Disneydoc's "hot" trip report

Day One

I know you will all appreciate this. The highlight of my Day One adventures? The CARROT CAKE COOKIE at Writer's Stop in HS. OMG.......heaven, heaven. And yes, I ate the whole thing.

I started off by driving over to Epcot in the AM, and snagged a really close place in AMAZE. Amazing (sorry). I played a little while there, then caught the bus to Art of Animation to check it out. I walked all over the resort, and figured that the Cars area must be Disney's nod to WDW instead of giving us Cars Land like they have in CA. (But I would rather have Cars Land!!). The theming is really cute, though. The Nemo section takes the cake in my opinion " the pool is awesome. I wanted to pool crash, but we just don't do that, I know.

I then hit the Landscape of Flavors to see what the fuss is all about with that build your own salad thing. I thought I was going to get to actually pile stuff on my own salad. However, the smiling CM did that...and I therefore got a very tasty salad, but still wondered what was for lunch after I ate it! I am not a huge eater, but I do need a little more than three bites of chicken on my salad there. Some CS meals around the world are a better "value" than others. This one was delicious and fresh, but just not enough for my $10. But still glad I tried it.

I then walked across the short little bridge to Pop Century, and explored that place too. It is a lot bigger! (Animation has two unfinished sections). Again, fun theming! Cute little washcloth "animals" in every room window. Very nice shopping areas in both of these resorts, and a nice pool, but not as "fun" as the Animation one, in my opinion. Found it a bit scary that I have been alive for all of these decades!!!! (OK, born in 59, don't remember much about that one). I walked around the resort and said "yeh, I had that toy" a million times.

Then caught a bus to HS for the afternoon with the express purpose of getting a great snack. I was actually going for the cappuchino cupcake at Pizza Planet, but the line was WAY too long, and I was still hungry. So I headed over to the Writer's Stop...and the rest is history. I will now visit this place for THAT cookie every time I am in the world.

Then the Muppets. My children and I were huge Muppets fans when they were young (oh, 20 years ago), and watching Muppet Christmas Carol is an annual tradition for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. They all now own their own copies, have the soundtrack, and have continued this. It brings us together now even if we are apart.

Cruised around the studios enjoying the sights, then hoofed it back over to Epcot for some music and evening fun. Stopped by the Boardwalk to check out that resort. I must say that I misjudged that place " it is stunning inside. Very posh. I waited around for the carousel to play, but it never did.

Found that Coke place in Epcot....tried some flavors. Mr. Hub, you are right...Beverly is "interesting." Not my fav. I LOVED the Ginger Ale from Mozambique, the Watermelon flavored stuff from Japan, and the fruity Mexico one. Will try more today perhaps.

Enjoyed my favs in Epcot...have to ride Spaceship Earth. Then the primary purpose for this evening " the U2 tribute band. They were pretty good, but did not compare to Bon Jovi in my opinion. The crowd was kinda sedate too. Maybe the heat!!

I chowed down on that yummy salmon and green bean plate at Sunshine Seasons for dinner, took in a few performances around the Showcase, then staggered back to the hotel. I walked WAY more than I thought I did....I was achin'.

But ready to go this AM!

So today.....that cappuchino cupcake....visit more resorts...maybe the ones that you can get to via the boat from DTD. Wanna see Animal Kingdom Lodge. Who knows????

Day Two

If you haven't taken the boat from DTD to the PO and RS resorts, you gotta do it. A nice break from the heat, gets you off your feet, and the treehouses are cool too. I am now in love with PO, and I see why some of you love it too! Very laid back, shady. It is a nice break from the frenetic pace of Disney touring. The theming is amazing, of course. Riverside is stately and elegant. One day, maybe.

I also conducted some research at HS on those infamous Butterfinger and Cappachino cupcakes I have read about. After talking to CMs, I found that they are both WAY too much chocolate for me (I know, some of you are gasping right now), so I was forced to have another Carrot Cake Cookie.

I then saw Beauty and the Beast again...that guy playing Gaston is hilarious and has a kicker voice too. I have seen that show several times this summer just for him.

Hoofed it back over to Epcot (my favorite park) for some music. I saw 2U at 5:45, caught some dinner at Sunshine Seasons (I just love the music in there " so calming...I look up the whole time at those balloons), then went back for the 8:15 set. (Saw the 7 PM set yesterday). They were "on" tonight...both sets were really good. Although I still like Slippery When Wet better (probably because I like the music better), these guys are quite good. Julie, I am SO bummed that I did not read your post before last night....could have met you and DH. I hope we can do that next time I am here.

Mr. Hub, I hear your request for a Dole Whip report. No worries....that will come when I visit Poly, or maybe at the MK. I have attempted to make myself try new stuff...but as you see with my Carrot Cookie repeat, some stuff merits having over and over. Dole Whip is in that category.
So today?....wanna see AK resorts, the Lion King show and Nemo show and Kilamanjaro ride....who knows what else. Might end up with British Invasion at Epcot tonight " love that park so much.

Onward! (in the heat)

Day Three

Mission accomplished! Lion King, Nemo, K. Safari, British Revolution (keep saying Invasion....), check! No Dole Whip, but ice cream at Hollywood Scoops. Caught those hilarious acts on Sunset Boulevard with the street entertainment guys. One said I was the "most wholesome woman he had ever seen standing by a lamp post." Good. Teachers should be (or at least look) wholesome.

Also "trekked" (sorry) over to Animal Kingdom lodge. Wow, is Jambo House cool!!! Will go back in November to see a huge tree in that lobby. Also enjoyed the animal viewing. I love the store in Jambo too, and those restuarants smelled incredible.

The only down side to this day was all the waiting around for WDW transportation! I decided to park and ride today, and I literally spent 2 or more hours waiting for stuff. I am kinda spoiled on having my little Honda to scoot around in.

I lunched at Earl of Sandwich before heading over to AK this AM....their salads are AMAZING and so cheap! I will probably go back today again, as I can eat there 2 times for the price of one CS, with that AP discount.....

Ended the day with another first - parking at the Boardwalk (thank you Julie for the tip). I could go see BR in Epcot, stroll the Boardwalk at night (very cool) and then decide to either go to HS for Fantasmic or head back to the hotel. I opted for choice 2, as there is something in Florida that is making my sinuses nuts! Inhaled too much pixie dust today probably.

So today...hoping to meet up with Julie & DH, visit the MK monorail resorts, and ride the boat over the WL too. Then a little MK, and who knows. And Mr. Hub, I will so try to squeeze in a Dole Whip in your honor.