30, b: 0, b: 0, saw both: 40. Total: 70.
docsoliday1: d: 0, c: 30, a: 30, saw both: 40. Total: 100.
Steppesister: b: 30, c: 30, a: 30, saw both: 40. Total: 130.
Jules76126: b: 30, b: 0, a: 30, saw both: 40. Total: 100.
mustinjourney: b: 30, b: 0, b: 0, saw both: 40. Total: 70.
juniorbugman: e: 0, b: 0, c: 0, saw both: 40. Total: 40.
missjackiemcg: b: 30, b: 0, c: 0, saw one: 20. Total: 50.

Standings:

Captain_Oblivious: 520
docsoliday1: 513
Jules76126: 495
mustinjourney: 463
franandaj: 441
Terra Nova guy: 422
lvcourtneyy: 400
disneyAndi14: 380
juniorbugman: 376
SimplyGoofy: 370
tundra1: 340
dolewhipdreams: 337
missjackiemcg: 300
buzzrelly: 295
Steppesister: 280
vamassey1: 205
MinnieWebster: 137
GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes: 95
DonnaBeeGood: 62
MeghanEmily: 40
Kiotzu: 27
irene_dsc: 20
natebenma: 20
Tracy161: 20
SnowWhiteOz: 10



If I've made any errors,
please let me know.


Questions!


1. Which park next time?
a. MK
b. Epcot
c. DHS
d. AK
e. DTD

2. How many DISers do I meet?
a. 1.
b. 2.
c. 3.
d. 4.
e. 5.

3. What tragedy befalls me?
a. I am clubbed by a guest.
b. I practically lose my head.
c. I am almost buried alive.
d. My drink is almost stolen.
e. I miss my ride.



And...
Did you see it in this chapter?




As always, PM your answers!





Coming up... The next chapter, of course!
Does anyone look at these things?
Tell me if you do.

Chapter 9. Hide And Seek​

 

[Tracy161]

Not sure if that's on anyone's
bucket list.
"Okay... Item one... be the first
guest in Impressions de France!!!"

Yeah... probably not

Well, you're welcome!
That's the whole reason
I went!
"I don't know anyone who's
been there... I'll let people know!"

Glad I could clear up that mystery
for you!

Yes, please spread the word around! "Tracy probably went there with her family 25 years ago and vaguely remembers it"

I mean... IASW?? Really?
Why not Splash? BTMRR? PP? POTC?

IASW?????

Like I said, I'll have a stern talking-to with that mermaid of yours... she really needs to re-evaluate her life decisions... I'll get her back to you, making better choices

If it's not quite clear... this may
have been the best meal
I have ever had at Disney...
or anywhere.

Wow. Just wow. I've read a couple reviews of this new signature place, but your descriptions and details far surpass the others. What a treat to go here! Sign me up

 

[pkondz]

Yes, please spread the word around! "Tracy probably went there with her family 25 years ago and vaguely remembers it"

This is the kind of thing
people are interested in!

Like I said, I'll have a stern talking-to with that mermaid of yours... she really needs to re-evaluate her life decisions... I'll get her back to you, making better choices

Poor wayward fishie.

Wow. Just wow. I've read a couple reviews of this new signature place, but your descriptions and details far surpass the others. What a treat to go here! Sign me up

Get thee to Takumi.
(that rhymes)

 

[dolewhipdreams]

I suspect it was the food, rather than
the company that sealed the deal.

It's always the food, remember that.

These spheres represent the
themes of the five dining rooms:
Wood, Paper, Stone, Water, Earth.
And each sphere is accompanied
by a Haiku.

Wow, that's so beautiful. I feel at peace just looking at it.

we also looked around and
took in the room and its décor.

I love how simple and refined everything is. I bet it's super easy to forget you're in a theme park.

But while the room was pretty,
it paled in comparison to my
dining companion for the evening.

Awww how sweet.

It was served in this smoke filled
container.
So cool.

Whoooaaa that's so cool!!

Keeps the drink cold
without watering it down
from melting ice.

Also cool, but literally

The server asked us what we
would like to eat and we both
selected the Omakase Tasting Menu.

YUM that looks incredible! I've heard such good things about this place but I'm pretty sure dear DH would keel over if he saw the price tag.

it may or may
not have been terrible, wonderful
or amazing...

Chances are it was one of those things

Here I thought I'd found heaven
on a plate when I suddenly
discovered that I'd only found
a cheap imitation of it right
alongside it.

Do you know how long I've been waiting to use this gif in a way that actually made sense?

If it's not quite clear... this may
have been the best meal
I have ever had at Disney...
or anywhere.

Wow, high praise indeed!

 

[mustinjourney]

Immediately, a sense of calmness
and tranquility enveloped our senses.
The hustle, bustle, noise and chaos
of a theme park seemed distant
and unlikely to intrude on this place.

Quite amazing how decor can change your whole mood so quickly, isn't it?

Tell me if you've seen better.
(And you may have.)

Indeed I have.

and of course...

Kami - Roku Gin, Sayuri "White Lilly"
Nigori Sake, Calipco, Lychee.
Cool glass, right?
Keeps the drink cold
without watering it down
from melting ice.

pretty cool -- reminds me of those ice cooled juice jugs

here's a beer pitcher...

If it's not quite clear... this may
have been the best meal
I have ever had at Disney...
or anywhere.

I've got my daddy/daughter trip with DD2 coming up in just two weeks, and we're currently set for Teppan Edo and this review is making me want to rethink my choice.

Of course -- I'm not sure it would be as good of an experience with a 5 year old...so I'm 99% sure I'll stick to the plan.

 

[vamassey1]

You may if you wish, but...

Maybe you could be flattered, instead.

I'll take the flattery.

Okay, if we're ever there
at the same time, we'll
do Splash together.

Deal!

Well... there's only going
to be one more... if there's
another.

Explain?

 

[Heluvsme]

I HAVE to show this chapter to my husband!! He has had Japanese Wagyu at a restaurant in San Francisco while on business and he was so stunned at the spectacular-ness of it he could barely describe it to me. Your pictures and your description have left me DYING to go there!!!
Thank you again!!
Dawn