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Flowers and Gardens -- Part 3
Monday, May 5, 2014
Plan for the Day
Epcot
Fastpass+ for
Living with the Land
Soarin
Spaceship Earth
California Grill for Dinner
How the Day Went:
Wake up surprised at how well I've slept. Our room is really quiet. Though we can hear the busses while we are out on the balcony, I don't hear them inside the room which is good.
We breakfast on coffee, cereal (for Gene); hardboiled egg and cottage cheese (for me) and we are off. We're on a bus by 9:20 in the morning. After a stop at Fort Wilderness, we arrive at Epcot. Test Track is listing a 60 minute standby. We head to the Living Seas where Nemo is listed as a 15 minute standby so we go on that. After watching the manatees and the dolphins, we check out the wait time for Crush which is listed at 10 minutes so we get on line.
Apparently, the way they handle this now is that there is a switchback line for the standby folks. Fastpass folks are allowed to enter the general area and explore all the exhibits. Some of the standby folks are allowed to do this as well. After a 20 minute wait in line, we were the last two allowed into the show from the standby line. (Had we not been allowed in, we would have left and, in fact, saw a number of folks in the line beside us deciding to leave rather than wait through another show cycle).
After Crush, we head over to Figment where the standby line is 25 minutes. Not happening!! In fact, we never got on this ride at all during this trip. We check out Mousegears - more money spent of course.
We then begin to check out Flower & Garden exhibits and visit the show center. As we exit, Gene announces he is hungry. We've decided to head to Tutto Gusto for a fairly light lunch. As we begin our trek around World Showcase, we see the boat is available so take that across. I think it's been at least 10 years since we used one of the Friendship boats. Upon arrival at Tutto Gusto, we are seated immediately. Gene selected the meatballs parmesan along with a glass of red wine. I have the meatball sliders along with an Espresso Mocha Cocktail. Lunch is quite good and hits the spot for both of us!!
It's around 12:45 as we walk past the American Adventure but the next show will not be until 1:30 pm so we pass on by. And, unfortunately, we never do get back to experience this during this trip. As we walk by the new Spice Road restaurant, we take a peek inside. We are warmly welcomed and encouraged to look around. I think we will definitely try this place at some point!!
As we pass by the pub, I notice all the outside tables are taken so take a peek inside - not expecting to find any open tables. I'm very surprised to find the bar is practically empty and there are several empty tables. We must have luckily hit a lull! Within 10 minutes the tables are full and the bar area is once again packed!
We finish our drinks and our cool-down period and venture out of doors once again. We continue to explore the beautiful garden areas until it is time for our fastpass+ at Living with the Land. This is so totally a walk-on that we skip the fastpass line (although we observe a group of people entering the the fastpass+ line). By time they make it through and up to the boarding area, we are already sailing past them.
As we exit the boat, it is still too early for our Soarin fastpass, so we make our way out of the building to go check out the butterfly area. Along the exterior benches, we spot an unattended Disney World bag along with a child's hair scrunchy. It looks like someone may have wandered away while forgetting their purchase. I report the find to a nearby cast member who asks me where the package is. I point it out to him and we continue on our way.
We head over the butterfly area and explore that for a while. We then make our way back to The Land for our Soarin' fastpass. As we approach, we see that security has been called in to deal with the unattended package and see the security guard carrying the package away with him.
When we've completed our journey over California, we decide to check out the standby time for Spaceship Earth - our last fastpass + of the day. It's not quite time for our fastpass but the ride is clearly a walkon so we complete it before our fastpass would have become available.
We head to the exit and monorail over to the Grand Floridian. I am on a mission. I used my last bath bomb the evening before. I quickly stock up on more at the Basin store here. We monorail over to the Contemporary and from there boat back to Wilderness Lodge. Ruining our run of last two on board, the boat captain waits for one final latecomer so we are last two on board but for one more!!
Back home, we shower and change for dinner. We now boat back to the Contemporary and head to the main concourse where we find a spot in the Outer Rim. We relax there for a while before our reservation upstairs at California Grill. When the right time arrives, we head downstairs to check in at the California Grill desk - which has moved from the left to the right hand side. We are escorted to the elevator as usual and sent on our way to the top. Before we arrive at the top floor, the beeper we were given when we checked in downstairs is already signaling our table is ready. We are seated at a table that is 3 from the window and we still have a nice view. The tables to our right are situated so parties of two afford only one of the two a view out the windows - the other party would be staring at a wall. Gene comments he would not be happy had we been seated there.
During our meal, we observe any number of people improperly dressed (and who do NOT meet California Grill's stated dress code). There are many who are wearing shorts and tee shirts and appear to have come straight from the parks. One man, in particular, was unfortunately seated right in my line of vision. He entered wearing jeans with no belt which was a rather unfortunate choice. He also wore a white tee shirt which hung out under the red tee shirt he was wearing. Let's just say that the missing belt to hold up those jeans provided me with a most distasteful view when he was seated - one I would much rather have missed.
Oh well, we get on with our lovely meal. We both have the goat cheese ravioli as our appetizer. Gene was going to order the fillet mignon but, when I discussed our entree options with our server, Gene changed his mind and selected the bison which I had chosen as my entree. Though I was full, I did order ice cream and a coffee for dessert while Gene selected a chocolate cake and coffee. Our desserts had just been delivered and I had only taken a couple of bites of my ice cream when we went outside to watch the fireworks which were lovely. When I returned, I found my ice cream was gone. Kelly, our terrific server, was afraid it would melt while we watched the fireworks so she brought me a fresh bowl of ice cream when we returned!!
We had thought about going to Top of the World at Bay Lake Tower after dinner this evening to watch the fireworks but dinner ended up lasting longer than we thought so we take the boat directly home where I have a tubby and go to bed.
Linda aka: Faline
INTERCOT Staff: Vacation Planning,Trip Reports and Disney Camping
[email protected]
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Enjoying your trip report. Thanks for sharing.
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Great report. Thanks for sharing.
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Did you enjoy the bison? We sometimes have bison burgers, but I have not ever had a steak. Was Gene glad that he made a change?
Another great day.
Jennifer (aka Mickey'sGirl)
INTERCOT Staff: Guests with Special Needs, Dining and Disney Characters
Last trip: March 2016 - Fantasy
Next trip: Aug 2017 - Aulani
I am a Galactic Hero once more!
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25 minute wait for Figgy? That is CRAZY! Now, I'm happy people are going (it is DD's favourite, and she's always worried it will close), but I've never seen a wait, thanks FP+!
Heather aka ibelieveindisneymagic
INTERCOT Staff
Engaged at the castle!
My Disney Home is POFQ
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Wow, can't believe how busy the parks are...hope you enjoyed your bison
Dec.11-18, 2021 Port Orleans Riverside
Jan. 25-Feb. 1, 2017, Port Orleans Riverside
Oct. 29-Nov.4, 2014-Yacht Club
Dec. 17-23 2011-Wilderness Lodge
Dec. 20-30, 2008-Pop Century
Dec. 25,2005-Jan.1, 2006-Coronado Springs
Jan. 1-7, 2003-All Star Movies
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Originally Posted by Mickey'sGirl
Did you enjoy the bison? We sometimes have bison burgers, but I have not ever had a steak. Was Gene glad that he made a change?
We both enjoyed the bison quite a lot. I had never had it before but would certainly order it again!
Linda aka: Faline
INTERCOT Staff: Vacation Planning,Trip Reports and Disney Camping
[email protected]
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Glad you got your bath bombs!! I'm going to have to get some on my next trip!
Can't believe Figment was 25 minutes, are you liking FP+?
DisneyBarb
Poly 2016
Poly 2015
Beach Club 2014
offsite- - Disneyland 2013
Poly 2013
Poly 2012
Poly 2010
Poly 2009
Poly 2007
Poly 2005
Contemporary 2004
WL 2003
Poly 2003
CB 1990
Poly 1988
off site 1983, 1980, 1978, 1971
Go Pats!
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Originally Posted by DisneyBarb
Can't believe Figment was 25 minutes, are you liking FP+?
I found Fastpass + to be a mixed bag. Half the time we didn't use the fastpasses we pre-booked because they weren't needed for the rides we made them for at the time(s) we made them. Plus, they changed the system just before we left which would have changed our strategy in booking fastpasses had the changes been announced earlier -- I just didn't want to have to rework everything at the last minute
Linda aka: Faline
INTERCOT Staff: Vacation Planning,Trip Reports and Disney Camping
[email protected]
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What are your favourite bath bomb scents? I have never tried one, but they sounds wonderful! Do they moisturize?
We love the Cali Grill! The service is always amazing!
Haunted Mansion Girl
1990 & 1992 Off Site
2002 & 2003 Fort Wilderness
2004 Disney Wonder & Fort Wilderness
2005, 2008, 2011 & 2013 Riverside
2006 & 2008 Pop
2009 Disneyland
2011, 2013 & 2014 Coronado Springs
2012 CB Pirate Room
2015 POR
2016 June & Oct Off Site
2017 Sept Coronado!
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Originally Posted by hauntedmansiongirl
What are your favourite bath bomb scents? I have never tried one, but they sounds wonderful! Do they moisturize?
I don't think I have a favorite - I typically select the ones that remind me of beaches and sunshine. Not sure if they moisturize but I always feel so much better!!
Linda aka: Faline
INTERCOT Staff: Vacation Planning,Trip Reports and Disney Camping
[email protected]
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Vince
aka. Vizsla
INTERCOT Staff: Mousellaneous and Disney Vacation Club
DVC Member 10/11/04
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Thanks for sharing Linda!
A lovely day!!
I would encourage you to follow up with an email to guest relations about the dress code at the California Grille. For those prices, the dress code needs to be enforced.
Julie
Next Up:
Summer 2018... WE ARE BACK!!!
2 families
4 teenagers and Larry
Taking on the parks!
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I loved your description of your unfortunate view - very entertaining!
Your waitress was so thoughtful! We once stepped away from a meal for a brief show (not at Disney) and returned to find our drinks gone, and not so that they could be kept cold.
I've often heard people mention the bath bombs, but haven't tried them myself yet. I think you've sold me!
May '06 - offsite
Dec. '07 - Poly
Feb. '09 - WL
Oct. '09 - CBR
May '10 - POFQ/AKL
Oct. '10 - BWI
Jan./Feb. '11 - All Star Music
March '12 - Poly
Dec. '12 - Pop Century
April '13 - Disneyland!
Nov '13 - 1st Disney Cruise!
June '14 - All Star Sports
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Wow! The combination of long wait times and walk ons is a mystery to me. Enjoyed your dinner description including the vairiety of views you had (one not so lovely).
Always entertaining!
Thanks!
Julie
º0º emerzmom º0º
Disney Vacations:
DL: 81,00,01,02,04,05,06,08
WDW: 98,99,00,01,02,03(x2),04(x2),05,,07,09,11,12,13(x2 ),14,15,16
Next trip Nov 2017
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As always, I am enjoying your reports.
Sorry to read of your experience with the dress code violators at CG. I wish that Disney would enforce their own policies, it does distract from the dining experience.
Eric
Resorts:
POLYNESIAN (Favorite), Grand Floridian, Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs. Beach Club, Saratoga Springs, AoA, All Star Sports and POP Century
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Great report. My family loves to get "dressed up" for dinner at WDW. I've often said that my favorite time at WDW is about twilight when people are leaving their resorts and headed out for dinner around the world.
My first home is in Coastal Georgia, 30 feet from the saltwater marsh, and 3.5 hours from WDW!My second home is the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort!CR,Poly,GF,BC,BW,WL,AKL,Dolphin,Swan,DL,CSR,POFQ,C BR,POP,AS,Vero.
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Great. Report. Great detail. I feel like I'm there.
So far, sounds exactly like a Disney vacation. Hope the rest of the trip is this enjoyable. I'll keep reading.
WDW - 99 Off Site
WDW - 00 C.Springs, Wilderness
WDW - 01 POFQ, Boardwalk
WDW - 02 C.Beach, POFQ, AK Lodge
WDW - 04 Riverside
WDW - 05 C.Springs
WDW - 07 Riverside
WDW - 11 C.Beach
WDW - 12 POFQ
WDW - 14 Riverside
WDW - 15 POFQ
WDW - 19 Wilderness
WDW - 20 C.Beach
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