PolyGirl40’s Escape From New York; The 2002 Sequel -- Day Seven

[imported_PolyGirl40]

PolyGirl40’s Escape From New York; The 2002 Sequel -- Day Seven
Friday; February 15, 2002

Cast of Characters
Carol -- PolyGirl40 -- Disney Vacation Commander in Chief
Tony -- Dear Husband & Dad -- Advisor on Fiscal Affairs.
Jeremy -- #1 Son (15)
Shayne -- #2 Son (7)

Napkin Twirling, Lot’s more of the World and Look at that Meatball.

We had PS’ for Chef Mickey’s at 7:30 a.m.. Our intention for the day was to be at MGM for the opening, a boat ride to Mexico for lunch and back to MGM. However with the destruction of Shayne’s Passport - plans quickly changed.

One of the luxuries of vacationing for a longer time frame is the easy incorporation of back tracking. I’m sure you all remember one of my quests for this trip was to see and do everything in the World Showcase. [img]graemlins/silly.gif[/img] This was certainly accomplished after today.

We were up and onto the resort monorail by 7:15 and promptly at Chef Mickey’s by our PS time. We had no wait. This was our first experience at this restaurant. It will not be our last. The food was fantastic and the character interaction remarkable. Shayne had great fun with the chipmunks. In fact Chip used Shayne’s hat as a napkin rest while signing his autograph. Lots of clowning around. Also - I must confess. I am no longer a Krispy Kreme virgin. I savored my first doughnut. It was extremely good. [img]graemlins/tasty.gif[/img]

The stations are very similar to the ones at the Crystal Palace. However, the atmosphere and characters are very different. We had a blast. We did not stuff ourselves. Although it would have been an easy task. We had both lunch and dinner plans and did not want to spoil our appetites by pigging out. Two thumbsup up high for Chef Mickey’s breakfast buffet. Shortly before 8:30 we were on a bus and heading for MGM. WooHoo. More Studios.

With our afternoon plans readily adjusted I was fearful of leaving Florida without seeing the midday parade. Ugh moment to say the least. I did not fret over it. The most important item for today -- was one World Showcase Passport. I had promised Shayne earlier in the week I’d go on the Tower of Terror with him. Of course he did not forget. Tony and Jeremy headed for Rock n’ Roller Coaster as we headed for the Twilight Zone. The wait was already 20 minutes. We figured RnRC would be roughly the same and agreed to meet at the entrance after our thrills. While in line for ToT I overheard a discussion pertaining to RnRC. Apparently it was down. Ooops. This meant the remaining portion of my family was idly awaiting our drop. I felt terrible but could do nothing.

We had a wonderful *drop* and proceeded to find our group. They were just coming out of the exit for Rock n’ Roller Coaster. The ride was back up and had no waits. All of us popped into line. Shayne recovered from his excursion on Sunday and decided he wanted to ride again. There was no arm pulling here. Jer loves this ride. After another loop we quickly headed for Millionaire. We were obsessed and instantly hooked on Sunday. We snagged fast passes for the second show and went in for the first. How fun is this? Boy did I ever want that trip to New York. [img]graemlins/laughing.gif[/img] Right after finishing our whirlwind with Regis we hopped into the line for Catastrophe Canyon. It was down last year when we vacationed. This was our first trip since the changes. We all agreed the improvements were great. After yet one more bout with Regis we hurried to the gates to find a bus for MGM. We were going to be late. Our Millionaire quest made us tardy and left us with no time to take the boat. It was already 1:25 and our PS for San Angel was for 1:30. Can you say hurry?

We zoomed right to the World Showcase. One quick side stop into the Plaza Towers gift shop for a Passport replacement and it’s off to Mexico. Whew! We were 20 minutes late. No worry though. They were packed. We got a pager and rested upon a bench. Boy - is it ever dark in there. I was squinting to see. It took a long time for my eyes to adjust. We waited about 10 minutes before being escorted to our table.

We had a table right on the water. Waaaaaaay cool. Shayne loved being part of the attraction. His words. [img]graemlins/silly.gif[/img] I can not thank Wizzy enough for insisting I give this restaurant a try. It was a definite highlight. Jeremy was in Heaven. Give him a burrito and he is happy. Here we go with more food details;

The guys did not order an appetizer. They were content to pull up their elbows and nosh down on the chips and salsa brought to the table. I however had to order my soup. Yum! Their Sopa Azteca is a tortilla soup with avocado and cheese. Excellent. It went very well with the frozen strawberry margarita I ordered. Mouth party girls!

Jeremy had a lot of fun ordering our meals. He is a Spanish major in school and used his lessons precisely. I had the taco salad “Tacos Al Carbon”. Tony selected the “Plato Mexicano” - a beef taco, chicken enchilada and quesadilla. Served with refried beans, guacamole and grilled vegetables. He said it was outstanding. Of course - Jeremy wanted burritos. He ordered a double portion off from the children’s menu. They were very accommodating. He ate every morsel. Shayne is not a fan of Mexican food. He dined on chicken fingers. Great food, service and ambiance. Wow - Are we striking it rich with our eatery choices - or what?

It was now time for our repeat performance around the World. We quickly got Mexico and Norway and China out of the way. Somewhere along the journey to Morocco. Shayne decided he’d like to make the mask. Oy! I had asked him earlier in the week and he declined. He just wanted to get his Passport signed. In fact I even asked him upon starting the tour over again today. Let’s make a mask.

[imported_PolyGirl40]

We stopped and listened to the band in Morroco. They were spectacular! Our timing was perfect. We caught most of their act. From there we continued. Stopping at the Kidspots, adding to the mask creation, Passport stamping and then venturing onward. We were done by 4-ish. Tony made a purchase in Canada - buying a Canadian Olympic logo “Roots” beret for his brother. We got a couple of iced cappuccinos and decided Shayne needed to complete his mask. His Passport was done - it would just require a stop for the additional additives for the mask. Before heading back yet again to the other side of the World we listened to Off Kilter do a few numbers. We really enjoyed the songs. Jeremy thinks the British Invasion is better. I tend to agree.

Along the way we ran into the Character bus. What luck. Shayne desperately wanted to see the Genie. We appeased him. By now Jeremy has bonded with Geppeto. He saw him twice in MGM and now again in Epcot. It was quite funny. Off to Mexico, Norway and back to China. *insert little head spinning smile here*. We were whipped. Just as we were leaving China the show started. Why not watch? The acrobats were unbelievable! In fact Jeremy mentioned the girls just last night. How does one sit on their own head?

Needless to say we were running out of time. We had to be at the Magic Kingdom for Spectromagic. This was our only opportunity to see the parade. Eeek. We had to scurry to the monorail. One pit stop to watch the fountain dance and we were on our way. We speedily freshened up and headed right to the Magic Kingdom. They were just putting up the rope along the Emporium. Why not here? We had 8:30 PS’ for Tony’s Town Square. We’d be a hop, skip and a jump away. The parade started within 15 minutes of our lining up. It was as grand as I had remembered. Geppeto made another appearance. He shook Jeremy’s hand. By now this was getting hysterical. Peter Pan came up to us and asked us if we had seen Jane. I told him she was with Ron in Disneyland but I think he thought I was joking. Silly Peter. Maybe he was referring to a different Jane? [img]graemlins/silly.gif[/img]

After our parade fulfillment we headed to Tony’s. The Magic Kingdom was packed. They had extended the closing time to 10 p.m. and incorporated another Spectro to meet the masses. It was bustling, that’s for sure. There was standing room only inside of Tony’s. Many upset guests trying to make dinner arrangements without PS’. It was not going to happen. Another sellout. We waited for almost 30 minutes before being announced. Again - we did not mind. We were exhausted from our World mission and were just happy to find a window seat to rest our bones.

You guessed it. Another wonderful Disney meal. We were seated on the front porch along the railing. We could even see some of the higher fireworks as they went off. It was very late for dinner - yet it worked out great as we had a late lunch. Our table allowed us a perfect view to people watch. The evening was very pleasant - perfect temperatures.

This was a no-brainer here. Shayne was chopping at the bit to order ravioli. The kid loves homemade ravioli. I had the “Zuppa del Giorno: - which today was cream of asparagus. Very good. Tony ordered one of their specialty drinks. It is served in a glass mug - in which you then get to keep. Very nice souvenir. It has the Tony’s logo on one side and Lady & the Tramp on the other. For entrees Jeremy ordered pizza. They do not have adult size pizza on the dinner menu. However, they made one for him. Tony selected the grilled pork chop. It was served with wild mushrooms and potato gratin. It looked yummy. I had the spaghetti. Spaghetti is one of my favorites dishes. Was this ever good. The sauce was very fresh. Not too thin, not too thick. Have you seen their meatball? It is the size of a baseball. No kidding. Shayne laughed at the sight. I could only eat half of my portion. It was huge. We were all too stuffed for dessert.

I cannot believe our luck. We were in dining paradise! We paid our bill and exited onto the resort monorail. I must tell you, they are really clamping down with the monorail. Every time we boarded we were asked our resort destination. I was glad. It was nice to have ample room.

We had a great day. Much more fast paced then intended - but great. Shayne has since taken his Passport and mask to school. Much to the envy of this fellow students. I’m so glad we realized the washer ate his other one before leaving WDW. He recovered in a great way. The inscriptions from the CMs were just as wonderful as the first time through.

We crawled into our beds and were sleeping by 11. [img]graemlins/sleepin.gif[/img]

Today’s Spending:
Chef Mickey’s Breakfast: 3 Adults, 1 Child $70 w/tip
MGM Pin Station: $13.78
Plaza Towers: Passport $10.55
San Angel Lunch: $50 w/tip
Canada Gift Shop: $37.55
Cappuccino: 10.55
Tony’s Dinner: $90 w/tip
Day Seven Total; $282.43

Next Up; Day Eight -- Pooh and the Gang, I’ll do the Laundry and Our Awesome View.

[img]graemlins/mickey.gif[/img]

[ February 27, 2002, 01:21 PM: Message edited by: PolyGirl40 ]

[LottaLubes]

I've been waiting all day for my "fix" - thank you!

Sounds like your day was jam-packed! I'm glad everything is OK with the passport. Thank goodness the original passport wasn't ruined on the last day!

[LittleLady]

[img]graemlins/clappy.gif[/img] I am so glad that Shayne recovered from the ruination of his first passport. What a way to go, he even got a mask out of the deal. [img]graemlins/clappy.gif[/img] Carol, you are making me so hungry. Isn't that tortilla soup incredible? I ordered that for the first time in October and could have eaten three more bowls! Great reports, I can't wait to read day 8 (no pressure here ).

[Narcoossee'sFan]

Carol,
I am glad you were able to make your Spectro showing. I am always nervous when there is only one showing when I am there. I don't want it to be cancelled because it is one of my favorites. [img]smile.gif[/img] Thanks for another great report. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[WDWFanatic]

Another great report Carol! I will be sad to see your vacation end. You mentioned they are cracking down on the monirail, did you have to show your resort ID to get on it. We like to go and walk around the Poly and GF with the kids. Thanks.

Can't wait for tomorrow!

[J.C.&ALI'SMOM]

Hey PolyGirl40! I could have yelled over to y'all at Tony's that Friday! We were sitting on the curb in front of Expo Hall. In case you hadn't read, we were also at MK in CRT the same morning (later time)and probably passed in MK during that day [img]graemlins/mickey.gif[/img]

[Nana]

Awesome report. I am so happy things worked out so well! I LOVE Tonys. It is awesome. The carmelized steak is wonderful!

[EvaBryan]

Mmmmmmm..... two of my favorite places - Chef Mickey's and San Angel! [img]graemlins/tasty.gif[/img]

I was so happy to hear that Shayne recovered from the destroyed passport. It's a good thing it happened earlier in the week so he had time to get another signed. I think I will have to pick up a passport on my next trip - it sounds like he had a blast collecting signatures! [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]

[ February 27, 2002, 05:44 PM: Message edited by: EvaBryan ]

[TooGoofy]

My gosh, you guys really pack a lot of Disney into one day! I'm glad Shayne got his passport. Now Chef Mickey's is on our list for next vacation too! [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]

[Lizzy]

Carol, thanks to your wonderful dining experiences, my hubby has decided that we will be eating like kinds on our next trip. Thanks for all the great details! [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]

[harlowandthemermaid]

Wow, that's a lot of great dining! sounds like another wonderful day!

[ChipDale]

Originally posted by PolyGirl40:
Peter Pan came up to us and asked us if we had seen Jane. I told him she was with Ron in Disneyland but I think he thought I was joking. Silly Peter. Maybe he was referring to a different Jane? [img]graemlins/silly.gif[/img]

[img]graemlins/laughing.gif[/img] It must have been the three-hour time difference - I saw him later.

Great report again Carol! [img]smile.gif[/img] I'm so glad you enjoyed the San Angel Inn. That place just can't be beat for atmosphere. [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]

Yay for Shayne for completing his new passport! Let's keep this one out of the washer, okay? (Although I see by tomorrow's chapter that it will stay dry. [img]smile.gif[/img] )

Can't wait to read more! [img]graemlins/mickey.gif[/img]

[imported_PolyGirl40]

Thank you, everyone. Just think - only 3 more to go. [img]graemlins/doubleeek.gif[/img]

Originally posted by LittleLady:
Isn't that tortilla soup incredible?

Yes! Unbelievably delicious. The varied combinations I described does not do it justice. I too could have easily made a meal on the soup. It was that good.

Originally posted by WDWFanatic:
Did you have to show your resort ID to get on it. We like to go and walk around the Poly and GF with the kids.

We did not have to show our ID’s. However - I did see some people showing theirs. I cannot attest to the procedure for the resort monorail at the Ticket and Transportation Center. We always grab the walkway back to the Polynesian from there. This only happened in the evenings at the Magic Kingdom. [img]smile.gif[/img]

Originally posted by TooGoofy:
My gosh, you guys really pack a lot of Disney into one day!

I didn’t realize it until I began typing up the reports. It is a condition we suffer from. Not to mention; the ease to hop, hop, hop when you are only a monorail away.

Mel -- We had outstanding dining experiences. I did a lot of research and reading before making PS’. It certainly paid off.

J.C.&ALI'SMOM -- How cool is that? We must have passed each other at some point.

[TiggerRPh]

Another great PolyGirl report!

I'm amazed by the shock of guests when they find out that they just can't walk in at Tony's and Cindy's.

You certainly are having a fun filled trip!

[Martino]

Carol, I just can't wait for day 8! These reports make me want to go back now. Infact it was exactly a year ago today (Feb 28th) at this very moment that we were enroute to the airport for our last Disney holiday. If I remember rightly, you were also there around this time!

We also love Chef Mickey's! The interaction from Minnie, Mickey, Chip N Dale, Goofy and Donald is just superb for the whole family.

[Jillpie]

hi Carol! Really enjoying your stories. Boy can I relate to the passports. We did it for all 3 boys and it is pretty stressful to get to each country, but oh what fun! We're heading to Chef Mickey's for Andrew's 10th birthday this year. So glad you had so much fun there, gotta love the napkins. Oh, and how about that OJ??? Is that delish or what?? [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img] My kids go nuts over that. Looking forward to more!

[Jared]

Carol,
Another great installment! I can't believe your luck with the dining choices, you have been right on it seems. I hope Shayne's Passport stays dry this time, but I guess the only way to find out is to head to Day 8, so going now.

[MnDloveDisney]

What a jam packed day! I'm glad you got to enjoy the World Showcase (it's one of my favorite places in WDW) as well as get a new passport for your son.

The tortilla soup is great...I made a meal out of that and the chips and salsa at San Angel.

And gotta LOVE Tony's...DH and I joke about the meatball being like a baseball too. Do they serve the tomato pesto with the bread at dinner too? I've only been there at lunch. That stuff is awesome!

[img]smile.gif[/img]

[imported_PolyGirl40]

Originally posted by MnDloveDisney:
. Do they serve the tomato pesto with the bread at dinner too? I've only been there at lunch. That stuff is awesome!

Oooooooooh Yes. Yes they do. It was yummmmmmmmmmmmy! How did I forget that? I guess all of my breads and meals are running into each other. [img]graemlins/laughing.gif[/img]