4 Parks + 5 Staples in the Baby's Head = 9 Magical Days!! (9/17 The Last Hurrah!)

[thecapells]

Yes, the title is correct but that comes a bit later.
This is my first TR but I wanted to give back to the DIS since it helped me become the insane planner I am today.
I’ve been to Disneyworld about 5-6 times in the past, most recently with our family of four for my oldest’s 4-year birthday.
Apparently that started a precedent so here we are again for my 2nd child’s 4-year birthday.
We went for a 9-day whirlwind tour of EVERYTHING!!
We splurged this time around and got the Deluxe Disney Dining Plan.
We also planned an "excursion" for each person and some extra surprises Dad had thrown in.

Before I start, here’s the cast of characters:

Mr. Anal Planner himself.
Loves all things Disney save the rollercoasters and big thrill rides (re: Tower of Terror, etc.)
But I’m a big geek and addicted to the “Disney” rides with all of the audio animatronics

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008033.jpg

My DW (nicknamed “Mom”) and partner in crime who let me have fun doing all the planning.
Mom is a big Pooh Bear fan and was looking forward to the Food & Wine Festival and all the new restaurants.

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008034.jpg

DS6 now going back for his 2nd time and looking forward to the stuff he remembers.
He is also excited about the promise of a new park in EPCOT - we skipped that one last time.
Also, DS is a Legomaniac and HUGE Pooh Bear fan and never leaves home without the stuffed Pooh Bear he got when he was 1.

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008031.jpg

DD4 is the princess and very much looking forward to her birthday trip!
She had a small party on her real birthday about a week and a half earlier but this was the event she was waiting for.

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008032.jpg

DS2 (actually 20 months) and the one who caused the commotion.
He was well primed by watching lots of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and My Friends Tigger and Pooh at home.
Rather than using DS6 and DS2 throughout, lets call them DS and X (which is DS2’s nickname anyway).

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008028.jpg

Just so you know, I have a double-sided schedule with rides planned to the minute or so.
I prided myself on no-waits for anything (especially since the little one couldn’t handle it) but knew we’d have to push a bit to get to everything.
The theory was next time we go (most likely for the little one’s 4th), everyone will be in school.
We won't be able to take the same amount of time so let’s splurge now and see EVERYTHING.
Also, since we planned 11/1-11/9, I knew the end of the week would involve the descent of New Jersey onto the parks so I wanted to hit everything early.
With all the research, I figured I could re-arrange my schedule on the fly (and did so many times) but at least I knew the general plan and knew when we’d be back this way or that. And since we were on the deluxe plan, we had more sit-down ADR’s than I’m used to so I wanted to make sure we were where we needed to be (and have the confirmation numbers handy just in case). The meals also counted as a way to slow down and take a break every once in a while.

[thecapells]

An early flight got us to Orlando to try our luck with Magical Express.
I was so convinced it would never work but it is, indeed, magical.
We boarded the bus toward Pop Century (the kids call it “Pop!”) and the kids were excited to watch the video.
Upon arrival, everyone was busting but they knew we had to check-in and get settled.
With the great deals this month, we were able to get attached rooms in the 80’s with a not-too-far walk to the bus stop through the parking lot.
Since we’re not a “stay-at-the-hotel” family who uses the pool or anything, close to the buses is the perk we shoot for.

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008010.jpg

We got to our rooms, unloaded, changed into our afternoon clothes (we spent months on ebay coordinating all of our clothes for the events
of each day – that was my wife’s project), and headed off to Downtown Disney.
It’s always a tradition to not waste a park ticket for the 1st afternoon and enjoy it downtown exploring the shops.
With DS being a Legomaniac and all of us souvenir-hungry, it’s usually a good warmup before the parks.

We took the bus to Pleasure Island since that was closer to T-Rex and we wanted to try to see if we could get in for lunch.
We had Cap’N Jack’s reserved for dinner (Mom was upset after learning about the discontinuation of the lobster tails) so we figured we’d just grab appetizers. Since they were not taking ADR’s, I thought we’d give it a shot because we would be arriving around 2 and that’s not a popular lunch or dinner time. We were in luck and got right in and seated in the Ice Cave.

Now, this was a wonderful way to start off the vacation.
By the end of the trip, this was still one of the top 5 highlights for everyone.
The dinosaurs were awesome (once the kids got over the fact that we were sitting right next to a baby dino who kept calling for his mama),
the changing color of the Ice Cave was very cool, and the meteor showers just made the place go nuts.
It is a bit noisy but the atmosphere is awesome. And surprisingly the food was great!
We got the really big appetizer combo with the ribs and one kids meal.
The kids meal had EIGHT nuggets and 2 sides of applesauce so the kids shared that while Mom, X, and I split the appetizer tower.
The food was much better than I had expected from a chain restaurant. Here's some pics:

With the baby dino sitting behind us:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008013.jpg

The fossil in the Ice Cave:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008015b.jpg

And the restaurant's namesake:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008019.jpg

Off to the rest of Downtown Disney!

[mrsksomeday]

You pulled me in with your title. Great TR so far, you have a beautiful family, can't wait to read more popcorn::.

[Angelia'sthree]

Sounds great~! :yay:

I'm always surprised when I read about husbands who do so much planning.
I bet you all have an amazing time.....minus the stiches for poor baby.

[thecapells]

I'm glad I got some followers - it really was one heck of a way to start the trip. Let me post another bit to bring you up to speed.

[thecapells]

DS’s eyes lit up as soon as he saw the huge lego robot outside Lego Center.

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008025.jpg

We knew it would be hard to get him out of there.
We did the create-a-minifigure and DS and DD each made one. Mom made one for X.
DS also got one of the create-your-own-set boxes so he filled it with pieces he needed for his creations at home.
This was a great surprise for DS but all the kids loved it.

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008021.jpg

X thought these were really cool:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008023.jpg

Next up was World of Disney of course (see hats pictures at the start of the thread). We usually hit this for some souvenirs from the trip.
DD got a special 2008 shirt, we grabbed some Disney Racers for DS and X and made it out without too much fanfare since I was aching to get to Once Upon a Toy. DD had to pose with the princesses first:

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008026.jpg

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008027.jpg

Now it was lightsaber-building time!
Another surprise for DS (we tried to get him his fill since most of the trip was designed around princesses for the birthday girl).
Mom took X and DD into the back to fill up a box of My Little Pony accessories while DS and I went to work.
With a little help from a CM, we got both his and mine (yes, I wanted one too!) assembled and were excited!

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008037.jpg

Dinnertime at Cap'N Jack's and the story behind the title coming up next...

[kafitty]

i'm reading! :thumbsup2

[alan_renfroe]

Great report so far! Can't wait to read more!

[luckylady]

I'm in. Can't wait for more.

[beachwarmer]

Great title.....can't wait for more.

[thecapells]

Dinnertime at Cap’N’ Jack’s! We weren’t terribly hungry after T-Rex since there was more food than we expected there.
So we had salad and picked a bit at our entrees. I got the Penne Pasta Alfredo with chicken,
Mom got the Shrimp and Penne Pasta (in lieu of the lobster tails), X had my berried treasure smoothie,
and the kids got mac & cheese with berried treasure smoothies for dessert.
They were really looking forward to those since I had read them the menus before we left.

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008044.jpg

The rule for the trip was the kids were only allowed mac one meal per day (otherwise they’d have it 3 times a day).
Mom and I were looking forward to lots of new and fun restaurants this trip with the Deluxe Plan.
And I had booked lots of character meals to avoid having to wait on line for chars throughout the trip.
Unfortunately, without the lobster tails, Cap’N’ Jack’s was mediocre at best. It ended up being a good thing that we filled up at T-Rex earlier.
Still, everyone was having fun. Outside, we got a great pic outside with Pooh Bear:

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008045.jpg

X found a hat he fell in love with (please excuse the drool from dinner):

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008048.jpg

And DD and DS had fun with a dalmation:

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008049.jpg

[thecapells]

We were finally in Disney after months of planning and having a blast!
But it was getting late and we had an early Breakfast with Pooh in the morning so we were excited to get back to Pop and get to bed.
So, with Mom making the bath in the kids room, I started to unpack, and the kids got undressed.
However, the kids were a little more excited than we thought and started running around.
Before we could stop them, DD knocked into X and he slammed his head on the metal plate of the adjoining room doors.
We didn’t think much of it until we saw the blood begin to gush out. Now, it looked a lot worse than it actually was but it looked bad.
After grabbing some towels and thinking it was deep, we called ‘911.’
First on the scene was the manager of Pop Century to help.
Then the emergency crew came and took Mom and X away while the manager tried to see if there was anything else she could do.

There wasn't and I was fuming/panicking all at the same time.
After calming myself down and realizing I was helpless at this point, I managed to bathe the kids and get them into bed.
Then I unpacked everything, set the room up, and got out our clothes for the next day.
Mom called shortly thereafter and informed me that it wasn’t as deep as we thought and they were going to put 5 staples in to close it.
We’d have to get them removed in 8 days. The bigger issue was getting her back to Pop since we had no car.

She called a cab company and explained the situation but the cab arrived with no carseat.
She and I both spent the next hour trying to get her a way home.
She had the front desk of the ER call another company to make sure they could bring a cab with a carseat.
I worked with the Pop frontdesk to see if there was some transportation we could send like the Magical Express.
Finally she got a cab with a carseat and got back home. Pop covered the cost of the cab.
The manager even left a message on the phone the next day checking to see if X was okay – it’s the little things that make you love Disney.
We got X into his pack-n-play and we were in bed by midnite.
It was hectic and insane and I assumed my schedule was now garbage as we’d need to take it easy and sleep in.
However, Mom said the docs told her it wasn’t too bad, the staples were merely to prevent a bad scar,
and X should be good to go with the pain meds they gave him.
And tomorrow was Breakfast with Pooh Bear - Mom made it clear that after all that, she was not missing her Pooh Bear Breakfast.
So we set the wake-up call for 6 AM and went to sleep. How’s that for a first day?
I guess we can always say that X was so excited, he cracked his head open.
And, as you'll see by the end of the report, Mickey is the best medicine!

I have to go help set up for Turkey Day but I hope to post more tonite and this weekend.
For now, here's a shot of the poor little guy (like I said, looks worse than it was):
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008230.jpg

[4 mickey]

Hi
oh !!!! my what a day !!!
Poor little one :guilty: a big outch !!!!
Your have a nice family !!
Can wait for the rest of your TR and hope no more staples ...
You got me hooked :)

[sweetpee_1993]

I'm in for the adventure, too! My goodness! X's melon looks Frankenstein-ish. Poor fella. Hugs to the little trooper. Those head splits always seem so horrible because they bleed sooooo much. My youngest popped his open, too, (many years ago) and you woulda thunk his head was coming clean off by the amount of blood that poured out.

Looking forward to the rest of the journey! Happy Turkey Day!

[beachwarmer]

Wow....that photo is scary. What a way to start your trip....

I am looking forward to hearing about breakfast with Pooh.

[luckylady]

POor baby it looks like that would have hurt for a couple of days. Hope he took something for kids. Now with the bad thing for the trip out of the way, I look forward to reading about a wonderful rest of the trip.

[overthemoon4mickey]

I'm in! I so understand what you went through. We went last December (9 days) when DS was 22 mo. old. He fell the 2nd day at AK and skinned his lip and smashed his tooth so hard he chipped the flat surface of it. Luckily mouth wounds heal quickly but in all the pics of the trip he has a big ol' skinned lip! Oh, yeah count me in for the ride!

[DisneyNutMary]

Great report so far.
Poor little X, not only did he hurt himself, but he has the tell tale signs of a teething kid (lots of drool) What a trooper he must have been throughout the trip.

You have an absolutely beautiful family... the kids look so happy to be in WDW, it makes me wish mine were that young again.

I look forward to more of your report popcorn::

[BTDTGB]

Ouch!!! But he will have a great story to go with the scar. Great trip report can't wait to read more.

[reelmom]

YIKES! Pretty scary. Too bad they didn't give him Mickey Head staples. I can't wait to read more.

[tinytreasures]

poor little X
love the trip report so far :lovestruc

[thecapells]

The phone rang about 6:00 and when I picked it up, Stitch was yelling at me. That definitely puts a smirk on your face!
Mom and I got up and starting packing the double stroller (we brought our own this year after they doubled the prices of renting them.
We figured at $31/day, it would cost $279 for 9 days while we bought a nice MacLaren off Craig’s List for $150
and we can keep it or re-sell it). Getting the kids up was a bit rougher but not too bad once they remembered we were in Disney.
Some last minute things (as always) delayed us but we were at the buses by about 7:30.
We arrived at the Magic Kingdom around 8 (it opened at 9 that morning) and headed for the breakfast entrance.
We had at an 8:05 ADR at Crystal Palace – my favorite trick to get in the parks early is to book an ADR before the park opens!
So we made it down Main Street after the obligatory 1st shots with the castle – it was X’s first visit after all.
I’d post some of them here but I just finished editing our Photopass pics and the CD will take some time before arriving.
Maybe I’ll add the pics when the cd arrives. The best shot that morning on my camera was right after checking in at
the Crystal Palace while we waited for our table:

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008060.jpg

We were seated quickly and told the waiter about DD’s birthday.
We received a Birthday pin at check-in but DD didn’t want to wear it since it “put a hole in her clothes”.
X got a 1st Visit pin but didn’t wear it much, and DS wore his Jedi pin that came with our lightsabers.
I (the buffet runner) went to get food. The kids were excited and X was a bit groggy due to lack of sleep and pain meds
but Pooh and the gang definitely cheered him up and this was a great way to start a day in the parks!
We dined on eggs, breakfast pizza, fruit, Mickey waffles (of course):

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008061.jpg

and I orderded some chocolate chip pancakes for the kids as well.
DD even got a birthday card from Pooh and the gang complete with a cupcake:

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008071.jpg

But, of course, the highlight was the characters.
DD was SOOO excited to show off her pin to each character and give them all hugs (last time we came she was afraid of everyone but Mickey).
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008064.jpg

I got to bounce with Tigger!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008066.jpg

Pooh Bear is DS’ favorite and you can see it from the look on his face.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008073.jpg

And Mom lights up whenever Pooh Bear is around. The characters even made little X smile and get into the spirit:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008074.jpg

DD finished her cupcake, we had seen Pooh, Tigger, and Piglet, and even participated in the parade,
but Eeyore was just starting his rounds on the opposite side of the restaurant.
It was 9:00 already and the commando in me said we have to get moving.
We explained to the kids that we’d see Eeyore later but the park was opening and we have lots of fun ahead of us so off we went!
It was an overcast day and apparently it rained while we were eating so we put the rain cover over the stroller and got ready for fun!
Our first traditional stop after Breakfast with Pooh? Why, right over the bridge to Adventureland of course! There be pirates awaitin’!!

[jmskinner]

Ok, I'm hooked. Saw your pic on the MK photo thread and thought I would check out your TR. Sorry to hear about X's head, but glad he is ok.

[thecapells]

Ok, I'm hooked. Saw your pic on the MK photo thread and thought I would check out your TR. Sorry to hear about X's head, but glad he is ok.

Yeah, I loved that pic (the kids were so excited) so I couldn't resist posting in the other pic threads.
As for X, thanks for the concern. As you'll see, he's doing fine and had a great trip!
Back at home he's still pointing out Mickey Mouse everytime he sees him on tv, shirts, toys, etc.

[All7OfUs]

Just can't wait to read more. Since we won't be back (we live overseas) for a very long time, I have to live vicariously through my friends on DIS :rotfl: You're family sounds like you love all things Disney just like us!

[thecapells]

Hello again everyone!
Sorry about the wait but it's time to rejoin our Adventure!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008075a.jpg

Our traditional first ride is usually Pirates of the Caribbean so we made our way over to Caribbean Plaza.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008076.jpg

I snagged Jungle Cruise fast passes on the way but when we got to Pirates, it was closed.
With a quick turnaround, we began to head back to Aladdin's Magic Carpets...

That is, until I saw the Pirates Photopass photographer. We swung around again and took the Magic Captain Hook pose.
I was intent on getting this one after I saw it on the DIS (thanks guys!)
You stand there with a sword and they put Captain Hook in later fighting against you.
Both DD and I did the pose while Mom started back towards Aladdin.
The pics came out great! When I get the Photopass CD, I'll post them.

We caught up to everyone at Aladdin’s Magic Carpets and X was very intrigued by his first ride.
He kept pointing to the carpets as they flew by and was getting more and more excited.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008175.jpg

We all poured into one carpet and X didn’t know what to think.
He was still a bit groggy and you can even see the staples in this one.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008082.jpg

But we took off and had a blast – so much that X cried as soon as it stopped because he didn’t want to get off.
I don’t think he understood that he had 9 days of fun rides like this ahead!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008083.jpg

DD and DS loved the spitting camel and were careful to avoid getting hit but still managed a cute pic:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008084.jpg

Now it was time to change my all-powerful schedule.
With Pirates down, and a Jungle Cruise Fastpass under our belt, the Enchanted Tiki Room should be next but it wasn’t open yet.
So I juggled a bit and decided to hit another prime attraction while it was still early.
We cut through Agrabah to Frontierland and headed towards Haunted Mansion (while explaining to the kids that it’s not really scary).
The change was a good call as we got to meet Frontierland Donald on the way!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008086.jpg

The Haunted Mansion had no line this early so we basically got right on.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008087.jpg

DS was okay but DD informed me afterwards that she didn’t want to go on this ride next time we come to DisneyWorld.
DS said the same thing last time but don’t remind him. :ssst:

We cut back through Frontierland to Agrabah and saw that the Enchanted Tiki Room show was just starting so we ran right in.
We missed the pre-show but I don’t like the new one so much anyway.
I’m also much more a fan of the original show than the “Under New Management” version but the kids at least know Iago and Zazu and had fun.
X was even dancing to the songs and pointing at all the birds.
On the way out, I needed my standard picture with my namesake:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008183.jpg

Next we headed to the Jungle Cruise and bypassed a significant line with our fastpass.
It still amazes me how so many people don’t use fastpasses.
The kids began referring to the fastpass line as "Dad's Secret Entrances" to the rides.
X was still a bit groggy but he was having fun.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008184.jpg

The others wanted to make sure this wasn't scary like Haunted Mansion.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008093.jpg

We lucked out and had a great guide with lots of the usual bad puns.
This rhino seems to be getting his point across, and I'm sure that guy on the bottom will get the point in the end!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008099.jpg

Here's the backside of Schweitzer Falls named, of course, for the famous African Explorer, Dr. Falls (I really kinda liked this shot):
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008101.jpg

And we weren't embarrased to see the elephants bathing since they all had their trunks on!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008103.jpg

After arriving back in civilization, we headed back to Pirates and it was up and running.
First we stopped off to say “Tick Tock” to the Captain – check out the video clip for Hook and Smee’s reactions…
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/th_Disney2008106.jpg (http://s381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/?action=view&current=Disney2008106.flv)

And then on to the Pirates!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008107a.jpg

DD was so scared of this ride last time when he was 4 that he was weary of every boat ride in the park afterwards (and remember, it was our 1st ride).
So this time, we prepped the kids by telling them that the “new” ride is more of a game and their job is to find Jack Sparrow hiding throughout the ride.
After seeing the movies, both DS and DD loved the idea of this game and the ride became an instant highlight.
DS also plays Pirates Online! so he loved seeing remnants of the game throughout the ride as well.

By now, it was around 11:15 or so and time to start using that Dining Plan so we headed back to Agrabah and grabbed a Dole Whip Float at Aloha Isle.
This was our first Dole Whip (thanks to recommendations from the DIS) and we have vowed that it will not be our last.
I should’ve taken a picture of the float with a straw and 4 spoons as it made the journey to Fantasyland for lunch DOLE-icious!
But that story is for the next post!

[All7OfUs]

Still LOVING your report! I guess you probably have to be a real Disneyphile like me to think those corny jokes on JC are funny! They DO crack me up every time I go on it :rotfl2:

Keep 'em coming!!

[jmskinner]

Great update. Love the video! I like the pic of your family on the carpets.

Ooh, you tried the Dole Whip Float! I love them. I buy one everytime I am heading out of MK.

[thecapells]

Great update. Love the video! I like the pic of your family on the carpets.

Ooh, you tried the Dole Whip Float! I love them. I buy one everytime I am heading out of MK.

Yeah, I was having fun talking to each of the characters although this was the best reaction.
DS had to start asking me to stop getting the villains mad but, when I did, he came up with new ways to get them to act up and wanted me to continue (more on that later)!

Aladdin was a bit sunny (hence the squinting) but it was a blast and a fun first ride for the trip.
Someone in front of us was nice enough to take a picture of all 5 of us but it came out awful.

The Dole Whip Float was soooo good. We even tried to go back and get another one several days later but it didn't work out.
We will definitely get one next time though.

I must say the DIS gave me a great list of new things to see and try!
Thanks again guys!
And I'll try to get the next installment up soon!

[burly]

I too saw your picture and you hooked me with the title of your trip report. Loving it so far. Kids are sooooo cute.:angel: Keep it going. I'm in!:thumbsup2

[Emma's Dad]

Following you here from the DIS Dad's link and I'm looking forward to the next installment! Feels like I'm right there in the park with you every step of the way :thumbsup2

[thecapells]

When we last we left, we had our 4-straw Dole Whip Float in hand.
We cut back through Agrabah to Frontierland en route to Fantasyland!

First stop was to grab fastpasses for DS’s favorite Peter Pan and then onto Pinnochio’s Village Haus for lunch.
I was looking forward to a nice cheesesteak and Mom had her eye on the turkey and bacon panini we had seen on the Allears menus.
Alas, the menu changed and this was now a pizza and chicken nugget joint.
DD ordered the PBJ but barely ate it, DS had pizza, Mom had the Meditteranean salad, and I had nuggets.
X had scraps of pizza and most of the sides – apple sauce, carrots, etc.
More importantly, we snagged a seat with a window view of Small World to keep the kids entertained.
I found this to be the key to enjoying the meals – keep the kids entertained.
I made sure to research all the places where there was something for the kids to do. Sorry the pic is a little dark...
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008109a.jpg

So, after watching and waving to everyone else, it was finally our turn for Small World.
We hit the restrooms (the closest one operational was at the end of the Peter Pan’s Flight building near the Frontierland entrance)
and then got on the fast-moving line for It's a Small World.
We were making good progress until we were informed by DD that ANOTHER restroom stop was necessary.
So we trekked all the way back to the bathroom. When we got back on the line, it was a bit longer but still moved well.
I also tested out the theory of “always use the right queue” and, although it looked longer, we blew past the people next to us on the left side.
Mom couldn’t believe it but chalk another one up to DIS insight.

On line, X was having a blast making faces with me:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008196.jpg

And he was very excited to ride in his own seat instead of on a lap:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008111.jpg

About 5 minutes into the ride, however, he was asleep:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008206.jpg

This was DD’s favorite last time (she was only 15 months old and loved the dolls).
But she was enjoying it just as much today as well:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008198.jpg

Here’s some ride shots. I always liked the duckbill platypuses:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008118.jpg

And I don’t recall seeing the Tiki guy before:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008120.jpg

Mom snapped this one because she's always liked the smiling cactus.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008205.jpg

Lastly, the obligatory Winder Wonderland sequence:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008122a.jpg

When the ride finished, there was a crowd gathered at the exit since it was raining very heavily.
No matter, we were just running across to Peter Pan.
So I grabbed the sleeping X and we ran for “Dad’s Secret Entrance” (otherwise known as fastpass).
The rain woke X up, but there was noone on the fastpass line (still can’t understand why noone else seems to use it).
We quickly boarded two flying ships and were off to Neverland!
By the time we finished Peter Pan's Flight, the rain had stopped.
Several more restroom stops later (recognize a pattern here yet?), and we headed to DD’s favorite - Ariel's Grotto.
She was talking about it for weeks and was just busting to hug Ariel.
We got to the entrance (is that big tent outside new? I don’t remember that being there).
However, there was over a 40 minute wait and we had lots more to do today.
We told DD we would come back and she was very upset but handled it like a big girl.
So, we headed for the exits since the park was starting to fill up and I wanted to introduce the kids to EPCOT anyway.
DD was REALLY looking forward to that.

On the way out, we got a great picture of Daisy hiding in a courtyard next to City Hall.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008124.jpg

Then Mom went to get our GAC for the stroller.
X has issues with his ankles and can’t do a lot of walking.
Mom has a hole in her Achilles tendon which tends to act up when walking alot.
Put the two together and we figured we might need the assistance at the end of longer days.
Next stop - The Highway In the Skys!

[LGH1946]

You have a great camera and make great pics!

I'm realy enjoying this.:)

[Nicole786]

Im really enjoying this, your kids are so cute! Im headed to Pop next week I cant wait!!

[thecapells]

You have a great camera and make great pics!

I'm realy enjoying this.:)

Thanks - The camera is new. It's a Canon Powershot SD1100IS and does seem to take much better pics than my previous one.

Im really enjoying this, your kids are so cute! Im headed to Pop next week I cant wait!!

Have fun! Believe it or not, I'm jealous that your trip is just starting!

As for my trip, I'll try to post the next segment tomorrow (time for bed now).
Glad everyone's enjoying it so far since I'm having a blast writing (and reliving) it!

[overthemoon4mickey]

First, your family is so cute! Poor little X! He looked so sleepy at breakfast. Glad to hear he's a little trooper!

I just LOVE the littel mickey ears your DD has on over her pig tails. So adorable! I want some!

[maxie]

Very cute family!!

[*DisMom*]

Just found your trip report and I'm hooked! So sorry about your little man's head...I couldn't imagine going through that experience! Can't wait for your next installment!!!!

[thecapells]

First, your family is so cute! Poor little X! He looked so sleepy at breakfast. Glad to hear he's a little trooper!

I just LOVE the littel mickey ears your DD has on over her pig tails. So adorable! I want some!

My wife found those on EBAY and I thought they were great with DD's Minnie Mouse outfit.
I believe the seller is handi*candi* originals if you want a set for yourself!

[thecapells]

Don’t you just love hearing that phrase?

Well, we grabbed the first monorail over to the TTC to transfer for EPCOT.
Since it was the kids’ first visit to EPCOT, I wanted to ride in the front for the next leg.
Just like the castle in Magic Kingdom, that first view of Spaceship Earth should be magical.
And what better way to see it than rising up over the horizon from the monorail?
Not to mention the cool mini-monorail tour of Future World before the station.
Someone was already waiting, but since we were ahead of schedule and had an easy afternoon ahead, I figured we could wait.
Mom unpacked some snacks (she’s always prepared) and changed X into his EPCOT shirt.
Since only 4 are allowed up front, Mom sacrificed and took the stroller in the 1st car while I went with the trio!
We each got monorail co-pilot licenses (Mom was jealous)
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/MonorailLicense.jpg

And we had the driver take our picture of course (I forgot to take off X's bib)
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008131a.jpg

We had a blast. DD and DS each took different sides and X kept running between them.
One of his early words is “sit” and he loves to say it and then go do it.
So he would run from DD to DS, yell “sit” and then climb up onto the seat
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008128.jpg

Before he made it back I snapped a shot of DD
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008130.jpg

Our driver was really nice and we chatted a bit on how cool it is to be a monorail driver.
She told us we picked a good time to grab the front as TTC to EPCOT is the longest ride in the park (and the best front seat view).
When “the big golf ball” (as DS calls it) came into view, the kids couldn’t believe how big it actually was.
DS and DD were ooohing and aahing. They were more astonished when I told them we’re going INTO the “ball” to ride Spaceship Earth.
X, however, was more interested in the really, really cool parking lot out the left side with lots of cars.
“Vroom, vroom!” Not quite the magic I was expecting but at least he was happy and excited.
I pointed out all the pavilions we would visit as we circled Spaceship Earth and the kids were definitely getting psyched.
Even X began to show an interest once the other kids pointed stuff out to him.
As expected, we had to have a picture with the friendly driver to commemorate our experience!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008132.jpg

By now it was around 2:15 or so and everyone was busting.
After several reminders to walk down the ramps and stay off the railings, DS promptly fell down scraping up his arms and legs.
Apparently each child was destined for scars this trip.
Finally we reached the entrance to EPCOT and were delighted by all of the Food and Wine decorations (Mom and I were psyched for our first F&W trip).
We had some really good photopass pics of the entrance, but until I get the CD, you guys get stuck with the ones from my camera.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008133.jpg

“Alice in Wonderland” songs played throughout the entrance area as the theme this year was “Cities in Wonderland.”
I made sure the kids saw the movie again before we left so they were at least familiar with them.
This worked out rather well as they recognized the songs and looked forward to them upon entrance and exit.
I even caught them singing and humming some of them here and there. It was really cute.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008134.jpg

So off we went to ride the “big golf ball.”
And once again, we were denied. Spaceship Earth was currently down for the count.
A quick backup plan was to keep going and try to find the Disney VISA Meet and Greet.
I found the regular Character Spot with a wait of over 40 minutes before I was able to locate the random curtain in Innventions.
There is basically just a rope in front of a curtain and a line of people waiting. After about 20 minutes, they let us in.
Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy were waiting in a room all to ourselves! It was awesome!
DD & DS instantly became shy while X kept shouting “Mow Mow” (Mickey Mouse) and pointing.
It was a great time – too bad the photopass photographers had the lighting all wrong and messed up most of the shots but that’s for later.
DD finally warmed up and showed off her ears to Minnie Mouse for a big hug:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008137a.jpg

I only took a couple more shots before I just had to put my camera down and watch the kids have a magical time.
Here’s one that shows the magical expressions on their faces.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008138a.jpg

After some time, we said good-bye to the mice (and dog) and X found a little house next door and went running.
He was so excited to run around the house for a bit (it was the house from the “Where’s the Fire”).
And he needed to get out some wiggles after waiting in line for Mickey.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008139.jpg

After a quick restroom stop, we proceeded to the Imagination pavilion.
This was arguably my favorite EPCOT ride as a kid thanks to that good ol’ purple dragon.
I’ve seen the updated version and still long for Dreamfinder but at least Figment is back.
I was disappointed that they removed his Meet and Greet but at least he’s in the ride.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008141.jpg

The ride was fun although the dark, the skunk stink, and the puffs of air really freaked out X and got DD a little unnerved too.
I think the highlight for everyone was Figment’s house upside-down – especially the toilet.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008142.jpg

After, we played around in Imageworks. The kids even helped me email a picture back home:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/ImageWorks2008.jpg

DD and DS had fun conducting and then everyone ran around the squares that lit up.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008212.jpg

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008213.jpg

X even made a new friend:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008211.jpg

Once we got out all our wiggles, I figured we’d go watch Honey, I Shrunk the Audience.
I warned the kids that we shrink and then there’s a snake, a lion, and a dog that appear quite big.
After another restroom stop and debating about finding a Food and Wine snack (all the way at the front of the World Showcase),
we gave up and headed to the movie - the CM said the show is starting in 5 minutes.
Wrong. The pre-show TV’s started in about 10 minutes and we watched an annoying screen saver for another 10 minutes.
That was followed by a Kodak commercial and then finally the pre-show.
Then, and only then, after all 3 kids were losing it, did they allow us inside.
After such a build-up, this show was, shall we say, interesting…
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008148.jpg

X freaked out, DD jumped into my lap at the sight of the first large creature, and DS was unimpressed.
He later informed me that we weren’t the only people to shrink – the entire audience shrunk.
Mom was unhappy with the wiggly and upset X in her lap and I liked it less than last time. I still miss Captain Eo. :cool1:
After a quick visit to the leaping fountains, I noticed that the boards said Spaceship Earth was open!
Hopefully that would fix all the grumpiness from the movie.
We ran over and walked right on. This time, I had DD and Mom had the boys.

I really like the additions (I told everyone that the guy at the computer in the garage was just like Dad).
The new ending with the cartoon on the way down was a nice touch as well.
The kids had a lot of fun answering the questions and Mom barely noticed going backwards (she didn’t like that part last time).
The cartoon in my car was even funnier than anticipated – the cameras missed DD since she was cuddled up with me the whole ride.
So our cartoon had one person with my face and the other was headless!
News from the other car was that DS answered one of the questions “wrong” (according to him) and X fell asleep.

Despite the mishaps, Spaceship Earth received an “Awesome” from both DD and DS and our new rating system began.
While DD loved just about everything, DS was tough to impress and not many rides received such high a rating.
In fact, Spaceship Earth was only one of two to reach that plateau in EPCOT.
It received so high a rating that DS now referred to it as Spaceship Earth instead of "big golf ball."

After the ride, we headed over to the camera shop right next door to get our free 5x7’s from the Disney VISA Meet and Greet.
It turned out that all of the pictures had really bad shadows over ½ the picture.
They were so bad that the CM called over to them to inform them of how horrible the results were.
Luckily, there was one decent one with the whole family so we had that one printed and I scanned it in.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyVISAPic.jpg

After getting our 5x7, we headed to the restrooms to change into our dinner clothes (coordinated of course thanks again to Mom).
Tonite was going to be DD’s birthday dinner (even though the actual birthday was a couple weeks ago) but that’s for next time.

[nts4wdw]

I'm really enjoying your trip report! Awesome pictures!

[reelmom]

Awesome family pictures in front of the big ball and the meet and greet. Sorry to hear they didn't all turn out but the one you got is great.

[TheCapellsMom]

OK- I am tired of letting my DH have all the fun writing the trip report!!! So- be prepared for Mom's comments along the way!!! It's amazing how we both went on the same vacation together but our memories and impressions are so different! I guess women just view the world differently! Right Minnie?? ::MinnieMo

[shannn]

Oh mom, I'm so glad you're here too. What fun to get both perspectives!!
Wherever did your DD get those cute Mickey ears she's wearing? I love them!!

[tinytreasures]

OK- I am tired of letting my DH have all the fun writing the trip report!!! So- be prepared for Mom's comments along the way!!! It's amazing how we both went on the same vacation together but our memories and impressions are so different! I guess women just view the world differently! Right Minnie?? ::MinnieMo

I can't wait to hear it from both point of views :lovestruc
love your dd's ears

[reelmom]

I love He said/ She said trip reports. So much fun. I can't wait to hear both sides of the story.

[Wherem I Now]

Another Dis Dad checking in and hooked. Especially since TheCapellsMom has joined in to contribute "her side of the story"! :lmao:

Welcome to the Dis! :welcome:

[Jenvenza]

Great reviews!!! Can't wait for more!

[KidGoofy]

That was really good and I am subscribing

[BTDTGB]

Where is the Disney Visa photo area? I have been three times since becoming a Disney Visa holder and have never used the free photo pass. I normally get the photo pass and never bothered looking for it. But on our next trip we will have my Niece and Nephew with us (6 and 7) and it would be great to have a little of the character interaction that you guys seemed to have had.

[KidGoofy]

It is by the Segway thing inside Innoventions.

We tried doing it last time we went but the line was very long and my 3 year old brother is very impatient

[thecapells]

Welcome to everyone just joining us! We had left off outside Spaceship Earth after changing into our dinner attire.

We made our way back through our shortcut ouside Innoventions and over to The Seas for our 6:30 Coral Reef reservation.
:fish:
We got there about 6:25 but were told there was a ½ hour wait even with ADR’s.
Not fun as everyone was tired and hungry so we decided to make some phone calls.
No one had yet heard the story of X's staples and we figured we should tell the family.
We also had to call my sister and sing “Happy Birthday” since it was actually her birthday that day.
After calling the parents, the parents-in-law, and the grandparents, we were still waiting so we took pics (of course)
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008149.jpg

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008152.jpg

And then I took X to wander inside the lobby (being careful not to ruin the surprise of the aquarium). Around 7:10 or so, we were finally seated.
It was worth it as we got a really big booth on the floor looking right at the aquarium.

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008160.jpg

It was comfy and I think I preferred the booth to being right against the glass.
The kids were excited since they didn’t know about the aquarium ahead of time.
DD was given her personalized menu with all the pics of her and couldn’t quite understand how Disney had all those pictures.
Since I had arranged a Disney Enchanted Call from Ariel (her favorite) on her actual birthday,
DD knew that Ariel was waiting to wish her happy birthday. So the menu read “Happy 4th Birthday Love, Ariel.”
I told her that Ariel wanted this to be a special meal under the sea with her.
But since she couldn’t be here, she sent the menu.

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/CoralReefMenuCover.jpg

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/CoralReefMenu1-1.jpg

And before our waiter could even talk to us, Ariel sent her 2nd present:

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008153a.jpg

DD was dumbfounded and didn’t know what to do. Ariel had sent divers to say Happy Birthday!
The first diver knocked on the glass, waved, blew bubbles, and even threw sand in the air like confetti.

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008155a.jpg

He then left, got another diver, and she came back with the sign and did it all over again!!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008214a.jpg

It was great and I even got a special hug from DD for all the surprises.

Now, Mom and I got to enjoy ourselves – our first real meal on the Deluxe Dining Plan which included appetizers! YEAH!
The kids both got butter noodles (mac and cheese is no longer available and they hate red sauce).
DD also stole some of mom’s shrimp, and X picked off everyone’s plates as usual.
Mom had the shrimp and steak skewers for her appetizer and then seafood linguini.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008166.jpg

I hade a HUGE Cesar Salad and then my favorite – grilled mahi-mahi. It was soooo good!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008165.jpg

DS spent the meal drawing a maze which quickly turned into an awesome map of Future World.
I told him he has to learn it since I expect him to help me plan the next trip!

For dessert, I tried the Chocolate Wave and was a bit disappointed – I should’ve had the mousse.
Mom had the key lime pie and was in heaven and DS had a make-your-own sundae.
DD had a fruit cup with a candle in it for her birthday and then the restaurant sung "Happy Birthday" to her.
DD then surprised us by finding a Hidden Mickey right in the headrest of the booth:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008163.jpg

I had told everyone to be on the lookout throughout the trip and they found the obvious ones here and there but this was the first real good catch.

After a nice, relaxing meal, it was late and apparently X needed to make another phone call (sorry for the bad picture - he looks stoned):
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008168.jpg

So we hit the restrooms and headed back.
We had intentionally planned to miss Illuminations due to the time and mass exodus out of the parks.
However, we couldn’t resist the EPCOT night shots so we took some on Photopass.
I kept our photopass with all 4 Key to the World (KTTW) cards so when I took out the photopass, I realized my KTTW was missing.
I had put the tip on our KTTW and must have left it back at Coral Reef.
So Mom took the stroller and all 3 kids to the bus while I ran back.
They couldn’t find it and I figured I was screwed until I realized I had it in my other pocket.
Okay, so I’m an idiot. On the bright side, I heard the start of Illuminations on my way back and even saw some of it in the sky.
I got back to the buses just as Mom was packing the stroller up and the bus rolled up.

Back at Pop, we had some surprises waiting next to DS’ Pooh Bear:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008172.jpg

As well as DD’s Pooh:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008171.jpg

It was really late (about 10:00 or so) so we got DD and DS into bed.
X stayed up a bit more before he settled in and then Mom prepped for Day Three.
I downloaded all the pics to the laptop and burned a CD just in case.
I ordered a wake-up call for 5:30 (and one for the kids’ rooms at 6) and we hit the sack.
Tomorrow was Extra Magic Hours (EMH) at Animal Kingdom and we planned to head into the jungle for a Safari!

[DisneyMom5]

Haven't read this all yet, but I saw your siggie on the food porn thread and you had me at staples! :lmao:

I'm amazed that we've been to WDW this many times with injury (if you don't count the horrible stomach bug my dd caught on our first family trip. Ugh.)

Thanks for sharing your report! :thumbsup2

[thecapells]

Where is the Disney Visa photo area? I have been three times since becoming a Disney Visa holder and have never used the free photo pass. I normally get the photo pass and never bothered looking for it. But on our next trip we will have my Niece and Nephew with us (6 and 7) and it would be great to have a little of the character interaction that you guys seemed to have had.

It's located in Innoventions next to the "Where's the Fire" exhibit.
It's literally a rope in front of a curtain.
People are standing behind the rope in line and a CM directs you in one family at a time.
If you can't find it, ask a CM at Innoventions and they'll show you.
That's we what we did.
And it's open 1:30-4:30. We went back several times but the wait was really long as KidGoofy said (BTW, Welcome KidGoofy!)
I'd estimate 40 minutes or more from where the rope stops (we were about 4th or so and waited about 20 minutes).
So go early to get a shorter wait because there's nothing to do there while you wait.

Once there, the CM gives you a slip for your free 5x7.
You have to pick it up at the camera shop next to Spaceship Earth.
Hope that helps and thanks for reading along!

[nts4wdw]

Lovely Pictures! We've got Coral Reef on our summer list, but I've not been so sure. Now, I think we will give it a go!

[Sarilas]

Poor X! But it looks like everyone's still having a great time, and I can't wait to read more!

[thecapells]

Lovely Pictures! We've got Coral Reef on our summer list, but I've not been so sure. Now, I think we will give it a go!

I highly recommend Coral Reef.
Even without the diver and the menu (both of which were discontinued I hear), it's a great place.
The mahi-mahi is delicious, Mom loved her shrimp, the ambience can't be beat, and the kids are entertained.
I look forward to it every trip to EPCOT and I'd say it's one of our top 3 favorites at WDW.

[nts4wdw]

I highly recommend Coral Reef.
Even without the diver and the menu (both of which were discontinued I hear), it's a great place.
The mahi-mahi is delicious, Mom loved her shrimp, the ambience can't be beat, and the kids are entertained.
I look forward to it every trip to EPCOT and I'd say it's one of our top 3 favorites at WDW.

High praise! It's definitely on the list!!

[Disney Spaz]

Subscribing to this report. I love all the wonderful things you did for DD.

[I'mNoPrince]

Loven the report and the Pictures are Great.

But I have to say that One with X on the Phone looks like a Little Person calling in a Bookie Bet. That is so funny and cool looking.

[BTDTGB]

Thanks for the info guys. thecapells my DW's birthday is also November 2. I completely agree with your review of the Coral Reef. The food was great, as was the atmosphere (was a little loud), but I was also disappointed with the chocolate wave.

[thecapells]

Thanks for the info guys. thecapells my DW's birthday is also November 2. I completely agree with your review of the Coral Reef. The food was great, as was the atmosphere (was a little loud), but I was also disappointed with the chocolate wave.

no prob on the info.
And wish your DW a Happy Belated Birthday from the DIS! :)

[Villainess]

I'm joining in - great TR so far! Your kiddos are very cute - I made DD a Minnie ears hairbow for her last trip, too.

[jmskinner]

Loving your TR. It is so much fun to read TR's with both perspectives. Men and Women do view the world differently.

Glad you found your KTTW, I actually managed to lose my DMIL's on our first trip. Not hard to replace at all, but it is scary when it happens.

Thank you for directions to the Disney Visa Meet and Greet also. I had asked a CM where it was and they were no help. Now I know, hopefully they don't move it before our long weekend in September.

Your kiddos are so cute!

[thecapells]

JAMBA!
The phone rang and Stitch yelled at me again.
We got ready and I was in the kids’ room by 6:00.
When their phone rang, I put it on speaker so they could hear Stitch screaming: "GOOD MORNING! NO MORE SLEEPING!"
Mickey apologized but Stitch ended with "GET MOVING!" before he hung up.
The kids LOVED this. DS thought it was funny that the phone was like an alarm clock.
With smiles all around, we got into our safari gear and made our way to Animal Kingdom.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008219.jpg

Upon arrival, DS was getting grumpy since he was the odd man out of the double stroller.
We told him that we would take turns (and we did).
After making it through the entrance and on to Discovery Island, we were in the middle of the pack waiting for rope drop.
While we waited and since we couldn’t see the show, we found a Photopass photographer and took pictures, what else?
Hopefully I'll get my Photopass tomorrow and can post the pics then.

When the rope dropped, we followed the insane pack of people towards Africa and Kilimanjaro Safaris.
We made it a long way into the queue before the line stopped.
Apparently some animals were crossing the jeep paths and causing delays.
Don’t they realize we’re on a schedule?!?!?! :yay:
About then, DD informed me that she has to use the restroom BADLY.
Great. So I grab her and wind all the back through to the front and find a restroom across from Tusker House going as fast as I can.
These “potty breaks” were getting to be “oh so much fun” but at least there were no “accidents.”
We then BEGGED the CM at the safari entrance to let us back to where our family was.
He directed us to the FastPass CM and that CM was nice enough to let us by.
Another CM further down the FastPass line told me my family was waiting off to the side.
Apparently Mom had warned everyone about the crazy guy that was going to come running down the FastPass lane.
Unfortunately this was not the worst “potty experience” of the trip but that’s for later.
But we finally made it to the jeeps and were assigned the backseat (and boy was I tired).
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008222.jpg

The backseat of the jeep was neat because this way we could look out the back if we missed something. However, the back is also the bumpiest.
The ride was fun and the kids were all laughing at the bumps – even X!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008221Logo.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008461aLogo.jpg

That was my attempt at splicing a logo on the pictures myself.
Who needs Photopass anyway? :)

I think Mom's safari highlight (being our resident animal lover) was the new baby giraffe Bonsu:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008224aLogo.jpg

But we also saw elephants, crocodiles, and a white rhinoceros jumped out near the end and almost rammed us.
You gotta love it when your driver is legitimately surprised. I had to take her pick after that.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008227Logo.jpg

After the ride, we headed back to Harambe and checked in at 9:05 for our 9:00 ADR at Donald's Safari Breakfast in the Tusker House.
We ended up having to wait till about 9:30 to be seated and DS used that time to learn the Animal Kingdom Map.
Of course, this destroyed my schedule for the day since I was hoping to make the 10:30 Lion King show and then an 11:30 Nemo.
Has anyone tried to go these 2 shows in ½ day before? It’s close to impossible.
So, I gave up on that idea entirely and decided to just enjoy breakfast.
And enjoy we did – this was one of our 2 favorite buffet breakfasts of the trip.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008253.jpg

DS, DS, and I filled up on Mickey waffles, really good eggs (the best of the week) & bacon.
They even had tater tots which was a very nice addition for the kids (and me). :)
X filled up one cereal, eggs, bacon, and anything in front of him that wasn’t bolted down.
Mom enjoyed trying out the African dishes and we even snagged some chocolate chip muffins and apple pastries for later.
I think the food highlight was the Jamba Juice:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008235.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008236.jpg

And to top it off, next came the chracters! Mickey, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy were all here in their Safari Gear.
Mickey was first to make the rounds and I had to get a pic with the mouse himself:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008234.jpg

DD once again showed off her pin trying to impress Mickey.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008233.jpg

And X finally got to meet Mickey!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008232.jpg

Then came Goofy being, well “goofy”, once he saw X.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008237a.jpg

Which prompted an entire conversation. We decided that you are not allowed to ever be “silly” in Disneyworld – instead, you must be considered “goofy!”
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008240.jpg

To illustrate the point, Mom made “goofy” faces with X similar to those we made on Small World.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008241.jpg

Then X caught site of Donald making the rounds and was ecstatic!
He kept shouting “Duck, duck, duck” and then “Quack, quack, quack!”
He watched Donald make it all around to us and then got down and ran over to him.
Donald liked X’s Donald shirt and X LOVED Donald.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008243.jpg

Everyone was chuckling that X apparently now had a favorite Disney character.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008244.jpg

X even followed Donald to the next table before we could stop him.
But Daisy followed close behind in what the kids called “Back to Back Ducks.”
X immediately ran over to Daisy and tried to explain to her that Donald just left.
“Duck, Duck, Quack, Quack” he exclaimed as he pointed to Donald. It was really cute!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008245.jpg

Even when we took a nice picture, he still had his eyes on Donald!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008246.jpg

DD was excited to see Daisy again since she was the only girl here this morning.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008247.jpg

And the rest of the boys had to jump in as well.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008248.jpg

Then it was parade time! We all shook maracas and followed the characters around.
X grabbed one for each hand and I carried him through the parade.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008252.jpg

He was grinning from ear to ear. And he was no longer on pain meds.
Mom had stopped the previous night once it seemed that he was doing ok.
So we felt much better about everything and just enjoyed his happiness.

[thecapells]

After breakfast (and restroom stops), it was about 10:45 and we headed back to Discovery Island.
Just over the bridge, I surprised everyone and headed left onto a small path.
Since I had time to kill now, I figured it would be fun to try it out.
I had heard about this path on the DIS :disrocks: and it was really cool.
We saw some cool birds and had a nice, relaxing, tropical walk.
DS and DD pointed out some cool trees and really liked the angles of the Tree of Life from here.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008260.jpg

Lastly, we found some quaint waterfalls so I made Mom pose for a nice pretty picture and added another logo.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008256aLogo.jpg

The path continued and wound its way back to the path for It’s Tough To Be A Bug by the stroller parking.
Since there was no line to be seen and the CM said the next show was about to start, we figured we’d head on in. After donning our bug glasses
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008259.jpg

we grabbed our seats and had fun. I always liked this show since all of the “surprises” are telegraphed so they become even funnier like the stink bug.
As soon as you see him, you just know the stench is coming but it’s so funny hearing the audience screaming “no, no, no!”
I think DS appreciated that aspect but DD and X were still a little worried when Hopper showed up.
My favorite part is always the end when the bugs crawl by your feet and past your back.
I tried to make sure both DD and DS were sitting all the way back in their seats to feel the sensation but it didn’t work.

We headed around Discovery Island and down the path for Camp Minnie Mickey.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008261.jpg

After a long walk down the path, we arrived at Festival of the Lion King only to find a huge line.
By this point, we’ve had some nice pretty long walks and Mom and the kids were feeling it.
We broke down and finally used the GAC. A CM led us to another path and into the theatre to sit for the last 10 minutes until the show.
Resting Mom’s ankle and the tired kids was definitely a plus.
We were seated in the Warthog section (we always seem to get the warthog section).
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008263a.jpg

But this time it worked out, because X loves to make piggy noises so he had a blast.
The show was great as usual although DD was a bit disappointed that the monkeys didn’t run into the stands.
Last trip, DS was on the aisle and got a high-five from the monkeys for his birthday and DD wanted one this time.

After the show, we debated our next course of action as I was still reworking the schedule in my head.
But it's getting late so I’ll save the schedule rework for the next segment!

[jmskinner]

I should be in bed right now, but saw you had updated and just had to read it. That was really cute that X fell in love with Donald.

The back of the Safari ride is rough. I think I ended up about a foot off my seat last time. Cool pic of the Rhino. We haven't been that lucky.

Really enjoying your TR.:thumbsup2

[TheCapellsMom]

here’s the cast of characters:

Mr. Anal Planner himself.
Loves all things Disney save the rollercoasters and big thrill rides (re: Tower of Terror, etc.)
But I’m a big geek and addicted to the “Disney” rides with all of the audio animatronics

My DW (nicknamed “Mom”) and partner in crime who let me have fun doing all the planning.
Mom is a big Pooh Bear fan and was looking forward to the Food & Wine Festival and all the new restaurants.

DS6 now going back for his 2nd time and looking forward to the stuff he remembers.
He is also excited about the promise of a new park in EPCOT - we skipped that one last time.
Also, DS is a Legomaniac and HUGE Pooh Bear fan and never leaves home without the stuffed Pooh Bear he got when he was 1.

DD4 is the princess and very much looking forward to her birthday trip!
She had a small party on her real birthday about a week and a half earlier but this was the event she was waiting for.

DS2 (actually 20 months) and the one who caused the commotion.
He was well primed by watching lots of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and My Friends Tigger and Pooh at home.
Rather than using DS6 and DS2 throughout, lets call them DS and X (which is DS2’s nickname anyway).


OK- This description of our family is pretty much just right but my DH forgot one important thing: he forgot to tell you just how much time he had spent talking about this trip and planning this trip and obsessing about all things Disney in the months before our departure!!! I think the kids were already burned out and sick of the Disney talk before we ever went! I know I was!!!

But to be fair, I had spent quite a while planning out our outfits, shopping to fill in the gaps in our "disney wardrobe" and making sure we had as many fun Disney items as possible for the trip. So, when we packed, I made sure we each had 2 themed outfits per day (the kids clothes rarely last a full day at home so i knew it would be hopeless at WDW) plus lots of fun little things like plastic disney cups for the kids, mickey ponchos in case it rained, a mickey throw blanket for the stroller, a mickey cooler for our snacks, etc. Yup- I can be a little obsessive too! ::yes:: I even found the most adorable pair of Mickey sneakers for myself! teehee!

Oh- we also should probably mention that I am afraid of heights (good thing DH and I agree about something- huh?) so we did the trip with no rollercoasters or other thrill rides at all. But, I get a little freaked out even on things like Aladdin and Dumbo while DH is fine unless the ride moves really fast. So be sure to check out my face in our pics on some of the rides that go up! I was trying so hard to be brave for the kids!

OK- gotta go wake up the DH who was up too late again last night hangin' with his peeps on the DIS!

[fireworks fan]

Just wanted to say that I am really enjoying your trip report. I was hooked by the staples in the title too, since my DS had staples in his head too this year from an accident. The little ones recover quickly, thankfully!

[thecapells]

Just wanted to say that I am really enjoying your trip report. I was hooked by the staples in the title too, since my DS had staples in his head too this year from an accident. The little ones recover quickly, thankfully!

Welcome aboard!
Yeah, by Day 3, the staples weren't much of an issue with X (although he had different issues later).
But we still felt really bad everytime we saw them (I couldn't even look at them).
And Mom made a point to make sure the chars didn't pat him on the head (which they tend to do).

[*DisMom*]

I am so enjoying your trip report! We won't be there until next Thanksgiving, so reading detailed trip reports makes me feel like I am there in some way!!! Waiting patiently :surfweb: for more!!!!!

[thecapells]

I am so enjoying your trip report! We won't be there until next Thanksgiving, so reading detailed trip reports makes me feel like I am there in some way!!! Waiting patiently :surfweb: for more!!!!!

Hey there *DisMom*! I'm glad the report is filling the void for you.
With the weekend almost upon us, I hope to get several more segments posted. Stay tuned!

[thecapells]

Oops! I'm not logged in as me!!! See my post below!

[TheCapellsMom]

An early flight got us to Orlando to try our luck with Magical Express. We got to our rooms, unloaded, changed into our afternoon clothes (we spent months on ebay coordinating all of our clothes for the events of each day – that was my wife’s project), and headed off to Downtown Disney.


OK- first of all- our flight to Orlando was really quite early so I was up at 4:30am (argh) making sure that everything for the flight was in order- 2 juice boxes, 1 sippy cup, 3 bags of fruitsnacks, 3 empty plastic bags in case the kids get motion sick or have an accident or.... ok well you get the picture! I've been a girl scout since the 1st grade so I really take the "be prepared" motto to heart!

Let me tell you, Southwest Airlines makes me mad sometimes! The entire plane was full of families headed to Disney but since they do not assign seats, there were tons of families that had to split up all over the plane rather than sit together. I got to play nanny to an 8 year old girl whose mom was 2 rows up. I found her annoying but X was thrilled to have a new little girl to bother! So take note- you need to get to the airport WAY early to checkin in if you have Southwest tix and want to sit together!

I was also pleasantly surprised at how smooth the magical express process was. Most notably, if you've never used the service before, you should know that they have a nice seating area near the ticket counters where all the moms and grandmoms go to wait for the dads on the ticket line. So here I am with 3 wiggly kids totally psyched to be in FL and totally wound up after the long flight- and there are hundreds of other families just like ours! Need I say more? It was CHAOS!!! I wish there were something (anything!) to do with the little monsters- the kids were just bouncing off of each other, the furniture, etc.! :Pinkbounc :jumping3: :bounce:

Also, worth mentioning is the fact that our hotel rooms had a couple small problems when we arrived: The doors between the 2 rooms would not open, one air conditioning unit was not working, and we did not have the fridge or pack & play we requested. Well, gotta love Disney- we called and within minutes the maintenace guys came and fixed it all. Plus, they gave us the larger rental fridge (for free) instead of the little medical one we had on our reservation!

Mom's reviews of T-Rex and Captian Jacks coming soon folks!

[thecapells]

While Mom tries to catch up with her comments, I’m going to keep pushing ahead cause I just uploaded a bunch more pics.
Oh, and our Photopass CD arrived!! :yay: I’ll post some highlights from the 1st three days after I finish up Day 3.
Too bad – I was having fun splicing my own logos.

So where was I? Oh Yeah! Festival of the Lion King.
After the show, it was about 12:15 and lunch made the most sense.
A quick rework of the schedule and I decided that we had time for a quick lunch, some playtime, and then Finding Nemo: The Musical at 1:45

So we headed back to Discovery Island and stopped off at the Flame Tree Barbeque after hearing good things on the DIS.
I told Mom to take the stroller, X, and DD and head down to the secret duck pond seating area.
DS and I got the food which they messed up (in a good way) giving me an extra order of BBQ chicken.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008273.jpg

All the food required me to take two trips all the way down the ramps to the duck pond.
After trip #2, Mom was waiting to take DS and DD to the restroom.
X had fallen asleep on the way to get lunch so she needed me to watch him while she escorted the others.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008272.jpg

I set up everyone’s place and enjoyed the serenity at this seating area.
Mom and I were excited to try the BBQ as we heard lots of great things but were rather unimpressed.
The kids had hot dogs and were also unimpressed but we all loved the seating and the view of Everest.
DD and DS spent the meal watching the trains going in and out of Everest and listening to the screams.
I even got a great shot of "the ride we shall never ride"
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008274.jpg

Now it was already about 1:00 so we headed over to the Boneyard (the kids loved this last time) for 10 minutes of slides before getting on line for Nemo.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008299.jpg

DS tried the big slide last trip and had a blast but DD was very tentative of this 3-story freefall (I know I would be).
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008278.jpg

DS took her under his wing and up all the ramps and, sure enough, they both came flying down with huge grins!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008284.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008283.jpg

After a couple of more slides
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008280.jpg

And some driving lessons,
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008281.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008282.jpg

we headed to Nemo but the line was all the way back to Dino-rama.
We hoped we could use the GAC again to get seats while we waited in order to relieve Mom’s ankle.
However, we were told there was no GAC line for this show and that the 1:45 was already “sold out.”
We explained to the CM that we thought there would be a GAC entrance like Festival of the Lion King.
He was nice enough to offer us a pass to the 3:15 show to make sure we got in and told us where to line up.

Mom really wanted to see the show but I had planned on hopping to Studios for the afternoon.
I had planned on the High School Musical show, Star Tours, Muppetvision 3-D, and some character pics for the afternoon.
But I figured I could probably rearrange all of that for our other Studios Day.
After some discussion about what to do (Nemo v. Studios), we decided to stay.
Mom and DD really wanted to see Nemo and DS wanted to play some more.
We headed back to Boneyard and over the Oldengate Bridge
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008464Logo.jpg

so that DS and DD could go “Diggin’ in Dinoland” as the song goes.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008289.jpg

DS worked to unearth a bone and was proud of this picture
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008295.jpg

DD thought it was more fun, however, to bury them. After annoying DS (and several other children), we found a spot where she could bury without bothering anyone.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008291.jpg

At 2:30, we headed back and took one last pic on the way out:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008296.jpg

Outside, we found Mom and the still-sleeping X.
DS and DD and I headed off to the restrooms and found this guy.
The kids wanted to make silly (excuse me, “goofy”) faces:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008300.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008301.jpg

When we got back, we woke X up and changed him into his Nemo outfit before getting in line for Nemo (we have to be coordinated you know).
On line, they announced we can have water and the kids (and myself) were parched.
So I ran all the way back through the line to a snack cart for some water.
Then I had to navigate my way back through the crowd to the meet everyone.
Bottom line is that I am glad we rearranged the day.
Finding Nemo: The Musical was a lot of fun. We had great seats since we were there so early this time.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008310.jpg

And the kids even enjoyed waiting as they kept trying to find Nemo throughout the bubbles on both sides of the stage.
(An animated Nemo floats by through different bubbles while you wait.)
It's pretty funny to hear all the kids in the audience scream in unison each time they find him.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008306a.jpg

The kids liked the chars that ran into the audience and could not believe how “ginormous” Nigel was (according to DS).
After the show we followed the crowd back to Discovery Island and tried to figure out what to do next as we were officially “winging it.”

[thecapells]

As we were walking I noticed a CM by the Character’s Landing entrance.
I asked if there was a wait and she said it was empty.
Since I knew who would be down there, I detoured and started skipping down the path with a big smirk.
I heard groans of “where are we going?” and “Daaaaaaaaad” but kept skipping away with X in my arms holding his hat.
Then around a corner, X saw who was waiting (as did the others) and a smile crept across everyone’s faces.
X started pointing and getting excited. Pooh Bear, Tigger, and Eeyore were waiting with only one family ahead of us.

DS was in heaven because here, again, was his favorite so he was first to a hug:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008317.jpg

X was a little more unsure of the situation
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008318.jpg

But Pooh got down on his knees and made it too inviting for X to resist.
Around now he also figured out the whole point behind pictures.
He walked up to Pooh, turned around, and then backed into his outstretch arm.
I wanted to starting beeping like a truck backing up. It was so cute.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008320.jpg

DS had to get her birthday hug
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008321.jpg

and then we had to get the obligatory family Pooh shot
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008323.jpg

After barely snapping a couple, DD ran off to hug Eeyore since we missed him at the Crystal Palace
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008324.jpg

DS joined her
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008325.jpg

And then X backed his way into the frame
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008326.jpg

Last was Tigger and DS ran over to him
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008327.jpg

DD broke into tears because she wanted to be first. Guess who was getting hungry after not having a very good lunch.
X took a picture while he growled for the bouncy tiger.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008328.jpg

But even Tigger could not convince DD to come get a hug.
So it was now about 4:15 or so and our next activity was a 6:35 Chef Mickey’s ADR.
First thought was to hop over to Studios and try to get in some stuff.
But it would be about 5 by the time we got there and we’d have to leave at 6 to make dinner.
An hour in the park made no sense and DD was obviously hungry.
So we pulled over to a bench and Mom brought out the muffins from breakfast.
All of a sudden, a huge crowd formed a little ways down the path and Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade started.
We had a nice view from our bench and were not near the crowds so it was a nice surprise.
The kids danced as they snacked and I tried to get some good photos of the parade characters.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008332.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008334.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008342.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008370.jpg

Twas a nice surprise and made for a good pitstop.
Next was a restroom stop and I called Disney Dining to try and move our reservation a little earlier with no luck.
While the others were gone, X started playing with his new hat on the benches.
Boy did he like his hat.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008381.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008384.jpg

Next time, off to dinner with Chef Mickey!

[jmskinner]

:rotfl: DD covering up the bones is too funny. I can just imagine how upset my DS would be.

Glad you got to see Nemo. It is a great show.

I bet X backing up like that was really cute. Beep Beep!

[thecapells]

When we got to the Animal Kingdom buses, we changed our minds about heading directly to the Contemporary.
Instead we grabbed the bus to the TTC (we’ve never been there before since we always stayed on property) and then hopped the big ferry to Magic Kingdom.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008390.jpg

The ferry was fun (although I think the long day was catching up to the kids as they were getting tired and restless).
I managed to luck out and a get a shot (albeit somewhat blurry) of the fireworks from the Dream Along With Mickey show.
That was a treat as I didn’t even realize it was coming!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008403.jpg
I think X and Mom had the most fun cuddling up on the ride over.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008399.jpg

At Magic Kingdom, we headed to the resort monorail (one of X’s favorite WDW attractions so far) and went one stop to the Contemporary.
We got changed for dinner (of course), took the obligatory “picture by the plate”, and got our buzzer.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008411.jpg

DS was definitely grumpy by this point and started to even hate the whole buzzer system just because. Here's a "forced" smile when I made him pose for a cool shot:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008415.jpg

DD was a little better, but X was also losing it.
Everyone was basically tired and hungry which was annoying because I was looking forward to Chef Mickey’s and wanted to enjoy it.
Last time around, this was by far our favorite restaurant so I was very excited to come back.
We were finally seated in the back room (we always seem to get the back room but we really like it)...

[thecapells]

I took DD to pick out her food (shrimp, veggies, and melon – weird kid).
And I grabbed a plate of mac and cheese for DS and some shrimp for mom.
Afterwards, Mom scoured the buffet and was excited by her Hidden Mickey Ravioli
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008447.jpg

I was able to grab my sliced turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy. MMMMmmmm.
Too bad I didn’t get to enjoy it as much as I would have hoped.
Between restroom stops, more food runs, and taking pictures of everyone, this night was a bit more hectic than I would’ve liked.
But in a good way (as you can see by the pictures). A a good time was had by all.
X even started to smile after Minnie wished sweet nothings in his ear:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008417.jpg

I wanted to a Minnie hug too so I grabbed the kids and got into the act
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008418.jpg

And DS was feeling much better all of a sudden. Gotta love that Disney Magic:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008469.jpg

Then the parade started and the kids got to swing their napkins around.
With some food in their system and the authority to swing things, attitudes were much better.

DD was excited because she got a special Birthday placemat and cupcake.
I really like these and we still have DS’ from our last trip
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008443.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008449.jpg

Goofy helped her light it
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008423.jpg

And then took a pic with the boys
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008424.jpg

Then came Donald and you know who loves Donald.
“DUCK! DUCK! QUACK! QUACK!”
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008425.jpg

DS was next
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008427.jpg

And then DD wanted to show off her cupcake
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008428.jpg

The mouse himself was next – what a day – opening and closing with a hug from Mickey:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008430.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008431.jpg
I was a bit disappointed by the family picture but figured we can try again later in the week (We had breakfast scheduled here later in the week).
And X didn’t want Mickey to leave at all
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008433.jpg

And don't forget Pluto!!
We hadn't seen him before so meeting Mickey's Best Pal was fun.
And he was very attentive to X.
First they barked at each other
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008434.jpg

And then X honked his nose
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008435.jpg

DS wanted a Pluto picture too. But before I could snap one, X backed up into it. Beep Beep Beep...
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008438.jpg

And don't forget the Birthday Girl...
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008436.jpg

Another parade kicked off and the kids were swinging those napkins once again.
The waitress was nice and placed a cupcake in front of DS (so he would not get jealous) and DD immediately jumped up.
“But it’s not his birthday.”
I took them both to the dessert bar to get other treats and that seemed to fix everything.
DS concocted a great ice cream sundae and was very proud of it despite it starting to melt all over the place
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008445.jpg

Meanwhile the waitress lit DD’s cupcake again and both Pluto and Mickey came by to celebrate!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008450.jpg

I grabbed some cheesecake for myself topped with a Mickey of my own
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008459.jpg

And had to try a Mickey Oreo:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008455.jpg

We even got X a plate of treats with chocolate cake.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008465.jpg

X proceeded to “become one” with the chocolate cake and then eyed the cupcake on the plate next to that one (you can see it here).
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008452.jpg

"What cupcake? I didn't see a second cupcake..."
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayThree/Disney2008473.jpg

After dinner, we were exhausted and figured the Magic Kindgom bus stops would be jammed so we monorailed to the TTC.
It that a verb? "Monorailed?" Well, it is now.
We hoped to catch a bus from there until the CM when we got off said we couldn’t.
Luckily the monorail didn’t leave yet so we hopped back on and headed for the Magic Kingdom and on to the buses for Pop.
Another exhausting day in the books but it was a lot of fun.
Tomorrow was another early morning but a light afternoon to take it easy.
We had a date with Soarin’ for EPCOT’s Morning Extra Magic Hours!

[thecapells]

Looks like everyone is quiet and must be planning for the holidays.
Well, hopefully some of these pics will get everyone talking again.
Now that I finally received our Photopass CD’s (633 pictures on 2 discs), I figured I’d add the highlights from the 1st 3 days to catch up.
Since Day One was Downtown Disney and had no Photopass photographers, we’ll start with Day Two.

First off, we had to take the obligatory shots down Main Street.
Since we were in the park early for our ADR at Crystal Palace, the place was empty.
The castle shots weren’t that great (too much glare for the kids). But I love these “magic” Tink shots:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008009.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008011.jpg

From Crystal Palace we headed to Pirates of the Caribbean (there was still some glare):
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008023.jpg

And then the picture I was hoping for – the “magic” Captain Hook shot.
It’s one of my favorite pictures from the trip.
Mom said I look like a kid in this shot I was so happy:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008013.jpg

DS’s was pretty good too:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008015.jpg

Next Photopass stop was meeting the “real” Captain outside.
I love the shot of Hook’s hand in front of DS’s face.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008025.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008027.jpg

The family shot is missing DD because she was too scared of Captain Hook:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008029.jpg

That afternoon was our introduction to EPCOT:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008034.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008037.jpg

And then the Disney VISA Meet and Greet.
Here are the best pics as most of them had issues with the lighting as I previously mentioned.
First, DD showed off her Minnie ears to Minnie:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008047.jpg

And the boys had wonderful expressions on their faces
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008053.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008068.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008058.jpg


Lastly, our group shot:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008065.jpg

On the way out, I thought Tink was a great highlight to the “exit shot”:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008074.jpg

[luckylady]

Great pictures. I wish we were getting ready for the holiday but we bought a house and are moving in this week.I'm ready for the next installment of you wonderful TR.

[thecapells]

Next set is Animal Kingdom. The generic “family in front of the Tree of Life” shots weren’t that great but the “magic” Simba ones were cute:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008084.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008086.jpg

I got a great couple with little X:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008092.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008095.jpg

Since the kids kept squinting, I cropped out me and Mom for a nice one on the bridge:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008105.jpg

Last stop was Character’s Landing with the Hundred Acre Wood Gang.
These are similar to the ones I posted except you get to add the signatures to these.
First was Pooh...
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008113.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008117.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008124.jpg

The family ones came out pretty good:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008129.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008131.jpg

Next was Eeyore
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008137.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008141.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008146.jpg

Last was Tigger
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008154.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008160.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008166.jpg

As we headed out, we finally got a nice family Animal Kingdom shot
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008169.jpg

Then some one-on-ones with Simba...
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008179.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008181.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008185.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008188.jpg

I was even able to get one with X! The photographer wasn’t sure but I asked him try:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008190.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008195.jpg

And since I was wearing my Lion King shirt, the CM made me do one as well:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008202.jpg

Okay, now that we’re caught up, I’ll mix in the Photopass pictures with the rest of the trip report.
Next up is Day Four and Soarin’!!
Until then, let’s hear from all you lurkers out there!!
Is everyone still with us or did you all get bored and wander off? :confused3

[akayek31]

Ok I have heard of people saying they pre ordered their photopass. Did you do that? and 633 pics :scared1: was that expensive?

[luckylady]

was that expensive?

No you pay one price for as many pictures as you want and you create from what they took.

[thecapells]

Ok I have heard of people saying they pre ordered their photopass. Did you do that? and 633 pics :scared1: was that expensive?

Yeah, I pre-ordered but we actually "pre-ordered" once we got home. (I forgot to do it before we left).
As long as you apply for the deal before you claim your pics, it works.
And we got the special combo deal. For $150, we pre-ordered the photocd and the professional photobook. Should total about $200.
Mom is working on the photobook.

No you pay one price for as many pictures as you want and you create from what they took.

Right, we actually had about 300-something pictures.
After all my edits and graphics were added, the total is 633.
The pre-order price covers all the pictures no matter how many CD's you end up filling up.

[thecapells]

Great pictures. I wish we were getting ready for the holiday but we bought a house and are moving in this week.I'm ready for the next installment of you wonderful TR.

Good luck with the move Luckylady (I hate them - I told my family after the last one 3 years ago, we're here until the kids go to college).

As for the next segment, I'm working on uploading Day 4 pictures now.
I hope to sit down and write it up in the next day or two.

[Angelia'sthree]

Finally caught up~! You have some wonderful pics~!!

[thecapells]

Finally caught up~! You have some wonderful pics~!!

Thanks and welcome aboard Angelia'sthree!

[jmskinner]

Oh, I love Photopass pics. I think I am going to pre-order the CD. We have my folks coming for Christmas, and then the husbands folks (incl his Dad, Stepmom, and Mom who get along) and they all want to go to Disneyworld so I thought Photopass would be great to get pics of everyone. And then give them as a gift.

X with Simba is just great. I want a Captain Hook one.

Looking forward to more!

[thecapells]

Oh, I love Photopass pics. I think I am going to pre-order the CD. We have my folks coming for Christmas, and then the husbands folks (incl his Dad, Stepmom, and Mom who get along) and they all want to go to Disneyworld so I thought Photopass would be great to get pics of everyone. And then give them as a gift.

X with Simba is just great. I want a Captain Hook one.

Looking forward to more!


I highly recommend Photopass.
The nice thing about deciding ahead of time is you are on the lookout for the photographers everywhere.
And you usually get nice shots of the family rather than having one person always missing since they are taking the picture.

As for the Captain Hook shot, it is right to the right of the entrance to Pirates of the Caribbean.
Just look for the tripod right outside the giftshop - it's definitely one of my favorites and I was searching out the photographer to make sure we got it!

[thecapells]

Oh, I love Photopass pics. I think I am going to pre-order the CD. We have my folks coming for Christmas, and then the husbands folks (incl his Dad, Stepmom, and Mom who get along) and they all want to go to Disneyworld so I thought Photopass would be great to get pics of everyone. And then give them as a gift.

X with Simba is just great. I want a Captain Hook one.

Looking forward to more!


BTW - I'm very jealous that you are only 1 hour away and can go all the time.

[amaxwell]

Thanks for sharing! Now I now what I will need to do if we have an emergency with my 17month old when we go in March!

[sandym718]

Loving your report!! the photos are fabulous!! I'm wondering if when "Mom" pops back in, if she could share a few of her favorite eBay Disney sellers. I love those Minnie ears pigtail holders! I'd love to do some shopping before our May trip!

[thecapells]

AUTHOR’S NOTE: I apologize ahead of time but this segment is a bit light on pictures as we were otherwise occupied with awesomeness.
Now back to your irregularly scheduled trip report…

Early morning at EPCOT means one thing – everyone’s going Soarin’!
We’ve heard of this ride, seen the commercials, and everyone was looking forward to trying it for the first time (except Mom).
I had convinced myself it was no different than Star Tours (which I love) or a big swing set so I was willing to give it a try.
DS was very excited after hearing and seeing all about it on the planning videos and travel channel shows.
DD decided she wanted to try it (albeit very tentatively) which I hadn’t planned on.
At her 4 year check-up a couple of weeks before, she measured 39.5 inches without shoes so I prepared her by telling her they might not let her on.

So, after our Stitch wake-up call, we put on our EPCOT clothes and headed out. Yes, we have EPCOT clothes.
I’ve never done rope drop at EPCOT before so I was not sure what to expect.
When we arrived around 7:45, lines stretched from the gate all the way back to the bag check and the entrance wasn’t even open yet.
DS needed a restroom stop and I figured we had plenty of time judging by the line.
When we got back, Mom and crew were almost at the gate as the line moved very fast.
We caught up and headed into the park to the tune of “A Very Merry UnBirthday” once again.
I think the kids will forever associate EPCOT with Alice in Wonderland.

Anyway, I handed all the tickets to Mom, grabbed the kids and headed off.
Morning assignments were as follows:
Mom had X in the stroller and could continue at her own pace to The Land to get fastpasses for Soarin’.
(I expected we would all like it and want to go on again and Mom had no interest in going on herself.)
My job was to get the kids on line as fast as we could.
By the time we rounded Innoventions going at a good clip, DD broke down and said she couldn’t go on.
I picked her up (much to the annoyance of DS) and continued on.
At the entrance to the Land, DS was really complaining so I put down DD and we headed (with the crowd) to Soarin’.
Now, the moment of truth.
The CM stopped DD and checked her out. From my vantage point, she was literally AT THE 40” LINE.
I kept thinking "I should have gotten her taller shoes!" In the end, the CM let her pass.
For the entire time on line (about 10 minutes), DD was SO EXCITED that she made the cutoff she was beeming and retelling the story over and over.
“I was JUST tall enough! I can’t believe it! That’s because I’m 4 now!”
I think she viewed this as a sign of getting older and this was the prize.
I got several hugs and just general elation at the fact that she was tall enough.
DS spent the time reading signs and checking out the gliders hanging from the ceiling.

We got to the next CM, and headed down the aisle to get our seat assignments.
We were on the last glider, Row One, the last 3 seats.
Standing in line waiting for the pre-show, DD started to get very nervous (as you can see on her face)
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008474.jpg

“Dad, I’m not too sure about this.”
I told her I’d be next to her and it would be okay (but I thought: this was my first time so what did I know?)
She listened intently to the pre-show and heard the part about “smaller aviators” so I explained that meant big kids like her.
I think having specific instructions for her alleviated some of the nervousness.
We got into our seats (me in the middle) and I buckled both with the center strap for “smaller aviators” and we waited.
DD made sure I got this part right because of the pre-show instructions and she was starting to get very worried.
Everyone was buckled in, the lights dimmed and we started to move.
As we rose from the floor, my stomach dropped and I starting wondering what the frick I was thinking.
But from there, awesomeness ensued.
The next 5 minutes were a chorus of “weeeeee” interspersed with squeals of delight and giggles.
We dangled our feet, enjoyed the breeze, and took in the smells. What a great ride!
Thanks to DIS, I knew of some Hidden Mickeys so I found the one on the golf ball and the one in the fireworks.
The kids were elated when we saw Disneyland – and DS squealed even louder when she saw Tink and was able to fly after her.
When we landed and I asked what everyone thought, there was only one word from each. “AWESOME.”
Without a doubt, everyone’s new favorite ride in EPCOT was Soarin’.
For comparison sake, here’s a picture on the way out – compare the expressions on the kids’ faces with the photo above.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008475.jpg

Rather than a tentative walk, the kids were now skipping down the hallways.
Upon exit, we found Mom trying to hold onto X who was just busting to run around and not hang out anymore.
Mom had grabbed Fastpasses for everyone for 9:30:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/SoarinFastPass.jpg

She was curious how it went and got nothing but choruses of "awesome" from the kids. I told her she could handle it.
Honestly, other than take-off and the one rise over the mountain peak, I never got that funny motion feeling in your stomach.
Surprisingly, Mom was intrigued enough to want to try it with the fastpasses.
I think she was genuinely surprised at how much everyone liked it.
The Seas with Nemo was next on the schedule, but I figured this was our only opportunity to ride this again and I hear the lines get insane.
So, I punted on Nemo knowing we had time this afternoon and had an even better idea.
I suggested we baby swap next time so the kids could go THREE times.
The kids were not so sure so I said “we’ll see.”

Sunshine Seasons was the next stop as we needed food.
But on the way, we detoured to Living with the Land.
Mom and I always liked this leisurely boat ride and I captured the kids interest by telling them to look for Hidden Mickeys.
(I knew they usually have melons and pumpkins in familiar shapes).
X was unsure at first but liked all the animals and environments at the beginning.
DS even enjoyed pointing them out to him.
The Aquacell was neat as the kids got to see all the fish and we told DD this is where the shrimp she had at Coral Reef came from.
However, the kids starting getting bored in the greenhouse and we didn’t see any Mickey-shaped fruit or veggies.
We did catch the Cinderella pumpkin which DD really liked but this one did not make the kids’ favorite lists.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008478.jpg

At this point, everyone was getting grumpy and needed food before meltdowns ensued so we headed to Sunshine Seasons.
I figured we’d use one meal here (since Mom wanted to skip a meal later, we could use her meal now) and pay cash for the rest.
Mom had a better idea so we grabbed a breakfast platter and then lots of snacks.
It turns out that strawberries & cream, chocolate milk, and oatmeal all counted as snacks.
It worked out perfectly since we hadn’t used many snacks so far.
After a surprisingly good breakfast and long restroom stops, we headed back to Soarin’.

Mom took the plunge and said she’d try it so we grabbed a rider swap pass and off they went.
Mom will tell it better but what I heard was this:
They sat in the 3rd row and DD had to assure Mom it would be okay even holding her hand and telling her not to worry. How’s that for adorable?
I spent the time countin’ fastpass machines and entertaining the CM’s. Literally.
Holding X in my arms, we went from one machine to the other and I read the numbers on them as he pointed to them.
“Onnnnne”, “Twoooooo”, “Threeeee” I counted as we moved from machine to machine.
The CM’s smiled once they realized what we were doing.
The customers must have thought we either were trying to cut in line or were just insane.
X had a blast – he loves counting.
Once we (by “we” I mean “me”) got bored, I tried to sit and X climbed all over me.
Luckily, there was another toddler sitting next to us so that entertained him.
After flirting a bit, X began to lose his patience so we were back to counting FP machines.
Then Mom finally appeared. Survey says? Thumbs up!
The kids were so excited again, they decided that they wanted to go on a THIRD time.
So off we went with the rider swap pass.
DS was excited that we got Row 2 so now we rode in all the spots.
Row 2 (and 3 I imagine) is funny because you can see feet dangling above you (both with and without shoes).
The ride was awesome once again and I tried to get a couple of pics this time around of us as the ride started.
Here’s DS concentrating on the ride
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008480.jpg

And DD just having a ball:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008481.jpg

So, 3 Soarin’ rides, a boat ride, and breakfast later, we finally ended our long (but ***AWESOME***) morning in The Land...

[akayek31]

wow the seats look so small. I may chicken out and that is always my excuse ("sorry kids i know i need to get over my fear of heights but i am to big for the seats"). It worked really well when i came face to face with the incedible hulk at islands of adventure this past july :rotfl2: :lmao:

[thecapells]

I think X was ready to leave The Land since he was pretty bored this morning.
Mom had a tough time sitting through that 3rd ride on Soarin’ with him.
It was about 10:30 and we had some time to kill as our next stop was an 11:30 ADR at San Angel Inn.
Enough time for a leisurely stroll over to Mexico with a stop at Club Cool on the way.
With everyone in great spirits, it was time for “Evil Dad.”
My plan was to “treat” everyone to several sodas from around the world.
The kids don’t drink soda other than an occasional Sprite so this was a big deal.
They were excited and I simply wanted to see reactions to Beverly.
Since I knew what to expect, I set my trap trying each one and conveniently saving Beverly to the end.
DD noticed I missed one and I acted surprised. So I filled a cup of Beverly and set my camera to video:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/th_Disney2008483.jpg (http://s381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/?action=view&current=Disney2008483.flv)

DS was so good as he tried to avoid just spitting it everywhere.
Watch him in the background as Mom and him try to find a place to spit it out.
And try to ignore grumpy X crying that his cup was empty. :mad:
DD was the actual shocker though as she actually LIKED it and wanted more. :confused3
Like I said, this girl is weird.

Anyway, after that experience, everyone wanted snack to hide the taste.
I reminded everyone we were headed to lunch so we marched on.
We headed towards the World Showcase Lagoon so we could preview the Food & Wine booths on our way to lunch.
I took us past the Fountain of Nations and we were lucky enough to catch a “show.”
The kids thought it was really cool to see the “dancing fountain.”
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008559.jpg

Here’s the tail end of the show
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/th_Disney2008561.jpg (http://s381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/?action=view&current=Disney2008561.flv)

I just kept remembering the time I saw what I guess was the origins of Fantasmic over here back in 1994.
It was Mickey fighting an odd Dragon Skeleton with dancing fountains all around – very cool show.

We found a Photopass photographer and started posing.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008208.jpg

After, I asked where we could find the cool “magic” Soarin’ shot and he said we just took it.
I was so exicted – this (along with Captain Hook) were the two I was really looking forward to:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008213.jpg

I even cropped out the “magic”. Since the day was so overcast, it makes a cool shot by itself on a gray background:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008217.jpg

At the edge of the World Showcase Lagoon, we checked out the Food & Wine booths to see which ones we wanted to come back to.
Since we were headed to lunch, it seemed silly to get a snack now.
Instead we took some fun photos showing off our wardrobe.
I really liked that EPCOT shirt I found on E-Bay and X was decked out to match his sis in Nemo clothes (for The Seas with Nemo). http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008487.jpg

Mom and DS had matching Mickey Tiki outfits which we thought were at appropriate for the ambiance in Mexico.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008488.jpg

We arrived at our first country around 10:55 but they don't open until 11.
So we parked the stroller and Mom wrapped it in ponchos in case it rained.
While Mom fixed everything up, I took a quick pic of the kids in front of the great Mexican temple.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008489a.jpg

As we crossed the portal into the courtyard, the kids really thought it was cool how it was nighttime inside but daytime outside.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008490.jpg

Since we had some time before our ADR, I wanted to get the administrivia done.
I headed to Kidcot and asked about the passports.
I had decided before we left that the passports would be a great way to get through the World Showcase.
We bought a couple from the gift shop and then the kids went to get it stamped.

Boy did I underestimate the power of Kidcot.
Neither DS nor DD cared about their passports until we got home.
However, DD (our budding artist) decided she wanted a mask to color and DS thought the little “charm” was cool.
We allowed them a little time to play and color while we alternated restroom trips.
We then had to drag them away promising them more color time later.
Kidcot quickly became a fan favorite and they were already asking when they could go to the next one.
I started to wonder if I had allotted enough time to make it through all the countries.
I hadn't envisioned spending alot of time at the Kidcot stations so we may be in trouble. But that’s tomorrow.

I checked in at San Angel, grabbed a buzzer, and asked if we had time for the boat ride.
The CM said “yes” and that the buzzer even works on the boat.
How cool is that? The kids could not believe I was allowed to take a beeper on the ride but off we went!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008508.jpg

I really like the new ride – much better than its predecessor which always seemed like a mini-Small World.
I even made sure the kids saw Saludos Amigos and the Three Caballeros before we left so they had some context.
The tune is very catchy and the kids liked following Donald through all the screens.
I especially liked the one where there is a video screen where a pool of water should go and Donald is scuba diving under the water.
I tried to take the pic but it doesn’t do it justice:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008498.jpg

DS liked the skeletons
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008495.jpg

And both kids loved the Donald piñata:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008496.jpg

This boat was kinda cute as well:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008499.jpg

If anything I thought the updated ride was a little too quick.
It was hard to catch all the details and video clips on both sides of the river before we passed them.
But it’s a fun and relaxing ride and a neat way to see the volcano and temple up close if nothing else.
And the song seems as addictive as “it’s a small world.”
As we rounded the last turn, our beeper went off. Great timing!
So we headed over to lunch:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008504.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008505.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008506.jpg

I requested and received a table on the river so we had a nice view of both the volcano and the pyramid.
Mexico provides some of the best scenery for eating.
I had even taken Mom here on our pre-kids Disney trip for a romantic meal.
This time it was more for entertainment and to keep the kids busy.
They spent the meal watching and waving to the people who passed by.

Unfortunately we hit a couple of snags.
The Plato Mexicano was no longer served (I was looking forward to that one).
So I asked the server for suggestions and went with his choice - the Filete a los Tres Chiles.
I don't recall what Mom had but we both had Tacos de Pato (Duck Tacos) for appetizers.
We both loved the appetizers but the filet was average at best.
The kids had quesadillas (without the chicken) and X, as usual, ate off everyone’s plates.
The most frustrating part of the whole meal was that our server was horrible and we barely saw him the entire time.
We had to ask our neighbor’s server for several things since ours was nowhere to be found.
While the food in EPCOT is usually much better, the servers definitely don’t seem up to the “Disney” caliber.
Too bad, last time we really enjoyed it here.
I imagine we’ll try it again as most of the other servers were around all the time – we just “lucked out.”
Good thing we weren’t in a rush.
After some more restroom stops and a quick song or two from the mariachi band, we headed outside.

The kids were surprised by the daylight forgetting it was only afternoon.
On the way out, we found a Photopass photographer so we had to stop.
He got an interesting vantage point and even had DS hold out his hand.
For days I wondered what would be the "magic" character.
Simba was for Animal Kingdom, Tink was for Magic Kingdom, what was for EPCOT?
It would be awesome if it was Figment but that doesn't make sense outside Mexico.
Turns out it was Tink again. Oh well, it was still an odd angle of Mexico:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008224.jpg

We headed back towards Future World.
The kids had requested a repeat of Spaceship Earth.
That seemed fine as it was on the way to The Seas.
The only other thing left for this afternoon before naptime was Universe of Energy.
We had figured X would sleep during that one.
We took the long way and followed the paths near the Odyssey building.
We came out between Test Track and Mission: Space (two rides we were avoiding).
After some more restroom stops, we reached Spaceship Earth but both X and DD had fallen sleep in the stroller.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008609.jpg

With 2 out of 3 kids sleeping, what do we do now?
Tune in next time for the answer...

[jmskinner]

Oh wow, I hadn't heard about the Soarin' photopass pic! I'll have to remember that one.

Too funny that two out of three fell asleep. Too bad the stroller didn't fit 3.:laughing:

[Nicole786]

Great post! Thats really cool about Soarin and thanks for cropping out that picture! I Didn't know they had that!

[tribus121]

sounds like you had a great trip .my dd now 6 is excited that she is now tall enough to go on soaring ( Just )next month .

[stitchypoo]

This was DD’s favorite last time (she was only 15 months old and loved the dolls).
But she was enjoying it just as much today as well:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/Disney2008198.jpg

New to your trip report and really enjoying it! I was wondering where you got those most adorable Minnie ears hair bands? Did someone make them for you? They are too, too cute.

P.S. Sorry about X's incident and needing staples, I feel for him because I had a similar incident when I was three. I'm glad he still had fun at Disney!

[thecapells]

Sorry - Mom logged into the wrong account again.

[TheCapellsMom]

Hi all,
Sorry I have not been keeping up with my DH! I just got back from a trip to Florida to take care of my elderly grandparents and let me tell you: it is WAY frustrating to be just 4 hours from WDW with no chance of going!!!

Anyhow, I'm going to try to do a quick rundown on a Mom's perspective on some of what my hubby has already covered:

-Captain Jacks had a good ceasar salad and great smoothies for the kids but since they took the lobster tails off the menu, my avice to you is don't bother- Disney food is generally much higher calibur than that!

- TRex was fabulous! It was not just fun for little kids and grown men who might as well be little kids- even I loved it!!! At the table next to us was an older couple (w/ no kids)- probably about 75 years old- and they just couldn't get over the amazing dinos! Our little guy was in awe but I could definitely see some other little ones that were a little upset so if you have a "scaredy cat" in your family, you might want to prepare them in advance and ask for a seat in the center of the room rather than right next to a dinosaur. Oh- the fossils on the bathroom walls were a great touch!

- The lego store was a dream come true for my Brickmaster son and his Legomaniac dad but for me with a toddler who still eats small objects it was a nightmare! My advice: don't even take the little ones in there- just go for a nice walk downtown while the big & bigger kids play Legos! Also- FYI- they have no bathroom!

- On Day1 when we walked into the park for the first time, I barely looked at the castle (afterall, I've already seen it). I was watching the looks on my kids faces- they were priceless! But- be warned- when walking backwards to watch your kids faces, look out for the trolley tracks running up main street! I stumbled a little but it certainly could have been alot worse!

- Don't laugh but I was really totally freaked out on the Aladdin ride! I am so afraid of heights and the little carpets have no doors to hold you in and the seatbelts are utterly useless! The worst part was that my hubby & kids in the front were controlling the tilt & height of the carpet (freaking me out intentionally no doubt)! I think (hope) I hid it well from the kids but that kind of ride is definitely too high for me!

- When my DH told you that they got to ride in the front of the monorail, he left out one thing: I was SOOO JEALOUS! I have never had the chance to do that! So for the next 8 days of our trip I asked over and over and over again but never lucked out and got a spot at the front! On our next trip, that will be at the top of my priority list even if I have to spend an hour on the monorail platform for my turn!

- In Innoventions, where the Disney Visa photo line is, there is a row of video games lining the wall. Blatant advertising for Xbox and Playstation- don't ya think? So, while DH held our spot in line for a photo, I was trying to keep track of DS & DD at the game stations. Well, this is one section where I think Disney could have done a MUCH better job! All the monitors and controls are mounted at an adult's height so the smaller kids could barely see/reach but this fact did not keep them from being curious. All the games were too grown up for the little ones as well (though none were inappropriate with blood or guns or anything).
But the worst part was that there is no line or anything so when a kid gets tired of playing and abandons a station, there is a stampede of kids trying to get their turn next. My kids were shoved out of the way by bigger kids over and over again. One kid even grabbed the back of DS's shirt to pull him out of the way! Needless, to say, I gave that kid a piece of my mind! I understand that by the time a child is 10 or 12 they do not need to be supervised every second of every day but it seemed like so many of these kids- even the 8 and 9 year olds- were left there unattended and with nobody to police their actions, they were pretty rude! I couldn't believe there was not even a cast member assigned to that area to keep the peace!

- OK, for the majority of the rides, I had X in my lap or seated next to me becuase he is a Momma's Boy and is less likely to burst into hysterics when I am within reach. Most of the time, it was great- his reactions were so much fun! But there were a few instances where is kind of stunk! The first was on the Imagination ride in epcot! X seemed to really like Figment (who deosn't?) but the ride had lots of bursts of air and startling special effects. He must have jumped out of his skin a dozen times before it was over and it was so sad! I held him tight and tried to hide his face in my shoulder and cover his ears but he was too curious to stay that way for long and he kept getting frightened again and again till he was shaking his head "no" and waving bye bye! I felt so bad- he was traumatized by my favorite ride!

Oh drat- it's bath time in our house! I'll have to pick thsi back up later!
See ya!

[overthemoon4mickey]

This is such a great TR and I love that it's from a dad's point of view with a little of mom's insight thrown in too!

Some things this TR has done for me
1. I will go on ebay and buy those minnie ears! They are so cute!
2. We were on the fence about bringing DS's carseat....Not anymore! It's going...you never know when you will need it as X has proven.
3. We are going to pre-order our PhotoPass. I just have to decide what package to get.

Thanks for posting this TR and allowing us to tag along on your vacation!:goodvibes

[TheCapellsMom]

It's so great to read here that other people appreciate the insanity I went through to plan out all of our outfits for the trip! I had a blast but lots of folks told me I was nuts going through so much trouble and expense to have all of our clothes "just right!" I figured that knowing my kids, it was pretty likely that we would need more than 1 outfit per person per day anyhow- what with accidents, spills, playing in the dirt, etc. so I just planned for all of us to change mid-day.

Since folks keep on asking- here's where we got some of the kids cute outfits & things for Disney:

Crocheted minnie ears hairclips: ebay seller handi*candi*originals (if she has none listed right now, be sure to email her and ask her to make you a set!)

Nemo Button-Down shirt: ebay seller CRAFTY NEEDLES 4 YOU

Nemo Dress: ebay seller: Madie B's Creations

If you want some of the fancier things other than just t-shirts, my advice is to search on ebay for “handmade Disney”, “custom Disney”, “boutique Disney”, “Disney resell” and “Disney resale” – then try again replacing the word Disney with whatever character you are looking for like “custom tinkerbell”, etc.

Also, I found that people selling on ebay can be dumb so try searching for things speller wrong like “Mikey shirt” or “Arial shirt”. You just may luck out and find things that sell for cheap since nobody else finds them!

I'll post more of the links after you see the outfits in the upcoming pictures!:)

[sandym718]

Thanks so much!! I'm off to get my kiddos to bed, then I'm doing some eBay searching!!

[disneyjunkie]

What an awesome trip report. I can't wait to read more.:surfweb:

One quick question. Is there a list of the various photopass shots? If so, can someone please post a link?:wizard:

[thecapells]

What an awesome trip report. I can't wait to read more.:surfweb:

One quick question. Is there a list of the various photopass shots? If so, can someone please post a link?:wizard:

The best Photopass site I've found is Brad K's site at Stitch Kingdom:
http://www.stitchkingdom.com/disneysphotopass/

[disneyjunkie]

The best Photopass site I've found is Brad K's site at Stitch Kingdom:
http://www.stitchkingdom.com/disneysphotopass/
Thanks, off to check it out:surfweb:

[thecapells]

We just arrived at Spaceship Earth and both DD and X had fallen asleep in the stroller.
Mom decided to take a break and grabbed a bench so I got to ride with DS.
This time I wanted to get some pics so I started with him:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008514.jpg

Since he’s a bit older, I actually got to discuss what we were seeing this time around.
I pointed out the beginnings of trading:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008510.jpg

The first “school”
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008511.jpg

The first printing press
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008516.jpg

The TV era
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008517.jpg

The first room-size computers (this was fascinating to DS)
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008518.jpg
And, my favorite, me working at my desk (I’m a computer geek so this reminds me of my college dorm):
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008519.jpg

This time down, DS answered the questions differently so we saw a different movie.
I took pictures of the computer screen, but they came out horribly.
Upon exit, we found ourselves on the big monitor
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008530a.jpg

Since everyone was still sleeping, I suggested I take DS to Universe of Energy since he would like the dinos and Mom had no interest.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008531.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008532.jpg

DS thought the ride/show was a bit humorous and he liked the dinosaurs.
It was kinda fun to have some time with just him and me and he even sat in my lap for most of the pre-show.
Outside we found Mom with the sleeping twins but she was on the phone.
She had wandered around a bit but she can fill you in herself.
In the meantime, here’s a picture she took on her travels:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008615.jpg

DS, meanwhile, was just plain busting with energy (as one might expect after sitting for 45 minutes).
So DS broke into a manic dance to pass the time. Check it out:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/th_Disney2008533.jpg (http://s381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/?action=view&current=Disney2008533.flv)

When Mom got off the phone, we headed out towards The Seas.
We figured we would wake up the little ones upon arrival since they both would want to see this attraction (and were dressed for it).
On the way, we passed Chip and Dale so we had to stop.
After a quick restroom break, we snagged a couple of shots.
Unfortunately, the Photopass ones had us all looking in different directions.
The best were from my camera (by a nice CM) so no Chip & Dale signatures:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008535.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008536.jpg

I was able to crop out DD from one of the Photopass shots.
The problem was figuring out if it was Chip or Dale so I could add the correct signature.
DS shocked us all by informing us that Dale has a brown nose and pink above his eyes.
Now I’m a Disney fanatic and *I* never noticed that at all.
Apparently DS is already on his way to becoming a Disney freak.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008227.jpg

Next stop – The Big Blue World...

[I'mNoPrince]

Great TR

We always remember tem at 1&2 C&D chip had 1 tooth ,Dale has 2 teeth.

Or Chip has a ChocoletChip Nose. Never noticed the Eyes we will have to remember that one as well.

[All7OfUs]

We learned about that too at the Fort Wilderness Campfire/Singalong last April. They go into great detail and carefully explain who is who ;) So glad you got to spend some extra time with DS on some of the attractions!

[The Disney Fanatic]

I love this TR. Your pictures are awesome! :santa:

[twob4him]

Hello....do you mind me signing on so late???? I am absolutely loving your tr! Your children are just beautiful and you seem like such nice friendly people! :goodvibes I must say that I am secretly amazed that you love Disney so much....I am unfortunately married to a Disney-hater. I am not exactly sure how that happened :confused3 :laughing: hahaha :rotfl: I also love all of your matchy matchy clothing! As you can see in my siggy...I too have fallen into the trap ;) Fortunately I love to sew. Did you know there was an entire thread on the Dis devoted to sewing and disney clothing??? :banana: In any case, I am really truly enjoying every installment! I can't wait for more and thank you so much for sharing!!!:lovestruc

[thecapells]

Hello....do you mind me signing on so late???? I am absolutely loving your tr! Your children are just beautiful and you seem like such nice friendly people! :goodvibes I must say that I am secretly amazed that you love Disney so much....I am unfortunately married to a Disney-hater. I am not exactly sure how that happened :confused3 :laughing: hahaha :rotfl: I also love all of your matchy matchy clothing! As you can see in my siggy...I too have fallen into the trap ;) Fortunately I love to sew. Did you know there was an entire thread on the Dis devoted to sewing and disney clothing??? :banana: In any case, I am really truly enjoying every installment! I can't wait for more and thank you so much for sharing!!!:lovestruc

Welcome aboard and it's never too late!
I hope to get the next segment out this weekend.
Happy Holidays everyone!

[thecapells]

We arrived at The Seas to hear choruses of “Mine, Mine, Mine!” http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008538.jpg

However, once the water splashed on DD, it was hard to get her to stay there for another shot. You can see the anxiety on her face:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008539.jpg

X, on the hand, loved the splashes of water and hanging out by the railing.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008540.jpg

I did manage to get one of DD by the entrance instead.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008542.jpg

The queue was ridiculously long (does this ride really get that full?) but it was fun walking all the way through (there was no line).
DS and DD kept spotting things from the movie like the “butt” (boat) that Nemo touched.
I didn’t quite get all the beach scenery (signs, towers, etc.) and thought there should be more from the movie instead.
But the ride was fun and a huge upgrade over the Seabase Alpha stuff that was there before.
It was a neat combination of animation and scenery and the kids enjoyed it.
It makes for a nice way to get from point A to point B until you realize the exit is right next to the entrance and the ride is unnecessary. Oh well.
It was funny to hear “In the Big Blue World” from Finding Nemo: The Musical at the end of the ride.
I was glad we saw that first. And I liked Pearl’s comments about having to hear that same song over and over.
Reminds you of how “it’s a small world” can get stuck in your head.
"In the Big Blue World” definitely stuck in our heads and I had to buy it on iTunes when we got home.
Oh, and I apologize for lack of pictures - I tried once or twice but the pics of the animation came out awful.

After the ride, we headed towards Turtle Talk and the CM said another show was starting in about 5 minutes.
We spent the 5 minutes checking out Mr. Ray’s Lagoon (since rays are my favorite).
DD likes them as well since “ray” is part of her name (“Rayna”).
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008543.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008544.jpg

X was having a blast since this tank was at his level. He kept running up the glass and pointing and laughing.
The rays swam all around and all three kids had a blast.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008545.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008546.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008547.jpg

The funniest part one was one ray in the corner that kept leaping out of the tank and trying to climb the glass to freedom!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008549.jpg

Turtle Talk with Crush was fun as well. The kids sat on the floor but we kept X with us.
However, he didn’t want to sit still so he kept walking between Mom and me.
The kids were too embarrassed to ask any questions but they enjoyed the show.
We saw the one with the whale (for those who were curious).

After Crush, we had to “find” Nemo.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008550.jpg

Then we headed over to Bruce’s Sub House and took the obligatory shark shot.
I was kind of disappointed that there is not an easier way to get into the mouth.
The little ones had a tough time climbing up so that they were sticking out.
Here’s our best attempt (DS wasn’t interested)
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008552.jpg

Since Mom skipped the Bruce shot, I made her take a different one before leaving.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008553.jpg

And then we checked out the dolphins.
Here’s our future supermodel posing with the dolphins.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008555.jpg

By this point the kids were getting cranky.
We hit the restrooms and gave them a little snack.
But there were bored so we had to skip the manatees and the second level.
It was around 3:15 now so we figured we’d take a leisurely stroll back to the World Showcase Lagoon.
On the way out, I made sure to get DS next to some familiar faces:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008556.jpg

At the Fountain of Nations, we caught another water “show” and then I spied a Photopass photographer:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008237.jpg

When we reached the lagoon, Mom found a bench and we finally got to check out the Food & Wine Festival.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/FWGuide.jpg

We stopped off at Krakow, Poland and I ordered a kielbasa and pierogie with a snack credit.
Gotta love the Hidden Mickey in the sour cream!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008562.jpg

We figured we’d only get one as a “pre-appetizer” because it was almost time for dinner.
We cut it up and each had some. DS, being the picky eater, refused, but X and DD each had their share.
It was really good and we definitely would have had some more if I wasn’t looking forward to tonite’s meal so much.
So we all hit the restrooms and changed into dinner attire.
On the way, DD spotted another Hidden Mickey in a grate on the floor – she was really paying attention this trip:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008564.jpg

Since we took turns watching the kids and getting changed, I grabbed some pictures of us just hanging out in the new duds.
Here’s our own version of WALL-E
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008565.jpg

And a nice one of the World Showcase logo:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008566a.jpg

That last picture happened to be on a garbage can which still cracks me up but hey - it looked cool to me.
While waiting, DD found a penny and made me take a picture of that:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008567.jpg

Finally, we were all ready to "take off to the Great White North!"
But that’s for next time...

[All7OfUs]

Hi Capells!!

So anxious for more ! Can't wait to hear of your next adventure together, you seem like such a sweet family!

[Misa]

What a wonderful trip report! Little X is such a trooper. Great pics and descriptions..can't wait to read more :)

[thecapells]

Hello everyone – sorry for the hiatus. Took some time to get stuff done in the house and hang with the kids.
So where were we? Oh yes, off to the Great White North.

We had dinner reservations at Le Cellier which we’ve heard great things about but never tried.
This one holds special meaning as well as Mom is Canadian by birth.
She moved to the States when she was 1½ but she still says “aboot.”

It was about 4:45 or so but we wanted to get to Canada early so we wouldn’t have to wait a half hour like at Coral Reef.
But since we had time, we had to take some pics for our resident Canadian.
First, the group shot (thanks to a nice family passing by):
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008569.jpg

And then the obligatory closeup of Mom in her homeland:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008570.jpg

Then it was time to have some fun. I love this little fence across the way and had to take some shots of it.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008572.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008573.jpg

Then finally off to check-in at Le Cellier
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008574.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008575.jpg

They said we had some time since we were so early so we got a chance to explore.
We planned to skip “Oh, Canada” since the kids would not be able to handle it but I wanted to check out the falls.
Off the kids went…
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008576.jpg

And I love this shot of Mom and little X:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008581.jpg

Then the kids went searching for Kidcot:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008582.jpg

I really like that since KidCot is simply down the path, the hostess at Le Cellier said she’d come get us when our table was ready.
As the kids played and we talked to the nice Canadian CM, a “wandering Photopass photographer” stopped by.
We got a nice one of DD concentrating on coloring his charm.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008247.jpg

While the kids played, I went off to take some more pics of the waterfalls:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008585.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008590.jpg

Apparently arriving early didn’t help as they waited until our 5:45 ADR before even attempting to seat us
(even seating some larger walk-up parties ahead of us).
I was a bit frustrated by all of this especially since the kids were now getting bored and hungry.
We moved to the lobby to “remind” the staff we were still waiting and the kids tried to find the hidden “maple leafs” – they are everywhere.
Finally we were seated and the rest of the evening went much better.

Dinner, in a word, was magnificent.
The server was great and this, along with Coral Reef, were the two best meals of the entire trip.
We started with pretzel breadsticks that everyone enjoyed.
That was followed by the Steakhouse Ceasar Salad for me (it was huge) and the Duck Two-Ways for Mom.
The kids started with Cheddar Cheese Soup (DS ordered it but it was intended for X), and the celery and carrots for DD.
We also splurged and got the kids Pixie Punch and Pirate Punch since they were being so good.
Each comes with a glow-in-the-dark clip-on of either Tinkerbell or Captain Hook.
Here’s the kids showing off their new toys.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008592.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008593.jpg

After some playtime, out came the main course.
Mom had Le Cellier Mushroom Filet Mignon and said she didn’t even use a knife since it melted upon touch.
My New York Strip Steak was delicious but apparently did not rate as good as Mom’s.
DD had the hot dog, DS had the pizza, and X picked at everyone’s as usual.
To drink, Mom figured out that we could get virgin Pina Coladas on the Dining Plan so us parents got treats as well!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008594.jpg

Dessert was the most fun. While Mom ordered the Maple Crème Broule and DD had an smoothie, DS and I just had to order the Chocolate “Moose”:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008596.jpg

We had so much fun with them that the kids even wanted to “be” them:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008597.jpg

How precious is this shot?
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008599.jpg

After dinner, we hit the restrooms (and X stole the other kids’ toys).
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008600.jpg

Then we headed back to the entrance for an early night (although it wasn’t so early since we spent a while at dinner having fun).
So late that we changed X into his PJ’s expecting him to fall asleep on the bus.

We caught the Fountain of Nations show one more time (definitely cooler at night):
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008603.jpg

And at the entrance, we took one of our best family Epcot shots of the trip thanks to Photopass:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008250.jpg

As expected, X passed out on the bus but DD was delighted by the surprise in the room.
Ariel had left us yet another present:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008607.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/Disney2008608.jpg

Here’s a closeup of the picture and the note:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/ArielHappyBirthday0001.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/ArielHappyBirthday0002.jpg

After some "oohs" and "aahs" over the surprise, we got the kids into bed.
It was supposed to be laundry night but it was a bit too late.
I took a trip to the front desk to apply some of our Disney VISA awards to our account (since we had some big excursions planned for the next day).
I also grabbed some postcards to send out to other families since the kids loved getting mail from Disney themselves. It was fun to “pay it forward.”
Mom stayed back to iron some of the outfits for tomorrow.

Day Five was scheduled to be a leisurely day at Epcot conquering the World Showcase!
See you then!

[shannn]

That is a fabulous family picture!! I'm so excited for our Le Cellier ADR next trip. It sounds wonderful.

[akayek31]

ooo i can't wait to get the cheese soup and bread sticks. i am glad i keep reading your tr since i love pina colodas :lmao:

[All7OfUs]

Yay! Yay!!! :yay: :yay: Another installment! Dinner sounded so yummy, and like a romantic place. Glad the kids could hold out without any meltdown moments. I like Canada, not my favorite, but nice and relaxing. Seeing the movie is on my definite list of things to do next time. Sorry you couldn't take that in. But maybe next time when the kids are a little older. My kids LOVED the Kid Stops too. They didn't like the masks so much, but did like to collect the charms that hang on them. They were a nice addition to our scrapbook.

[MickeyReeds]

I just found your report today and spent the last hour reading it (when I should be cleaning my basement!) I have enjoyed getting to know your family! Can't wait for more! Off to the basement for me!

[thecapells]

Yay! Yay!!! :yay: :yay: Another installment! Dinner sounded so yummy, and like a romantic place. Glad the kids could hold out without any meltdown moments. I like Canada, not my favorite, but nice and relaxing. Seeing the movie is on my definite list of things to do next time. Sorry you couldn't take that in. But maybe next time when the kids are a little older. My kids LOVED the Kid Stops too. They didn't like the masks so much, but did like to collect the charms that hang on them. They were a nice addition to our scrapbook.

The kids ADORED Kidcot.
And, as you'll see in the next segment, DS collected & created interesting things of each charm while DD loved her mask and even posed with it!

I just found your report today and spent the last hour reading it (when I should be cleaning my basement!) I have enjoyed getting to know your family! Can't wait for more! Off to the basement for me!

Welcome aboard! Basements can always wait until later! ;)

[All7OfUs]

Can't wait to see the next installment! You have me on pins and needles !

[onelilspark]

Haha, "does the line ever get that full?" Yes, yes it does. But it's still only a half hour wait.

We were there on 12/26 (I know, I know, ok?) and we snaked through the entire thing. And it backed up outside. Fun. Oh it was fun...

[ktmetke]

Wow! What a great report...Great pictures and what a beautiful family!!
Thank you for sharing and making me feel like I"m there!!!! :thumbsup2

[phins_jazy]

Lovin your trip report! Love all the matchy outfits. :)

[thecapells]

Today was “sleep-in” day.
Which, of course, meant setting the alarm for 6:30 (7:00 for the kids) instead of 5:30.

In addition, we decided to hand out some goodies this morning.
So after Stitch woke us up and the kids headed to the bathrooms to wash up, I snuck into their room and laid out some gifts.
When they returned, DD found a PVC set of fairies from the Disney Store:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008617.jpg

and DS found a PVC set of WALL-E
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008618.jpg

Meanwhile, X was hard to wake-up and even tried to fall asleep in Mom & Dad’s bed while we tried to get ready.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008619.jpg

When he finally woke up, he got the PVC Mickey Mouse Clubouse set :earsboy: (and LOVED it) but I forgot to take a picture.

We were making good time on the way out the door so I stopped for a picture of Roger Rabbit right outside our door.
This pic gives you a good idea of just how big he actually is (or how small DS really is) ;)
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008620.jpg

Our first appointment was the Princess Storybook Breakfast as today was our venture around the World Showcase.
It also started our foray into the world of princesses princess: (as we would be meeting many of them today).
DD was dressed accordingly with an adorable dress Mom ordered showcasing several of the princesses.
That fact allowed us to meet several of them without requiring costume changes. :goodvibes
She also had a matching hairbow and we gave her a special pink Mickey necklace to complete her attire.

At the entrance to EPCOT, with “Alice in Wonderland” once again ringing from the speakers, we found the Princess Breakfast entrance and headed inside.
Since this was one of the princess days, it seemed worthy of a princess photo.
However, Photopass wasn’t set up yet this morning so I had to take the pics on my camera.
First we traded cameras with another “royal family” and they took one of use before I returned the favor:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008623.jpg

Then it was time for the princess herself:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008621.jpg

I zoomed in a bit to show off the dress for Mom...
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008621a.jpg

This morning was a new experience. EPCOT opened at 9 today and World Showcase opened at 11:00.
But since our breakfast ADR was 9:05 and it was about 8:50 or so, we had an empty EPCOT to ourselves (and the other family that walked in alongside us).
The path towards the World Showcase was roped off allowing entrance for only breakfasting princesses and their entourages.

We headed to the World Showcase Lagoon and then past Mexico onto Norway.
We were early so I wanted to get some nice shots before the kids got all messy.
DD kept holding her dress up like a real princess.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008629.jpg

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008624.jpg

And, of course, the Viking Ship (which I hear is no longer there so I’m glad we got this one):
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008626.jpg

About that time, Mary Poppins emerged from Akershus for a meet-and-greet by the lagoon.
We quickly got in line behind our “partner family” since Mary is one of Mom’s favorites.
DD ran up first showing off her dress and new pendant...
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008630.jpg

...before getting a big hug
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008631.jpg

Then Mom jumped in and asked Mary if she could say “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” backwards.
Mary responded without missing a beat, “Of course! Can you?”
Mom was prepared and responded as per the movie (and our segment title) which impressed Mary.
But it was a great way to spin the question around in case Mary really couldn’t do it. And totally in character!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008632.jpg

Now that the morning pictures were complete, it was on to Akershus Castle!
Be prepared - lots of pictures coming with that one (I'm even still going through them all!)

[All7OfUs]

So cutesy, cutesy! Love that little pink dress! :cloud9: :cloud9:

I'm curious is she ever really said it backwards?? Or did only Mom??

I'm looking forward to the next installment very much! We did the princess lunch last April, but were actually pretty disappointed with the amount of time each party got. It must have been something like about 10 seconds. THat is no joke or exageration! I think the longest we got with any one of them was about 1 minute- that was the longest. But we LOVED the food- especially on the salad/appetizer bar. The dessert (the rice pudding thing) was fabulous. The others were so-so. But our server was great! so fun to engage her with talk of her country.

Until next time,

[thecapells]

So cutesy, cutesy! Love that little pink dress! :cloud9: :cloud9:

I'm curious is she ever really said it backwards?? Or did only Mom??

I'm looking forward to the next installment very much! We did the princess lunch last April, but were actually pretty disappointed with the amount of time each party got. It must have been something like about 10 seconds. THat is no joke or exageration! I think the longest we got with any one of them was about 1 minute- that was the longest. But we LOVED the food- especially on the salad/appetizer bar. The dessert (the rice pudding thing) was fabulous. The others were so-so. But our server was great! so fun to engage her with talk of her country.

Until next time,

Mary is very sneaky - she got only Mom to say it backwards.
Her response was simply "Of Course" and Mom didn't press the issue.

As for interactions insides Akershus, some of the princesses were a bit hurried (mostly because there was another one waiting behind them).
But, for the most part, we had good interactions.
Mulan's was definitely the best (and longest) and she stopped twice.
I actually very much appreciated that she came back for DS.
The others did not take the time to do so (not that he cared).
Snow White was pretty good too but you'll hear all about all that in the next segment!

I think it also helped that we re-arranged the kids.
They usually try to put the kids on the end.
With the highchair there and Mom having to sit next to the highchair,
one (or both) of the kids were relegated to sitting by the window (or, in other restaurants, the other side).
What this means is that when each character stopped by, the kids had to get up and go over to them.
This takes more time and allows a conversation to develop with the character while they waited for the kids to make their way over.
This happened in all of the restaurants.
Sometimes the chararcters would pay even more attention to X in his highchair while he waited for the other two (which was fine by me!)
Mom was always worried that they would pat X's stapled head too hard. :)

[skhermsmeyer]

I love reading your TR! Your DD is adorable in her princess dress and the picture of X on the bed is precious (my DS 15mo is never that laid back). I can't wait to read more! :goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes

[thecapells]

After our visit with Mary, I checked us into Akershus Castle and I secretly asked the host which princesses would be there.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008636.jpg

I knew Belle was usually greeting people at breakfast but I hoped Ariel would be making the rounds in her wedding dress as Ariel is DD’s favorite.
Unfortunately, it was not to be.
DD knew some princesses may stop by for breakfast and I prepared her by letting her know that not everyone comes for breakfast.
She was so looking forward to Ariel that she was asking daily about going to Ariel's Grotto.
I think the divers at Coral Reef and the balloons at the hotel were just enough to hold her off a little bit more.
I distracted her a bit by allowing her another princess pose:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008634.jpg

We got online to enter the restaurant which I knew meant pictures with Belle.
The kids were getting restless and didn’t understand the wait but I told DD it would be worth it.
The line snaked around so that you couldn’t really see Belle until it was our turn and, boy, did DD’s eyes light up when she saw who was waiting.
She was smirking and shy as Belle walked her to the picture area
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008637.jpg

But soon got over it and posed like the princess she is:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008640.jpg

Photopass was there and got an additional shot which I enchanced with the Photopass Belle Border:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008256.jpg

And, of course, we could not leave until we received a royal hug:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008641.jpg

Then we had to wait a couple of minutes for our table and I was able to snap this shot of our princess on her throne:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008642.jpg

I’ve had lunch at Akershus before the transition to the princess dining and it was pretty good but the breakfast here was great!
In addition to the standards (eggs, bacon, sausage, and potato casserole served family style),
the cold buffet bar included smoked salmon and croissants (mmmmmm).
To top it off, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall itself is beautiful from the adornments on the ceiling...
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008643.jpg

...to the nice little out of the way alcove surrounded by windows that we were seated in:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008653a.jpg

The interior is definitely fit for royalty and some may say it even rivals that of Cinderella’s Castle.
We began eating and soon our private alcove was joined by some other families.
Then the princesses began to arrive.
By now, DD was busting with excitement to meet each and every one!
The Sleeping Beauty herself was first (one of DD’s top three) so Aurora received a big hug:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008644.jpg

And then came Snow White who mistook X for one of the dwarves.
We should call him “Hungry” Dwarf – I think he was mad in this picture that we interrupted his breakfast.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008645.jpg

I love DD’s face in this one:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008646.jpg

Mom and DS headed for the restrooms which signaled “Wave 2” of the princesses.
Mulan led the charge stopping by X first who, of course, pointed out “Daddy” to Mulan.
X was making a habit this trip to point out the rest of his family to everyone he saw whether or not they really cared.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008647.jpg

Mulan stayed for a bit talking about where we lived, where she lived, and even asked DD if she was teaching X how to fight.
DD responded “of course she was” and that her older brother was helping too. It was too cute.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008648.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008649.jpg

Jasmine was next. It amazes me to see just how happy DD was throughout this experience.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008651.jpg

After Mom and DS returned, Mulan circled through again to check on DD’s big brother.
Mulan explained to Mom what DD had told her earlier and was, once again, very pleasant. In fact, she was by far, the best princess of the morning.
DS then stood up and announced he wanted a picture.
This was surprising as he had refused all princesses before this.
I then realized that he picked Mulan because she was the “fighting princess.”
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008652.jpg

In addition to the meal, we received a nice Birthday card from the princesses pre-printed with all of their signatures.
It even included Ariel, Cinderella, and Mary Poppins who were not present.
I guess that's the nice part of having it pre-printed - no matter who showed up, you get all the signatures.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/AkershusBirthday.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/AkershusBirthday2.jpg

As we were getting ready to go, I started checking when things opened (seeing if anything opened a bit earlier than the assumed 11:00.)
X grabbed the schedule and started writing.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008654.jpg

He was so serious, it really looked like he was rearranging the actual Disney schedule. So I provided a voiceover.
“Today, China will open at 10:30 – no, how about 10. And Maelstrom will wait until 12:30. Make that 12.
And I think Germany will open at 9:30. Yes, that’ll do.”
It was hilarious and the kids joined in describing what else X should change.
X definitely was my little boy – a planner in training.

Finally, at around 10:40, we headed out nicely stuffed and relaxed.
This was, by far, the best breakfast of the trip.
We were relaxed, the food was great, and the princesses actually spent time with us. DD was beeming.
The problem was that lunch wasn’t too far off and we hoped to snack at the various Food & Wine stops along the way.
Hopefully the walking will make us hungry again…

During final restroom stops, we found out something interesting.
The throne in the lobby was actually used in Pirates of Caribbean: At World's End when the Pirate lords gathered.
As soon as that information was revealed, DS jumped right in. Apparently, now it was "cool."
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008658.jpg

Finally, before we left, I wanted one picture of me this morning with my princess:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008657a.jpg

[thecapells]

Included in the meal price (and on the dining plan) is a great portfolio so I scanned it in for everyone to see:

Here’s the cover:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/AkershusPhotopass.jpg

The inside:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/AkershusPhotopass2.jpg

The picture that they provided
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/AkershusPhotopass3.jpg

And if you take it out, it even has it’s own matting:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/AkershusPhotopass4.jpg

The back of the portfolio has a nice proclamation:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/AkershusPhotopass6.jpg

It’s definitely a nice keepsake with the meal.
Tune in next time when the voyage around the World Showcase really gets under way - we come face to face with Vikings! :eek:

[All7OfUs]

So sweet! I think my favorite is the pic. with Snow White! Her face is priceless! :goodvibes and she is obviously completely awed with the whole experience.

Epcot's WS is my fav. place in all the parks so I'm very much looking forward to the next installment! popcorn::

[thecapells]

So sweet! I think my favorite is the pic. with Snow White! Her face is priceless! :goodvibes and she is obviously completely awed with the whole experience.

Epcot's WS is my fav. place in all the parks so I'm very much looking forward to the next installment! popcorn::

Hey All7OfUs! You always seem to be the first response - you must be laying in wait of my updates! :surfweb: I just hope they are worth the wait!

As for the World Showcase, I've always liked it myself and I'm glad the kids have something there they can get into.
As I keep mentioning, Kidcot was a great addition (which I never realized until I had kids), and they love all the characters we met throughout the showcase.
Mom and I were focused on the food and sights so it worked out for all FIVE of us (as opposed to your 7). :laughing:

I hope to get the next segment up tonite. See you then!

[jmskinner]

Wow, I didn't realize I had missed so many updates. See pics of little girls with the Princesses' always makes me wish I had one, but I love my boy.

You are correct, the Viking ship is gone. Have you heard if they plan on putting something else there, I miss seeing it.

I love that World Showcase emblem shot, even though it was on a trash can.:rotfl:

[kde175]

Hi...sorry I'm late!! I'm home sick today and just stmbled across your report. Looking forward to the rest. Great job so far!!

[kimbo0569]

Okay the title drew me in, of course. Poor guy.

I'm glad his cut wasn't as serious as you initially thought. Im just at the beginning of the report..what a way to start off your trip. :eek:

Sitting down to read more....

[thecapells]

Nice to see you again jmskinner!
Don't worry, I have some fun little "boy" shots coming up as well - while this was DD's birthday trip, I tried to make sure he had his moments as well.
And I have another World Showcase logo from yet another odd location. Stay tuned!

As for the other newbies, welcome aboard!
I'm glad everyone is enjoying the report.
It's almost as much fun to rewrite it and remember it than it was to be there!
Almost...

[All7OfUs]

Well, let me explain... hubby is out of town, so you know the saying, "While the cat's away, the mice will play." I've had extra time to surf these last two weeks, and it sure has been fun. But seriously, I can only "be involved" with a few reports at a time. I have 4 or so bookmarked that I read regularly, if I try to follow more than that I get confused and can't really keep them all straight. Yours was just great, because: 1) You put as much planning and thinking into your trip as I would 2) Your family seems to enjoy the same things ours does 3) I LOVE your pictures and 4) Your writing is very descriptive.

So, thanks for letting me share your last trip with you! :surfweb: :yay: :happytv:

[thecapells]

Well, let me explain... hubby is out of town, so you know the saying, "While the cat's away, the mice will play." I've had extra time to surf these last two weeks, and it sure has been fun. But seriously, I can only "be involved" with a few reports at a time. I have 4 or so bookmarked that I read regularly, if I try to follow more than that I get confused and can't really keep them all straight. Yours was just great, because: 1) You put as much planning and thinking into your trip as I would 2) Your family seems to enjoy the same things ours does 3) I LOVE your pictures and 4) Your writing is very descriptive.

So, thanks for letting me share your last trip with you! :surfweb: :yay: :happytv:

I'm glad you're enjoying it - it's fun to have "regulars."
And I understand about only following a couple of trip reports at a time.
So let me get you another segment to read...

[thecapells]

After breakfast we headed towards back to the Viking Ship (the restrooms are across from the ship and we needed another pitstop).
DD was okay with Cinderella and Ariel not being present since “Cinderella was in her castle and Ariel was in her grotto, Daddy.”
Of course they were! And now that the princesses were out of our system, we needed some manly Viking pics!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008660.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008661.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008662.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008665.jpg

It’s a shame that the Viking Ship was torn down.
They should have fixed it up – it was a great display even if the kids couldn’t play in it anymore.
Anyway, we had time to kill before the World Showcase officially opened so we snuck into the Stave Church for the Viking display.
Surprisingly the doors of the church were unlocked and the exhibit was actually kinda cool (albeit very tiny).
Here’s the Viking raider Rognvald:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008666.jpg

And Olaf II:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008667.jpg

And don’t forget Eric the Red
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008668.jpg

DS was intrigued by the Viking ship model.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008669.jpg

And what do manly men do after seeing Vikings?
Why, climb rocks of course!!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008674a.jpg

DD was a bit scared of falling off the rocks but got in one picture for us
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008676a.jpg

Next up – the Maelstrom!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008678.jpg

I was excited to take DS on this for his “special event” of the day and no princesses were allowed.
I figured it would be too scary for DD and that way DS could get something fun so he wouldn’t be too jealous of all the princesses.
However, after explaining the details of the ride to DS, he was too tentative and decided against it.
I didn’t want to go myself so we skipped it and headed to the Puffin’s Roost gift shop.
There was a rope inside that would not allow us entrance to the Kidcot station until 11.
As we waited, our dymaic duo dueled to the death!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008680.jpg

Gotta love the different styles of their stances!
DD is being so dainty and DS is out for blood!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008681.jpg

Promptly at 11, the rope dropped and we headed right to Kidcot where both DD and DS seated themselves and went to work coloring their charms.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008686.jpg

DS even learned a bit as the friendly CM tested them on the Scandanavian flags.
DS even colored his Viking Ship charm accordingly:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/KidcotNorway.jpg

DS had decided to pass on the mask but wanted to be creative with his charms.
For example, the day before, he turned the Canada charm his version of the Millenium Falcon:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/KidcotCanada.jpg

And he created this out of the Mexican charm:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFour/KidcotMexico.jpg

DD was content to have her charms added to her mask which she proceeded to wear on and off throughout the day (you’ll see in upcoming pictures).
As for X and I, we ventured off in search of trolls!!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008685.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008687.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008683.jpg

We had to drag the kids from their seats as they were having a blast coloring.
We lured them away with the promise of more coloring and more Kidcot Stations throughout the day.
DS’ eyes lit up when I told him there were 8 more countries to go.
But those are for next time…

[All7OfUs]

Your regulars are still with you! Have no fear ;) I was very sad to hear that they had taken the ship out. I read it on the other boards and it brought back great memories of my kids climbing all over that thing in Jan., 2000. Now it's gone.... Wow! So sad. But, at the same time, it's always fun to anticipate what Imagineers are cooking up to replace it with. Unfortunately, I fear another money sucking blackhole will replace it (ie. gift ship, er I mean shop).

Too bad, DS didn't decide to go on Maelstrom. I really like that ride! Next time, maybe he'll brave the Northern waters in search of trolls!

Isn't that cool that the CM's engaged the kids with real life educational tidbits?? How neat that he got to learn about Scand. flags- I'll bet he'll never forget what THAT flag looks like!

Another great report! Keep it up!

[littleboss]

Okay so I've been reading for a couple days now and I'm all caught up now. I've been going between yours and another report. I'm loving both TRs and let me tell you that we are going to Disney for the first time soon enough Grand Gathering!! BUT I have been planning for a little over a year now and feel like I know Disney well already but when I read different things in reports I start to feel like I'm gonna screw everything up for everyone. (you think I'm crazy?) What I mean is I'm a serious planner too, I have shirts made,I'm half packed already and planning my days (well trying to) but I really don't have a clue how to plan being as I've never been before!!! Any advise? Your pictures are all priceless and your kids are just dolls!! Great report so far.

[All7OfUs]

Wow! Littleboss! How exciting that you get to take your first trip!! :banana: :banana: I can send you the trip plans (all 10) I have for my next trip 2 years away... :lmao: :rotfl2:

I think the best way to go for the first time, is make a plan, but leave LOADS of time to just "discover". There will be so much to see, so many little details, so much atmosphere.

But, I'll let the Capells give their advice- don't want to steal their thunder...

by the way... where are Mrs. Capell's additions to the reports. I love hearing her comments too! Probably too busy with your 3 adorable kiddos, eh?

[thecapells]

Okay so I've been reading for a couple days now and I'm all caught up now. I've been going between yours and another report. I'm loving both TRs and let me tell you that we are going to Disney for the first time soon enough Grand Gathering!! BUT I have been planning for a little over a year now and feel like I know Disney well already but when I read different things in reports I start to feel like I'm gonna screw everything up for everyone. (you think I'm crazy?) What I mean is I'm a serious planner too, I have shirts made,I'm half packed already and planning my days (well trying to) but I really don't have a clue how to plan being as I've never been before!!! Any advise? Your pictures are all priceless and your kids are just dolls!! Great report so far.

The biggest thing is to be flexible.
I had an EXCEL spreadsheet with everything planned out to the minute or so including showtimes (thanks to Steve Soares) and our ADR's.
I tried to plan the direction we took in each park so that we'd end up at our ADR spots.
I found the research into everything stuck with me which comes in handy later.
That is, as you saw in the first couple of days - things weren't open, kids took naps, and the unexpected happens.
So, since I knew our schedule, when we'd be back this way (if we'd be back that way), I could juggle accordingly.
A good example is spending a full day in AK rather than the planned 1/2 day.
No big deal, just some rearranging later.
Smaller examples cropped up as well like when POTC broke down.
No biggie, take some pics, do the next couple of rides, and check back later.
My biggest trick was to hit the highlights during the week leaving the last couple of days for stuff I knew we could get on, repeats, and excursions.

The bottom line is if you are an anal planner like me, make sure you don't let it stress you out.
Things will NOT go according to schedule so expect there to be changes and rides that are skipped (ex. DS skipped Maelstrom and DD surprised me by wanting to do Soarin')
But the more you know, the more you can be prepared!

And if it's your first trip, definitely just make sure you HAVE FUN!
Does that help?

[thecapells]

Wow! Littleboss! How exciting that you get to take your first trip!! :banana: :banana: I can send you the trip plans (all 10) I have for my next trip 2 years away... :lmao: :rotfl2:

I think the best way to go for the first time, is make a plan, but leave LOADS of time to just "discover". There will be so much to see, so many little details, so much atmosphere.

But, I'll let the Capells give their advice- don't want to steal their thunder...

by the way... where are Mrs. Capell's additions to the reports. I love hearing her comments too! Probably too busy with your 3 adorable kiddos, eh?

I agree - discovery time is essential as well.
I tried to "build" in time for the kids to explore and play like at Kidcot and some of the other more "wandering" attractions.
We also planned to relax and explore the hotels and restaurants.
Catching all the Disney Magic is what the vacation is all about!

As for Mom, she's still reeling from the New Year as all the schedules for the littles ones have changed and we're still working themselves out.
New playdates, classes, appts, etc. She promises to jump on soon.

[littleboss]

Wow! Littleboss! How exciting that you get to take your first trip!! :banana: :banana: I can send you the trip plans (all 10) I have for my next trip 2 years away... :lmao: :rotfl2:

I think the best way to go for the first time, is make a plan, but leave LOADS of time to just "discover". There will be so much to see, so many little details, so much atmosphere.

But, I'll let the Capells give their advice- don't want to steal their thunder...

by the way... where are Mrs. Capell's additions to the reports. I love hearing her comments too! Probably too busy with your 3 adorable kiddos, eh?

Could you really send me your plans? I would really love a disney pros planning rough draft to help as far as which direction to go!!:worship:

[littleboss]

The biggest thing is to be flexible.
I had an EXCEL spreadsheet with everything planned out to the minute or so including showtimes (thanks to Steve Soares) and our ADR's.
I tried to plan the direction we took in each park so that we'd end up at our ADR spots.
I found the research into everything stuck with me which comes in handy later.
That is, as you saw in the first couple of days - things weren't open, kids took naps, and the unexpected happens.
So, since I knew our schedule, when we'd be back this way (if we'd be back that way), I could juggle accordingly.
A good example is spending a full day in AK rather than the planned 1/2 day.
No big deal, just some rearranging later.
Smaller examples cropped up as well like when POTC broke down.
No biggie, take some pics, do the next couple of rides, and check back later.
My biggest trick was to hit the highlights during the week leaving the last couple of days for stuff I knew we could get on, repeats, and excursions.

The bottom line is if you are an anal planner like me, make sure you don't let it stress you out.
Things will NOT go according to schedule so expect there to be changes and rides that are skipped (ex. DS skipped Maelstrom and DD surprised me by wanting to do Soarin')
But the more you know, the more you can be prepared!

And if it's your first trip, definitely just make sure you HAVE FUN!
Does that help?

Thank you for the great advise! I know to be sorta easy going but will be hard. I have planned for 3 days at magic kingdom so I shouldn't worry so much.

[thecapells]

Thank you for the great advise! I know to be sorta easy going but will be hard. I have planned for 3 days at magic kingdom so I shouldn't worry so much.

Could you really send me your plans? I would really love a disney pros planning rough draft to help as far as which direction to go!!:worship:

I had planned to clean up my spreadsheet with all the changes and post it later in the trip report.
I didn't want to ruin the surprise of what's coming next.
But since you're about to leave, PM me your email address and I'll send you an advance copy.
Be prepared though - I am clinically a Disney-addict and a chronic scheduler. :laughing:

[The Disney Fanatic]

I just love all of your pictures! I don't know why we could not get any of those magic photo shots when we were there last year. Oh yeah, I love the picture of the Ribs from The Flaming Tree at Animal Kingdom. That picture brings back some GOOD memories! :thumbsup2

[All7OfUs]

LittleBoss- Just pm'd you our plans and some more comments. So happy to help you out. Let me know if you have any questions. Main thing- know all you can, so that you can have viable alternatives to do without a lot of thought if things are closed, too far, lines too long, etc....

[Disneyfan71]

I've enjoyed reading the TR and sorry your little one had to endure the staples. But I'm glad you all had a good time.

I want to try T-Rex and have heard so much about it!!!

[kimmylaj]

late joining but i am all caught up, i love everything about your tr. 1st the fact that you and your wife both love disney, my hubby not so much. 2nd i love that you researched things like where to sit in pinocchios village haus, i do the same thing. i am way too obsessed , i love touring plans, tour guide mike, secret trails, random food facts, and everything disney, i like to print out little pocket size schedules. unfortunately my family is not so thrilled with my commando style, oh well they follow along anyway. next time i am going to laminate because they only thing i didnt plan for was tropical storm fay getting my stuff wet. i love that your wife had all the clothes. i learned about the custom clothes from the disboutiquers on here, and taught myself to sew so the kids could have a couple of customs. crazy i know. your dd is too cute with the princess. my ds who is 5 had a similar experience to yours as the only princess he took a pic with was mulan, we also met the same mulan and she was wonderful. your little guy is such a trooper with his stitches, and a cutie too boot, anyways thanks for sharing my next trip in not til nov and this gives me lots to think about til then.

[tch121]

Subbingprincess:

[castmemberb4]

Just discovered your TR this week and am all caught up.
What adorable kids you have ! Sorry about X having to have staples glad he's holding up well and dosen't seem to be too affected by it.
LOVE the sword fighting photo, your DD has got that Princess stance down!
Can't wait to read more, hope you guys got to do more F&W stuff.
Lynn

[thecapells]

Wow - lots of newcomers lately!
Welcome aboard everyone!
I hope to get the next segment up in the next day or so.
Stay tuned!

[thecapells]

I just love all of your pictures! I don't know why we could not get any of those magic photo shots when we were there last year. Oh yeah, I love the picture of the Ribs from The Flaming Tree at Animal Kingdom. That picture brings back some GOOD memories! :thumbsup2

Keep in mind that while the picture makes you mouth water, the food was average at best.
We very unimpressed give the reports we've heard on the DIS.
In fact, I bet we'll hit Pizzafari next time (we'd rate that much higher) or try Yak & Yeti Counter Service (haven't tried that one yet).

[thecapells]

Sorry for the hiatus - I've been trying to finalize my pre-ordered Disney Photobook.
Where were we? Oh yeah - we finally left the shores of Norway and approached the gates of China.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008688.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008689.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008690.jpg

It was still nice and early (around 11:30) so the World Showcase was empty – just the way we like it.
We headed straight to the three-tiered Temple of Heaven.
We explained to the kids about the guardian lions of the temple.
If you look closely, one has a sphere under its paw (the male) and one has a lion cub (the female).
Lions are an important of Chinese culture and there are many lions throughout the China Pavillion.
The kids immediately started searching for “Hidden Lions.”

We went into the temple next and, no, I didn’t think the kids could make it through “Reflections of China”.
I did, however, want them to try the trick I read about on AllEars.
I started positioning DS first and told him to say “Hello” out loud. No big deal.
The CM’s caught on to what I was doing and were impressed that I knew the trick so they helped me out.
Next, I had DS repeat “Hello” but standing in the center circle of the temple.
The kids were amazed that there was a massive echo when standing in the center circle and they could hear themselves talking!
DD went next (and even I gave it a shot – very cool acoustics).
It’s a fun little trick and shows the detail that went into the architecture of the temple.

By now the kids were dying to go to Kidcot but I detoured them to check out the Tomb Warriors.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008693.jpg

There were not nearly as impressed as I would have hoped.
I thought at least DS would appreciate this tiny little army waiting to march into war.
We headed out and I made one more detour (to the “delight” of the kids).
I wanted them to explore the beautiful gardens a bit.
We saw some of the cool little lizards that dwell in the China pavilion and the area was very serene.
DD wanted a pretty picture and also wanted to show off her mask:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008691.jpg

We rounded the path and I took a nice scenic shot of Mom:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008692.jpg

And then we let the kids loose on Kidcot.
It’s around to the left down the path between the Temple and the Lotus Blossum Café.
At the end of the walkway is a covered area where a nice CM stamped our passports.
X got a charm to color with his name in Chinese on one side and his animal on the other (he was born in the Year of the Pig).

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/KidcotChinaXander.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/KidcotChinaXander2.jpg

DS’ charm was a bit more colorful:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/KidcotChina.jpg

And DD continued to color her mask. While the kids colored, I wandered a bit.
X got a bit restless so I took him with me.
And I even found Buddha during my travels:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008695.jpg

Finally, we once again had to drag the kids away from the coloring table so we can continue our trek across the globe.
We stopped at the restrooms and I chatted a bit with a CM from the Lotus Blossom Café when she noticed X just sitting there.
One of the best parts of EPCOT is talking to all the CM’s who are natives to their lands.

[thecapells]

PASSPORT INTERLUDE
I wanted to mention a bit about the EPCOT passports before continuing.
For $10 each, I bought both DS and DD a passport in Mexico.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/WorldShowcasePassport.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/WorldShowcasePassportBack.jpg

Inside the little case is a passport, lots of stickers for each country, and a cool pin
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/EPCOTPassport.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/WorldShowcaseButton.jpg

You then fill out the passport with each child’s information and it starts off with a neat view of the World Showcase projected onto a map of the Earth:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/WorldShowcase.jpg

Then, at each country, the kids get a stamp and message from the Kidcot CM’s.
When we got home, they completed them by adding all the stickers.
They came out adorable so I thought I’d add them to the TR.
But first, we need to catch up.
Here’s the first four countries in DS’ passport and you can see his Year of the Horse stamp from China:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/LoganPassportMexico.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/LoganPassportCanada.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/LoganPassportNorway.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/LoganPassportChina.jpg

DD’s is a little more fun as most of the CM’s mentioned her birthday in their native language.
You can also see her Year of the Monkey stamp from China.

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/RaynaPassportMexico.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/RaynaPassportCanada.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/RaynaPassportNorway.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/RaynaPassportChina.jpg

I’ll add the other pages when we get to the appropriate countries.
Now, back to our regularly scheduled program!
And that takes us to an outpost in the far reaches of Africa.
Can you hear the drums? :goodvibes

[Halloweenqueen]

Just discovered the TR! What fun! I love the pictures, you have made some fantastic memories with your BEAUTIFUL family.

Looking forward to more!

[littleboss]

Well, now that really makes me want to really do two days in Epcot now. The passports how fun my kids would love that. Did your kids look foward to getting them signed in each country? Cute pic of your dd on the bridge w/ her mask.

[thecapells]

Well, now that really makes me want to really do two days in Epcot now. The passports how fun my kids would love that. Did your kids look foward to getting them signed in each country? Cute pic of your dd on the bridge w/ her mask.

I would definitely recommend more days in EPCOT :)
As for the passports, my kids looked forward to the masks and charms more (but I have a 4 and 6 year old - yours are older).
However, when we got home and sat down to add the stickers, they had a blast and I was soooo happy we did it.
They loved me trying to read the message in all the languages.
And they even colored the "extra" pages with their own memories of EPCOT - I'll post those later.

[luckylady]

Thanks for posting pictures of the passport. My DB is taking his 1 and 4 year old in Feb and I was telling him about them(thanks to you) Now I"m going to link that page so he can see what they look like. Your kids look like they are having a blast. Can't wait for more.

[All7OfUs]

Had to break
"tradition" and not be the first to get back to you :) Hubby has returned and now I get less time on the computer. :headache:

Love your pictures of China. Our favorite thing there was listening to the "concert" of Chinese woman playing a zither of some sort as we waited for the China movie. It was breathtaking music!

I've never come across the Chinese garden! Where is that???!!!

[3princesses+aprince]

I just read your entire report so far, it's excellent. Looks like you guys had a wonderful trip. I can't wait to read the rest.
My dd9 can't wait to go to epcot and walk through the world showcase, she's very interested in all of that stuff. I did'nt know about the passports, we're definately doing that. How much did they cost?

Oh and I just love the picture of X on the payphone. He looks like a little man.

[thecapells]

Had to break
"tradition" and not be the first to get back to you :) Hubby has returned and now I get less time on the computer. :headache:

Love your pictures of China. Our favorite thing there was listening to the "concert" of Chinese woman playing a zither of some sort as we waited for the China movie. It was breathtaking music!

I've never come across the Chinese garden! Where is that???!!!

The little "garden" is right to the right of the pavillion.
As you walk in toward the Temple of Heaven, there's a path that goes right in a semi-circle and there's serene plants, waterfalls, and lizards there.
We actually met the CM who was the caretaker and talked to her for a little while before DD posed with her mask. :)

[thecapells]

I just read your entire report so far, it's excellent. Looks like you guys had a wonderful trip. I can't wait to read the rest.
My dd9 can't wait to go to epcot and walk through the world showcase, she's very interested in all of that stuff. I did'nt know about the passports, we're definately doing that. How much did they cost?

Oh and I just love the picture of X on the payphone. He looks like a little man.

The passports were about $10 - one of the best deals I've seen yet for a WDW souvenir.
As I said, during the trip the kids were more focused on coloring their charms.
When we got home, we had a great time reflecting on the trip and adding the stickers.

[littleboss]

:rolleyes1 :rolleyes1 Just waiting on an update!!popcorn::

[thecapells]

On the way out of China, Mom noticed the next Food & Wine booth was New Delhi and she couldn’t pass up a somosa.
While Mom went to the booth, our princess decided to pose:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008696.jpg

All three kids by this point were very antsy so the next stop was very appropriate.
We headed toward the small little African Outpost between China and Germany.
I basically told the kids to go explore but they were very tentative about the drums.
I told them to go ahead. “Are you sure?” was the response.
I tried to explain that the outpost was there so kids could explore.
X didn’t have any such issues so I placed him down next to two drums that were bigger than he was
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008701.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008702.jpg

DS saw this and immediately found some others close by
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008699.jpg

DD climbed next to X:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008705.jpg

And pretty soon we had a jammin’ session.
The more interesting thing was that all the other people were walking right past without even looking in here.
But once we started jammin’, kids started to come out of the woodwork.
It was like the kids were World Showcase Players themselves – X must have added us to the schedule during his rewrite! :)

Here’s a video of X but you can clearly hear DS in the background going to town.
Looks like we may have inadvertently started a band.
Enjoy the sounds of The Capell Five:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/th_Disney2008703.jpg (http://s381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/?action=view&current=Disney2008703.flv)

Next up - Lederhosen, Dwarves, and Gingerbread Men! Oh My!

[MKEMSE12]

I'm loving your TR! I just spent the last hour catching up! We just got back from WDW and I think next time I should go with your family!!!!:rotfl: Your wife is very organized and LOVE the matching outfits for everything! Can't wait to hear and see more pics!!!!:banana:

[All7OfUs]

I so love the fact that there is always something to see "next time". We've never wandered into the outpost (knew it was there, but just didn't bother checking it out), so we'll have to take the time to at least take a look-see. What else is there besides the drums?? Souvenir carts, cast members from Africa?, food or drink?

Thanks again for sharing some really fun photos!!

[jmskinner]

The video of X drumming is darling. My DS didn't hesitate when he saw those drums.

That is cool about the echo in China. I never knew about it. Will have to try it next time. Of course, we still haven't seen the soldiers either.

[DWFan4Life]

Great review. Your kids are wonderful. It looks that you had a great time and fun. Looking forward for more...

Have a nice day. :)

[thecapells]

I so love the fact that there is always something to see "next time". We've never wandered into the outpost (knew it was there, but just didn't bother checking it out), so we'll have to take the time to at least take a look-see. What else is there besides the drums?? Souvenir carts, cast members from Africa?, food or drink?

Thanks again for sharing some really fun photos!!

Besides the drums, there's some crates and I believe someone was doing face painting.
We wandered through quickly but the drums were definitely the highlight.

[3girls4me05]

Caught up and can't wait to read more!

[littleboss]

Your kids are just too cute!:goodvibes I didn't even know Africa was in the World Showcase! I learn something new everday.:disrocks:

[siestakeys04]

I am really enjoying your trip report. It is getting me excited about my trip this summer.:thumbsup2

[thecapells]

After our musical interlude, we continued along our trek heading to Europe and the Germany pavilion.
The courtyard is a beautiful plaza with a statue of St. George slaying the dragon in the middle of a fountain.
Here’s us in St. Georges Platz but apparently St. George himself was cropped out.
The pitfalls of handing over the camera to one’s fellow tourist I guess.
Still, it’s a nice picture of the family.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008706a.jpg

It was around 12:15 or so now and we had a 1:00 ADR at Biergarten leaving enough time for pictures.
The kids were begging for Kidcot by now but since Mom had specifically worn her Grumpy T-shirt today, we had to find Snow White.
I tracked down a CM and he said she was coming out around 12:30.
So the kids lucked out and we got to play at Kidcot first.
Mom wandered around with X in the stroller hoping to put him to sleep but it didn’t work.
I hung out with the kids as they colored their charms.
Finally Mom called my cell phone saying to come quick – Snow White was coming.
We packed up the charms and masks and dashed out to meet Mom.
Neither kid was very enthused to see Snow again (we saw her this morning at Akershus) but I wanted the picture with Mom.
Luckily Photopass was on hand for a nice picture:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008263.jpg

Mom then pointed out that she came prepared for this shot.
Snow White liked Mom’s shirt so much, they both decided to imitate Grumpy.
This was a great shot (and you can even see Spaceship Earth in the distance):
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008266.jpg

I was hoping to run into Dopey here but the CM said Dopey didn’t arrive until 1:00.
I figured this was our only shot to see a dwarf so I walked over to Biergarten and asked if we could check in but wait outside (our ADR was also at 1:00).
The hostess said to just come back when we were ready to go in.
So we headed back to Kidcot to complete our creations. This time the charms were gingerbread men.
DS ripped off one hand and colored his to be Anakin Skywalker:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/KidcotGermany.jpg

And we made sure to stamp each passport as well:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/LoganPassportGermany.jpg

DD’s says Happy Birthday in German:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/RaynaPassportGermany.jpg

Then Mom hung back, and I wandered around a bit.
The Wine Cellar was pretty cool and I was very tempted to get some wine but lunch was almost here and I needed some caffeine instead.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008711.jpg

Next I found the toy store and went back to get DD. I just had to show her all the baby dolls.
She was very impressed and we spoke with the CM there for a little while.
At about 12:50, we packed up again and headed out to wait for Dopey.
While we waited, I noticed the tower in the lagoon had an interesting logo on it.
So, of course, I zoomed in and took a picture:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008712a.jpg

Dopey finally arrived but with no Photopass photographer.
Then the photographer showed up but was having camera issues.
So I snapped away on my camera:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008714.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008715.jpg

I thought this one was really cute and Dopey had the kids cracking up.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008716.jpg

Finally, the Photopass photographer was ready so we managed a nice group shot (and even got Spaceship Earth in the distance)
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008268.jpg

With that, we ran back to the pavilion to make our ADR.
Tune in next time to see how it turned out.
And bring a stein – you may need it…

[jmskinner]

I love the "Grumpy" pic with Snow White. That was great that Biergarten let you wait to get that shot with Dopey. The shot of him covering the kids faces is too cute.

[All7OfUs]

See again, you amaze me with something I didn't know before :thumbsup2 I didn't know there was a wine shop in Germany, so another thing to add to the list of fun stuff to see and do!! Woohoo!

My fav. is the grumpy pic. Too funny! Still loving every post!! Your pics. are a-maz-ing!

[thecapells]

I love the "Grumpy" pic with Snow White. That was great that Biergarten let you wait to get that shot with Dopey. The shot of him covering the kids faces is too cute.

They didn't exactly let us wait.
I basically wasn't allowed to check-in until the whole party was present.
However, since it wasn't too crowded, it didn't sound like a problem.
We ran from Dopey to Biergarten and checked in about 1:05/1:10 for our 1:00 ADR.
Luckily the 1:15 show started a bit late so we didn't miss it.

[thecapells]

See again, you amaze me with something I didn't know before :thumbsup2 I didn't know there was a wine shop in Germany, so another thing to add to the list of fun stuff to see and do!! Woohoo!

My fav. is the grumpy pic. Too funny! Still loving every post!! Your pics. are a-maz-ing!

It actually seemed like quite a selection. Although it was possibly enhanced by the fact that it was also the Food and Wine Festival.

[littleboss]

I love the snow white pics very nice. Space Ship Earth in the back round is too cool makes for a magical memory.

[thecapells]

After the photo session, we ran back to Biergarten and checked in.
I was hoping we would be seated quick since I knew there was a 1:15 Oktoberfest Musikanten show and didn’t want to miss it.
I’ve never been here before but I heard lots of good things about it.
I was telling the kids for months about the great hot dogs and sausages.
They were all pumped up as well.

My first reaction was surprise - I didn’t realize the inside would be a German village similar to the interior of Mexico.
It was really cool and complete with a full moon in the sky.
My picture doesn’t do it justice.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008723a.jpg

The kids were equally amused and took in all the details.
I explained that the banners hanging on the walls were from famous soccer (“football”) teams in Germany.
DD thought it looked like the dwarves’ house from Snow White.
Here’s a video of her describing just that:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/th_Disney2008719a.jpg (http://s381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/?action=view&current=Disney2008719a.flv)

Lunch was a blast. We started with the great pretzel bread and steins of soda and lemonade.
The kids feasted on mac and cheese while Mom and I (and DD) downed different kinds of sausages, hot dogs, meats, potatoes and spaetzle.
I was surprised that DS wouldn’t even try the mini hot dogs but DD and X had fun.
I had just managed to fill a plate for everyone and return when we were all told to raise our glasses for the tapping of the keg.
“Ticky, Tacky, Ticky, Tacky, Oy, Oy, Oy!”
And the show began.
Oktoberfest Musikanten is a fun band and the “frontman” has the greatest deep voice.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008724.jpg

After some songs (including the infamous chicken dance), they changed it up a bit and brought out a table with lots of bells.
Each bell was basically a different note so the performer would quickly ring one and then move onto the next.
There were 2 tables with bells set up in different formations – each formation corresponding to a different song.
It sounded great and it was amazing to see the performer move that fast.

The great big horns were next.
Not sure of what they are officially called but they make me think of the “Riccola” commercials. http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008732.jpg

Here’s a video of them as well:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/th_Disney2008737.jpg (http://s381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/?action=view&current=Disney2008737.flv)

We were all enjoying the meal and entertainment so much, we took our time.
After lunch, I took each kid to pick their desserts.
DS loaded up on Bavarian cheesecake, vanilla pudding with sauce, and blackforest cake and couldn’t believe I let him try all of it.
DD got the same but added fruit and apple strudel with vanilla sauce.
Mom had a bit of everything and I stuck to the black forest cake
Dessert was awesome. X had bits of everything (and left most of it on his face):
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008734.jpg

We were spending so much time eating, a second show started during dessert.
It was similar in its parts but the songs varied.
This time I videoed a different performer using the “other” table of bells to play “It’s a Small World”.
I messed up and thought I recorded the whole thing but apparently just got the end and you can barely hear “It’s a small world after all.”
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/th_Disney2008735.jpg (http://s381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/?action=view&current=Disney2008735.flv)

We were so full and having a blast.
So much that when they asked for people to dance, DD gave me those eyes and I caved. Mom made sure to grab the camera:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008745.jpg

And even videotaped us “tearing up the dance floor”
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/th_Disney2008743.jpg (http://s381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/?action=view&current=Disney2008743.flv)

The band even gave us a hand afterwards since we were the only people dancing.
Hey, if you can’t just go out and have fun in Disneyworld, then where can you do it?

On the way out, they handed us an envelope.
Inside was a giant gingerbread cookie and a birthday card for DD signed by all the CM’s which is pretty funny.
Besides the names being great (check out Ulf and Hans) this is the first (and only) birthday card we have that is not signed by characters…
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/BiergartenBirthday.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/BiergartenBirthday2.jpg

All in all Biergarten was awesome.
We definitely plan to revisit here for lunch - a great all-around experience and lots of fun for all ages!
One last stop at the restrooms and it was time to head towards Fussen.
After all, we had a train to catch. Come along! :wave:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008747.jpg

[PrncessA]

Hi I'm signing on here as well!! Great TR!!!! Your family looks like alot of fun!!!

[littleboss]

Wonderful update!!::yes:: You guys looked like you had so much fun. Sorry but the first thing that came to mind when I saw you and your DD dancing was her wedding day!:scared: Bet she was just in heaven.

[thecapells]

Hi I'm signing on here as well!! Great TR!!!! Your family looks like alot of fun!!!

Welcome to the trip! We definitely had a blast at the World.

Wonderful update!!::yes:: You guys looked like you had so much fun. Sorry but the first thing that came to mind when I saw you and your DD dancing was her wedding day!:scared: Bet she was just in heaven.

She was definitely having a good time.
It's definitely impossible to resist being asked to dance by your little princess.

[thecapells]

Next to the hills of Germany, we wandered “The Romantic Road” between Fussen and Wurzburg to check out the miniature train village
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008748.jpg

There were really cool and we could’ve spent much more time here.
But since we had a long lunch, I wanted to make up some time so we didn't stay long...
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008749.jpg

Mom decided now was a good time to change DD into her t-shirt since there would be lots more running and playing from here on out.
So, after a quick change of the troops, we pressed on towards the plaza of Italy.
Here are the kids posing while showing off DD’s mask and DS’ passport.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008751.jpg

With nothing much for the little ones to do here (they wouldn’t be interested in the World Showcase Players), we headed straight to Kidcot.
Not that the kids had a problem with that or anything. :)
I did warn them that we wouldn’t be staying long and that they'd have time to color more at our next stop.
However, once we got there, DD announced she had to go to the bathroom really badly.
And, of course, according to the nearest CM, there is no restroom in Italy – it’s between Germany and Italy.
I find that highly doubtful but I didn’t have time to argue. I grabbed DD’s hand and headed back.
Mind you, we just went in Germany about 10 minutes ago and used the restrooms if you recall.

We made it in time but I was pretty frustrated.
On the way back to Italy, I noticed the pier of Venice with the gondola in the lagoon and figured I had to snap a pic:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008750.jpg

When we arrived back at Italy, Mom had gotten the passports stamped:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/LoganPassportItaly.jpg

DD’s even mentioned Pinocchio
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/RaynaPassportItaly.jpg

And DS had made a “real” looking set of eyes with his charm:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/KidcotItaly.jpg

We regrouped and headed out.
Next stop on the World Tour…. Pearville !??!!?!?!?
Tune in next time for everything you ever wanted to know about pears but were afraid to ask… :confused3

[Lady Lallie]

I just spent the last few days catching up on your TR and it's simply wonderful. I can't remember everything I wanted to say but I have been really enjoying it. You seem like a great family who has lots of fun together. Your kids are adorable. I can't wait to read more. :goodvibes

[thecapells]

I just spent the last few days catching up on your TR and it's simply wonderful. I can't remember everything I wanted to say but I have been really enjoying it. You seem like a great family who has lots of fun together. Your kids are adorable. I can't wait to read more. :goodvibes

Welcome Aboard!
And if you remember, I'd love to hear what you have to say! :)

[wdwgirls4ever]

Hi. I found your trip report late and am just now catching up. My family took our first trip to WDW in 2000. My daughter was 9 at the time and we also bought her the passport. My father (who never met a stranger) would walk ahead of us to find the Kidcot stops so she could make her charms to decorate her mask. When we got home she really enjoyed showing all her friends them and talking about all the countries. She treasured both and still has them today. I know part of the joy of vacations is making memories and I can see that your whole family is going to have great ones! I look forward to reading more of your TR!
PS - We're taking our daughter & her boyfriend back in June for her Graduation!

[thecapells]

Hi. I found your trip report late and am just now catching up. My family took our first trip to WDW in 2000. My daughter was 9 at the time and we also bought her the passport. My father (who never met a stranger) would walk ahead of us to find the Kidcot stops so she could make her charms to decorate her mask. When we got home she really enjoyed showing all her friends them and talking about all the countries. She treasured both and still has them today. I know part of the joy of vacations is making memories and I can see that your whole family is going to have great ones! I look forward to reading more of your TR!
PS - We're taking our daughter & her boyfriend back in June for her Graduation!

That sounds awesome! Graduation? They grow up too fast.
I just finished our Disney PhotoBook and will probably make a slide show DVD with all the photos, video, and audio clips.
These memories will definitely last a while!

[Ariel on Land]

Hello!!!! I just read your entire report and I'm LOVING it! The kiddos are adorable! I'm paying extra attention to all of X's adventures- we're taking our 24 month (at the time) year old twins for the first time this spring! It's good to get a "little one's perspective!" :rotfl: Y'all did such a great job planning, too- man it makes me feel like I need to get on the ball!

Anyways, hope you have a great weekend and I look forward to the rest of the report! :wave2:

[All7OfUs]

Sure had some catching up to do! But loved every minute of reading and savoring the images!

I think one of my most favorite things in ALL of WS is the miniature trains. LOVE, love love them! I, too, could stand there for a long time! It's so, well, it's so Disney!

I'm dying for the next installment! Pear- something??

Love it!

[MaleDisneyBeliever]

Incredible! Cannot believe it took me so long to find this report! One of the best I have seen...super pics!

A couple of questions... Im going to Orlando in September and its the first time I'll have funded it myself and first time since I was a kid.

1, The Bday cards and personalised menus etc.... do you know if they do them for anniversary? Or anyone else know? And how did you arrange it?

2, Photopass... pics are amazing! Did you have to ask specially for the creative shots? Hook, Tink etc? How much did you pay to get 600 odd pics?!?!

Thanks!

[thecapells]

Hello!!!! I just read your entire report and I'm LOVING it! The kiddos are adorable! I'm paying extra attention to all of X's adventures- we're taking our 24 month (at the time) year old twins for the first time this spring! It's good to get a "little one's perspective!" :rotfl: Y'all did such a great job planning, too- man it makes me feel like I need to get on the ball!

Anyways, hope you have a great weekend and I look forward to the rest of the report! :wave2:


24-month twins? You'll have a blast!
I would definitely recommend the restaurants with the little "extras" to keep the little ones occupied. Stay tuned for some more...

[thecapells]

Sure had some catching up to do! But loved every minute of reading and savoring the images!

I think one of my most favorite things in ALL of WS is the miniature trains. LOVE, love love them! I, too, could stand there for a long time! It's so, well, it's so Disney!

I'm dying for the next installment! Pear- something??

Love it!

If you love the train village, you'll be excited.
I hear the new Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure has a mission that involves the train village!
I so want to go back and see that - it sounds awesome!

[thecapells]

1, The Bday cards and personalised menus etc.... do you know if they do them for anniversary? Or anyone else know? And how did you arrange it?

When you make your ADR's, inform them that it's your anniversary.
The Coral Reef personalized menus have stopped but I believe they may still exist at California Grill.
Also remind the hostess when you arrive and your waiter/waitress that it's your anniversary.
There's no guarantee you'll get something, but they usually do something.

2, Photopass... pics are amazing! Did you have to ask specially for the creative shots? Hook, Tink etc? How much did you pay to get 600 odd pics?!?!

The Photopass CD includes ALL pictures you take and ALL the edits/borders you add.
I had 330 or so pictures and 630 after all my edits. I received 2 CD's for all the pics with no additional charge for the large amount.
I would recommend pre-ordering to save $100. It's $100 plus free shipping with the pre-order and $125 plus shipping after your trip.
I went a step further and got the $150 combo deal and pre-ordered both the CD and the professional photobook.
Normally the professional book is $70 and $1.50 for every page over 20.
If you pre-order with the CD, it's basically $50 for an unlimited amount of pages (mine had 32) plus free shipping.

[MaleDisneyBeliever]

Thanks for clearing that up :)

[LGH1946]

This is the BEST TR I have ever seen. The pictures are so incredible. I have never seen such good, clear pictures and they include EVERYTHING!!! I have been to WDW 20 times but I have seen more in your pictures.

Great! Such cute kids!!!pixiedust:

[jmskinner]

I'm glad you enjoyed Biergarten, it is one of our favorites. The you and DD dancing is just wonderful.

You really had a magical trip!

[Halloweenqueen]

Beirgarten is one of our favorites. We never get a good picture though. Good for you!

[mom2meiko]

i am fully caught up (all in one morning i might add) and have to say Thank You for taking the time to write such a great and detailed TR. :) our next trip is still a year away (due to my current pregnancy) but we can't wait to get back down to our 2nd home. :) can't wait to read the next installment! :)

[thecapells]

This is the BEST TR I have ever seen. The pictures are so incredible. I have never seen such good, clear pictures and they include EVERYTHING!!! I have been to WDW 20 times but I have seen more in your pictures.

Great! Such cute kids!!!pixiedust:

i am fully caught up (all in one morning i might add) and have to say Thank You for taking the time to write such a great and detailed TR. :) our next trip is still a year away (due to my current pregnancy) but we can't wait to get back down to our 2nd home. :) can't wait to read the next installment! :)

Welcome aboard both of you and thank you for the kind words.
I hope I can live up to your high praise for the rest of the report.
As for the amount of detail, I plan to save this report and show the kids once they grow up - yet another memento of the trip!
And I hope to get the next segment out tonite - stay tuned!

[thecapells]

It was now about 2:30 as we left the plaza of Italy en route to the good ol’ U.S.A.
We still had lots to get done before our 5:30 dinner ADR so at first I was annoyed when we stumbled into a crowd.
Then I realized the crowd was moving.
We were following some guys dressed up in colonial garb.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008753.jpg

Ah yes - The Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps from the American Adventure.
I figured we’d watch the parade for a minute as we passed quickly by.
I vaguely recalled they had some sort of flag ceremony.
With DD and DS in tow, I maneuvered towards the front of the mansion right when the Drum Corps turned to face us.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008754.jpg

To my surprise, at that point it turned into a full-blown show.
I hadn’t actually planned to see these guys but it was really fun and we even sang along! :rolleyes1
I quickly snapped some more pics:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008755.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008756.jpg

And then the Drum Corps even broke into famous formations:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008757.jpg

When the show was over, we found Mom pushing a sleeping X in the stroller covered in Mickey blankets.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008770.jpg

Right next to the American pavilion was a gate leading into the “Pearville Fair.”
Yes, I said Pearville. What is Pearville you may ask? I did. So did the kids. :confused3
Apparently it’s a celebration of the American Pear. Ummmmmm, okay. :scratchin

So what did we do?
Well, if you know me by now the answer is simple.
Why, we took pictures of course!!! :artist:

First, DD and DS were turned into pears by looking into the special mirror:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008761a.jpg

Now that we were pears, we had to decide which pears would best suit us.
First there was the Princess Pear (of course)
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008762.jpg

Followed by Sekel the Dragon Pear
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008763.jpg

And Bosc the Bear Pear
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008764.jpg

And lastly, Bartlett the Pirate Pear
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008766.jpg

And we could not forget to take pictures with the Pear Topiary
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008768.jpg

This was getting ridiculous but the kids were having a blast and giggling with delight.
DD even made me take a picture of her next to this random red pear
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008767.jpg

All the while X was dreaming of pears
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008769.jpg

On the way out we even got pear coins…
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/PearsCoin.jpg

Next to Pearville was Kidcot so the kids calmed down and went to work.
I sat with the kids so they could stamp their passports and color their charms.
The CM’s wrote nice messages as usual
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/LoganPassportUSA.jpg

including Happy Birthday to DD:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/RaynaPassportUSA.jpg

And here’s DS’ colorful American rocking horse charm.
He colored both sides identically - here's one side.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/KidcotUSA.jpg

I had already planned to skip the American Adventure show as my kids are a bit young for the history there.
And Voices of Liberty is also not their style (although Mom would’ve loved it).
So, after restroom stops, we set off from our homeland as we still had half the world left to conquer!
And conquer it we shall! Stay tuned!

[castmemberb4]

Love Love love your TR !
You're doing a fantastic writing job!

I have to tell you just so you have no ill feelings toward that Italian CM, there are no restrooms in Italy. The restrooms are in every other country (mostly)

Anyways really enjoyed the Biergarten with you and can't wait to see where you go next.

Lynn

[thecapells]

Love Love love your TR !
You're doing a fantastic writing job!

I have to tell you just so you have no ill feelings toward that Italian CM, there are no restrooms in Italy. The restrooms are in every other country (mostly)

Anyways really enjoyed the Biergarten with you and can't wait to see where you go next.

Lynn

Thanks for following along!
As for the restrooms, I figured there had to be some in Tutto Italia but I didn't want to stay and argue.
I know in France (as you'll see later), we were directed to the restrooms within Chefs de France.

[Lady Lallie]

Hmm. The Pear. It was a cute little set up though. I especially like the Princess Pear. :rotfl:

[All7OfUs]

'What a trip! Pears??!! Weird... I'm pretty sure we've used the restroom in Tutto, but maybe they don't want everyone to have access to it?

I have now put the fife and drum corps on my list of must-dos. Haven't seen then yet, nor Voices of Liberty. I wonder if you can get a CD of either of their music? Anyone know?

I'll check back tomorrow...

[jmskinner]

Wow, you guys did so much during your trip. I have to add the fife and drum corps to the list of things to do in Epcot. I need to grab a note pad and go all the way through your TR and take notes.:rotfl:

The Pear Fair photos are great. :thumbsup2

[thecapells]

BTW, I forgot to mention.
Check out the Drum Corps drums for Hidden Mickeys.
The kids found them while we were watching and I forgot to point them out in the TR.

[thecapells]

Wow, you guys did so much during your trip. I have to add the fife and drum corps to the list of things to do in Epcot. I need to grab a note pad and go all the way through your TR and take notes.:rotfl:

Yeah, my spreadsheet was pretty packed with all the little things to do.
I think it just made the countries (and everything else) that much more interesting for the kids!
So get those notebooks out and ready to go - there's lots more to come!! :thumbsup2

[castmemberb4]

Thanks for following along!
As for the restrooms, I figured there had to be some in Tutto Italia but I didn't want to stay and argue.
I know in France (as you'll see later), we were directed to the restrooms within Chefs de France.

It amuses/amazes me how the rules have changed since I was there. (It's been almost 15 years since I was a castmember) we weren't allowed to direct anybody into the restaurants for the restrooms. I think they kept them more exclusive that way. Don't even get me started on the grooming rule changes !
Can't wait for more report especially since it's been pretty cold here, I'm loving seeing you guys in your shorts and Disney shirts.
Lynn

[OhMari]

What day of the month are you at Epcot.
I was there at the same time and I was watching
the Drum and Fife Show.
I was at Epcot Nov. 9th.

[thecapells]

What day of the month are you at Epcot.
I was there at the same time and I was watching
the Drum and Fife Show.
I was at Epcot Nov. 9th.

Just missed ya.
We were there on Wed, Nov 5th.
That would've been funny though!

[thecapells]

Crossing the Pacific after our American Adventure and run-in with some pears, we arrived at the Land of the Rising Sun.
A friendly Photopass photographer was there waiting and introduced us to the “magic spot.”
I hadn’t heard of this spot, but apparently in Japan, there is a "magic" photopass spot.
They take pictures of you, rotate, take more pictures, rotate, and take more pictures.
The result is that you get pictures in front of the Japanese temple, the pavilion, and the Torii arch.
All without really moving. It was pretty cool.
Unfortunately X was still sleeping. But that didn’t stop our photographer as he proceeded to snap X in his stroller. http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008272.jpg

Then he made us gather together at the “magic spot.”
First up was the shot of the lagoon with the Torii in the background.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008277.jpg

We then rotated for a shot of the Japanese temple.
DD was making silly faces but it was still a decent shot.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008287.jpg

Lastly, we rotated to get a family shot with the Japanese pavilion in the background.
Unfortunately, DS was still putting his glasses in his pocket at the time.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008289.jpg

The pics weren’t great but it’s a neat idea – one spot, 3 shots.
After our photography session, I made an executive decision based on timing.
We had 5:30 reservations for dinner back here in Japan but still had more countries to go.
Rather than get to Canada and trek all the way back for dinner, I thought we should press on now.
That way we could finish Morocco and France,and then come back before we get too far. So, off we went.
But first I had to snap a shot of Spaceship Earth framed by the Torii
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008771.jpg

And the kids wanted to pose as well:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008772.jpg

As we neared Morocco, I spotted Aladdin by the stand across from the pavilion and immediately got in line.
They announced that Aladdin was going to leave in several minutes but would return with his friends Jasmine and the Genie!
I was psyched because group shots are sooo much more fun. So we decided to wait.
It was about 3:00 and the Matsuriza Drummers started playing back in Japan.
I lifted the kids onto a table so they could see. Don't tell anyone. :ssst:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008776.jpg

And we watched the show while in line for the characters.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008775a.jpg

Drums in Africa, America, and now Japan – Disney apparently has a “thing” for drums.
Anyway, after the show, DD caught sight of some of the Friendship Boats and wanted a picture:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008774.jpg

And Mom wanted to squish Spaceship Earth.
This is always a fun picture:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008784.jpg

By now Genie had returned but we were awaiting Aladdin and Jasmine.
Since X was still sleeping, Mom suggested we explore the Morocco Pavillion on our own. So we did…

[ktmetke]

I love the pic of your wife "holding" onto Spaceship Earth!

[All7OfUs]

Love the secret of the "magic" place in Japan. Will definitely use that one in the future! I like what mskinner says... add all these fun little things to my notebook to keep in mind! Glad I have your TR in my favorites so I can keep it for a while to look back to. So many details you have included! Thanks!

A while back you talked about the "magic" spot in China. Can you explain that a little better?? I definitely want to find that, but I'm not sure what to do or look for. Thanks!

[thecapells]

A while back you talked about the "magic" spot in China. Can you explain that a little better?? I definitely want to find that, but I'm not sure what to do or look for. Thanks!

Sure - it's pretty simple.
Just inside the doorway to the Temple of Heaven is a large circular room.
The floor is made up of square tiles that form rows of circles with one circle in the middle.
Stand in the room and shout "Hello". It sounds fairly normal with a slight echo.
Now stand in the circle in the middle of the room and try it again.
The acoustics of the temple allow you to hear your own voice.
It's a pretty neat sound as the echo is perfect from that sole point in the room.
Comparatively, the echo is much louder and has more reverb from that spot.
Ask a CM and they will gladly help you find the effect.

[tinkerbelle_rox325]

DD was making silly faces but it was still a decent shot.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008287.jpg


Don't you mean GOOFY faces?? :D
I've just tuned into this trip report and i love it!
Can't wait to hear more!
:goodvibes

[thecapells]

Don't you mean GOOFY faces?? :D
I've just tuned into this trip report and i love it!
Can't wait to hear more!
:goodvibes

Good catch and welcome Tinkerbelle Rox :thumbsup2
You've obviously been paying attention!
I'll have to watch my step now that you guys are following along so closely!! :magnify:
:laughing:

[Lady Lallie]

I love the photo of your wife squishing Spaceship Earth! That is so cool. :thumbsup2 We had a "magic" spot in Italy but with only two photo ops.

[All7OfUs]

Great! Thanks for explaining that :hyper: going back now to find the HM in the Fife and Drum Corps. I'll let you know if I can't find it.

[thecapells]

As we made our way from the character line at the lagoon across the walkway to Morocco, I noticed a Hidden Mickey I couldn’t pass up:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008777.jpg

Then it was on to the Kingdom of Morocco:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008778.jpg

DS was being a good sport but the kids were definitely getting antsy in anticipation of Kidcot.
DD, however, wanted to take pictures along the way.
So the compromise was this nice picture:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008779.jpg

Followed by this “goofy” picture:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008780.jpg

I love the marketplace in Morocco as it feels very authentic and is beautiful in every detail from the hand-made tiles to the quaint shops.
We finally stumbled across the room that is usually reserved for the characters (hence the Mickey glove pointing to it).
The background is much nicer than out by the lagoon so I’m not sure why it was changed but I took some pics anyway.
See if you can find the Hidden Mickey in the backdrop:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008783a.jpg

Nearby is the story of Aladdin:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008782.jpg

Then we found KidCot which.
Instead of charms to color, Morocco offered plastic “hands” which are symbols of good luck.
They each got to pick a color. DD went with pink and DS got this one:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/KidcotMorocco.jpg

And we had to stamp the passports of course:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/LoganPassportMorocco.jpg

The CM wrote Happy Birthday to DD in both Arabic and English:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/RaynaPassportMorocco.jpg

The kids sat and colored their previous charms a bit more until Mom called on the cell phone.
Aladdin and Jasmine had arrived!
We hurried back through the marketplace to join Mom in line.
The kids went first, and DS was a bit shy at first:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008297.jpg

However, he soon got over it and took some nice shots.
I was a bit disappointed that Photopass doesn’t have a “border” with all three “signatures” so I had to make one of each. Here’s the results:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008300.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008301.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008302.jpg

The funny thing is I think I ended up with a better (re:less blurry) picture on my camera but I can’t add the cool borders to that shot:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008788.jpg

Next was the fun family shot and it came out great.
Given the same issue with the names, I opted for just Aladdin’s signature on this one.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008309.jpg

As I said the group shots are always more fun.
X was still sleeping and this Photopass photographer (like the last one) took a picture of him as well but I didn't upload it since it's so similar to the last one.
We headed back to Europe and encountered a random CM blowing bubbles outside the Food & Wine Louisiana area.
Since the kids were due for a break, we stopped and let them chase the bubbles for a bit.
Look closely at the top left and you can see the one DD is chasing.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008789.jpg

Now that our wiggles were out, it was time to descend onto the City of Lights and make use of that High School French. Allons-y!

[MovienutNiffer]

Great update! I subscribed a couple of days ago - the title made me go YIKES! and I have this weird tendency in finding these TR's that someone is either hurt or sick during the vacation (the last 3 I read TR had a little boy have a horrible asthma attack, one lady got an ear infection and one report that just concluded the mother had 2 broken arms!)

Well I usually look at these while watching my nephew who is 3 years old because I want him to get excited about Disney early (we might be going when he turns 5 - so we're saving saving saving!). He loves seeing pictures of babies and other kids but when he saw X with those stitches he cried and was going "Is he okay?" so I had to show him the rest of the report. He was glad the little one was okay and loved seeing all the fun pictures.

So keep up the great work!

[jmskinner]

Another great update. Morocco is probably my favorite to tour. We didn't go through it until about the 10th visit to Epcot, I know "How did we miss it?":confused3

Sorry the photopass pics came out blurry. Yours was a much better shot.

Love the pic of DD chasing the bubble. Great shot!:thumbsup2

[Lady Lallie]

I think Morocco is one of the prettiest pavillions in World Showcase. I can't get over how cute your kids are, your DD especially looks like she is having the time of her life. :goodvibes

[All7OfUs]

I found it! The HM in the backdrop! Adding that to my list of ones to find. My last tour of the World Sh. was doomed due antsy parents (you can find that story in my TR in my sig.), so I missed a lot of this country! I was so, so sad. Anyway, we live in a place that is very similar in culture and architecture so I get to see tiles and domes, and arches more than I'd like. So, although it is very beautiful, I can't say it's my favorite. Running into Alladin, Genie and Jasmine was a highlight for us though. I love the fact that it's so much easier to see characters in WS. The lines (at least from our experience) are way shorter and go faster if there is one. We ate at the Marakesh (sp?) in 2006, and were very disappointed. Of course the guys loved the belly dancing, but the F\food was bland to our taste. Anyway, great installment! Your 3 little cuties are too adorable; they sure aren't camera shy, are they?!

[thecapells]

Your 3 little cuties are too adorable; they sure aren't camera shy, are they?!

It's funny you say that. I just finished my PhotoBook of this trip and ordered it.
So I decided to go back and make one for DS - we went in 2006 for his 4th Birthday (apparently it's a precedent now).
The pics from 2006 are soooo different. DD (then 15 months or so) was afraid of the chars and DS was shy and didn't smile unless he was laughing.
They've both come along way.
X, on the other hand, is definitely much better with pictures.
By the end of this trip, X was even saying "EEEeeeeee" (cheese) when someone got a camera out!

[PrncessA]

Your kids are adorable! I love the family pic w/ Aladdin and the gang!!!

[3girls4me05]

I found the Hidden Mickey too! Love all the pictures but especially the one of your DD chasing the bubble. What camera did you use? Your pictures came out great.

[thecapells]

I found the Hidden Mickey too! Love all the pictures but especially the one of your DD chasing the bubble. What camera did you use? Your pictures came out great.

I've been using my new Canon Powershot SD1100 for all the pics and video.
We just got it before the trip so Mom and I could each have our own cameras (this one is mine).
I love it!

[thecapells]

We arrived in France and the kids really enjoyed the atmosphere.
They both jumped onto the fountain and posed for pictures with the Eiffel Tower looming behind them.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008790.jpg

I quickly spotted Aurora and got on line with the kids over by the mini hedge maze.
When Mom caught up with X and the stroller, I sent her to find Belle’s Library which I’ve heard so much about but have never been to.
I wanted her to find out when Belle and the Beast would be there and get online for us.
She disappeared and I got this shot of DS before a CM told him to get down.
Oops – I didn’t realize that was a “no-no.”
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008792.jpg

Mom returned and said that Belle would be appearing near the lagoon while Beast was “away at the Castle” today.
At that point, DD announced she had to go the bathroom really badly again.
Mom grabbed both DD and DS and headed towards Les Chefs de France to use the restrooms.
I stayed in line with the stroller and let a group ahead of me.
When they returned, I sent Mom out to the lagoon to find Belle with the stroller.
Meanwhile, DD got precious shots with Aurora – the same one we met at breakfast.
First a hug
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008310.jpg

And then some nice poses (complete with Photopass autograph)
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008315.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008317.jpg

Then my cell phone rang and Mom said to hurry as she was next in line.
We ran over to the lagoon where Mom was waiting for Belle.
This time Belle was in her country clothes so DD was excited to get another picture.
First, DD showed Belle that she was on her shirt
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008319.jpg

And then she got a big hug
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008323.jpg

By now, DS was grumbling about all the princesses so we set off to find Kidcot.
Mom sidetracked (with X) to the Lyon Food and Wine Festival booth because she was craving crème brulee.
I forgot to get a picture but she really enjoyed it.
DD,DS, and I stopped off at Belle’s Library.
It’s really beautiful with those amazing stained glass windows.
Once again, I really think this is a better picture spot than by the lagoon so I’m not sure why she moved.
Maybe they were moving the characters to the lagoon in order to be more accessible for the F&W Festival.
Anyhow, the lighting is tough but here’s my best attempt at a pic:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008804a.jpg

Apparently Belle had been reading Hunchback of Notre Dame as that was the book on her pedestal:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008807.jpg

Next the kids wandered through the attached perfume shop and wanted a picture in the cool little alcove so I obliged.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008808.jpg

Then it was Kidcot time.
We walked the streets of France ogling all the other people walking by with desserts.
At the end of the walkway was a covered area with a shop in it as well as Kidcot.
I encouraged the kids to greet the CM’s with “Bonjour” and tried to catch what they said (I took French waaaay back when).
After grudgingly saying “Bonjour”, the kids got their passports stamped.
The CM who stamped DS’ was very curt.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/LoganPassportFrance.jpg

But DD got a nice message with her name:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/RaynaPassportFrance.jpg

No matter, DS went to work furiously on his charm.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/KidcotFrance.jpg

Mom returned just as I noticed a lady with a flute of champage.
I talked to her and she said it was really good.
I was debating getting myself a crepe but the champagne looked really good.
I left Mom to finish her treat and watch the kids and headed out to the lagoon.
The crepe stand was only taking cash which was really annoying as I wanted to use snack credits.
With dinner on the horizon, I decided to splurge instead for a glass of champagne.
For $11, it was overpriced but I figured I’m allowed one treat, right?
It was really good! So good that when I spotted a Photopass photographer, I decided to get some pictures of my splurge!
Here’s me with my goofy “I’m taking a picture with my champagne” smile.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008326.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008330.jpg

When I got back to Kidcot, it was time to change everyone into our dinner clothes and head back to Japan.
During our runs to the bathroom to change, DS noticed a Hidden Mickey:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008809.jpg

After dinner we were planning to come back and finish the World Showcase with the United Kingdom.
And that way we could pass back through France for dessert.
I’ve stopped in the French bakery in the past for amazing treats and was looking forward to it. Mmmmm….
And with visions of chocolate crepes dancing in our heads, we were off to Japan!

[3princesses+aprince]

I love the pics from France, my dd9 cannot wait to go through the WS, France is what she is waiting to see.

[3girls4me05]

Oh you left France without having a Grey Goose Slushie? I could never do that! I dream about them.

[All7OfUs]

Okay, so I'm a bit dense... It is just now dawning on me that every country has a fountain- right!! Fountain pics. seem to be a running theme for you. :rolleyes: So, another thing to add to my list... a picture of myself next to every fountain at WS on my next trip. I think if you get to WS right when they open it, you could get some pretty crowd free shots until America, then on day 2 you could go the other way and get crowd free shots again, until America.

Anyway, I"ve been to Belle's library next to the perfume shop before, but another "dense" moment. For some reason, I had forgotten (or didn't notice it) was what it was. Something definitely worth a re-do! Thanks for the reminder!

Love that you treated yourself to a "something" just for you! When I'm there with kids, it seems I forget all about getting a treat just for me :confused3 Guess we parents get pretty wrapped up in making everything just right for our little cherubs. Pretty weird that some of mine are almost old enough to share a flute of champagne WITH me!!!!!!!!! Ahhhh, it goes by so fast- enjoy all those magical moments while they ARE!

Until next time,

[jmskinner]

Another great update!

We have never checked out France at WS, but after your TR I am looking forward to it.

[Lady Lallie]

I love Belle's library. I think it's a sweet little area to explore. You did well with your picture of the stained glass windows, it's really hard to get one in there. :thumbsup2

[thecapells]

Okay, so I'm a bit dense... It is just now dawning on me that every country has a fountain- right!! Fountain pics. seem to be a running theme for you. :rolleyes: So, another thing to add to my list... a picture of myself next to every fountain at WS on my next trip.

I think every country has either a fountain, waterfall, or pond of some sort now that you mention it.
However, it wasn't a goal of mine to take shots there, most of them simply are too picturesque to pass up.
Maybe it was a subconscious goal but now that I think about it, we don't have one next to the fountain in Mexico.
I guess we'll just have to go back! :)

I think if you get to WS right when they open it, you could get some pretty crowd free shots until America, then on day 2 you could go the other way and get crowd free shots again, until America.

Not a bad idea but I kinda of like exploring the "whole world" in one day.
As you suggested, it didn't really get crowded until America.
And, even so, the streets of Morocco are usually empty and the only crowds we really encountered were France, Japan (at dinner time), and the UK (also dinner time).
It was a good idea that we finished off Mexico and Canada the day before.
The only downside is that exploring Japan and the UK were mostly done at night so we didn't get to enjoy all the theming as much.
On the other hand, we also missed the countries at night with all the lights.
A better plan (for those with older kids) would be to turn around after the UK and head back the "long" way.
That way, you can see all the countries at night as well.
And then you'd arrive back at FutureWorld around the time of Illuminations!
We'll have to try that one once the kids are a bit older...

[DisneyMom5]

On the other hand, we also missed the countries at night with all the lights.
A better plan (for those with older kids) would be to turn around after the UK and head back the "long" way.
That way, you can see all the countries at night as well.
And then you'd arrive back at FutureWorld around the time of Illuminations!
We'll have to try that one once the kids are a bit older...

That would be a great plan. Last time my SIL only got to see some of the countries at night, and it is VERY dark, and you miss out on a lot of the details. So I wouldn't recommend seeing it only at night, but a tour back through with the lights would be cool.

Great report! :thumbsup2

[All7OfUs]

On the other hand, we also missed the countries at night with all the lights.
A better plan (for those with older kids) would be to turn around after the UK and head back the "long" way.
That way, you can see all the countries at night as well.
And then you'd arrive back at FutureWorld around the time of Illuminations!
We'll have to try that one once the kids are a bit older...

Ohhh, I like that idea too! Doing it TWICE, once in the day, (the other way around at night). Is that what you are saying?? Love it!

I wonder if there is another theme you could go with around the world besides fountains. We got a few shots with hats (sombreros in Mex., woven bamboo in China, etc...) that could be fun to try, but what about other ideas? Maybe CMs in their costumes?

[thecapells]

We arrived back in Japan around 5:00 or so.
Mom parked the stroller and went upstairs to check us in at Teppan Edo.
I took the kids and headed over through the majestic doors at the end of the pavilion.
I read that this was to be the entrance of a grand attraction at Japan (borrowed from Tokyo Disney) but never developed.
Instead they added a small table for Kidcot so the kids went to work and I finished sipping my champagne.
Kidcot here was fairly crowded (I noticed that they tend to fill up as the day wears on) and it was very hot inside.
Mom agreed once she showed up.
Luckily we didn’t have to wait long as our beeper went off shortly much to the dismay of our budding artists.
The charms from Japan are among the most interesting as they are actually origami.
The CM folds a cut-out piece of paper into an animal for the charm.
She made one for X and even wrote his name in Japanese on it. It looks odd flattened but it’s supposed to be a frog I believe:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/KidcotJapanXander.jpg

DS decided it looks more like a frog if you do this to it (but never got a chance to finish coloring it):
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/KidcotJapan.jpg

While we were there, we made sure to get the passports stamped as well.
The CM wrote DS’ name in Japanese and even threw in a Hidden Mickey:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/LoganPassportJapan.jpg

DD got the same with “Happy Birthday” in Japanese thrown in at the end.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/RaynaPassportJapan.jpg

Since it was her birthday, the CM also let her pick an orgami bow.
DD, of course, picked pink. The CM attached it (along with everything else) to her mask. More on that later…

We headed back up the large set of stairs into the restaurant area.
Both Tokyo Dining and Teppan Edo are in the same location – just different sides of the building.
The hostess led us to a room where there were 2 “stations” set up. One side was empty and the other had a family of 4 already seated.
We were seated next to the family and introduced ourselves.
Another host (for lack of a better name) came out and introduced himself as “Go.”
He apparently was in charge of our drinks and giving us the spiel about Teppan Edo.
A waitress appeared shortly thereafter and took our orders.
Drinks and appetizers were served first.
Mom and I each ordered the Assorted Tempura which was one piece of chicken, shrimp, and some vegetables all served in tempura.
The waitress even provided several dipping sauces and it was all very good.

About then, the kids meals were served.
Both kids ordered the Tempura Combo (one piece of shrimp and one of chicken) but we asked the CM to bring DS two chickens instead of a shrimp.
The meals were served in really cool Monorails with rice, vegetables, and a fruit cup: http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008810.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008811a.jpg

I think both kids thought the little folding umbrellas were the best part of the meal.
DD enjoyed her dinner while DS wasn’t as excited but he’s the picky one in the family.
He ended up eating his rice and eating the chicken after he pulled it out of the tempura “shell.”
Finally, our chef came out for the cooking and the “show”.
Veggies were first and the chef constructed a volcano out of onion slices:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008813.jpg

And then animated the volcano…
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/th_Disney2008812.jpg (http://s381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/?action=view&current=Disney2008812.flv)

Then it was time to cook the adult entrees.
Mom ordered the Ueno Combination Dinner (chicken and shrimp) and thought it was good but not spectacular.
I ordered the filet mignon as I had heard good things about it.
It was really good – small tender exquisite pieces with dipping sauces to provide extra flavor.
It really was a nice meal and I don’t usually like Asian food.
Our cook was fun and did a nice job but was not as “entertaining” as the one at the table across from us.
She did perform the “shrimp tail in the hat” trick.
That is, as she cut off the shrimp tails during cooking, she would flip them up and catch them in the top of her chef’s hat.
After dinner, our cook departed and we headed to the restrooms.
Unfortunately I forgot to take a picture of her.

When we returned, a chef’s hat was waiting for DD with “Happy Birthday” written on it in English and Japanese.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008817.jpg

She was a little surprised but lit up when she saw the candle in the dessert that had appeared.
We all had ordered bowls of soft-serve ice cream.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008818.jpg

X seemed to be enjoying himself as well:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008820.jpg

We left the restaurant in good spirits.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008815.jpg

I wanted to explore a bit more of Japan but it was hard as it was getting dark.
Here’s my attempt at the pretty coi in the pond.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/Disney2008821.jpg

With the Far East now behind us, we headed off to complete our trek around the world.
We were so stuffed from dinner and ice cream that we decided to skip dessert at France on the way.
And with 10 countries down, only one stood in the way of completing our World Showcase Adventure! Stay tuned...

[thecapells]

Apparently everyone saw their shadow on Feb 2nd and disappeared for the remainder of the Trip Report.
Come on back everyone!
And let's hear from the lurkers as well while I finish up the last segment of the World Showcase!

[hcmommy]

Ok, your caught me...lurker here :blush: Coming out to say :wave2: and I'm enjoying your report. Can't wait to read the rest.

[tanyabanana]

Ok, I am a lurker..but I spent a couple hours yesterday getting caught up to now. I am enjoying the TR! We are going without kids this year...but I want one of the passport books myself :)

[kimmylaj]

i'm still here loving the latest dining update, never thought of going there but between the monorail dish and the onion volcano my son is sold (ok me too)

[Lady Lallie]

The monorails the kids meals come in are really cute. I think they are a nice touch. :thumbsup2

[jmskinner]

Apparently everyone saw their shadow on Feb 2nd and disappeared for the remainder of the Trip Report.
Come on back everyone!
And let's hear from the lurkers as well while I finish up the last segment of the World Showcase!

:rotfl2: Sorry, been kind of crazy. I had my email reminder saved to come read your update when I had more time.

But hey, you got two lurkers to come out of hiding.:rotfl:

I have been thinking about trying Teppan Edo, maybe our September trip.

[thecapells]

Welcome back everyone!
It's good to know the TR wasn't abandoned (as we're just heating up).

And welcome aboard to those who just joined and are catching up.
I hope to get the next segment out today/tonite.