Traveling With an Old Friend to Walt Disney World

by Beth Skarp

I just returned from a trip to Walt Disney World. This trip, just my youngest sister and myself went. Due to medical reasons, the rest of the family could not join us (we had just returned from the World a mere three weeks prior). 

This trip we were to meet up with some Disney friends who are part of a special Disney Facebook group I belong to. This particular group came from overseas—mostly England—although I did manage to meet up with and enjoy some time with some local friends as well. Our meet-up was called the “British Invasion”. Many from the Facebook group wanted to be a part of the British Invasion, but for one reason or another they were unable to attend. Since this particular Disney Facebook group uses Jiminy Cricket as the Mascot, I figured I would take Jiminy along with me, and I'm so glad that I did!

First off, let me mention that Jiminy is a rather “rare” stuffed character. Several of the cast members I encountered commented that Jiminy had not been seen in the parks “for a good many years”. I can't begin to count the number of times I was approached and asked where in the “World” I got Jiminy. One guest even flashed me a one hundred dollar bill and asked if they could purchase my Jiminy right on the spot—dirty nose and scuffed up as he was. Sorry, Jiminy was not for sale. I have had Jiminy for many years and was unwilling to part with him.

I wanted Jiminy to do all the things that my fellow Disney Facebook group members would do, if they were with us. But I got to thinking. Jiminy was rather small. He could possibly do things that someone of my size could not. So, what sort of things could Jiminy do?

First off, Jiminy took a trip completely around World Showcase, visiting each and every land and posing with something or someone that would depict that particular Country. Since I love the Gran Marnier Orange Slushie from France—our group even has a “special” table we frequent all the time when we go—I figured we would begin our Jiminy Adventure here. I quickly learned that Jiminy loves the same drinks I do. How do I know this? Every time I tried to pose him, he would fall face first into my drink. I am sure Jiminy is not really a lush, but my sister and I got a laugh out of his doing this no matter what we tried. We quickly learned to keep the wet-wipes handy to clean his face.

Here are some pictures of Jiminy's Adventures Around World Showcase. He really had quite the Adventures.

 Jiminy, going through security at International Gateway.

 

With the Boat Captain who piloted us to International Gateway.

Notice how I had to "prop" Jiminy up here. This is after he fell face first into the first glass.

  

Getting a little bit artsy in France.

Stopping for a quick nibble in Morrocco.

Everyone has to try on the Fez hats....including Jiminy.

Hmmmm....I wonder if that kimono comes in a size small enough that I could wear. As a matter of fact, it does.

 

Wow, that fish pond in Japan looks really inviting. Have you ever taken the time to view the fish here?

Since I knew how much Nicholas Maglio loves beer, i wanted to capture this shot. I am curious....has anyone ever had any of these beers?

This wonderful Cast Member loved Jiminy and asked if she could pose with him outside of the American Adventure Gift Shop.

Jiminy enjoyed visiting the KidCot Centers as well. Here he is in Italy.

He also tried to "hide:" among the masks. He didn't really succeed.

I think Jiminy was still fun from France, or he would have enjoyed a stein of beer in Germany as well. He did enjoy getting cooled off from the fountain though.  

 
The FIFA Soccer games were going on. Jiminy wanted to show a bit of his soccer side as well.

On the pathway in the Outpost area, just before you get to the bridge.

 

 China.

 Rubbing Buddaha's belly for good luck.

Troll hunting in Norway.

Trying on the Viking hat.

  
A Jiminy sized Sombrero.

A Goofy sized hat.

 
My favorite shot actually. This cast member worked and worked to get Jiminy to hold still long enough for this picture. Just outside of Le Cellier in Canada.

Our final stop....Rose & Crown in United Kingdom.

Since Jiminy had a great time at World Showcase, we figured we would venture out and see what other mischief we could get into. Stayed tuned for the further adventures of Jiminy's Travels in the World. 

E.P.C.O.T. - Who Knows What It Means?

By Beth Skarp

Growing up, I learned that EPCOT was Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow.
Since then, many new meanings from the acronym EPCOT have come about.

The most notable ones are Every Person Comes Out Tired or Every Paycheck Comes on Thursday.
In our house, we have our own meaning for EPCOT—Every Person Concentrated on Tasting.

World Showcase is a literal culinary walk around the world, and not just during the Food & Wine Festival either.

There are so many new taste treats for the our family to sample. Just when we “think” we have tasted or experienced everything there is, we find new things to tantalize our taste buds.

Have you tried the Nudel Gratin at Somerfest in Germany? My husband, who comes from a family of Germanic heritage, claims this is very close to what he experienced at his grandparent's home. The nutty cheese flavors are oh soooo good.

Morrocco has a wonderful new table service restaurant called Spice Road Table, truly a must do if you like Mediterranean foods.

Their Tingis Sampler with Lamb Sliver, Harissa Chicken Roll and Merguez Sausage are not only filling for a quick lunch, but an explosion of flavors in your mouth.

Add some of their mint tea, different from what most Americans are used to, and you have a wonderful lunch. Other favorites are Mussels Tagine with Cilantro, garlic, lemon confit in tomato sauce or their Rice Stuffed Grape Leaves with fried capers, raisins and fresh nutmeg.
Not sure you want to try “weird” food, how about some ice cream.
The Spice Road Juice Bar offers up some wonderful chef made handcrafted ice cream choices that are not your typical flavors.

Speaking of ice cream, have you tried the Brioche ice cream sandwich or the L-Artisian des Glaces Sorbet from France. One word....YUMMY!! There are always new experiences for our taste buds each time we go to EPCOT—and we go often.

Want to learn more about what new adventures are out there for you explore? A.J. Wolfe does a wonderful job of keeping our family informed with The Disney Food Blog. Check her out at http://www.disneyfoodblog.com or follow her on Facebook.

Remember—EPCOT means something to everyone. For us, Every Person Concentrated on Tasting. Bon Appetite.

Grumpy Stein at EPCOT's Germany Pavilion

By Barbie

Nick and I were moseying around Epcot wandering in and out of the different pavilions this January, trying to keep warm and take in all the wonderful smells that go along with each one of them. The German Pavilion lures in everyone around with the smell of caramel and sweets, and we were no exception!

As Nick and I were walking through the stores we unexpectedly ran into this absolutely amazing Grumpy stein! He is a limited edition of 2,500 pieces, made in Germany.

On his base it says "I know a little German, Ich kann ein bisschen Deutsch"

The price is steep, but I felt this stein was worth the money. It is a lovely, well crafted piece. A word to the wise though, if you decide to pick one up, please go over it very carefully! As you can see from the first photo, the stein we picked up had a large chip in Grumpy's beard, which we didn't notice at first! Go over your purchase carefully before you buy it. Don't let Grumpy's awesomeness blind you to potential cracks, chips or other problems you might encounter! It's a delicate piece!