A Shining New Era is Tiptoeing Nearer for the TCD Gang

[DaveInTN 3,247]

Tostone is Puerto Rican for cow patty.  

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

Tostone is Puerto Rican for cow patty.  

 

Now you tell me.

 

I think cow patties would have more flavor.  But, not in a good way.

 

TCD

[GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799]

Free lunch! That's winning! And that sucker who gave it to you will probably still buy the dining plan next time. I just don't get it.

Why did you eat all of those... Whatever they were???!

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

Free lunch! That's winning! And that sucker who gave it to you will probably still buy the dining plan next time. I just don't get it.

Why did you eat all of those... Whatever they were???!

 

True about the Dining Plan.  And the girls pointed out that the receipt shows that those folks were on the Deluxe plan.  I think that means they could have used those credits at a sit down restaurant on property.  Instead, they gave them away at Earl of Sandwich on the way to the airport.

 

That's a good question about why I ate those things from Puerto Rico.  Whatever they were.  I guess I'm an eternal optimist.  And also stupid.  That's a bad combination which has gotten me in trouble before.  I kept eating the first one because I thought maybe I would get to some flavor in the middle.  Then I ate the second one because I thought there might have been a chance that the first one was made wrong or something.  You know, maybe it was a mistake and the second one would taste better.   I was wrong about that.  Then I had one left. And that was the one that was sitting right in the mayo ketchup.  I tried that one because I thought the sauce would help.  And it did.  But, it was just mayonnaise and ketchup mixed together.   How is that something unique to Puerto Rico?  I could go the Electric Umbrella and mix up a batch of that for free. I didn't quite finish the third one.  I won't make the same mistake next time.  Because there isn't going to be a next time.  No more Tostones for me.

 

TCD

[GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799]

True about the Dining Plan.  And the girls pointed out that the receipt shows that those folks were on the Deluxe plan.  I think that means they could have used those credits at a sit down restaurant on property.  Instead, they gave them away at Earl of Sandwich on the way to the airport.

 

That's a good question about why I ate those things from Puerto Rico.  Whatever they were.  I guess I'm an eternal optimist.  And also stupid.  That's a bad combination which has gotten me in trouble before.  I kept eating the first one because I thought maybe I would get to some flavor in the middle.  Then I ate the second one because I thought there might have been a chance that the first one was made wrong or something.  You know, maybe it was a mistake and the second one would taste better.   I was wrong about that.  Then I had one left. And that was the one that was sitting right in the mayo ketchup.  I tried that one because I thought the sauce would help.  And it did.  But, it was just mayonnaise and ketchup mixed together.   How is that something unique to Puerto Rico?  I could go the Electric Umbrella and mix up a batch of that for free. I didn't quite finish the third one.  I won't make the same mistake next time.  Because there isn't going to be a next time.  No more Tostones for me.

 

TCD

 

I think I mentioned this before, but one night Jason and I went to the hot tub at the Fort. There was a couple there talking about how they always get the deluxe plan and then load up on EoS for the family to eat for 2 days on the way home. Not good math! But I couldn't convince them. They liked the convenience. 

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

I think I mentioned this before, but one night Jason and I went to the hot tub at the Fort. There was a couple there talking about how they always get the deluxe plan and then load up on EoS for the family to eat for 2 days on the way home. Not good math! But I couldn't convince them. They liked the convenience. 

 

I have to hand it to whoever came up with the Disney Dining Plan.  I think there's a possibility that a guest could come out ahead by planning carefully and choosing the most expensive menu items, and eating them all.  But, that takes a lot of time and effort, and you have to be wiling to eat way more than you really want to.  In all other cases, Disney wins.  I can't dispute that it must be really convenient to not have to worry about paying out of pocket while you're on vacation.  I totally see the attraction there.  But, for me, it just doesn't work.  Plus, we never plan far enough ahead where we could get the dining reservations we would want.

 

And, even with the careful planning, I wish I had a nickel for every time I've seen guests at the Trading Posts or the quick serve locations on property loading up on bottles of water and rice crispy treats so they can use up all of their snack credits before they head home.

 

TCD

[Beckers 1,136]

I don't get paying for the dining plan (unless it's a school trip because I would assume it would be a lot easier). Free dining? I'm all for it. This trip coming up I don't have free dining (past 3 trips we did) so we will never get dessert because we don't need or usually even want it. The only time we will get dessert is at BOG because the cupcakes are safe for Adam (so I have heard, still need to confirm there) and that is rare.

[Katman1356...Jason 1,140]

Sil and I have used the regular dining plan in the past and we usually at least break even if not come out ahead. The only reason I would ever consider the Deluxe option is if I planned to eat all signature restaurants which require 2. Use one for breakfast and 2 for dinner and it might break even. 

[Katman1356...Jason 1,140]

I don't get paying for the dining plan (unless it's a school trip because I would assume it would be a lot easier). Free dining? I'm all for it. This trip coming up I don't have free dining (past 3 trips we did) so we will never get dessert because we don't need or usually even want it. The only time we will get dessert is at BOG because the cupcakes are safe for Adam (so I have heard, still need to confirm there) and that is rare.

 

We dont often get desserts at home but we do enjoy them and usually get them at Disney even when we dont have the plan. 

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

I don't get paying for the dining plan (unless it's a school trip because I would assume it would be a lot easier). Free dining? I'm all for it. This trip coming up I don't have free dining (past 3 trips we did) so we will never get dessert because we don't need or usually even want it. The only time we will get dessert is at BOG because the cupcakes are safe for Adam (so I have heard, still need to confirm there) and that is rare.

 

I didn't even think about "Free" dining.  Maybe those folks had that.  Even so, if you do the math, it isn't really free.  Discounted, maybe, but not free.  "Free" dining is offered during slower times when Disney typically offers room discounts.  But, with the "Free" dining, you have to pay full price for the room.  And, you also have to fork over some dollars for park tickets.  Again, if you know what you're doing and plan carefully,  you can come out ahead.  But, as with these folks who were leaving with meal credits on their KTTW cards, most guests don't plan well enough that they actually come out ahead.

 

Sil and I have used the regular dining plan in the past and we usually at least break even if not come out ahead. The only reason I would ever consider the Deluxe option is if I planned to eat all signature restaurants which require 2. Use one for breakfast and 2 for dinner and it might break even. 

 

You and Sil fall in the category of savvy guests who know how to get maximum value from the Dining Plan.  And, even you are saying that you just "might break even" with the Deluxe option. 

 

We dont often get desserts at home but we do enjoy them and usually get them at Disney even when we dont have the plan. 

 

And that's fine.  If you look at it as a convenience or a splurge, then I get the Disney Dining Plan.  But, in most cases, it's not a way to save money.

 

TCD

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

Let's continue with our Saturday afternoon loop around the World Showcase.  It's Saturday, October 4.  It was a bit before 5 pm when I started my lap around the World Showcase, but my adventure in Puerto Rico ended up taking about 30 minutes. So, it's past 5:30 now. We're walking through the Great Britain area of Epcot.

 

The last two times we visited during slower times, and there were no lines at the food booths.  When I last visited Ireland, I walked right up, ordered and got my Fisherman's Pie. Today, that would take me a good 15-20 minutes to do:

 

 

I walked right past France, and stopped to take a look around right in front of the France pavilion.  Looking toward the France Food and Wine Booth, you can see a big crowd around it:

 

 

I was trying to get a photo of the guests standing in line, but his Roll Tider wouldn't allow it.  He must have recognized me and decided that he wanted to be in a TCD TR:

 

 

I wonder if that feller knew that at that very moment, his team was losing to Ole Miss?  I should have asked him.

 

As I continued with my walk, I noticed that even though it wasn't terribly crowded, there were long lines at the food booths.  It was nearing 6 pm, and people were getting their dinner.  The Brazil booth was mobbed.  And nobody was happy:

 

 

I was surprised at how busy the Belgium booth was.  One of the primary food items offered there looks exactly like dog food plopped on top of a waffle.  And people are lining up for it!:

 

 

Did you notice the guy in the Viking hat in that last photo?   That reminded me that you can usually count on at least one group of drunks parading around the World Showcase in Viking hats on a Saturday evening at the Food and Wine Festival.  This guy was traveling solo, but he reminded me to be on the lookout for groups of drunk Vikings.

 

Speaking of groups, on the weekends of Food and Wine Festival at Epcot, you can usually count on seeing groups of drunks guests wandering the park in matching t-shirts.  Some of them are very clever. 

 

Speaking of groups with matching t-shirts, here's a group now:

 

 

Remember how I said sometimes the shirts are clever?  Let's take a closer look at these:

 

 

What does that say?

 

E= M L * 2?

 

I don't get it.

 

I know it's a play on E=MC², but what does it mean?

 

And that looks like a spoon on the bottom of the graphic?  But what is that shape supposed to be?

 

These folks were too clever for me.

 

Respect points to whoever can figure out what those shirts mean.

 

Here we are cruising through Japan on the way to America.  There's the big globe they use for Illuminations.  As I approached, I could hear the music coming from the big amphitheater, but I didn't recognize the song or the group:

 

 

Whoever the group was, they attracted a good sized audience:

 

 

I think you can see the sign in this photo which discloses the name of the group performing. It is Starship featuring Mickey Thomas.  The seating area was full, but there is space in the back for guests who just want to stand and listen to a song or two.  As I walked by, they were playing the song Sara, which I instantly recognized:

 

 

Another good place to stop and listen is on the other side of the walkway.  You could even do what you see a lot of folks doing in this photo- grab some food and drinks from the food booth and sit at a table and enjoy the concert across the way:

 

 

There go some more matching shirts.  I didn't bother going over to see what they said:

 

 

More guests enjoying the concert:

 

 

Here we are just past the amphitheater, heading to Italy and Germany.  Note that it's busy, but not wall to wall people.  That will change when the concert ends, and all the guests who were gathered in that area start to move around the World Showcase.  So, here's a free tip- if you're in this area when a concert is going on, make sure to get moving before the concert lets out.  I was kind of disappointed in the crowd tonight- I don't see any matching t-shirts here, nor anyone wearing school colors, even though this was a big college football day:

 

 

 

And where are all the Viking hats?

 

The other thing I hadn't seen yet was a group of drunks.  None.  Which is not typical for a Saturday.  It was 5:41 when I took those last two photos. Based on my past experiences, this is where I would have expected to see the groups on their way to drinking around the world.  And there were none. 

 

Perhaps the tweaks they have made this year are doing what they intended. They no longer sell beer in those big souvenir mugs.  Now, all beer is in 6 oz. cups.  And there seem to be less hard liquor drinks for sale.  That kind of takes away some of the fun.  But, it also cuts down on the drunk mobs.  Maybe that's for the greater good, but I like a nice drunk mob or two.

 

There was a long line of guests at Italy. It's a good thing those Tostones filled me up, because I didn't feel the need to stop and wait in a long line:

 

 

Anyway, back in France, I had already decided where my next stop would be.  Germany.  And, here it comes now- there's the train:

 

 

Hmmm.  Poland is the first booth I've seen tonight without a long line.  Maybe all the sauerkraut and progenies is scaring guests away:

 

 

On my previous visits to this year's festival, I forgot to take a photo of the special Food and Wine Festival decorations that they add to the train display.  Well, here they are.  Do you see the special decorations?  Look-they added little miniature Food and Wine Festival banners:

 

 

Just a few steps past the train, we have arrived at what is Valhalla to many Fiends: Karamell-Küche:

 

 

While I love Karamell, that is not why I'm here.

 

Nope, I have a different treat in mind.

 

Bier!

 

But, look at the line:

 

 

Good thing I know that I don't want that Bier:

 

 

Yes, they have the Bier I want there, but they also have it hidden back here.  The sign doesn't say anything about Bier, but I know better:

 

 

Here's what they have on the snack menu:

 

 

You see that Schöfferhofer Grapefruit Bier?  That's what I'm here for.

 

The first and only place I've had that Bier is here in Epcot.  They sell it at the Germany booth during the Food and Wine Festival.  Only in 6 oz. cups this year.  A 6 oz. cup of Bier is an outrage.  An insult. That is not for me.

 

And, note- if you want to stick it to the man, you can still buy a souvenir mug full of beer here.  That's available year-round, including during the Food and Wine Festival.  I'm pretty sure those mugs hold 22 oz.

 

An added bonus is the servers here are in dirndls:

 

 

There is some seating in the shade back in this area, but it was warmer in there today than it was outside.  I took my Bier across the way, and found a nice place to sit in the shade, facing the Germany pavilion.  This was my view:

 

 

And this was my Bier:

 

 

I think that Bier was 16 oz.  It seemed bigger than 12 oz, but I'm not sure. Whatever size it was, it was way better than those little 6 oz. servings they are giving out at the Germany booth this year.

 

I've said it in the past, and I'll say it again, you don't want any part of this Bier unless you like grapefruit juice.  Because, it tastes more like grapefruit juice than it does Bier.  I like it- especially on a warm day.  But, it is definitely not for everyone.  It tasted great to me today.

 

As an added bonus, there was a great cool breeze blowing in off of the lake.

 

I sat there and sipped.

 

And truly just enjoyed the moment.

 

Except for one time when I was a chaperone on one of the girls' school trips, I have never solo traveled in WDW.  I've always had other people with me.  For this brief time today, I was alone. And, I liked it.  Just a man and his Bier.  Kicking back and watching the world go by.  On a beautiful Saturday afternoon.

 

The Trinken cart was to my left.  I wouldn't have minded a soft pretzel to go with my Bier, but I didn't want to risk losing my spot to go and get one.  So, I sat:

 

 

At 6 o'clock, I learned something new.

 

A big bird popped out of the clock tower across the way to announce the arrival of a new hour:

 

 

Look, you can see the big bird:

 

 

I didn't know a bird came out of that little door like that.

 

Did you?

 

Germans.  Should've known.

 

So, now it was 6 pm, and I was chilling in Germany.

 

I knew I couldn't stay long, as I needed to finish my loop and head over to the MK to see Twin #1 at work.

 

I sipped my Bier a little faster.

 

But not too fast.

 

This ended up being a good spot for people watching.

 

And, I needed a few photos of that to share. 

 

I'll have those for you in the next update.

 

TCD

[WannaBeImagineer 98]

I think I mentioned this somewhere before but one of my coworkers just took her family to Disney for the first time and she chose the Deluxe Dining Plan.

 

Halfway through the trip her kids were crying to not go to another meal.  They ate so much and were on such a schedule they were miserable, plus they still had lots of leftovers and had to do the old load up on snacks before they left.  They went during "free" dining too.  I tried to warn her ahead of time and explain the math to her about no room discount but she trusted her other friend instead.  Guess who got to say I told you so.  :)

 

We tried the regular dining plan one three day trip once.  We enjoyed it but it was a ton of food and we missed getting all the snacks through out the day because we were never hungry.  We also did like Jason and were very savvy and planned where to eat and the most expensive snacks to get, we got our money's worth but I highly doubt we'll ever do it again. 

 

WBI

[fladogfan aka Gretchen 259]

I like grapefruit juice!  Need to try that beer.

[Helmsey......Todd 134]

Nice updates, other than that football thing you mentioned....

 

Is it possible on those matching shirts that its a wine glass with a spoon? As far as the E=ML stuff I have no idea on that.

[AC in A2......Aaron 693]

Bier and people watching pics.....win-win

[WannaBeImagineer 98]

 

 

 

Remember how I said sometimes the shirts are clever?  Let's take a closer look at these:

 

 

What does that say?

 

E= M L * 2?

 

I don't get it.

 

I know it's a play on E=MC², but what does it mean?

 

And that looks like a spoon on the bottom of the graphic?  But what is that shape supposed to be?

 

These folks were too clever for me.

 

Respect points to whoever can figure out what those shirts mean.

 

 

TCD

 

Epcot = My Life? My Love? Many Lines? Maelstrom Love? Many Loops? 2,500,000?

 

I want to know what that means, did the back of the shirt say anything?

 

WBI

[CampMImi 22]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At first, I thought that this woman was wearing a Sailor Moon t-shirt but I think that it is a Disney character shirt.  Alot of the Disney princess clothing has turned to a cross between tattoo artistry and anime.  I kind of like it but then again I don't.  

 

Great update.  I am all about some people watching. 

 

P.S.  Roll Tide by 1.  

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

I think I mentioned this somewhere before but one of my coworkers just took her family to Disney for the first time and she chose the Deluxe Dining Plan.

 

Halfway through the trip her kids were crying to not go to another meal.  They ate so much and were on such a schedule they were miserable, plus they still had lots of leftovers and had to do the old load up on snacks before they left.  They went during "free" dining too.  I tried to warn her ahead of time and explain the math to her about no room discount but she trusted her other friend instead.  Guess who got to say I told you so.  :)

 

We tried the regular dining plan one three day trip once.  We enjoyed it but it was a ton of food and we missed getting all the snacks through out the day because we were never hungry.  We also did like Jason and were very savvy and planned where to eat and the most expensive snacks to get, we got our money's worth but I highly doubt we'll ever do it again. 

 

WBI

 

 

I think I'd feel the same way about the Deluxe Dining Plan.  I love 'Ohana.  But I wouldn't want to eat 'Ohana and a bunch of other all you can eat buffets every night for a week.  Plus, eating at a sit down takes up too much time.  The deal breaker for me is that in order to eat in the best places, you need to make your dining reservations 6 months before your trip.  No way could I or would I do that.

 

I like grapefruit juice!  Need to try that beer.

 

If you're on the fence, get the small serving at the Germany booth.  If you like grapefruit juice, you'll love it.

 

Nice updates, other than that football thing you mentioned....

 

Is it possible on those matching shirts that its a wine glass with a spoon? As far as the E=ML stuff I have no idea on that.

 

Sorry about that game.  I really thought this was going to be your year. And I'm really sorry about what that sorry excuse for a coach said after the game.  What a loser that man is.  But, Go Gata.

 

I see the wine glass.  I didn't before, but now I do.  I don't have a better answer.  A wine goblet makes sense.

 

Bier and people watching pics.....win-win

 

Truth.

 

And, the weather was perfect.

 

Epcot = My Life? My Love? Many Lines? Maelstrom Love? Many Loops? 2,500,000?

 

I want to know what that means, did the back of the shirt say anything?

 

WBI

 

Very good, Nick.

 

Funny stuff.  I actually LOL'd at the last guess.

 

I am sorry to say that I didn't see the backs of the shirt.  I didn't even pay attention to what was on the shirts until I looked at my photos.

 

I would have asked them if I had known they had some kind of weird formula on there.

 

At first, I thought that this woman was wearing a Sailor Moon t-shirt but I think that it is a Disney character shirt.  Alot of the Disney princess clothing has turned to a cross between tattoo artistry and anime.  I kind of like it but then again I don't.

Sailor Moon?

How do you know about Sailor Moon?

My oldest daughter (now age 23) was geeked about Sailor Moon when she was in Kindergarten. She was even Sailor Moon for Halloween.

Is Sailor Moon still a thing? I didn't know.

 

Great update.  I am all about some people watching.

Glad you like.

And, I just noticed that the girl over there to the right in that photo you posted is gnawing on a turkey leg. Nice.

 

P.S.  Roll Tide by 1.

What does that mean?

Are you talking about the Arkansas game?

That was this past Saturday (October 11th.

These photos are from the week before (October 4th).

TCD

[dvccamper 32]

Thanks for the tip on the grapefruit beer, good to know where to find it.

 

I thought the thing on those people's shirts looked like Louisiana. 

[LONE-STAR 370]

Epcot = My Lunch

[GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799]

Bier!

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

Thanks for the tip on the grapefruit beer, good to know where to find it.

 

I thought the thing on those people's shirts looked like Louisiana. 

 

I thought the design looked like Louisiana too. But, now I think it's a wine goblet and a spoon.

 

And, I'm afraid we will never figure out what the math formula means.

 

Epcot = My Lunch

 

It could be that.  Who knows?

 

Bier!

 

Is good!

 

TCD

[Katman1356...Jason 1,140]

I wonder if it is a play on one of these. 

 

Moment of Inertia mass × radius² I = m·r² kg·m²ML²

 

Angular Momentum radius × momentum
moment of inertia × angular velocity L = r·p

 

L = I·ω J·s = kg·m²/s
ћ (quantum of angular momentum) ML²/T

 

Torque or Moment radius × force
moment of inertia × angular acceleration τ = r·F
τ = I·α N·m = kg·m²/s²ML²/T²

 

But they are using Mass as the food and L as liters of liquid while still working in the Inertia or momentum of Eating and drinking around the world. 

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

I wonder if it is a play on one of these. 

 

Moment of Inertia mass × radius² I = m·r² kg·m²ML² Angular Momentum radius × momentum

moment of inertia × angular velocity L = r·p

L = I·ω J·s = kg·m²/s

ћ (quantum of angular momentum) ML²/T Torque or Moment radius × force

moment of inertia × angular acceleration τ = r·F

τ = I·α N·m = kg·m²/s²ML²/T²

 

But they are using Mass as the food and L as liters of liquid while still working in the Inertia or momentum of Eating and drinking around the world. 

 

Could be.

 

But, truthfully, did those people look smart enough for that?

 

TCD

[Katman1356...Jason 1,140]

Insert a shrug smiley here. On my phone.