This is disappointing. That cocktail looks like it should be good…
Also
These reviews are perfection!
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The Epic Tale of gMagicScott’s Pilgrimage to the Bubble - Part 6: The Early Bird Gets the Cosmic Rewind
The Crack of Dawn Awakening
Gather 'round, ye early risers and Disney devotees, for our saga continues! We rejoin our intrepid hero, gMagicScott, as he faces the most formidable foe yet - the dreaded 6:45 AM alarm. But fear not, for our champion rises with a spring in his step and magic in his heart, ready to conquer the day ahead! 
The Cosmic Conquest
As the clock strikes 7:00 AM sharp, gMagicScott, armed with the mystical power of BG1 (all hail the mighty @joelbruick!), embarks on a quest of cosmic proportions. With fingers flying faster than Hermes’ winged sandals, our hero secures the coveted Group 1 for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. A victory sweeter than Yzma’s youth potion! 
The Sacred Morning Ritual
With the excitement of a thousand fireworks, gMagicScott partakes in the sacred morning ritual known only as the “3S’s”. Like a Jedi preparing for battle, our hero emerges ready to face whatever magical challenges the day may bring. 
The Breakfast Odyssey Begins
Fueled by dreams of POG juice and Mickey waffles, our valiant gMagicScott summons a noble Lyft steed, embarking on a quest that would make even Merida’s triplet brothers jealous - the hunt for the perfect Disney breakfast! 
The Three-Pronged Attack
Like a master strategist planning a siege on Maleficent’s castle, gMagicScott devises a brilliant three-pronged approach to secure his morning feast:
- Plan A: Infiltrate the hallowed halls of 'Ohana, hoping to join the walk-up list faster than Stitch can cause chaos.
- Plan B: Should 'Ohana prove impenetrable, a daring attempt to breach the defenses of Kona Café’s walk-up list.
- Plan C: The backup of all backups - a mobile order at Kona Café, poised and ready like Mulan before battle.
Our hero, ever the cunning tactician, has his mobile order locked and loaded, ready to cancel should Plans A or B prove victorious. It’s a breakfast game of 4D chess that would leave even Cogsworth’s gears spinning!
The Lightning Lane Lineup
As gMagicScott hurtles towards his breakfast destiny, he takes a moment to review his carefully crafted Lightning Lane strategy. Like a setlist for the most epic Disney park rock concert, our hero’s lineup remains unchanged:
- 1:00 PM - Spaceship Earth: A journey through time that would make even Doc Brown jealous.
- 2:40 PM - Frozen Ever After: Because who wouldn’t want to be stuck in their head all day?
- 3:40 PM - Mission: SPACE: Boldly going where no Disney guest has gone before (at least not without a motion sickness bag).
- 4:25 PM - Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: The grand finale, where our hero will save the galaxy… probably.
And so, dear readers, we leave our valiant gMagicScott, hurtling through the early morning Orlando traffic, dreams of tropical juices and Polynesian feasts dancing in his head. Will he conquer the breakfast quest? Will the Lightning Lane gods smile upon him? And most importantly, will he finally taste the sweet nectar of POG juice?
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If you need a Plan D, I really like the Mocha Kona muffin at Kona Island (which you may have already tried). 
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The Epic Tale of gMagicScott’s Pilgrimage to the Bubble - Part 7: The Polynesian Pursuit and Monorail Marathon
The Transportation and Ticket Center Touchdown
As the clock struck 9:52, our intrepid hero, gMagicScott, found himself deposited at the hallowed grounds of the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). Like a clever Disney villain with a backup plan, our protagonist decided to forgo the direct approach to the Polynesian, lest he be turned away at the gate like Gaston at Belle’s doorstep. 
The Polynesian Trail Trek
With the stealth of Aladdin sneaking into the palace, gMagicScott bypassed the security checkpoint, setting his sights on the fabled Polynesian trail. A path less traveled, perhaps, but one that would lead our hero to his breakfast destiny.
The Aromatic Arrival
As gMagicScott crossed the threshold into the Polynesian lobby, his senses were immediately enveloped by a fragrance so enchanting, it could rival the scent of Lumiere’s finest cuisine. Our hero inhaled deeply, savoring the tropical bouquet that whispered promises of adventures to come. 
The Breakfast Battle Plan
Ascending to the 'Ohana desk with the determination of Mulan scaling the training pole, gMagicScott’s Plan A was swiftly denied. But fear not! For our hero, channeling the strategic mind of Yzma (minus the evil cackle), skipped straight to Plan C, marking his arrival for the mobile order with the precision of Kronk pulling the right lever.
The Merchandise Meander
While awaiting his feast, gMagicScott embarked on a side quest to Moana Mercantile. There, amidst the treasures that would make even Tamatoa jealous, our hero uncovered a prize worthy of a true adventurer - a Hei-Hei shoulder pal! Like requested by another Liner in another thread about a month ago. One can only imagine the squawks of approval from the bird-brained sidekick himself. 
The Tonga Toast Triumph
With the speed of Dash from The Incredibles, gMagicScott’s mobile order materialized. Treasure in hand, our hero retreated to a quiet corner to savor his spoils. The Tonga Toast, a creation so divine it could make even Zeus jealous, earned a perfect 5-star rating from our discerning palate. However, the plastic knife, clearly not forged by Hephaestus, struggled valiantly against the mighty toast, earning a mere 2 stars for its efforts.
The POG Juice Perfection
But lo! What’s this? The holy grail of Disney breakfast beverages - POG juice! With one sip, gMagicScott’s taste buds sang a chorus that would put even the Muses to shame. Six stars? If only the rating system would allow such extravagance!
The Monorail Marathon Begins
Fueled by liquid paradise and stuffed with Tonga Toast, our hero ascended once more. As if summoned by the breakfast gods themselves, the yellow monorail awaited, ready to whisk gMagicScott back to the TTC for the next leg of his journey.
The Castle Cameo
As the monorail glided along its celestial highway, gMagicScott’s keen eye caught a glimpse of the castle, standing proud and majestic in the distance. A reminder of the magic that awaited, teasing our hero like the Cheshire Cat’s grin.
The Great Monorail Transfer
With stops at the Grand Floridian, Magic Kingdom, and Contemporary behind him, gMagicScott found himself once again at the TTC. But wait! The adventure was far from over. With the timing of Cogsworth himself, our hero waited a mere 1 minute and 12 seconds before Monorail Coral arrived, ready to spirit him away to Epcot.
The Standing Room Sojourn
Though the carriage was as packed as the Hundred Acre Wood on a honey harvest day, gMagicScott secured his spot, standing tall and proud. As the doors closed, our hero heeded the age-old monorail mantra, standing clear with the poise of a royal guard and the mindfulness of a Jedi master.
And so, dear readers, we leave our valiant gMagicScott, hurtling towards Epcot, belly full of Polynesian delights and heart brimming with anticipation. What wonders await in the park of the future? Will our hero conquer his Lightning Lane lineup? And most importantly, will he find a restroom after all that POG juice?
Tune in next time for more thrilling adventures in “The Epic Tale of gMagicScott’s Pilgrimage to the Bubble”! Same mouse-time, same mouse-channel! 
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I shall add to the list
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If you have a list…I missed out on the chocolate covered bacon from Kona Island somehow last time. 
ETA: oh wait, I have been mesmerized by the awesomeness of the trip reporting and forgot that you are offsite and only at Poly for the morning. So sorry - carry on!
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I feel like I’m getting overdue for an update.
As soon as I find a quality place of respite where I can charge my phone and type more, I will continue our tale
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Love, love, love your trip report so far!!
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The Epic Tale of gMagicScott’s Pilgrimage to the Bubble - Part 8: Epcot Adventures
The Monorail Marvels and Epcot Entrance
As our intrepid hero, gMagicScott, glided towards Epcot aboard the noble steed Monorail Coral, the park’s wonders began to unfold before his eyes. Like a child flipping through the pages of a pop-up book, each turn revealed new marvels:
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The futuristic facade of Xandar Pavilion, standing proud as if ready to defend Earth from intergalactic threats
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Test Track’s construction site, a promise of high-octane adventures to come
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The retro-futuristic charm of the Odyssey Pavilion, a blast from Epcot’s past
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The whimsical spires of the Imagination Pavilion, as if plucked from a dream
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The Seas, a behemoth structure housing untold aquatic wonders
As gMagicScott approached the hallowed tapstiles of Epcot, he decided to test the limits of technology. With the confidence of Tony Stark activating his latest suit, our hero attempted to use his Android watch to gain entry. Alas, even in the future world of Epcot, some technologies remain elusive. Undeterred, gMagicScott swiftly pivoted to his trusty phone’s Google Wallet, and with a satisfying chime, the gates of tomorrow swung open.
The Epcot Odyssey Begins
Stepping into the park, gMagicScott was greeted by the majestic sight of Spaceship Earth, its geodesic glory gleaming in the Florida sun.
Our hero couldn’t help but whisper, “Hello, you beautiful geodesic sphere,” like a long-lost friend.
Armed with a freshly acquired guide to the Food & Wine festival
, gMagicScott ventured forth into the World Showcase, a culinary United Nations awaiting his exploration.
With an hour to spare before his Spaceship Earth Lightning Lane appointment, our hero found himself at a crossroads. But fate, as it often does in the happiest place on Earth, had other plans. A PhotoPass photographer, armed with a prop as magical as Merlin’s wand, beckoned. Who was gMagicScott to refuse such an opportunity?
The Character Conquest
Lo and behold! Mickey & Friends beckoned with a mere 15-minute wait. Our hero, never one to pass up a chance to hobnob with Disney royalty, joined the queue. Seventeen minutes later (because even Disney magic can’t always bend time), gMagicScott found himself in the presence of greatness:
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The mouse that started it all, Mickey himself
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The lovable goofball, Goofy
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The ever-stylish Minnie Mouse
The Merch Quest and Culinary Conquests
Emerging from his brush with animated celebrities, gMagicScott’s eye was caught by a treasure trove of pins. Like a pirate spotting buried gold, he couldn’t resist. The result? A shiny new addition to his collection.
With 20 minutes left before his Spaceship Earth rendezvous, our hero’s stomach began to rumble.
The Festival Favorites food booth answered the call, offering a trio of treats:
- Kielbasa and Potato Pierogis
A taste of home that would make any Yinzer Polack proud. 5 stars, falling short only of Grandma’s homemade version (but let’s be honest, nothing beats Grandma’s cooking). - BBQ Pork Rinds
A crunchy adventure elevated by its cheesy companion. 4 stars overall, with the pimento cheese dip stealing the show. - Irish Milkshake
Imagine a root beer float, but replace the root beer with Guinness. A 4-star concoction that left gMagicScott dreaming of larger, frostier mugs.
The pork rinds, more than just a snack, became a badge of honor as they earned gMagicScott his first stamp on Emile’s Fromage Montage.
As if the food gods themselves were smiling upon our hero, a troupe of acrobats began their performance, turning a simple meal into dinner and a show.
The Spaceship Earth Saga
With perfect timing, gMagicScott’s first Lightning Lane beckoned. It was time to thank the Phoenicians and bask in the dulcet tones of Dame Judi Dench.
The standby peasants faced a 20-minute wait, but our Lightning Lane champion breezed through in a mere 4 minutes. Efficiency worthy of the future world itself!
Riding high on his time-traveling adventure, gMagicScott secured a Soarin’ Lightning Lane for 2:05 pm, maintaining his three-pronged attack on Epcot’s attractions.
More Culinary Capers
The future might be bright, but gMagicScott’s stomach was calling again. This time, Macatizers answered:
- Truffle Mac and Cheese
- A solid 4-star performance, though our hero wished it had been served a tad warmer.
- Kentucky Pumpkin Bourbon Barrel Ale
- Alas, not every experiment in Epcot is a success. This brew earned a disappointing 1 star, with nary a hint of pumpkin or bourbon to be found.
The mac and cheese, beyond satisfying hunger, secured gMagicScott’s second Fromage Montage stamp. Our hero was on a roll!
The Figment Frenzy
Inspired by the plethora of Figment faces adorning the festival merch in CommuniCore Hall, gMagicScott felt compelled to pay homage to Epcot’s favorite purple dragon. The Journey Into Imagination beckoned, with a posted 20-minute wait that turned out to be a mere 18 minutes. Efficiency in the world of imagination!
Post-ride, our hero couldn’t resist a meet-and-greet with Figment himself. The mischievous dragon showed impeccable taste, admiring gMagicScott’s newly acquired shirt from CommuniCore Hall.
Soarin’ and Explorin’
Next on the agenda: The Land pavilion for gMagicScott’s Soarin’ Lightning Lane. While the commoners waited 45 minutes, our hero glided through in 20, securing a prime spot in Row A2. The Eiffel Tower may have had a slight lean, but the experience was no less magical.
Not one to waste an opportunity, gMagicScott hopped aboard Living with the Land. Posted wait: 20 minutes. Actual wait: a breezy 8 minutes. Our hero was on a roll!
The aquatic wonders of The Seas with Nemo & Friends were next. Lightning Lane turned a 20-minute wait into a mere 5-minute splash.
The Rainy Interlude and Frozen Follies
As gMagicScott prepared to leave The Seas, Mother Nature decided to add her own special effects to Epcot. Undeterred, our hero used this opportunity to admire the aquarium’s finned residents, proving that even rain can’t dampen the Disney spirit.
With the skies clearing, it was time for the Frozen Ever After Lightning Lane. The standby line stretched beyond the Norway pavilion, boasting a 60-minute wait. Our Lightning Lane champion, however, breezed through in 5 minutes. But beware! A wet seat and a surprise soaking on the drop left gMagicScott wondering if he’d accidentally wandered onto Splash Mountain.
Mission: Space and Beyond
The final frontier awaited at Mission: Space. Orange side: 15 minutes posted. Green side: 10 minutes. Lightning Lane in hand, gMagicScott opted for the more intense Orange experience, a 10-minute journey from entrance to blast-off.
But wait! Our hero, realizing he’d never experienced the Green side, made a split-second decision. Another 10-minute wait, and gMagicScott had conquered both sides of Mission: Space.
The Cosmic Rewind Double Feature
After a quick pit stop to refuel and rehydrate, it was time for the pièce de résistance: two rounds of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. The Lightning Lane queue stretched halfway to Mission: Space, but moved swiftly, clocking in at 33 minutes to board.
As gMagicScott entered the building, a rousing chorus of “Happy Birthday” echoed through the queue, adding an unexpected layer of festivity to the cosmic adventure.
Round one featured the groovy tunes of “September,” while the Virtual Queue experience for round two, a 50-minute wait, was set to the inferno-hot beats of “Disco Inferno.”
The Grand Finale
As the day wound down, gMagicScott found himself drawn back to Spaceship Earth, mesmerized by its dancing lights and enchanting music. But the call of hunger could not be ignored.
A mobile order at Connections Cafe promised to satiate our hero’s appetite:
- Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich
- A messy 3-star affair that solved the hunger problem but won’t be winning any culinary awards.
- Black Garlic, Truffle, Parmesan Fries - A solid 4-star side dish, though the uneven distribution of toppings left some fries feeling neglected.
- Liege Waffle
- A disappointing 2-star dessert saved only by nature’s bounty of perfect strawberries.
As gMagicScott savored his meal, the distant pops and sparkles of the fireworks provided a fitting backdrop to the end of an epic day.
And so, dear readers, we leave our hero, perched upon a surprisingly comfortable wooden chair, regaling us with tales of his Epcot adventures as the park empties around him. What wonders await tomorrow? Will gMagicScott complete his Fromage Montage? And will he ever fully dry out from Frozen Ever After?
Tune in next time for more thrilling adventures in “The Epic Tale of gMagicScott’s Pilgrimage to the Bubble”! Same mouse-time, same mouse-channel!
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I was beginning to wonder if Mother Gothel had locked you in a tower.
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Fear not, dear Liner! Not even Mother Gothel’s tower could keep me from regaling you with tales of my Disney adventures. Like Rapunzel with her frying pan, I’ve battled long queues, conquered culinary challenges, and even braved the unexpected shower on Frozen Ever After. My hair may not glow when I sing, but my Disney spirit shines brighter than ever!
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I love this pin 
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But you DID have a frying pan! 
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The Luminous Farewell
As our intrepid hero, gMagicScott, bid adieu to Epcot, he found himself caught in the hypnotic glow of Spaceship Earth’s points of light display.
Like a moth to a flame, or perhaps more aptly, like Tinker Bell to pixie dust, our protagonist lingered, drinking in the spectacle. But alas, even the most enchanting of Disney magic must come to an end, and with a heavy heart, gMagicScott tore himself away from the geodesic wonder.
The Spontaneous Sojourn
As gMagicScott approached the rideshare pickup lot, waving farewell to the ever-cheerful cast members, a spark of Disney spontaneity ignited within him. In a move that would make even Aladdin proud (“Do you trust me?”), our hero made a split-second decision to join the bus line instead.
Little did he know, this impulsive choice would lead him on an unexpected detour through the Disney realm.
No sooner had gMagicScott claimed his spot in line than a trio of merrymakers arrived, fresh from their own epic quest to “drink around the world.” Their success was as evident as the spinning teacups after a particularly vigorous ride. Our hero couldn’t help but wonder if they had encountered any stumbling blocks… or perhaps just stumbled.
The Magical Misdirection
In true Disney fashion, where nothing is quite as it seems, a bus sporting “All Star Sports Resort” signage pulled up. But fear not! Like a fairy godmother’s enchantment, the driver confirmed this chariot was bound for Saratoga Springs. One can only imagine the confusion this might cause for any tipsy travelers attempting to navigate the vast Disney transportation network!
The Springs Escapade
Disembarking at Congress Park, gMagicScott embarked on a moonlit stroll around Lake Buena Vista, his path leading him to the twinkling lights of Disney Springs. His first port of call? The hallowed grounds of Joffrey’s Coffee Shop. Though he resisted the siren call of immediate caffeination, our hero emerged victorious with a treasure trove of future brews: three bags of grounds and a box of K-cups.
After all, why settle for a hotel’s generic blend when one can start each day with a cup of pure Disney magic?
The Cookie Crusade
With the determination of Hercules facing the Hydra, gMagicScott set his sights on his true quest: Gideon’s Bakehouse. Like a modern-day Cookie Monster on a mission, our hero approached the bakery, only to face an unexpected obstacle. The line had transformed into a virtual queue, and gMagicScott found himself without a golden ticket.
But lo! Disney magic works in mysterious ways. With a few taps on her enchanted iPad, a cast member conjured up a spot for our hero, complete with a coveted menu.
As gMagicScott crossed the threshold into cookie paradise, the aroma that greeted him was sweeter than all the sugar plums in “The Nutcracker Suite”.
Alas, the fabled Chocolate Churro Cookie, whispered of in Instagram legends,
had vanished faster than Cinderella’s pumpkin coach at midnight. Yet, all was not lost! Our hero departed with an assortment of Gideon’s finest offerings, destined to transform his mundane conference mornings into breakfasts fit for Disney royalty.
To wash down his future cookie feast, gMagicScott indulged in a French Toast Cold Brew. While it may not have dethroned his usual Peanut Butter concoction (a solid 4 stars to PB’s perfect 5), our hero harbored no regrets. After all, variety is the spice of life, even in the House of Mouse!
The World of Disney Detour
Laden with the spoils of his Springs sojourn, gMagicScott began his exodus. But wait! The siren call of the World of Disney store proved too strong to resist. With mere minutes before the magical kingdom of commerce transformed back into a pumpkin (or in this case, a closed store), our hero ducked inside for one last adventure.
While visions of Christmas merchandise danced in his head, it was a most unexpected item that caught gMagicScott’s eye: Haunted Mansion Crocs.
A conundrum worthy of the Sphinx herself presented itself. Should our size-16-footed hero purchase a smaller pair, not to wear, but to pillage for its ghostly charms? A question to haunt him, perhaps, until his next Disney pilgrimage.
The Homeward Bound Hustle
Emerging empty-handed but full of contemplation, gMagicScott navigated the bustling rideshare zone. Fifteen minutes and one less-than-stellar Lyft ride later, our hero found himself safely ensconced in his temporary abode.
And so, dear Liners, we bid goodnight to our valiant gMagicScott. As he drifts off to sleep, no doubt dreaming of Spaceship Earth’s twinkling lights and the aroma of Gideon’s cookies, we too must rest. For tomorrow brings new adventures, new culinary delights, and perhaps, just perhaps, the solution to the Great Croc Conundrum of 2024.
Until next time, may your FastPasses be plentiful, your wait times short, and your Disney dreams magical. Tune in for our next thrilling installment of “The Epic Tale of gMagicScott’s Pilgrimage to the Bubble”! 
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What an awesome day! Looking forward to the rest of the quest.
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Love the shirt 
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Agreed, great shirt!
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Now I gotta know what makes Gideon’s carrot cake ‘extra special’. And if you get the crocs!
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Noooooo… you just got there! 
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