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

I was that person a while back.
I went as the Duke of Weselton
and I had a fair amount of people

taking my photo.
Oh man I bet that was amazing!

So... add several more
thousand guests...
465087
Maybe I'll try the night before...

Not easy... but for a real
challenge... try catching
the Headless Horseman
as he gallops by.

Not easy!
No thanks, I'll leave that to the pros.
 
:wave2:Well hello there!

Yes, you haven't heard from me in quite some time.

As it turns out, once you fall into the world of Homeschooling it's awfully hard to find any time to do much of anything for your own enjoyment and by the time you do you have little brainpower to do it.

Low and behold once I finally pop back on I realize just how much I've missed. Enjoying this latest TR. It's as fun and helpful as always.

Shall I dive into the array of things to catch up on?

So I took a spin on Alien Swirling Saucers.
(Or AS2, or Alien SS, or LGM, or whatever
acronym you use so you don't
spell "donkey" and offend... no one.)
OMG! Why have I never put THAT acronym together! :rotfl2:

522179876_zps8nhh59b6.jpg
That Child's face man!!! :rotfl2:Poor thing.

I waltzed in to the FP line and didn't
break stride until I was inside the hotel.

Once there, I set up my tripod and
for the next half hour or so, moved
back and forth from FP to Standby
line, framing the shots I wanted
while telling guests to go ahead
and pass by me.
It is a lovely queue. I can't blame you for just wanting to take pictures.

The first was the Key Lime Pie on a Stick,
available at Neighborhood Bakery.
Really. That sounds lovely!
But this thing was mostly
white chocolate with a bit of
Key Lime pie thrown in.
oh. blech.
I arrived at the house where
for some strange reason,
I was warmly received by Doc.
He surprised me with a nice gift.
Knowing my... interest... in Ariel,
he got me a mug that is black,
but when heated shows a scene.
Here's a photo I snapped when
I made some hot chocolate the
other day:

RenderedImage_zpsymjw7fy2.jpg
Oooo. Cool!
You are a brave brave man putting your mouth on that thing. I can only think of the number of germs crawling all over it!!!:crazy2:
I would not eat there, however.
I had heard far too many warnings
that the market food was tainted
and I did not want dysentery to
plague my exploratory expedition.
See this is how out of touch I've become. I have no idea if you are just being witty or if the food at that Market is really bad and worth avoiding.

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

IMG_2905_zpsc3rse6al.jpg
Okay THis looks delicious! Just where is this wagon? I think I need to note it down.

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.
Is THAT what this joint is? No Wonder I didn't recognize it earlier. :rotfl2:

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.
Noted and looking into this place now.

Can anyone (not you Doc,
and not you either, Liesa...
You both know) tell me what
my costume is?
It took me a second but the tag a longs give it away. Clever! :thumbsup2
 


:laughing:
You know me well!
And Liesa too.
(Pretty sure she lists Tiffins

as one of her fave places.)

It is, and still is, but this was such a unique setting and experience... so very different from everything else at Disney (other than V&A's).

Now that you mention it...
Not sure where the kids were?
They would've been welcome,
but... probably out of their

price range.

This was after they left for home during my solo portion.

I would put V&A as my 2nd fave, I think, for meal experience. And Takumi-Tei at #3.... but it would also depend on my mood. I put the edge to Takumi for the food, actually... but just by a hair. V&A for the service. Best meal was here: Eigensinn Farm

I'd say V&As was better for service and the variety of flavors served. Best meal? Maybe the Pakistani I had in Dubai. Basically street food, but I've not had many meals that'd topped out for flavor.

Great! Can't wait to read it!

Edited photos, now to write.


It was on my list when
I stumbled on an article
that mentioned it.
It just sounded like something
I'd really like to do.


And I was right.

I think I must have seen FB photos maybe of Su-Lynn's? And when we decided to do it, I did look up reviews as well.

:laughing:
I have a photo of you
(that I didn't post)
with the bag in the
background.
You then said "Wait!"
and put the bag below

the table (or out of the shot.)

I guess it's the photographer in me.

Wasn't it???
I really loved it.

::yes::
Me too, but I think that's
reserved for groups of
six or more?

I wonder if we could get a DISGroup to do it?

Nah. Just ol' dumpy/lumpy me.

:sad2:
:laughing:
This is a thing with you. ;)

Yeah, I don't like to waste my money on ice.

Not at all surprised...
I really don't know if I
could pass up that beef, though.

I wonder if there is a menu option to get a "side" of the wagyu? I know at V&A you can add on a small portion for a fee.

Maybe you remember more
about that one than I do.

I do... update possibly tonight or tomorrow.

Really!
It might have been my
least favourite.
Not that it was bad,
just everything else was
so amazing and I was

pretty full by then.

I think I seriously needed a palate re-set after the meat overload. Yikes.

:)
I think it would be cool if they offered
a formal tea ceremony.


Maybe they do/will?

I'd do that. I've wanted to do one for over a decade.

@franandaj we are for sure interested in 21 Royale so if you ever do one of those count us in! (As well as our mutual friend in FL! She is interested too!)

I've wanted to do that for years. Will have to wait until at least March or later though (#outofcash)

I’ve seen some okay ones...
But...

IT is nearly impossible even with a fast, wide lens. I've tried for years. With VERY little success.
 
:wave2:Well hello there!
Oh my gosh!
Hi!!!!

:welcome: to the TR!!
Yes, you haven't heard from me in quite some time.
Almost exactly three years
to be precise!

As it turns out, once you fall into the world of Homeschooling it's awfully hard to find any time to do much of anything for your own enjoyment and by the time you do you have little brainpower to do it.
And how is Little Miss now? :)
Low and behold once I finally pop back on I realize just how much I've missed. Enjoying this latest TR. It's as fun and helpful as always.
Glad you're enjoying it.
You're here at the tail-end,
though. Only one more

update to go on this one.
Shall I dive into the array of things to catch up on?
::yes::
OMG! Why have I never put THAT acronym together! :rotfl2:
:rolleyes1
It is a lovely queue. I can't blame you for just wanting to take pictures.
I love that queue.
Used to watch Twilight
Zone when I was a kid.

It just... strikes a chord. :)
Really. That sounds lovely!
oh. blech.
Correct.
Oooo. Cool!
Neat, right? :)
You are a brave brave man putting your mouth on that thing. I can only think of the number of germs crawling all over it!!!:crazy2:
I did only put my teeth on it,
but... tbh, I didn't even think
about it until later.

The things I do for my readers!
See this is how out of touch I've become. I have no idea if you are just being witty or if the food at that Market is really bad and worth avoiding.
No, I've eaten there before...
It was horrible.
I think they've improved,
but generally, it's gotten

really bad reviews.
Okay THis looks delicious! Just where is this wagon? I think I need to note it down.
It's right across from
Country Bears Jamboree. :)

Is THAT what this joint is? No Wonder I didn't recognize it earlier. :rotfl2:
:laughing:
Noted and looking into this place now.
I don't think you'd be
disappointed!

It took me a second but the tag a longs give it away. Clever! :thumbsup2
I think that was the problem...
takes people a second... or more...
so they glance and give up.

Maybe? :confused3
 


It is, and still is, but this was such a unique setting and experience... so very different from everything else at Disney (other than V&A's).
::yes::
There are a few other unique
dining experiences I can think of,
but none match those two for

fine dining.
This was after they left for home during my solo portion.
Ah. I think I knew that,
but had forgotten.

I'd say V&As was better for service and the variety of flavors served
I'd agree on the service, certainly.
Variety of flavours... hmmm...

Yes, I think you're right, there, too.
Best meal? Maybe the Pakistani I had in Dubai. Basically street food, but I've not had many meals that'd topped out for flavor.
Wow! That sounds... incredible!
Edited photos, now to write.
Standing by! :)
I guess it's the photographer in me.
::yes::
I wonder if we could get a DISGroup to do it?
Wow! What a DISmeet that would be!
Yeah, I don't like to waste my money on ice.
No. Really? I had no idea.


:duck:
I wonder if there is a menu option to get a "side" of the wagyu? I know at V&A you can add on a small portion for a fee.
Hmmm... possibly?
I don't see why not.

I do... update possibly tonight or tomorrow.
Okay! :)
I think I seriously needed a palate re-set after the meat overload. Yikes.
:laughing:
And I didn't feel that way.
Bring me more Wagyu!

I'd do that. I've wanted to do one for over a decade.
As have I.
And I'm not a tea drinker.
I just want to witness one.
I know of at least one place
that does it...

But it's not anywhere close.
IT is nearly impossible even with a fast, wide lens. I've tried for years. With VERY little success.
I'm thinking... flash would work...
but might also spook the horse
and that's the last thing you'd want.

(Big flash... not built in flash. Too small.)
 
like these guys:
I wish I had the creativity to dress up like this! I'm definitely the Halloween t-shirt MNSSHP type person.
When you're with Liesa,
you quickly learn why she
knows all the best spots
to pee in the Disney parks.

:rolleyes1
😂 It pays to know where all the best bathrooms are lol
Liesa and I headed over to HM.
Always love the characters
interacting with guests there.
One of the highlights of the party; it's a shame when I see folks walk right by them and not stop to listen. I want to pull them back like "dude where ya goin'? Check these guys out!" But that might not always work so well............
There were way more guests than
I'd ever seen before at MNSSHP.
This was at least my third? Fourth?
MNSSHP and I'd never seen it like this.
::yes:: I think we discussed this on my TR but crowds have increased too much. We felt it in 2018 for sure and said we didn't think we'd do it again; wasn't as bad for me last year but I also didn't pay for my ticket so that makes it ok lol. We found the Xmas party last month quite tolerable crowd-wise if you weren't focused mainly on doing rides. After hours are currently the way parties used to be and fingers crossed it stays that way :scared:


Pretty sure I know your costume! But don't want to ruin it for the ones who guessed!
 
:welcome: to the TR
why thank you!
Almost exactly three years
to be precise
My goodness! Has it really been that long?
And how is Little Miss now? :)
Eating me out of house and home and growing out of shoes every 3 months. She keeps me on my toes that's for sure!
Glad you're enjoying it.
You're here at the tail-end,
though. Only one more

update to go on this one
Drats! Well, better late than never!
I did only put my teeth on it,
but... tbh, I didn't even think
about it until later.


The things I do for my readers!
🤣
No, I've eaten there before...
It was horrible.
I think they've improved,
but generally, it's gotten

really bad reviews
Noted.
It's right across from
Country Bears Jamboree
Also noted!
 
(If you look in the crowd, right in the middle, you can see a pretty impressive Winifred Sanderson costume.)
That's a pretty great costume!! I love seeing the types of costumes people wear, especially the ones who commit and go all out!

Strange men running
up to women probably
deserve to get knocked
over the head with a crook.
And... really... it doesn't get
much stranger than me, right?
Tell me if I'm right.
Strange men deserve it, but I'd say you're OK, @pkondz! :)

Don't get in the way of a good ballroom view!!!

(love the gravedigger on the left!)
Love his commitment!!!!!

You both know) tell me what
my costume is?

I thought I was so clever.
I'd get lots of comments
and reactions and...

Nobody got it.
No one.
You're the pirate on POTC with rum and the pigs!!! I love that guy and always try to snap a picture of him with his swiney crew :)

The wench was after me rum!!
Why is the rum always gone!?
 
It's questionable whether I'll
do it again after this time...
but, most likely, if the opportunity
presents itself, I think I would.
Even with the crowds...
it's just too darned fun.

This is good to hear. I think I want to try and catch a party this year.

It was looking like a great time
of trick or treating and DIS-meeting
was going to happen.

Sounds like fun!

Well... It didn't quite work out like that...

Oh nooooo... You know what they say about the best laid plans.

(If you look in the crowd, right in the middle, you can see a pretty impressive Winifred Sanderson costume.)

Very cool!

I muted my phone for a bit
so that it wouldn't sound
while I was on the ride.

This doesn't sound good.

During that time, I rode PP
(Man I love that ride! :love: )

Me too! It's my favorite FL ride.


Great costumes.

Tell me if I'm right.

Of course, you're always right.

When you're with Liesa,
you quickly learn why she
knows all the best spots
to pee in the Disney parks.

Sounds like Liesa and I would be great touring together.

I didn't get a photo,
and I never saw them again.

Then it didn't happen. Unless @docsoliday1 produces the proof.


Do not come between a woman
and the ballroom scene!

True that! Very fun picture.


Like this one too.

There were way more guests than
I'd ever seen before at MNSSHP.

I heard it was very crowded this year due to the Halloween pass they sold.


Cute!

(love the gravedigger on the left!)

These are fun too.


Did you offer him a drink?

After slaking my thirst,
it was time for a tour on
a pirate ship.

Of course, you have to do Pirates.

He replied, "I'm up for the challenge!"

:rotfl2:

I have two!
But when it comes to
shoveling... one is more

wonderful than the other.

:rolleyes2

Playing favorites?

Sweat... due to higher humidity,
not sunshine, yes?

Both! The last few days it's been due to high humidity.
 
Now it's time for costume
finery and more company.

Costuming and company is always such fun!

I later found out that Liesa
(@Steppesister ) and Kari
(@Malia78 ) were also attending
that night.
It was looking like a great time
of trick or treating and DIS-meeting
was going to happen.

YAY!!! :dancer:
Cute costume. Old school Bo Peep.
Nice job, too... wait...
I know her! It's Liesa!

That was SUCH a fun costume!

She hit me with her crook.

OH shush, it was a light tap.
And purely accidental... ish.

When you're with Liesa,
you quickly learn why she
knows all the best spots
to pee in the Disney parks.

:rolleyes1

Do you have ANY idea how hard it was to pee in that dress!?! There was a LOT less peeing than normal that night.

We finally all met up near HM.
Doc and his brother were
dressed as Jedi and Coni
was Cruella.

Their costumes were awesome!!

(Doc, if you have a photo
of you guys, please post!)

@docsoliday1 Haven't seen you in a while... Hello?

Liesa and I headed over to HM.
Always love the characters
interacting with guests there.

They very well be one of my favorite parts of the whole party!

Okay... I'll admit...
Maybe I was a little...
presumptuous...
We got in and I asked
Liesa if she'd mind if I
sat on the side closest
to the ballroom.

But don't the Doombuggies swing around so there is no "closest" side?


Every time I see that photo (I've read your update a couple of times now) that head on the lamb looks like a giant B00b.


and would
she like to split an order
instead of my skull?

You're on a roll, Sir.

Better you than your head?

I also spent some time
trying to find some rum.
You see, I'd come to the party
heavily fortified, but as the
night went on, my spirits
mysteriously (hic!) dish...
disssp… dashap… vanished.

But, but... you don't even LIKE rum. :laughing:


I met three jovial gentlemen
who were also on the look-out
for some spirits.

Wah, wah, waaaaaah....


You're giving me a backache just looking at that.

Can anyone (not you Doc,
and not you either, Liesa...
You both know) tell me what
my costume is?

Pick me, PICK ME!!





Oh.

He thanked me... And then I
said "Of course there are
hundreds of bottles..."

He replied, "I'm up for the challenge!"

:laughing:

:lmao: Great comeback!

The wench was after me rum!!

I like rum. ;)

😂 It pays to know where all the best bathrooms are lol
Well, YEAH!!!
 
phew, that was a lot of reading. I got swamped with school and the brother-in-law coming home from the military for the holidays and now school again and haven't had much personal leisure time. I am all caught up now though.

I love the change of pace for you this trip. I am beyond jealous of the Waygu beef. It is a bucket list item for me.
 
I wish I had the creativity to dress up like this! I'm definitely the Halloween t-shirt MNSSHP type person.
You can always just go to
a costume store and pick
up an inexpensive one.
Or start planning a year

in advance! :laughing:
😂 It pays to know where all the best bathrooms are lol
Oh she does...
she does!

One of the highlights of the party; it's a shame when I see folks walk right by them and not stop to listen. I want to pull them back like "dude where ya goin'? Check these guys out!" But that might not always work so well............
Absolutely agree!
This was the first time
there were two of them,
and... I don't remember

their names.
::yes:: I think we discussed this on my TR but crowds have increased too much. We felt it in 2018 for sure and said we didn't think we'd do it again; wasn't as bad for me last year but I also didn't pay for my ticket so that makes it ok lol.
Free and crowded is better
than expensive and crowded!

We found the Xmas party last month quite tolerable crowd-wise if you weren't focused mainly on doing rides. After hours are currently the way parties used to be and fingers crossed it stays that way :scared:
Doubt I'll go to another
Xmas party.

It's possible, but...
As for after hours,
I just can't quite pull
the trigger on it.
I guess if MK goes the
way of DHS and removes

all but one FP... maybe?
Pretty sure I know your costume! But don't want to ruin it for the ones who guessed!
;)
 
That's a pretty great costume!! I love seeing the types of costumes people wear, especially the ones who commit and go all out!
::yes::
I find that's one of my
favourite parts of the
whole evening.
I love seeing what people
come up with.
I've complimented several

guests at the parties.
Strange men deserve it, but I'd say you're OK, @pkondz! :)
:laughing: Thanks!
Don't get in the way of a good ballroom view!!!
Learned it the hard way!
Love his commitment!!!!!
::yes:: They were both good...
but he was terrific!

You're the pirate on POTC with rum and the pigs!!! I love that guy and always try to snap a picture of him with his swiney crew :)
:laughing:
Ding! Ding! Ding!
Why is the rum always gone!?
;)
 
This is good to hear. I think I want to try and catch a party this year.
I'd go again... despite the crowds.
I don't need to go on rides while
I'm there. It's not the priority.
Sounds like fun!
::yes::
Oh nooooo... You know what they say about the best laid plans.
That it's good planning?

;)
Very cool!
::yes::
This doesn't sound good.
Well... I got to spend a bit
of time with Liesa and did
see Doc for a couple minutes...

So not too bad.
Me too! It's my favorite FL ride.
It's not mine.
But it's wayyyyy up there!
Top 3 MK rides for sure.
Of course, you're always right.
I am, aren't I?
I impress even myself
sometimes.


:rolleyes:
Sounds like Liesa and I would be great touring together.
Uh, oh...
I'll keep that in mind
if we ever get together

for a DISmeet.
Then it didn't happen. Unless @docsoliday1 produces the proof.
Hoping...
True that! Very fun picture.
:laughing: Thanks!
Like this one too.
Thanks. That one didn't have
quite the same amount
of planning behind it. :)
I heard it was very crowded this year due to the Halloween pass they sold.
Yeah... I'm hoping they scale
that back a bit... Like get rid of it.

These are fun too.
:)
Did you offer him a drink?
He can get his own darned rum!
Of course, you have to do Pirates.
You have to!
I mean... live actors!

Playing favorites?
When it comes to snow?

Yes.
Both! The last few days it's been due to high humidity.
pkondz does not like
high humidity.
 
Costuming and company is always such fun!
::yes::
And that's twice we've done that.
We did Dapper Day together. :)

That was SUCH a fun costume!
It was great!
You were getting all kinds
of compliments from CMs
and other guests when I

was with you.
OH shush, it was a light tap.
And purely accidental... ish.
I still have the bruises...
Do you have ANY idea how hard it was to pee in that dress!?! There was a LOT less peeing than normal that night.
:eek: :laughing:
I did not think about that!!!
Their costumes were awesome!!
::yes::
They very well be one of my favorite parts of the whole party!
Absolutely! They're great!
And like Ariane pointed out,
people just walk on by!
But don't the Doombuggies swing around so there is no "closest" side?
Yes. And I told you that after
you whacked me.
But it starts and ends on the right.
Every time I see that photo (I've read your update a couple of times now) that head on the lamb looks like a giant B00b.
:eek:

:lmao:
You're on a roll, Sir.

Better you than your head?
Much.
But, but... you don't even LIKE rum. :laughing:
Literary license.
Wah, wah, waaaaaah....
You're welcome.
You're giving me a backache just looking at that.
Need to stretch that way
or my back will go out when
I bend the other way.
Pick me, PICK ME!!





Oh.
:laughing:
:lmao: Great comeback!
I thought so! :laughing:
I like rum. ;)
I know.
That's why you tried
to steal it!
Well, YEAH!!!
:laughing:
 

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