When Kyle told me that Neil Patrick Harris was going to be the celebrity narrator for the Candlelight Processional while we were there, I knew there was no way we could miss it! Turns out that you can make reservations at certain table services throughout Epcot, and for a little extra, you can have guaranteed seating at a specific Candlelight Processional. Since I had never visited a Japanese Steakhouse, Teppan Edo sounded like a great place to choose for one of these reservations.
Sprinkles' ancestors decorated the walls of Teppan Edo. |
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No fruit here! I don't remember what these sauces were, but I really like the two on the right. One was ginger I think. |
The restaurant was quiet and reserved but elegant. We were seated at a table with 3 other couples. None of us knew each other, and we didn't really interact except to smile at each other periodically. I found that a little weird, but I got over it fairly fast.
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Our incredible chef |
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Super tasty tempura appetizer |
We started with an appetizer from the kitchen while the chef got to work. I was blown away by the precision timing it took to cook our food on the large hot plate in the middle of the table.
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Kyle's noodles & veggies waiting for his chicken |
Different types of food had different cook times and had to be placed in different spots on the grill in order to get the right heat. Noodles and veggies were cooked first. Then chicken was placed on the plate, and finally steaks and shrimp were added last. My steak was tender and juicy. Kyle's food looked equally delicious!
My steak dish |
I was able to partake in the food without getting over-stuffed and was even willing to try the Chocolate Ginger Cake which sounded the most "normal" of all the desserts. I found the cake to be a bit dry, and the ginger flavor was interesting but unnecessary. Can you tell which cake is mine and which one is Kyle's?
I often dissect my desserts. |
After dinner we thought we'd go sing along with the Three Caballeros again, but the line to get into the 5 pm Candlelight Processional was already stretching from the America Pavilion to the Morocco Pavilion! After a little convincing from Kyle, I agreed that we needed to get in line. I'm not proud of this, but I have to admit that I did pout a bit as I felt the line shouldn't be that long for reserved seating, but it was what it was. As we made friends with those around us, the clouds moving in grew darker and darker. Did you know that the amphitheater where the Candlelight Processional is held is mostly open air without a cover? Yeah, store that away...
We were so close to the stage! This is the only pic I got before the rain started pouring! |
About 5 minutes before the show, an announcer came on and talked about NPH's credits and general awesomeness. When he was done, I expected NPH to walk onto the stage, but the announcement ended with something like, and I'm paraphrasing here, "yes, NPH really is awesome, and we know you really really want to see him, but we're gonna have y'all wait a bit longer, k? Enjoy the rain!" At that moment a woman behind us yelled, "WAIT FOR IT!" (It's a How I Met Your Mother reference.) Kyle and I died laughing, and I actually turned to the woman and thanked her for the humor of it. Those three little words really made a difference in our levels of joy as we had just started to shiver from the wet cold!
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I was unable to take photos because of the rain, but I found this one on tumblr! |
Finally, the stage lights lit up, the music started, and the man, the myth, the legend: NEIL PATRICK HARRIS walked on stage! I think I screamed as clapping was out of the question while holding the poncho over my iPhone, camera, camcorder, and extra battery case! As soon as he got to the microphone another diehard HIMYM fan yelled "LEGENDARY!" NPH looked in the direction of the fan and laughed and said, "Right on!" Classic Barney. Made the night!
Neil greeted us by telling us how much he enjoyed the 5pm Candlelight Processional because he could see our faces. Then he grinned and joked, "and might I say you all look great...wet." We all had a nice laugh over our shared experience. Then he talked about how he is a huge Disney fan. In fact, while we were there, we saw tweets about people spotting him in various parks. He also talked about how now that he has a family, traditions mean even more to him and his partner. I felt his opening was from the heart and quite touching. From there he went into his role as the celebrity narrator. Basically he read the story of the birth of Jesus, and the choir consisting of people from around the country, cast members, and the Voices of Liberty sang songs in between readings. In the final song he sang along. Sadly, I have no photos of the night, but I have the amazing memory which is what matters!
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Kyle after the rain storm! |
Me, soaking wet but happy after the Candlelight Processional |
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Saying goodbye to a very wet Spaceship Earth! |
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Pulled this from a blind box at some point on Day 2. Was crazy excited about it too! Decided to snap a pic while Kyle was in the shower. |
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Best part of dinner at Pop: I used the DDP to get these fresh strawberries for dessert. They came with chocolate sauce and real whipped cream. |
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Characters in Flight, in Downtown Disney, looks gorgeous at night! |
You know where we went first, right? D-STREET for Vinylmation!
Mecca for Vinylmation Collectors |
Cannot believe I pulled these! |
Love the displays made of Vinylmation! Can I please have that chandelier in my home someday? |
Expensive custom 9" Vinylmations by various artists |
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Newest Jim Shore piece: Ariel |
Have you had any "disappointments" on a vacation that you've been able to turn around with an attitude check?
Next post we'll head over to Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, AND Epcot!
*pst* It was chicken parm, and the CM ladeled the marinara on top of my salad without me asking...not that I would ask for that. >_<
ReplyDeleteAh yes! Chicken Parm. I should have better explained that the marinara on the salad wasn't your idea. :)
ReplyDelete