FROM: Wandering the World with Wally Published Mondays

Snacking at the (Hollywood) Studios

Hollywood Studios has plenty of big rides and shows. But this week Wally has no interest in them. Instead, he seeks a much smaller thrill, rather elusive, but worth the effort of tracking down: the world famous Carrot Cake Cookie.

- by Walter Octavius March, July 25, 2011

KUNGALOOSH!

There you are, my friend! I was hoping you would board the bus at some point during my trek today.

Why are you heading to Disney Hollywood Studios today?

Ah, Tower of Terror, an exhilarating ride, but not for the faint of heart, let me tell you that. I actually had a paranormal experience when I went to the Hotel, a few months back. Maybe we can meet after you go through the attraction and you can tell me if you had the same experience?

What's that? Why am I headed to Hollywood Studios? I am in search of this Carrot Cake Cookie about which I have heard great things.

You've never heard of it either? Well, then, why don't you come along with me and we'll seek it out together. I would love the company, as I always do. All I know is that it is in the Studios, hidden in a little coffee shop.

Wally Rescues Rowling Over Coffee

Speaking of coffee shops, did I ever tell you about the time I was in London and I stopped in a little shop for a Caramel Mocha Latte, when I noticed a young lady sitting and writing while her baby slept? I noticed she was having trouble with something and also that she needed another coffee, so I said that maybe another cup would help un-block the writer's block. She smiled and said maybe, but she was out of funds. So, I chivalrously bought one for her, and we started talking.

Her block was in naming a character for a story she was writing. Of course, never being without a story of my own, I asked what hers was about, and she said some "special" kids at a boarding school". I started sharing a story of my youth at a boarding school and how my friend Don Beasleeman and I used to get into some really outrageous situations, such as the time we "borrowed" his father's car and it ended up stuck in some cliff-side trees off a particularly nasty hairpin turn in the mountains. Of course, it was all in some good fun, as boys will do.

Soon after that, her little one awoke and she gathered up her things and went on her way. I sometimes wonder if my story helped her conquer that writer's block...

Wally Gets His Bearings in Hollywood Studios

Ah, well, here we are at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Which way should we head first? Let's stop right inside the gate and grab a map. That way we can narrow down our choices for finding this amazing cookie!

What's that? Ask someone? What fun would that be? Remember the Adventurer's Club Motto, "Some days you eat the bear, some days the bear eats you, but always dress for the hunt!" Well, that really doesn't apply here, but where's the adventure in asking someone?

Let's get our bearings. We're at the Crossroads of the World. Each area is separated on the map by attractions and dining opportunities. Quite a few food places in this park, aren't there? But I don't see any that are listed as coffee shops. Well, maybe we can find it if we narrow down our choices. We'll assume that anyplace that serves lunch and dinner and is more expensive won't be selling cookies. And I don't believe we'll find cookies at the Toluca Legs Turkey Company - I can't see cookies, coffee, and turkey legs being sold together. I am also going to say no to the Pizza Planet. So that still leaves us six more places to investigate.

Are you ready to do some walking, my friend? Very well, let's go!

Wally in Pursuit of a Carrot Cake Cookie

I think we'll head over to Sunset Boulevard first, since it is closest to us. Let's try into Fairfax Fare first. Ha, ha, try to say that three times fast! Very good, I don't think I could do as well saying "Fairfax Fare first" as quickly as you did. In any event, it's better that we start with Fairfax Fare, since if it sells the object of our quest, we can proceed directly to the Hollywood Tower Hotel.

Here we are! Cookies don't seem to be on the menu. Ah, well. Where to next? Catalina Eddies and Rosie's All American Cafe? Right! And... they don't have it, either. Maybe Starring Rolls Cafe? It says on the map they have pastries. But... no carrot cake cookies on the menu. Maybe we are on a wild goose, er, cookie hunt. I will ask if they exist.

Excuse me, miss, I was wondering if you would possibly know if there is such a thing as a Carrot Cake Cookie? Yes? Okay! No, please don't tell us where we can get it - we are hunting this elusive creature and are having an adventure. But would you be so kind to just show me on the map in what general area it is located? Hmmmmm, near Commissary Lane and Streets of America? Very good, thank you kind lass, and have a Magical Day!

My friend, the hunt is afoot again! We need to go to the other side of the park. I know it is hot, and you want to ride Tower of Terror, but think how good this cookie will taste if it's at least as half as good as I've been told. That's the spirit, let's keep moving!

The cast member said it was around this area on the map, so I am thinking either the ABC Commissary or the Studio Catering Company. Which do you think we should try first? I agree - the Catering Company it is!

It is hot, isn't it? To cool off, stand over next to that giant Coke bottle. No, move to your left. Right there should be good. See, wasn't that cold water stream from the bottle refreshing? Oh, now you're wet and still hungry for a cookie. Sorry. Cheer up, though. We've arrived at the end of our trek.

How about that. No cookie in Studio Catering. We'll have to try the ABC Commissary. Oh, look, a little book store - The Writer's Stop. Perhaps later, as here is the Commissary, and it is most definitely not a small coffee shop.

Excuse me, is there some place nearby where I could get a quiet cup of coffee? Right around the corner, you say? The Writer's Stop? Oh, my friend and I thought that was just a little book store. What's that? They sell coffee and pastries? Well, thank you, kind sir.

My friend, I think the hunt is coming to an end...

The Writer's Stop is a quaint little place, isn't it? They sell plenty of coffee merchandise. How about a cup of coffee? And look there, in the case: the elusive Carrot Cake Cookie! We found it! Hoorah! Excuse me, kind sir, could we get two coffees and two of those carrot cake cookies, please? Thank you very much, and you have a magical day as well.

Well, my friend, here's to a successful hunt and a good looking cookie. Shall we try them? Mmmmm, that is a mighty fine tasting cookie. I think I may just have to get another and sit here and enjoy my coffee.

Did I ever tell you about the time when I was in Brazil and helped save the coffee plants from certain crop failure? It was a few years back and I was...

Where are you going? Oh, that's right, the Hollywood Tower Hotel, Enjoy your ride! We will talk when you get back!

Until next time, KUNGALOOSH! And keep your eyes open for Adventure!

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