Do You “See” What I See?

By Beth Skarp

Disney does an amazing job when it comes to designing and implementing a theme surrounding anything you see while on Disney property. This comes down to the smallest and simplest of things.

Having said this, I wonder how much effort the typical guest puts into admiring or fully taking in the sights that are around us. We are so busy scurrying about. From our resort to our transportation. From our transportation to a much anticipated ride or attraction. From one ride to the next one. From the heat of the parks to the comfort of air-conditioned buildings that offer a place to eat or simply rest our tired feet for a moment. No matter where we are scurrying to or from, chances are we scurry past so many things of beauty that surround us. I know that I have done this.

Instead of posting a photograph and asking you where in the World this might be located, I have opted to use a descriptive picture instead. Here it goes.

This place is a mountain of sorts, in an area where a literal mountain might seem “out of place” compared to the other attractions or buildings that surround it.

A long pathway was built to represent a canyon. As you walk the canyon, going up or down this great mountain, the sides of the canyon afford you a look into the various layers of the Earth's core. Each layer is rich in color, in beauty, and how it is displayed within the canyon.

Just from this brief descriptive, do you know not only what I am talking about, but where this might be located? No...well let me give you a few more clues.

The sides of this canyon surrounding this mountain are mirror images. Over 150,000 meticulously cut pieces of marble, slate, granite, glass and gold were used to create the deeply hued colors of the canyon walls. The canyon walls are mirror images, images originally designed by color stylist and background artist Walter Peregoy, a Disney Legend.

Upon very careful investigation, or in my case being told by my tour guide during a recent tour, you will notice one VERY SMALL difference between the two walls of this canyon. The question or questions come down to this.

What is this new mountain or so-called canyon I refer to? 

How come I don't recall hearing about a new mountain or so-called canyon? I mean, I know a lot about the World and don't know about this!

Do I need a Fast Pass or a special ticket to view this mysterious object?

Give up yet? 

The mountain is actually the glass structure of the building which houses the Land Pavilion at Epcot. 

Many of us are so preoccupied with getting into the air-conditioned building to ride Soarin' or Living with the Land or to eat at Sunshine Seasons or The Garden Grille restaurant that we walk right past the walls of this so called canyon without ever bothering to take the time to observe the beauty of the walls surrounding them. 

The glass structure housing the Land Pavilion is made to reflect a mountain in keeping with the theme for the attractions inside. The canyon is simply the rather long, 134 foot long pathway that leads you into the building for the Land Pavilion. It really does look like a chasm or canyon if you just step back a moment and look at it. Along the pathway is indeed a beautiful mural made from the materials I spoke of above. However, on the right-hand side of the canyon or pathway, as you enter the building, you will find one small stone that is indeed out of place.

While Walter Peregoy may have been the one to design or conceptualize what the mural would look like, a husband and wife team actually built the mural. I am sorry, but I just don't remember the name of the team of artists. and doing a Google search did not give me the answers either. 

These artists painstakingly cut the over 150,000 pieces, carefully laying them out , to not only create a mirror image on both sides of the mural but to portray the conceptualized design that Walter Peregoy came up with. 

This team wanted to sign this beautiful work of art. Ah, but Disney does not allow for an artist to “sign” their artwork, as it detracts from the theme of the work. So, how does one go about “signing” their work and get away with it?

In this case, a small Emerald was placed into the mural. It was an inconspicuous way to pay tribute to their handiwork while “signing” their work. It wasn't until much later, after all was said and done and the dedication ceremony concluded, that an eagle-eyed reporter noted that something was amiss. Too late to remove the artist's signature, so their signature stone remains to this day.

Here is a picture of the Emerald stone. If you look just above Jiminy's head, you will see the green stone. 

No, you don't need a Fast Pass or special ticket to see this mysterious stone. The question now becomes, where exactly is this at? I will not reveal the exact location of where the Emerald is located nor tell you which side of the so-called canyon to look. I will state that you can find the Emerald just before you enter the glass doors to the Land Pavilion. You can try looking for the Emerald on your next trip.
  
Had it not been for my wonderful Tour Guide, Robert, from the UnDiscovered Future World Tour at Epcot, I too would have no idea about this Emerald nor about the rich history of the Land Pavilion.

Take the time to look around you the next time you are at Disney. Chances are, you may be walking right past something of importance, of beauty, and not notice it.

 
                 

Favorite Food Friday: The Sterling Silver Pork Chop at The Hollywood Brown Derby

By Nick

I've talked about my love with The Hollywood Brown Derby in Disney's Hollywood Studios on more than one occasion her on Disney Musings, and shared a really wonderful experience as well.



My all time favorite dish there is the Sterling Silver Pork Chop with smoked Gouda and heirloom apple slaw served over potato hash with bacon, Napa cabbage, sweet peppers and a cider jus.

This is my favorite pork chop. In the world. Not just Disney World. No, really, the whole world.

Why You Should Make Those FastPass+ Choices at Walt Disney World ASAP

By Nick 

Last week, Barbie and I took a short vacation to the lovely state of New Hampshire to visit her equally lovely Aunt and Uncle.

In the back of my mind, somewhere, I knew that my window for FastPass+ selections for our October trip to Walt Disney World was coming up.

Our plans are:
October 11th, go to Epcot for a few hours to hit some Food and Wine booths and ride a couple rides. Relax at the pool.
October 12-16, 4 night Cruise on the Disney Dream
October 16th, back to WDW, spend the evening at Epcot
October 17th, Magic Kingdom, fly home

I had already gotten an email notification on August 11th telling me that my FastPass+ window was now open for October 11th.
I made my 3 selections for Epcot at that time, and made a mental note to be prepared on August 17th to make 3 selections for the Magic Kingdom.

What I should have done is set a notification on my phone reminding me the window for the second portion of our stay was coming up. Maybe put a note in my wallet. Asked Barbie to remind me. Something.

The morning of August 17th came, and I was preoccupied with a wonderful farewell breakfast made by the in-laws, packing and getting mentally prepared for the 7-8 hour drive home, and since I had not set a reminder of any kind, well, I didn't check my emails until we arrived home later that evening.

My 3 choices were to be the newest and most popular attractions : Meeting Anna and Elsa at Princess Fairytale Hall,  special Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade viewing, and the
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

Yep. By the time I went to make my selections, all 3 attractions/experiences I wanted to choose were gone, with this message appearing "FastPass+ Distribution Has Ended for Selected Day."

All is not lost, we will just get to the Magic Kingdom for rope drop and head right for the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and we'll hopefully get a good spot for the parade. Meeting Anna and Elsa will likely have to wait for a future visit.

So, this is a cautionary tale. As soon as your window for FastPass+ selections opens, be ready with your selections and pounce!

Meeting Red, Lightning McQueen, and Mater at the Cozy Cone

In Cars Land at Disney California Adventure you can meet Red the Fire Engine...

 ...Lightning McQueen...

... and Tow Mater!

Lightning and Mater can be seen at the Cozy Cone, an awesome backdrop.

And, as an added bonus, Mater and Lightning talk!
Here is a look at a meet up with Mater.

Hits and Misses at Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival 2013

My wife Barbie and Me

By: Nick 

Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival kicks off this year in one month, running from September 19th to November 10th. Menus for the 2014 Marketplaces can be found here.

Every year, when making a plan of attack for the Festival,  I intend on hitting EVERY booth to try at least one item from each, and inevitably I miss a few. For one reason or another, last year I missed even more than usual. But, I thought I'd share some favorites, several of which are returning this year, and also some selections that I wish I hadn't made, and will be sure to avoid this year!

We visited on September 29th, 2013, the third official day of the Festival.

Our first stop was Greece, which has always served one of my wife's favorites, the Griddled Greek Cheese with Pistachios and Honey. This year however, she thought it was a little greasier than usual, which could have just been a one off, as I thought mine was the same as in years past. We also got the Chicken Gyro with Tzatziki Sauce, which was very good, if very heavy on the onion.

 

 
Next was a stop at the Refreshment Port which is newly offering selections for the Festival. We only got one thing, the Dole Pineapple Fritters, and really liked them. Essentially these are deep fried pineapple rings.

Next door is Canada, and we picked up the always good Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup, which seemed even better this year, the "Le Cellier" Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle Butter Sauce, an excellent selection, and a new item, the Seared Rainbow Trout with Bacon, Frisee and Maple Minus 8 Vinaigrette, another winner. Year after year this booth is a top choice.

We started walking back towards the Mexican Pavilion side, to a favorite, the Argentina booth.

Along the way we stopped at Hawaii, where I had the Tuna Poke with Seaweed Salad and Lotus Root Chip, which never lets me down.

Next to this was another new kiosk, Scotland. I'd been anticipating the Scotch flight, but thought I'd get to it later in the trip. Sadly I didn't. Instead I got the Seared Scottish Salmon with Cauliflower Puree, Watercress and Malt Vinaigrette, which disappointed me. The fish was dry, and the puree fairly flavorless.

We made our way to Argentina for our perennial favorite, the Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce and Boniato Puree, with high hopes that this would be a high to the Scottish Salmon low.

Wrong! This was unfortunately a let down this year, as the beef was overcooked, and there was little sauce on them. In the future, I'll ask if they can give me one less well done, and try to get extra sauce as well.

 
By now, it was about 12:30 pm, HOT, and already getting crowded. We decided to hit the Mexico Pavilion, where a favorite activity of mine is to get a Tequila Flight at La Cava del Tequila and take a ride on the Gran Fiesta Tour.

As we were about to go into the Mexico Pavilion, we stopped at the Mexico booth, which is located out in front. We got what had been a hit with my wife last year, but had been way too spicy for me, the Taco de Rib-eye with Salsa de Chipotle. This year the heat was turned way down, and we both loved them! A strong finish to a shaky start.

We returned the next evening, and this time, started in France. We shared the Boeuf Bourguignon (Braised Short Ribs in Cabernet with Mashed Potatoes), and Crème Brûlée au Chocolat au Lait (Chocolate Milk Crème Brûlée topped with Caramelized Sugar), both terrific, but Barbie wanted no part in the Escargots Persillade en Brioche (Garlic and Parsley Snails in Brioche), despite the fact that you honestly cannot taste anything but garlic and butter. These are awesome, and I get them every year. Pictured with the food is what was my favorite beer of the Fesitval, Kronenbourg Blanc. It is a Witbier, one of my favorite beer styles. It has a light citrus undertone, perfect for a hot humid evening.

We skipped a bunch of booths on our way to the Florida Local kiosk, mainly because they are serving a beer from a highly regarded brewery, Cigar City, which doesn't distribute much to the Northeast USA yet. I got their Cracker Belgian-style White Ale, and it was very good, I'd absolutely recommend trying. I also had the Florida Grass Fed Beef Slider with Monterey Jack and Sweet & Hot Pickles, which I loved, but which didn't impress Barbie.

Continuing on, Barbie wanted to try the Ravioli de formaggio all’emiliana in Italy, one of 2 items a friend had raved about. We also got the Salsiccia e ‘Papacelli” Napoletani (sausage).The Ravioli was good as always, but the Sausage was terrific.

Skipping a few more booths, with the thought that we'd get back to them, which we never did, we visited South Korea for the other menu selection Barbie had heard was great, the Kimchi Dog with Spicy Mustard Sauce. While in line we heard a humorous exchange where a child very stubbornly declared that she would under no circumstance eat dog. Well, if she didn't, she missed out, because it really was delicious, and the photo below doesn't do it justice.

Our last stop of the evening topped them all however. We had the Seared Mahi Mahi with Jasmine Rice and “Singa” Sauce at Singapore, and it was tremendous, among the best dishes I had at the Festival. Again, the picture does it absolutely no justice.

We didn't hit any more of the food kiosks for a few more days, until October 3rd, when we met up with a friend at the American Pavilion. Before heading all the way back there though, I stopped at the Craft Beers booth and got a Namaste from Dogfish Head Brewery to get me through the long, hot walk. This is another Witbier, and another wonderful beer from one of the best brewers in the US.

Back at the American Pavilion, we all split the Craisin® Bread Pudding with Grand Marnier Anglaise from the Hops & Barley kiosk. Despite the fact that it is bread pudding, it was extremely light, and didn't sit on the stomach like a brick, as some bread puddings do.

We next hit Belgium, for the Belgian Waffle with Warm Chocolate Ganache and Whipped Cream and Belgian Waffle with Berry Compote featuring Driscoll’s® Berries and Whipped Cream. Waffles with fruit and chocolate. Need I say more? I had a Leffe Brune, a Belgian Dark Ale with the waffles, and it paired nicely. Beer. Waffles. Not really any way you can go wrong here.

We decided to hit Spaceship Earth, but to do that, we needed to have more dessert. I'm not really sure how this evening turned into the sugar and booze fest it became, but, there it is. 

To get all the way back around to the front of World Showcase, I got a beer in  the Japan Pavilion at the Saki Bar, a hefeweizen called Premium Unfiltered, which is the Japan Pavilions best kept secret as far as I'm concerned.

On the way out, we  stopped at the Desserts & Champagne marketplace again, and both Barbie and I got the Dessert Trio, which consists of:

• Chocolate Orange Cupcake
• Hazelnut Chocolate Cheesecake
• Morello Cherry Pistachio Mousse

These were all great, the top of the Orange Cupcake being my favorite, I wish they'd have just served that in a bowl.

I also had the Pyramid™Weiss Cream Beer, a wheat ale, which was very light, but still tasty, and to be honest, you could have handed me just about anything at this point and I'd have been happy. 

So there you have it. I missed several kiosks that I wanted to try, and hope to get to those this year.

Portions of this article were originally posted on the Tips From the Disney Divas and Devos Blog, where Nick is a contributing writer.

Dreaming of Disney Past

By Beth Skarp

On my recent trip to the World, I had a day where I didn't venture into the Parks. Sometimes it is nice to just sit and take in your surroundings, to visit or see things you might otherwise walk right past or ignore. 

Such was the case on my most recent trip. I was in the Grand Floridian. I met up with a wonderful family I met online through a Disney site, spending many minutes laughing, chatting and just catching up. I had a wonderful breakfast of lobster eggs benedict at the Grand Floridian Cafe, with this same family seated right behind me –unbeknownst to both of us. I watched photographers taking pictures of a bride and her entourage as they prepared for a wedding. I observed small princesses getting ready for their Disney Girls Perfectly Princess Tea Party. I heard small pirates squeal with glee as they anticipated their Disney Pirate Adventure. I watched as the various janitors or maids worked diligently to keep the lobby area looking well, grand as ever.

The people who were working at Grand Floridian would stop every now and again and speak with someone seated near the elevators, often times leaning over the partition as they walked the lobby or performed their various tasks. This person was not seated near the glass elevators that lead to the majestic grand staircase, but the elevators that are located near the Cafe and 1900 Park Fare. 

I remained standing by the piano in the main lobby area, taking in how various guests would respond to this person. Guests would quickly skirt by this person, almost always turning away to have a whispered conversation amongst themselves. Children were quickly pushed past this individual and told not to stare or ask questions. Yet, the janitors and maids along with a few of the other Cast members would take the time to spend a few moments with this individual, addressing her by name and asking how she was doing. Hmmm, this bears further investigation on my part.

Having special needs girls, I am always mindful of how I approach someone who may be “different” than others. I like to discreetly observe and determine not only if I should approach them, but how. No one likes surprises.

I came around the corner and stayed in the shadows some, again observing this woman and how others responded to her. She didn't seem to be a threat at all, just an older looking woman who was seated in a chair. She had an older style suitcase near her, and perched atop the suitcase were some nice teddy bears of various sizes that were artfully displayed.

OK, my curiosity got the better of me. Since the Cast Members seemed to think she was harmless and spent a few moments talking to her, why couldn't I. So, I ventured forth.

I am truly glad that I did. The woman was named Lynn, and is affectionately known in some circles as “The Bear Lady of the Grand Floridian”. 

I spent a good hour or more chatting with Lynn. She is very articulate and has a broad knowledge of not only the Grand Floridian, but of Disney World as well.

As Lynn explained to me, she and her husband Bruce loved Grand Floridian and came often to visit and stay. While Lynn loved listening to the piano players or other musicians that played in the lobby, her husband Bruce loved to people watch and explore the surrounding areas. Lynn was a wealth of information regarding the various musicians—their techniques and styles of music, who was worth listening to and who could be left to act as mere background noise. It was as if various musicians could transport Lynn back to bygone eras, to simpler times or times that held special meaning for Lynn. It was evident as Lynn spoke about the musicians and the music she loved to hear them play.

I asked about the various teddy bears displayed on her suitcase. The teddy bears were her “babies”, gifts from her late husband, Bruce. Bruce found it challenging to find just the right bear to make Lynn smile. The bears needed a special face or expression, not something you could pick up just anywhere. 

These are not just any bears mind you, but high end bears from such companies as Gund, Herrington, Steiff, Kosen and Bornich. Many of the bears are older, but still of excellent quality.

Lynn along with Bruce loved to sit and observe the children as they passed through the lobby. Occasionally, Bruce would find a child that would catch his fancy and ask Lynn to “choose a bear to give away”. Lynn would look at the child, look at her babies, and choose one to give to the child. Bruce was so good about replacing the bears that were given away.

Through Lynn, I learned that her beloved Bruce passed away “a few years back”. Doing a Google search, I found a wonderful article from her sister Tracy Joan that told me not only when Bruce passed, but a little bit more information about Lynn. You can find out more information here :http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2040919. Please note that I am not a huge fan of this particular site, but found the information to be knowledgeable. 
 
Lynn is a wonderful person to speak with. She is intelligent, insightful, humorous, and has a bit of spunk one doesn't see often these days. It truly was an honor to speak with her. Yes, Lynn is dressed differently than most of us and her lemon verbena perfume takes me back to days of sitting with my Grandmother in her parlor many years ago. 

Her wig was fashioned into a hair style that Bruce loved to see on her, and is much easier to manage than tending to her own locks, or so she says. You know, I think I tend to agree with Lynn. I hide my own hair under a hat or allow it to “go wild” due to the Florida humidity. Lynn just uses a wig that accomplishes the same results and allows her to hold on to her memories of Bruce.

Before I left, Lynn told me that Bruce would have wanted me to have one of her bears. I was touched and started to tear up. As Lynn looked at her babies and attempted to make a decision, I knew I couldn't take her baby away from her. Giving Lynn a heartfelt hug, I gently explained that I was honored that she wanted to give me a baby, but that I wanted her to keep them. They were gifts from Bruce and meant so much to her. You could see the relief on her face.

Just before I took my leave, I did take a picture of Lynn with her treasured babies perched atop her suitcase. I was going to include it with this article. Instead, I will keep the picture. Too much negativity surrounds this poor lady, and I don't feel the need to feed into that negativity. This is a picture I will treasure in my heart.

I am so glad that I took the time to stop and speak with this unknown gem. Lynn is a wonderful lady, not some oddity that needs to be removed from the Grand Floridian. The next time you find yourself at the Grand Floridian, see if you can find The Bear Lady. Spend a few moments talking with her or just say “Hello”. You will be amazed at what you might learn.