Ten Sleeps in Disney World!! - An Aug Trip Report *5/9 Departure Day & Final Thoughts [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

Mickey_Mom

08-28-2009, 06:41 PM

Do you remember your imagination?
Where Neverland was a destination?
Your magical adventure isn't over yet
Just hold on tight and don't forget

Every wish, every dream you ever had
Close your eyes
And it will all come rushing back
Fly away
All you need is to believe and remember when

You never know where your dreams might take you
So keep them safe and sound don't let reality break you
Feel your sweetest memories come and carry you away
Just get lost in yesterday

Surrender to the innocence
You thought you left behind
And reach the child that lives inside

Fly away
All you need is to believe and remember when

Remember when

--Richard Marx (Written for Disneyland's 50th Anniversary)

:welcome: to my family’s August trip report! If you’d like to read the planning that went into this trip, check out my PTR here (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2198794). It has handy dandy chapter links if you’d rather not read the chatter and extra stuff.

In a nutshell:
We stayed at the Pop Century Resort (Remember When…. ;)!) from August 15th to August 25th. Ten wonderful sleeps in Walt Disney World! :cloud9: This was our fourth trip in four years and our second time staying at the Pop. Our objective this time around was to stop and smell the roses if you will. Experience all the little things you tend to miss when you try to do everything and above all…. relax! I love love love to take pictures of everything and I fancy myself a decent photographer so strap yourselves in for a report chock full of pictures!

My Cast of Characters:

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/WDW013.jpg
Me, Tracy
As much as I know I’ll regret using this picture as my introduction :rolleyes:, it sums me up fairly well. Always looking for the fun and positive in things, and slightly goofy. I’m a football and hockey nut and I love to sing. I’m also fiercely protective of my children, especially my daughter (more on that in a moment) and I tend to over-react to what I perceive as intolerance.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0817pics0081.jpg
My hubby, George
We’ve been thru thick and thin him and I the last twenty years, married for fifteen of them this October, and I love him to death :lovestruc. He is an impatient creature, (except when it comes to our daughter, oddly enough since she can usually stretch that patience to its outer limits! ...more on that in a moment), and he’s very generous. He’s incredibly sarcastic and is not afraid in the slightest to say it like it is.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0817pics0046.jpg
Ariana
Oh, how to sum up our daughter in a few sentences? She is a very happy almost thirteen year old (:eek:) who has been Disney obsessed since birth. She loves to watch movies, dance, spend time on the computer, princesses and the colour pink. She also was diagnosed with autism at the age of three and struggles with communication, attentiveness and sitting still. She is incredibly smart and stubborn and has little sense of danger. When she sees something she wants, she goes to get it. She is the inspiration for our trips and I love to experience everything thru her eyes. Pure innocence! :littleangel:

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0817pics0084.jpg
Alex and Demetri
These two are frick and frack so its only sensible to pair them up in their introductions. :rotfl: Alex is freshly fourteen and a very mature, responsible young man. He’s popular, kind and the kid his friends’ parents choose to take with their child to the cottage for a week. He’s had to grow up fast and deal with the sacrifices that can come with having a sibling with special needs, so I try to balance out things for him with little privileges here and there. He loves and is protective of his sister but his best friend is his little brother. Demetri is four and a half and worships his big brother to the ends of the earth. :worship: He is our little late gift after trying to have a third child for over six years. He is a very fast learner, will talk your ear off and is so darn cute and vivacious you can’t help but smile when he’s around.

You know the sayings ‘God doesn’t give you anything you can’t handle’ and ‘all things happen for a reason’ and ‘what goes around, comes around’? Well, I’m a big believer in those sayings and despite the ups and downs we’ve faced, I can’t imagine our lives any other way!

Welcome aboard for our magical adventure! :wizard:

Next up: We’re off to Buffalo!

Handy Dandy Chapter Links:

August 15th - TRAVEL DAY
We're off to Buffalo! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33353488&postcount=2)
A Magical Surprise! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33353599&postcount=5)
Boys vs Girls Scavenger Hunt (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33361066&postcount=18)
Favorite and Not-So-Favorite Things for Day 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33362896&postcount=29)

August 16th - MAGIC KINGDOM
A Royal Invitation (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33390531&postcount=40)
An MK Aggravation and Quick Recovery! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33436484&postcount=70)
A Jungle Cruise Surprise and a Failed Plan (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33461424&postcount=96)

August 17th - ANIMAL KINGDOM
Where's Demetri?! Where's Ariana?! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33543219&postcount=129)
Favorite and Not-So-Favorite Things for AK Day (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33631695&postcount=153)

August 18th - EPCOT
Epcot and Teppan Edo (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33644269&postcount=164)
Rain, Rain, Go Away (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33727034&postcount=195)
Favorite and Not-So-Favorite Things for Epcot Day (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33740094&postcount=207)

August 19th - TYPHOON LAGOON
Havoc on a Seaside Village (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33769847&postcount=219)
Storms, Sun and Sundaes (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33841746&postcount=241)

August 20th - DISNEY QUEST and DOWNTOWN DISNEY
Ohana Means Family and Alia Means WAIT! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34024512&postcount=300)
Disney Quest! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34073817&postcount=319)
Planet Hollywood and DTD Part 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34251767&postcount=349)
DTD Part 2 - Shopping and Favorites for the Day (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34438177&postcount=382)

August 21st - BLIZZARD BEACH
Blizzard Beach Shut Down! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=35109608&postcount=423)
MK and Changed Plans (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=35356024&postcount=448)

August 22nd - BLIZZARD BEACH and EPCOT
BB Do-Over and Epcot Fun (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=35448596&postcount=463)

August 23rd - RESORT DAY and FANTASMIC
Splashing & Fantasmic! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=35652902&postcount=511)

August 24th - DISNEY'S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
Shows, Shows and More Shows! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=35794366&postcount=544)
DHS Wrapped Up (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=35846353&postcount=569)

March 17th - DISNEY ON ICE - PRINCESS CLASSIC
Review with Lots of Pictures! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=35886518&postcount=594)

August 25th - DEPARTURE DAY & FINAL THOUGHTS
Departure Day and Final Thoughts (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=36585662&postcount=623)

Mickey_Mom

08-28-2009, 07:13 PM

The night before setting off, George and the kids were enjoying a leisurely swim in our pool, taking it easy and enjoying a rare sunny day. The nincompoops! While they were having a jolly old time outside, I was inside finishing everything up. I really hadn’t left much to the last minute….. just the packing. :scared1: (I mean come on, how long should that have taken?) We got the timer on the pool set up, the fridge was emptied, the garbage was taken out and we enjoyed our last take out meal since neither of us felt like cooking. Despite my desire for all of us to get a good nights sleep the night before, it was already 10:30pm and we were still all up doing heaven knows what. :sad2: Finally I cracked the whip and shortly after crossing off our last X on our countdown calendar, off to bed we went.

My family are not morning people. We love to sleep in, eventually go to the closest Tim Hortons for coffee, muffins, donuts and timbits :coffee: and only around lunch time do we actually feel prepared to face the day. So it was with a groan the night before when I timed out and told the kids when we’d have to be out the door to start the drive to the Buffalo airport – 7am. Yikes!:eek: Who came up with that plan? Our flight was at 12:20pm so going backwards, we’d need three hours to make the drive and allow for any slow border crossings on a Saturday morning. George was born in Greece and only recently got his Canadian citizenship. We’re so used to having to produce extra paperwork for him at border crossings we just automatically add an hour to whatever time schedule we’re keeping. And then they want you there two hours before your flight is scheduled to depart so hence our five hours back starting time. Anyways, on this particular morning however, my alarm went off at 6:30am and bam! I was up! No fooling around here! Down the hall I go opening doors announcing its time to get up and I’m met with the customary ‘ungh’ and rolling over of sleepy children until I remind them…. “Come on! We’re going to the airport!” Well, why didn’t you say so mama, that’s different! :yay: Bam! Out of bed they all were and so started the rush to zip up those suitcases, brush their teeth and throw on their sandals!

It’s about time to pack up the van when Alex asks, “Do you have the directions to the airport?” Ummmmmm, no. So while the boys are loading up, I’m plugging our computer back in and MapQuesting for directions. I really am usually so very organized. :blush: Oh well, we’re only 10 minutes behind schedule which is actually fantastic for my family so if that’s the least of my problems…? Yippee! Off to the van we go, we wave goodbye to the house and head straight for the nearest Tim Hortons drive thru. :drive: Coffee in hand, timbits in mouth, I am feeling great at the time we’re making and on to the highway we go! I turned around and snapped a picture as we got underway.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0001.jpg
Alex intentionally looked a little shell-shocked, this was the first in what I was to discover was many a picture with bizarre looks from him!

About the time we were reaching the border, I took a video of Demetri singing and rocking out in his car seat to the Black Eyed Peas song “I Gotta Feeling”. Hysterical! :rotfl2: The time stamp on the video was less than an hour from when we started so we were clipping along ahead of schedule. There was zero wait at the border, lots of cars but we were lucky enough to snag a lane that no one was choosing for some reason and we sailed right on thru. I’d had my handy-dandy lime green recipe card holder that held our passports and birth certificates and health cards at the ready and in a snap we were waved thru. :thumbsup2 Sometimes we get a little extra quizzing because Ariana doesn’t always answer any direct questions from the border crossing guards, but today we were all set. “Enjoy your vacation! Take the I-190 south here on your right!” Yes Sir! :drive:

We reached the airport with no problems, but we were an hour and a half ahead of schedule so we decided to stop at Denny’s for breakfast. George is the only breakfast eater in our family, so while he enjoyed his bacon and eggs the rest of us kinda just pushed them around on our plates. Demetri did enjoy one of his pancakes after picking up his clump of butter and shoving it in his mouth thinking it was some fancy whipped cream topping or something. :lmao: The look on his face was priceless and after I stifled my laughter I helped him discreetly spit it back out again. Breakfast done and half an hour later, we climbed back into the van and headed over to the airport. We knew where to park and remembered to keep our parking ticket with us this time with our pole location written on it. :thumbsup2 I filed that away into my coupon organizer for our return and we headed over to the shuttle bus area to get picked up. We were still way ahead of schedule which had the kids lamenting the loss of sleep and the long wait ahead in the airport gate but no one was complaining! We shuttled in, checked our baggage, presented our boarding passes and passports for inspection and went flying thru security to wait at our Gate. It was about this time when George turned to me and said, “Aren’t we bringing a stroller?” Crap! :scared: We’d forgotten the stroller in the van! Neither of us wanted to go back and get it so we decided we’d pick one up down there. Dang.

We now had two hours to kill before our flight. George napped off and on, Alex read his book, and Ariana and Demetri took strolls with either myself or George exploring the airport. The site of the planes taking off and landing kept their attention for a while and Alex and Demetri also would go off once and a while running back and forth with the conveyor belts. :rolleyes:

Demetri and I explored the shops.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0010.jpg

And then I told him to run to the end of the gate area to watch the planes coming and going.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0011.jpg

We waited until a plane came in for landing to take another picture.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0014.jpg

And then it was off to the play area where he made a new friend.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0016.jpg

Soon the plane we were going to be on landed and we watched the suitcases be taken off and ours put on.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0017.jpg

They really don’t take too much care with the suitcases. They were throwing them around like crazy. It was quickly our turn to board and after Demetri took a moment to explain to us what to do in a case of an emergency,
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0024.jpg
we started the take off procedure. What’s that you say? A take off procedure? Well silly, first you have to pat your legs slowly. Pat, pat, pat. Then you have to raise your arms, as high as you can, and say blastoff! It worked and we were in the air!

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0028.jpg

Two and a half hours later, the kids and I (and Baby Simba) were Magically Expressing our way to the Pop Century while George picked up the rental car.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0031.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0034.jpg
It’s a little blurry, but come on, I had to get that shot.

Just a half hour later we were there!
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0036.jpg

Next Up: A Magical Surprise!

mickeystoontown

08-28-2009, 07:21 PM

I'm in! First things first....what a cute family you have. Second, you guys arrived at Disney the day we left from our 10 day trip. Looking forward to reading all about your Disney adventures.

Lisa

cjackearl

08-28-2009, 07:23 PM

Am I first? Yahoo, yahoo, yahoo!!!:banana: Now back to read. I'm so excited!

Mickey_Mom

08-28-2009, 07:23 PM

There was zero line at the registration :thumbsup2 and I walked right up while the kids went to the TV area to chill out. I’d warned them before arriving I could be a little while and to just make themselves comfortable but once again everything was ready for us thanks to the on-line check in a few days earlier and it was super fast. :cool1: This was the point where we had our magical surprise start. pixiedust: The cast member starts to explain to me where on the map our room is, and she starts to say, “Your preferred rooms are in the….” and I actually cut her off and said, “Oh wait, we didn’t reserve preferred. We have standard and I’d requested a room in the 90’s section….?” We’d had that section on our first trip and it was super convenient cutting across the parking lot to the bus area. I was a little disappointed we’d not gotten our request and it looked like she was pointing to a section really far away from everything until she went on to explain that we’d been upgraded to preferred rooms in the 50’s section that was ten steps away from the main building! Yippee! :woohoo: Our first ever upgrade! We were in building number one on the third floor. Just around from the bowling pin stairs – close enough to be convenient but far enough away that we didn’t hear any noise at all! What a great start! Everything was going our way and I was so happy about where we were. :banana:

The room itself was as we’d remembered it.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0038.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0039.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0041.jpg

The kids did a victory pose that we’d finally arrived and were ready to start!
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0042.jpg

Oh, and this was waiting for us:
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0141.jpg
We couldn't come to an agreement on what it is. A puppy? Eeyore? :confused3

Next up: Boys vs Girls Scavenger Hunt…. Who will be victorious?!

cjackearl

08-28-2009, 07:24 PM

Aw nuts, I'm second. Ok, still back to read.:thumbsup2

SunnieRN

08-28-2009, 07:28 PM

Woo hoo, I'm in!! Your kids are so cute!!:goodvibes

cjackearl

08-28-2009, 07:37 PM

What a great start! I adore the intro picture of you. So funny!

What, pray tell, is a timbit? Is it a Canadian something yummy?

I love the picture of Demetri explaining the plane's safety protocols.:laughing: Tooo cute!

What is Baby Simba wearing on his head? Did Arianna make him a crown?

Yea for check in upgrades!:woohoo: What a great way to begin a magical vacation.:goodvibes

Mickey_Mom

08-28-2009, 08:12 PM

I'm in! First things first....what a cute family you have. Second, you guys arrived at Disney the day we left from our 10 day trip. Looking forward to reading all about your Disney adventures.

Lisa

Hi there! :wave: You're fast! Thank you :goodvibes

Am I first? Yahoo, yahoo, yahoo!!!:banana: Now back to read. I'm so excited!

Aw nuts, I'm second. Ok, still back to read.:thumbsup2

:lmao::rotfl2:

Woo hoo, I'm in!! Your kids are so cute!!:goodvibes

Hello! :wave2: Thanks, I think they're cute too! :rotfl:

What a great start! I adore the intro picture of you. So funny!

:laughing:

What, pray tell, is a timbit? Is it a Canadian something yummy?

Very yummy! They are bite-sized donut balls in various kinds: honey dip, chocolate glazed, apple fritter, powdered, etc. Demetri loves to order the assorted 10 pack.
I love the picture of Demetri explaining the plane's safety protocols.:laughing: Tooo cute!

Did you notice it was the spanish version? I didn't want to brag, but since you mentioned it.... :laughing:

What is Baby Simba wearing on his head? Did Arianna make him a crown?

Baby Simba is soooo well loved now. :lovestruc He occasionally went with Ariana to school and one day her educational assistant took a leather string and added beads spelling "SIMBA". Ariana tied it to Baby Simba's head and yes, it's become a crown for him. (She also added the pink collar around his neck!)

Yea for check in upgrades!:woohoo: What a great way to begin a magical vacation.:goodvibes

I was so tickled! I'd never had one before and it was sooooo convenient!

jenjolt

08-28-2009, 08:50 PM

Mickey_Mom

08-28-2009, 09:06 PM

YAY what a great start!!!! I'm so glad you guys had a great time and I can't wait to hear all about it!!!

WOOT for a free upgrade those are always a lot of fun!!!!!! YAY!!!!!

Love the victory pose!!! Need more need more!!!

Hey Jen! Welcome aboard! We had lots of silly moments this trip and I can't wait to share it with all of you! :rotfl:

Angies1274

08-28-2009, 09:07 PM

Hi Tracy!!!
Just got back today and was so excited to see that you have started your TR! YAY!!:yay: I hope you had a magical trip and I can't wait to read all about it!!:goodvibes

We didn't get in until 3am this morning, and the boys were up around 7:00:rolleyes: Needless to say, I'm exhausted and off to bed. I will catch up tomorrow.:thumbsup2

Can't wait.popcorn::

Mickey_Mom

08-28-2009, 09:17 PM

JPFamilyMom

08-28-2009, 10:02 PM

Mickey_Mom

08-28-2009, 10:51 PM

I feel like I'm joining the party so late, but I'm thinking I may still have made pg 1. Woo hoo, ok, just holding my spot, going back to read :lmao:

ok, love the pat pat pat, wave your hands in the air. that was great.

Hello!! :laughing: We've done that for each flight take off. It's such fun to say blast off! with your arms in the air as the plane literally lifts off the runway.

Reiana

08-29-2009, 03:15 AM

Can`t wait to read more :goodvibes

Mickey_Mom

08-29-2009, 10:55 AM

Can`t wait to read more :goodvibes

:welcome: Glad you're joining in!

Mickey_Mom

08-29-2009, 12:52 PM

Our plan while George was taking the rental car to Wal-Mart for some room snackies, souvenirs and a stroller, was to have a picture scavenger hunt. I’d found one here on the DIS and selected 20 items from it I thought would be fun and easy enough for us to find and I put a map of the resort on the back of each list. We broke into partners, boys versus girls, and the rules were simple. Each team had a list and a camera and you had to find and take pictures of each partner with as many items as you could. The team back to the room in one hour with the most items found, wins! :yay:

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0046.jpg

With my hand on the door handle and the boys poised to run, I threw open the door and let them out first. Had to give them a small advantage didn’t I? :thumbsup2 George says I'm very competitive, bah! Just before they’d whispered to themselves where they were going first and when the door opened they shot right out without hesitation. Ariana and I, on the other hand, decided once we approached the stairs to stay on the third level and just boot around to the other side of the building where the bowling pin pool was. We took a lot of pics right from there and crossed off a whole lot of items right off the bat! :cool1: I’d promised the boys I would take two pictures of everything, with and without Ariana, since she wasn’t going to be able to take pictures of me.

7. Each pool from an upper level balcony!
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0047.jpg

8. How many icon pictures can you get ?
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0057.jpg

From there we decided to hit the lobby where I knew at least three more items were located and we took a bunch more pictures in there.

12. How many shadow boxes in the lobby are there ?
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0066.jpg

2. What is Everything Pop ?
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0075.jpg

11. Find the refillable mugs !
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0078.jpg

Then we scooted out one of the back doors of the main building to more areas around the different sections.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0083.jpg

6. Find Goofy and his red car !
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0087.jpg

3. Play a game of Twister 1
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0089.jpg

We hit the mother lode of icons to take pictures of in the 70's section.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0090.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0095.jpg

And we ran into squirrels and bunnies, but no duckies.

14. Find a Bunny, Duck and Squirrel !
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0099.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0104.jpg

At this point, we were about half way thru our allotted time and we ran into Alex and Demetri. Alex said he didn’t have very many items crossed off and Demetri was wilting a bit in the sun. Demetri then officially became a member of the girls team so Alex could speed up his game and we continued on. Next item we ran into?

CONTINUED IN THE NEXT POST (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33361526&postcount=23)

JPFamilyMom

08-29-2009, 01:15 PM

jenjolt

08-29-2009, 01:16 PM

Awww...I love the scavenger hunt idea...what fun!! I can't wait to see which team comes out on top!!!!! I'm going to have search on here for those, I know a couple of families who would love those to try!!!!

Don't you just love the theming at POP! It is so much fun and a beautiful resort...by far my favorite value!

wdwgirl03

08-29-2009, 01:31 PM

PracPerfPatricia

08-29-2009, 01:33 PM

Oh Hurray! You started your Trip Report-I can't wait to see what you did...I'm settling in...:surfweb:

Mickey_Mom

08-29-2009, 01:38 PM

These two snazzy spuds.

17. Find Mr. Potato Head!
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0101.jpg

We then hightailed it to the 80’s/90’s section to take the computer keyboard spelling of our names. I now had two names to spell out so I had to kick it into overdrive if I wanted to get back in time!

16. Spell your name on the keyboard ! (hint: Computer Pool)
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0110-1.jpghttp://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0112-1.jpghttp://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0116-1.jpghttp://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0117-1.jpghttp://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0119-1.jpghttp://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0122-1.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0111-1.jpghttp://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0113-1.jpghttp://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0115-1.jpghttp://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0118-1.jpghttp://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0120-1.jpghttp://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0121-1.jpghttp://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0123-1.jpg

We took care of the computer icon and pool picture while we were there,
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0130.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0132.jpg

and moved to the next section to get a bunch more items crossed off.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0138.jpg

4. What is Petals ?
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0134.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0137.jpg

18. Find the Play-doh !
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0135.jpg

We’d just finished with the Play-doh picture when our hour was up. Luckily enough we’d finished in the 60’s section so it was only a minute until we were back in the room. Alex had made it back first and while he didn’t get everything, he got a lot of what I’d missed so we had a lot of fun with, “You found the ping pong table?! Where was it?” and “I didn’t find the secret red button either!” Here's a few of Alex and Demetri's pics:

1. Find the sign of your birth year !
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0818WDW0258-1.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0818WDW0246.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0818WDW0235.jpg

10. Can you find a vending machine with a castle on it ?
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0818WDW0248.jpg

Alex said this was about the time Demetri started wilting and asking for something to drink.... can you tell, lol ?

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0818WDW0238.jpg

Demetri took some pretty good pictures for a four year old!

CONTINUED IN THE NEXT POST (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33361649&postcount=24)

Mickey_Mom

08-29-2009, 01:49 PM

So who was the winner? Well, let’s just say that girls RULE and boys DROOL ! :lmao: :rotfl2: Bwahaha! I'm not competitive at all! ::yes:: Not at all!

Right as we’d finished up, George called the room checking to see if anyone wanted to go to Wal-Mart with him. Seems he’d been held up whilst we’d been Magically Expressing and scavenger hunting so he hadn’t even gone yet. Alex decided to go with him and the rest of us headed to the bowling pin pool for a cool down. We’d forgotten Demetri’s swim jacket at home but they had lots there readily available to use and it was just fine. The water was nice to swim in but a little too hot for my taste. It felt like a hot tub at times as opposed to the refreshing swim I was looking forward to. We had lots of fun playing with the small little bowling ball size pool toys they had there and I enjoyed how less busy it was than the main 60’s pool. I could safely watch them both while still relaxing myself. I didn’t bring my camera for this particular swim but I did get some shots later on in the trip.

Oh! I forgot to mention the room we walked past as we were heading towards the pool! :yay: In the same building as us, building number one, on the main floor right on the corner facing the bowling pin pool there was a door covered in Mickey Heads. I couldn’t investigate it too closely because Ariana and Demetri were chomping the bit to go swimming, but there was a sign on the door that said it was an Un-birthday celebration and to sign a Mickey Head with the mini sharpie pen hanging by a string. I saw a head that had a DIS reference in it but I couldn’t find anything that indicated a DIS name. Anyways, I signed one of the heads as Mickey_Mom and as we walked past their window there were several more Mickey Heads hanging by strings on little suction cups! I loved it! My first day and I’d found fellow DISers! :rotfl: I hope I can find who they were, it be fun!

So back to the pool. We’d not eaten since our Timmy’s jaunt that morning (unless you count the peanuts on the flight and I certainly don’t!) so by now as it was approaching 7pm and George and Alex weren’t back yet, we were getting mighty hungry. Our first night we had a room only reservation so another use for our rental car was to grab a quick bite for dinner. :thumbsup2 We headed back to our room and within a few minutes our luggage arrived. Yay! More great timing! :wizard: Ariana and Demetri curled up on the bed and watched Stacey list her ten must-do’s

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0142.jpg

while I unpacked and checked with the front desk that we were staying in the same room with our ‘second’ reservation. Yes! :cool1:

Soon after that George and Alex returned. They had some weird story about getting lost and faulty directions and taxi drivers and gators. I don’t know. :confused3 Whatever it was, they’d had so much fun they couldn’t stop laughing while trying to tell the story. Who knew a trip to Wal-Mart would result in one of the running jokes for the rest of the trip? They proudly unpacked all the souvenirs, room snackies and juice boxes they’d purchased, and then off we went in search of dinner. (Notice anything missing from their purchases? :sad2:) We knew there was a McDonalds down the street so we headed on over and filled our tummies. George and I swapped stories about the scavenger hunt and the Wal-Mart gator excursion and then talked about our plans for the next day. The boys could sleep in while Ariana and I headed off to our girls only breakfast but they had to take the rental car back before meeting us…. and they had to go back to Wal-Mart to get the stroller they’d forgotten to buy. Doh! :laughing:

As we made it back to the room and packed it in for the night after watching a bit more of Stacey’s must-do’s, I was still in awe of the fact that we were here.

We. Were. Here.

Next Up: Favorite and Not-So-Favorite Things for Day 1

JPFamilyMom

08-29-2009, 01:58 PM

Awwww... great start to your journey.... Walmart trips and getting lost, my kind of journey, I always get lost, not as much now that we have a GPS thank goodness. What great memories you've started and haven't even gotten to a park :thumbsup2

mickeysmyboy

08-29-2009, 03:19 PM

I'm in! I have to come back later and read your posts because I have to sign off for now! But I love the pictures of you & your family!!! Can't wait to read all about it ;)

Mickey_Mom

08-29-2009, 03:31 PM

This was such a neat idea, great way to keep the kids entertained. I'll have to use that idea on future trips when my kids get a little older. Can't wait to see the rest of the pictures. What a fun resort.

I'm so glad we did it! Each trip we've always regretted not exploring the resorts more, even last year when we had a rest day.

Awww...I love the scavenger hunt idea...what fun!! I can't wait to see which team comes out on top!!!!! I'm going to have search on here for those, I know a couple of families who would love those to try!!!!

Don't you just love the theming at POP! It is so much fun and a beautiful resort...by far my favorite value!

Was there any doubt the girls would win? :rotfl2: This was a great way to spend a room only day that we had tons of fun doing!

Ohhh, I love that song! :goodvibes

Here to join in on all the fun. I'm jealous you were there for 10 nights. Can't wait to see if we ran into each other!

:welcome: Me too!
Oh Hurray! You started your Trip Report-I can't wait to see what you did...I'm settling in...:surfweb:

Hi there :wave: Thanks for joining in, yours has been fun so far too!

Awwww... great start to your journey.... Walmart trips and getting lost, my kind of journey, I always get lost, not as much now that we have a GPS thank goodness. What great memories you've started and haven't even gotten to a park :thumbsup2

The funny thing is, they actually stopped and asked directions several times (men? asking directions? :faint: ) but were sent different ways each time they asked!

Mickey_Mom

08-29-2009, 03:33 PM

I'm in! I have to come back later and read your posts because I have to sign off for now! But I love the pictures of you & your family!!! Can't wait to read all about it ;)

Oh hi! You snuck in there right before my reply post! :welcome:

Mickey_Mom

08-29-2009, 03:59 PM

Whoops!! I forgot to add to the end of our first day one of the things I was most looking forward to on this trip!

Before we left, I'd put together a Walt Disney World Travel Journal so that I could take notes to remember for my Trip Report. :goodvibes Part of the journal asked for your favorite thing of the day and the not so favorite thing of the day. So each night before we turned in for the night, I downloaded that days pictures to my laptop and asked each of the kids those questions. I knew they'd surprise me with some of the answers I got and I was right. :rotfl: They put a lot of thought into it every day and sometimes I had to give them ten minutes or so to think about it. :laughing: Soliciting responses from Ariana was sometimes a challenge and we tried very hard not to put words in her mouth, but she did a fabulous job. :thumbsup2

So today's Favorite:) and Not-So-Favorite Things:upsidedow were:

ALEX
:): Running with Demetri on the conveyor belts at the airport. (and) Road trip with daddy to the Wal-Mart.
:upsidedow: Arriving extra early at the airport.

ARIANA
:): Swimming in the bowling pool.
:upsidedow: Nothing!

DEMETRI
:): Going to the airport and going on the plane.
:upsidedow: Wilting while scavenger hunting.

Next Up: A Royal Invitation

ellajeansmom

08-29-2009, 07:44 PM

Happydog

08-29-2009, 08:58 PM

Okay, I am here, too!!! So far so FUN!!!!

Angies1274

08-29-2009, 10:19 PM

Hi:wave2: Finally back to catch up.:goodvibes

Yay!!:yay: for an upgrade!!! How cool is that? I have to admit, even though we loved staying in the 80's/90's like you. It was so awesome to stay closer to everything this trip in a preferred room!! Great victory pose!!:goodvibes

Love all the scavenger hunt pictures!!! :woohoo: for the girls!!! I keep telling my boys that girls rule and boys drool. :laughing: They obviously don't agree.:rotfl:

Great idea on the favorite/not so favorite things!!:thumbsup2 Can't wait to read more!!!

It sounds like you had sooooo much fun your first day!!! I'm excited to read more.popcorn::

(oh..and I'm hoping to get my TR started sometime next week...hopefully;))

DisneymoonJess07

08-29-2009, 10:36 PM

Can't wait to read the rest when I get home - what a great start the trip!!

Mickey_Mom

08-30-2009, 12:05 AM

I'm joining in!! What a great start to your trip - I love the scavenger hunt idea, that sounds fun :thumbsup2

Can't wait for more - especially the favourite/not so favourite everyday, its always interesting to get the kids' perspective since as you say its often not what you expect!

We had a LOT of fun with the scavenger hunt and it was so easy to put together! I loved asking them their favorites every day! Watching them think it over always brought a smile to my face even before they answered. :goodvibes
Okay, I am here, too!!! So far so FUN!!!!

Yay! :welcome: I loved your TR! I will be watching for your Christmas PTR too!

Hi:wave2: Finally back to catch up.:goodvibes

Yay!!:yay: for an upgrade!!! How cool is that? I have to admit, even though we loved staying in the 80's/90's like you. It was so awesome to stay closer to everything this trip in a preferred room!! Great victory pose!!:goodvibes

I had been so worried that Alex was too 'old' now for Disney and wouldn't enjoy himself. I needn't have worried! His victory pose was par for the course this trip!
Love all the scavenger hunt pictures!!! :woohoo: for the girls!!! I keep telling my boys that girls rule and boys drool. :laughing: They obviously don't agree.:rotfl:

:rotfl2: :rotfl2:

Great idea on the favorite/not so favorite things!!:thumbsup2 Can't wait to read more!!!

It sounds like you had sooooo much fun your first day!!! I'm excited to read more.popcorn::

(oh..and I'm hoping to get my TR started sometime next week...hopefully;))

:cheer2::yay::cheer2:

Can't wait to read the rest when I get home - what a great start the trip!!

Hello!!! I got thru your entire PTR in time to say have a wonderful trip! pixiedust: Looking forward to your TR too!

mickeysmyboy

08-30-2009, 06:39 AM

Ok, I'm back and have caught up!! Sounds like you guys had a great first day!!! Can't wait to read more!!!

Mickey_Mom

08-30-2009, 08:12 PM

Ok, I'm back and have caught up!! Sounds like you guys had a great first day!!! Can't wait to read more!!!

Thanks, it was a fabulous first day. If at all possible, I highly recommend your first day be a travel day / chill out at the resort and relax day. :thumbsup2

cjackearl

08-30-2009, 08:24 PM

Oh, I love that scavenger hunt! Especially the kids names spelled on the computer keys.:goodvibes What a creative mommy you are!

The kids favorite and less than favorite moments are so fun. Isn't it funny what resonates with kids?

Great, great first day. Can't wait to hear more, more, more!!:yay:

jenjolt

08-30-2009, 08:38 PM

What a great day!! The scavenger seemed like a big hit with the kids and allowed for a really great way to explore the resort!! So glad you found out you wouldn't have to move rooms!!!!

Swimming...got to love being able to swim!!!!

Loved the boys adventure to Wal-Mart...both times LOL!!!! You are always bound to forget something every trip to Wally World...well at least I do LOL!!!!

I can't wait to find out more about your trip!!

YAY for Day 1

Mickey_Mom

08-31-2009, 06:33 PM

Oh, I love that scavenger hunt! Especially the kids names spelled on the computer keys.:goodvibes What a creative mommy you are!

Isn't that cool how it looks with the pictures tiny and put together like that? :rotfl: But credit where credit is due... it was MelanieC here on the boards that put that together earlier this year!

The kids favorite and less than favorite moments are so fun. Isn't it funny what resonates with kids?

When Alex told me the favorite part of his first day was running back and forth on the conveyor belts with Demetri, I laughed my butt off!

Great, great first day. Can't wait to hear more, more, more!!:yay:

What a great day!! The scavenger seemed like a big hit with the kids and allowed for a really great way to explore the resort!! So glad you found out you wouldn't have to move rooms!!!!

Oh I was sooo glad to stay put. The first CM I spoke to earlier in the day told me I'd probably not have to move but I wouldn't find out for sure until the morning. Ummm, no can you tell me now please so I can unpack? Thanks so much! :laughing:

Swimming...got to love being able to swim!!!!

Loved the boys adventure to Wal-Mart...both times LOL!!!! You are always bound to forget something every trip to Wally World...well at least I do LOL!!!!

Honestly, they still 'gator speak' to this day. I'm not really sure what that entirely entails :confused3? I just let them have their own secret joke. :rotfl:

I can't wait to find out more about your trip!!

YAY for Day 1

Update coming up!

Mickey_Mom

08-31-2009, 06:57 PM

Today was the day that Ariana and I were doing something together, just the two of us. :goodvibes The boys were sleeping in and taking care of the rental car and the twice forgotten stroller, while we quietly got ready for our special breakfast. Ariana is so very much a girlie-girl. She loves to wear skirts and dresses, loves to wear high heels, loves to wear pink and loves to wear makeup. Ok, maybe not makeup so much as shiny lipgloss. :rotfl: Anyway, she loves to be a princess and be around princesses, and her favorite place to be was Cinderella’s Castle, so it was only fitting that on this particular morning, we would be dining with the princesses at Cinderella’s Royal Table. princess:

First however, we had to run down to the registration to check in for our ‘second’ reservation. I’d only left myself 30 minutes to do this before we had to leave for CRT and remembering yesterday’s check in I thought that would be way more than enough time. When we stepped into the lobby however, I was met with such a crowd of people that my heart stopped. :eek: A bus must have just arrived before we did, maybe even two buses because the lines were all the way around the roped off area and stretching towards the Everything Pop area. Crap. :scared: I momentarily decided to try the concierge line to try and by-pass everyone else, I mean we were already there, shouldn’t it just be easy enough for them to hand us our new KTTW cards and be off? Alright, alright, I knew that wasn’t going to work and the line wasn’t getting any smaller, so I gritted my teeth and stood in the monster line checking my watch every thirty seconds. Then lo and behold, did I not look up to see a much smaller line in what I learned afterwards was the express on-line check in area? They really do need to do a much better job of identifying this line, the signs were all hidden! So we hopped in this line and I struck up a conversation with the lady in front of me who was staying the exact dates we were and was just re-checking in herself. There are 2880 rooms at the Pop Century and the woman had been told that 1000 people were doing the same thing we were doing - checking in for one night only on the day before the free dining, and then re-checking in with a ‘second’ reservation. Man! We got to the front of the line in no time and got our new KTTW cards. I stopped back into the room to leave the boys their new cards (they were still sleeping! :rolleyes:) and within my 30 minute window we headed over to the bus stops at 9:30am.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0001.jpg

Woo-hoo was I looking forward to this. Those that followed my PTR might remember the first year we went to a CRT breakfast, our camera failed just as Snow White was approaching our table. Snow White is the princess my daughter adores the most. She has several Snow White dolls given to her as gifts from knowing friends and family and she has several costumes in various sizes because she dresses up as Snow White for Halloween every year. George had run down the stairs of the castle, and down Main Street USA to the Kodak store to buy a disposable camera, then back up Main Street USA and back up the stairs of the castle as we were finishing breakfast. The gentleman CM that was keeping track of the princesses to ensure they’d visited everyone had each princess come back to our table one by one with a special visit just for her. Snow White was last and we let her know she was Ariana’s very favorite princess. She decided to sit down with us at our table and talk with her for a while. Then she left momentarily to come back with a cup full of ‘pixie dust’, just for Ariana. I am not ashamed in the slightest to say I cried like a baby when we took that first picture with Ariana and Snow White that day. I even saw George surreptitiously wipe his eyes and I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve seen him cry in twenty years!

Our second visit to CRT was for a dinner reservation and was a completely different experience unfortunately. There were no princesses, just the Fairy Godmother who sang a ten minute song and I can’t even remember if she visited the tables…? I hadn’t known then the character side of the reservation changed throughout the day. The food was not so great and barely touched and my kids had a pretty cruddy time.

So this time, I was well prepared and we arrived at the Magic Kingdom twenty-five minutes ahead of our reservation.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0005.jpg

Ariana spotted someone in a shop window she wanted to investigate closer.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0006.jpg

And then we turned the corner to walk down Main Street USA. It was official. :lovestruc
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0011.jpg

Up came the horse drawn trolley and Ariana held out her hand for the horsey.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0012.jpg

Casey called us over for a quick picture,
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0013.jpg

And then who did we run into but the Mayor! We hadn’t met him before and he was gracious enough to pose for us too.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0014.jpg

I made it a point to walk slowly and look all around me this time. Usually I would have just looked straight ahead and wove my way around people on my way to the castle but nope, not this time!

We enjoyed this view for a bit and asked the ducky to come a little closer.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0016.jpg

I wanted another picture of Ariana with the castle but there was a large group of people that would have been in the picture too. So I had Ariana step up onto an empty park bench and I liked the perspective of the shot it gave me.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0017.jpg

We walked closer to the castle and I snapped a quick shot of one of my very favorite things in all the parks.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0019.jpg

It was stll pretty empty at this point around the castle itself so I had Ariana stand in front with her arms in an “I’m here!” pose.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0021.jpg

They had the front walkways roped off so we went around the side of the castle to get in from the back. We were still early so again we stopped to admire the view.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0023.jpg

Time for one more photo
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0024.jpg

....and then it was about time to check in.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0027.jpg

I love this area just inside the castle and I took lots of pictures. Here’s just a few while we waited five short minutes for our turn to meet Cinderella.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0028.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0029.jpg

CONTINUED IN NEXT POST (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33390792&postcount=41)

Mickey_Mom

08-31-2009, 07:14 PM

One of my favorite photos of the trip.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0031.jpg

A few more pictures while we waited for our Royal Call to go upstairs.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0033.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0034.jpg

Another short five minute wait and we heard our names called.

I really like this window halfway up and I’d let the other parties go up first so I could hang back and take more pictures.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0035.jpg

We got to the top of the first landing and I turned around to get one last shot of Cinderella in the background of the chandelier.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0036.jpg

We were seated right away in what seemed like the dead centre of the room and was immediately served yummy orange juice and pastries and fruit. I didn’t realize how thirsty I was until I started drinking my juice and Ariana must have been the same because we both finished our glasses at once. They were instantly refilled and then we drank those too!
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0037.jpg

A scenery shot of the room. I want this style in my dining room. :rotfl:
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0044.jpg

Our breakfast arrived and all was quite tasty except for the ball of potato something. I especially enjoyed the blueberry topping and I’m not usually a blueberry fan. I really liked how it was a varied selection of the menu all at once so you could nibble away at everything at your leisure. The kiwi in particular was delish.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0045.jpg

More orange juice fillups and it was around this point that Ariana’s photo with Cinderella arrived. It was one of the best pictures of her I’ve ever seen. I started to tear up because I’d not expected such a beautiful photo. When asked to smile, Ariana usually bares her teeth to the point where it becomes a frown and throws her chin in the air. Last year I used the thumbs up request to get her to relax her face, but I didn’t really want another vacations worth of thumbs up pictures, so I hadn’t yet found the magic request to have her just take ‘normal’ photos. For whatever reason, she smiled beautifully for the photographer and had her hands nicely down at her sides. Another thing usually captured in photos of her are her hands up and fingers curled in oddly shaped directions – otherwise known as stimming. Stimming looks like she’s putting on a finger puppet show, minus the puppets. Her arms go up and down with elbows bent and fingers contorted. Sometimes she pulls her hands right to her face and other times she does it quietly in her lap. But this picture was just beautiful. I proudly propped it up on our table and positioned it with our Royal Invitation in an attempt to go for an artsy put together look. :laughing:
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0047.jpg

A quick picture of Ariana while she was sitting so patiently waiting for the princesses to visit. I had to remind her several times to eat her breakfast!
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0051.jpg

About ten minutes later, the princesses started to arrive at our table. Being in the centre of the room I think we were literally the last table they visited before going back to their respective castles. We were definitely spoiled on our first trip here because our visits seemed so very short this time. We stalled them a bit with our autograph book but unfortunately they couldn’t stay too long with us.

Snow White was first.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0049.jpg

Then Sleeping Beauty came by to admire her pose on Ariana’s shirt.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0054.jpg

Belle stopped over and Ariana was impressed to the point that she was looking so very angelic.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0058.jpg

And then Jasmine came by for a visit. We hadn’t seen Jasmine our first time, it had been the Fairy Godmother instead, so it was a treat to meet with her.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0062.jpg

A CM came over to give Ariana a wishing star to go with her wand and it was time to make our wishes. (Can you guess what I wished for? :rotfl:)
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0065.jpg

Not too much longer after that we waved goodbye to all the princesses and wrapped up our breakfast. We made our way to the bathrooms where Ariana made a quick switcheroo from glamour girl to ready for the heat sensible girl and it was time to leave the castle. We’d had a most wonderful time which was a good thing considering what we were going to be doing for the next hour and a half was definitely NOT what we’d planned.

Next Up: A Magic Kingdom Aggravation and Quick Recovery!

Lady Lallie

08-31-2009, 07:25 PM

mirandag819

08-31-2009, 07:41 PM

Looks like you and Ariana had a lovely meal together. She looks so happy in the castle, and very beautiful posing with the princesses.

I had already looked through all your pictures and read your account, when it clicked to me that you were there on the same day as us.... so just for fun I looked for my family in the background....and I found us! That is so cool... I will have to relook at my own pictures and see if you all are in the background of any of them.
I see me in the blue shirt and my sister in the pink in between Ariana and Aurora on the upper level, oh and the back of my DHs black shirt:Then Sleeping Beauty came by to admire her pose on Ariana’s shirt.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0054.jpg

My daughter Taylor is dressed as Cinderella and sitting just to the right of Belle's head
Belle stopped over and Ariana was impressed to the point that she was looking so very angelic.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0058.jpg
My daugher waving her want over Jasmine's shoulder
And then Jasmine came by for a visit. We hadn’t seen Jasmine our first time, it had been the Fairy Godmother instead, so it was a treat to meet with her.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0062.jpg

A CM came over to give Ariana a wishing star to go with her wand and it was time to make our wishes. (Can you guess what I wished for? :rotfl:)
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0065.jpg

Not too much longer after that we waved goodbye to all the princesses and wrapped up our breakfast. We made our way to the bathrooms where Ariana made a quick switcheroo from glamour girl to ready for the heat sensible girl and it was time to leave the castle. We’d had a most wonderful time which was a good thing considering what we were going to be doing for the next hour and a half was definitely NOT what we’d planned.

Next Up: A Magic Kingdom Aggravation and Quick Recovery!
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I am so easily amused, but I just thought that was cool, and what a small world, now off to search my pictures to see if I can spot you all!

Mickey_Mom

08-31-2009, 07:56 PM

I'm here! I'm caught up! :rotfl:

You are off to great start for your trip! Sounds like your Cinderella Breakfast was well worth it. The picture of Ariana with Cinderella is beautiful. :cloud9:

I can't believe the stroller was forgotten twice. :lmao:

Hi LL!!! I'm so glad your here! :goodvibes Stir craziness ebbed any? Now if I could just get Cinderella to pose with Ariana for school pictures, we'd be all set. :lmao:

I am so easily amused, but I just thought that was cool, and what a small world, now off to search my pictures to see if I can spot you all!

No way! That is awesome! I looked at the few other pics I have and I did spot your DH and your daughter one more time behind another Snow White picture. I kinda remember commenting to Ariana on a beautiful little Cinderella in the bathrooms when we were done. Was that you?!?

mirandag819

08-31-2009, 08:36 PM

Hi LL!!! I'm so glad your here! :goodvibes Stir craziness ebbed any? Now if I could just get Cinderella to pose with Ariana for school pictures, we'd be all set. :lmao:

No way! That is awesome! I looked at the few other pics I have and I did spot your DH and your daughter one more time behind another Snow White picture. I kinda remember commenting to Ariana on a beautiful little Cinderella in the bathrooms when we were done. Was that you?!?

That is too funny.... it might have been... my mom took her to the bathroom (my mom's a redhead) here is a picture of Taylor at CRT that day...
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/qq168/mirandag819/crt7.jpg

Unless of course she was misbehaving in the bathroom, in which case I don't know this little girl :rotfl:

I just skimmed all my CRT pictures (all 200 of them)....put on my camera they were pointed mostly towards the window....I'm gonna look through my mom's and my sisters now since they were sitting on the other end, they may have shot some pictures your direction.

cjackearl

08-31-2009, 09:01 PM

What a fantastical morning for you and Arianna. The pictures of her with Cinderella and the wishing star are my favorites.:goodvibes

Oh, and the one of her waiting for the princesses.:lovestruc She looks like quite the grown up young lady.:goodvibes

jenjolt

08-31-2009, 09:02 PM

Awww...I have to agree the picture of Ariana and Cinderella is amazing!! She looks like she is having an amazing time!! I'm so glad you guys were able to have a special mother daughter breakfast together and meet some princesses!!!! I'm looking forward to my breakfast at CRT...thank you for the food pictures!!!!

Can't wait to hear more about your trip!!

Angies1274

08-31-2009, 09:17 PM

Great update!!:thumbsup2

Doesn't it always seem when you have everything planned out that something pops up and puts a kink in your plans? I'm glad you were able to get everything taken care of at Pop and still make it in time for your ADR at CRT!! (and with time to spare!!Wow!:thumbsup2)

Love all the pictures in front of the castle with Ariana.:lovestruc Especially the one with her hands up and her "I'm here" pose! Great idea!!

I've never been to CRT and with two boys I'm not sure if I'm going to make it anytime soon.:sad2: But....it looks beautiful inside and it looks like you had a wonderful breakfast--everything looks so yummy!!! What a beautiful picture of Ariana and Cinderella!!:goodvibes

Looking forward to more........

Happydog

08-31-2009, 09:29 PM

SIGH!!!!! TO be the mother of girls!!! You are sooo lucky!!! I am counting on my boys behaving like princes when we go to CRT! But boy I tell you, it was so fun to read your description on this morning with your daughter, and how excited and clearly joyful she is having this time at the castle with you and the princesses!!! It is clear from the inside! :goodvibes How great. I don't like your ominous last words, though??!! :eek: Hope nothing bad happened!! I will be waiting to see!:surfweb:

PracPerfPatricia

08-31-2009, 10:10 PM

Ariana looks blissed out...:cloud9:-very special idea to do a mom-daughter breakfast at CRT...it looks wonderful...

That is a lovely photo of Ariana with Cinderella...what a lovely memory-although you know my fav princess is SW like Ariana-I guess having a Princess breakfast at the Dwarf's cottage wouldn't have the same cachet to it...:lmao:

BTW your photos of Pop are amazing...I love all of them but especially of Baloo and Mowgli (sp?)-Baloo is one of DD's favorite characters...I had no idea they were there...That really looks like it would be a fun place to stay...:goodvibes

Bring it...popcorn::

MouseTriper

08-31-2009, 10:16 PM

wdwgirl03

08-31-2009, 10:29 PM

Aww, what a fun update! Looks like you had a great morning! :goodvibes

JPFamilyMom

08-31-2009, 10:33 PM

What a lovely morning :cutie::cloud9:

And I'm super intrigued to see whats is coming next popcorn::

MinnieNurse

09-01-2009, 09:36 AM

:wave:

Hey, sorry I am late. But I am here now and all caught up.

I love the scavenger hunt, how come I dont have brilliant ideas like that? Love the pictures of Pop, we stayed there in 2005 and I had forgotten how much I loved all the vibrant colors.

I think your breakfast with Ariana looked like a wonderful experience just for the two of you. She has good taste in Princesses cause Snow White is my favorite too. princess:

Cant wait to read more, maybe this will get my sluggish butt in the mood to do my trip report. LOL!! :rolleyes:

mickeysmyboy

09-01-2009, 10:02 AM

Oh my goodness! It sounds like you had a wonderful morning at CRT!! Ariana looks like she's having a fabulous time!!! I love the picture of her before the princesses came! She looks like she's so happy because she knows their coming soon!!!

I hope your morning didn't go to bad after CRT! Can't wait to read more!

bballbabe

09-01-2009, 12:29 PM

[FONT="Comic Sans MS"][SIZE="4"][COLOR="Blue"]Our plan while George was taking the rental car to Wal-Mart for some room snackies, souvenirs and a stroller, was to have a picture scavenger hunt. I’d found one here on the DIS and selected 20 items from it I thought would be fun and easy enough for us to find and I put a map of the resort on the back of each list. We broke into partners, boys versus girls, and the rules were simple. Each team had a list and a camera and you had to find and take pictures of each partner with as many items as you could. The team back to the room in one hour with the most items found, wins! :yay:

Just started reading your TR and am totaling enjoying it. Love the idea of the photo scavenger hunt. Where did you find how to do it?

Mickey_Mom

09-01-2009, 02:58 PM

That is too funny.... it might have been... my mom took her to the bathroom (my mom's a redhead)

I'm pretty sure that was her! My, but was she beautiful that day!

I just skimmed all my CRT pictures (all 200 of them)....put on my camera they were pointed mostly towards the window....I'm gonna look through my mom's and my sisters now since they were sitting on the other end, they may have shot some pictures your direction.

Yay!

What a fantastical morning for you and Arianna. The pictures of her with Cinderella and the wishing star are my favorites.:goodvibes

Oh, and the one of her waiting for the princesses.:lovestruc She looks like quite the grown up young lady.:goodvibes

That was the other picture that I was pointing out to George with a big smile I on my face. She's grown quite a bit this past year, maturity wise and height too - she's almost taller than I am now!

Awww...I have to agree the picture of Ariana and Cinderella is amazing!! She looks like she is having an amazing time!! I'm so glad you guys were able to have a special mother daughter breakfast together and meet some princesses!!!! I'm looking forward to my breakfast at CRT...thank you for the food pictures!!!!

Can't wait to hear more about your trip!!

She was so excited for this morning and it was so nice to have time with just her and I. I wasn't having to shush a figety four year old or entertain an embarrassed fourteen year old. We could just enjoy the princesses!

Great update!!:thumbsup2

Doesn't it always seem when you have everything planned out that something pops up and puts a kink in your plans? I'm glad you were able to get everything taken care of at Pop and still make it in time for your ADR at CRT!! (and with time to spare!!Wow!:thumbsup2)

It was a bit of a nail biter for a bit there but once I saw those express signs.... whew!

Love all the pictures in front of the castle with Ariana.:lovestruc Especially the one with her hands up and her "I'm here" pose! Great idea!!

I actually blatantly robbed that "I'm here" pose from another couple that had just done it themselves! :laughing: The lady looked over at me when I told Ariana to "do that too!" and she gave me a thumbs up. :rotfl:

I've never been to CRT and with two boys I'm not sure if I'm going to make it anytime soon.:sad2: But....it looks beautiful inside and it looks like you had a wonderful breakfast--everything looks so yummy!!! What a beautiful picture of Ariana and Cinderella!!:goodvibes

Looking forward to more........

Mmmmm, yes it is princess heavy! The boys get swords to play with and I could totally see Demetri flirting big time with the princesses! :lmao: He was actually quite disappointed when I was planning this and said it would be just Ariana and I. I've often heard the princesses say that they love having princes' visit, but it's tough when they get a little bit older. :sad1:

SIGH!!!!! TO be the mother of girls!!! You are sooo lucky!!! I am counting on my boys behaving like princes when we go to CRT! But boy I tell you, it was so fun to read your description on this morning with your daughter, and how excited and clearly joyful she is having this time at the castle with you and the princesses!!! It is clear from the inside! :goodvibes How great. I don't like your ominous last words, though??!! :eek: Hope nothing bad happened!! I will be waiting to see!:surfweb:

:lmao: I can picture your little stinkers in there having sword fights amongst the tables (dang plastic swords!) Yes, this definately was a fantastic way to start our day. :goodvibes Let's just say what happened next was a definate "I told you so" moment. :rolleyes:

Ariana looks blissed out...:cloud9:-very special idea to do a mom-daughter breakfast at CRT...it looks wonderful...

That is a lovely photo of Ariana with Cinderella...what a lovely memory-although you know my fav princess is SW like Ariana-I guess having a Princess breakfast at the Dwarf's cottage wouldn't have the same cachet to it...:lmao:

I would LOVE to have breakfast at the Dwarf's cottage! :lmao: As regal as the castle is, Ariana would be bouncing off the walls to actually BE in the cottage! :rotfl2:

BTW your photos of Pop are amazing...I love all of them but especially of Baloo and Mowgli (sp?)-Baloo is one of DD's favorite characters...I had no idea they were there...That really looks like it would be a fun place to stay...:goodvibes

Our first trip we stayed at Pop and I was struck this time around by how much we'd missed not touring it. We hadn't seen anything outside of the 80's/90's section and we had so much fun just looking at everything. Definately my favorite value resort!

Bring it...popcorn::

Mickey_Mom

09-01-2009, 03:02 PM

Hello...I stumbled across your TR from someone else's TR and I am loving it already. You have a beautiful family and I can't wait to read more about your trip. I loved the photo scavenger hunt you guys did, such a cool idea. I love taking pictures too. Do you make amazing scrapbooks with all your Disney pictures???

Welcome! ... and thank you! I love looking at the scrapbooking sections of craft stores and I often think how adorable everything looks but I've never actually done one. Maybe..... :goodvibes

I loved the part of you and your DD going to CRT for breakfast. One of these days I will have to try and take my DD.

I definately recommend breakfast over lunch or dinner! You'll love it!

Okay so looking forward to more!!

Aww, what a fun update! Looks like you had a great morning! :goodvibes

Absolutely! And we still have more adventures to come in the MK!

What a lovely morning :cutie::cloud9:

And I'm super intrigued to see whats is coming next popcorn::

The EMH hours for MK was great timing and we could do this wonderful breakfast first before anything else. :love:

:wave:

Hey, sorry I am late. But I am here now and all caught up.

Yay! I was hoping to hear from you soon!

I love the scavenger hunt, how come I dont have brilliant ideas like that? Love the pictures of Pop, we stayed there in 2005 and I had forgotten how much I loved all the vibrant colors.

We loved staying at the Pop again! My brilliance :laughing: came via the DIS. I was looking at the thread dedicated solely to the Pop and found the scavenger hunt.

I think your breakfast with Ariana looked like a wonderful experience just for the two of you. She has good taste in Princesses cause Snow White is my favorite too. princess:

Cant wait to read more, maybe this will get my sluggish butt in the mood to do my trip report. LOL!! :rolleyes:

I hope so! I'll be there when you do!

Oh my goodness! It sounds like you had a wonderful morning at CRT!! Ariana looks like she's having a fabulous time!!! I love the picture of her before the princesses came! She looks like she's so happy because she knows their coming soon!!!

She loved every single moment of it!

I hope your morning didn't go to bad after CRT! Can't wait to read more!

Just started reading your TR and am totaling enjoying it. Love the idea of the photo scavenger hunt. Where did you find how to do it?

Hi and welcome! :wave2: Right here on the DIS! Here's the thread: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31367456&postcount=2264I just chose twenty from the list and that's it! Very easy and I could participate too!

SunnieRN

09-01-2009, 04:59 PM

MouseKTeer

09-01-2009, 09:58 PM

What a lovely morning for you to share with your Ariana!

Joining a bit late, but really enjoying your photography :)

ZeroToHero

09-02-2009, 02:44 PM

Mickey_Mom

09-02-2009, 03:28 PM

What a great way to entertain the kids!! I wouldn't have thought of doing a scavenger hunt!

The picture of Ariana with Cinderella is beautiful. The way you displayed it at home, with the invitation next to it looks great!!

Isn't it funny how easy it is to forget something crucial when you go on vacation, or to wally world?? I do that on a regular basis, so now, I always pack EARLY!!

Looking forward to more!

They had fun, but I recommend having drinks on hand for any little ones or they may bail on you! ;)

What a lovely morning for you to share with your Ariana!

Joining a bit late, but really enjoying your photography :)

Welcome! You're not late, the more the merrier! I love telling all you fellow Disney junkies about our trip, makes it last longer! :goodvibes

Alright, all caught up! Did you take a picture with the Snow White statue at MCO? I didn't remember that from my last trip, but it was on the Magical Express video, so I took a picture with it this year.

Welcome back! Can't wait to read your TR!! Oh yeah, we absolutely get her every trip. You should have seen Ariana when she saw it for the first time! :lovestruc

MinnieNurse

09-02-2009, 05:18 PM

Alright, all caught up! Did you take a picture with the Snow White statue at MCO? I didn't remember that from my last trip, but it was on the Magical Express video, so I took a picture with it this year.

I cannot believe I have missed this. 5 trips to Disney and I have never seen it. Sometimes I amaze myself at what all I miss. :rolleyes:

ZeroToHero

09-02-2009, 05:31 PM

It's outside the Earport - if your gate isn't over there, it's totally possible to miss. Lucky me - I got to visit both Disney stores in the airport... :rolleyes1 But I was good and didn't buy anything!

Mickey_Mom

09-02-2009, 06:24 PM

I cannot believe I have missed this. 5 trips to Disney and I have never seen it. Sometimes I amaze myself at what all I miss. :rolleyes:

Darn! Guess you'll just have to go again and look for her! :rotfl:

It's outside the Earport - if your gate isn't over there, it's totally possible to miss. Lucky me - I got to visit both Disney stores in the airport... :rolleyes1 But I was good and didn't buy anything!

I got two last minute gifts for some co-workers. It actually worked out really well cause I was feeling bad I'd forgotten them. Now they love me. :laughing:

lilmissie

09-03-2009, 05:00 PM

luvdumbo

09-03-2009, 05:13 PM

popcorn::

Mickey_Mom

09-03-2009, 07:10 PM

All caught up. Just finished reading your PTR and your TR! Can't wait to hear more about your trip. We go in October for our first trip and our twins 3rd birthday. It's great to hear of others trips before we go!!

Wow! :welcome: Thanks for joining in and bravo for going thru the PTR too! Hope you smiled a few times along the way. :goodvibes

Your first trip! With three year old twins?! In October?! And their birthday?! Oh I can tell you right now you will have a marvelous trip!

popcorn::

Hello there! :wave: Coming right up!

ellajeansmom

09-03-2009, 07:39 PM

Mickey_Mom

09-03-2009, 08:00 PM

My husband is, ahem…… frugal. Before we’d left home, we got ourselves new cells and a new plan and gave Alex his own phone for his birthday. We’d shopped around for the best plan that worked for us, and it included unlimited texting. But in Canada only. So when I’d made our Disney plans I’d let George know that we’d be doing a few separate things this year and we needed the ability to communicate with one another. He’d nod distractedly each time I mentioned it because it just wasn’t anything he was too concerned about. So when the time came for him to get things settled before we left home, he decided the best way to deal with things was just to set times where we would meet in certain places and we’d be fine. Sigh. Anyone out there wondering if having cell phones in Disney World is worth the cost – YES IT IS.

And so it was this first day…..we’d made plans for Ariana and I to meet up with the boys at Cinderella’s Carousel at noon. We explored the area around the Carousel a little bit and started to keep an eye out for them. Ariana tried pulling the Sword out of the Stone....

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0070.jpg

... and a guy next to me turns to me and says, “Whoa! I think it moved!” I looked at him a little wide-eyed and replied, “Really?!” and then I turned to Ariana and said, “Try it again sweetie!” She hoofed with all her might….. but it didn’t budge. The guy next to me says kinda sheepishly, “Ok, maybe not.” :lmao: What a great story that would have been to tell the boys!

We heard a commotion going on at the front of the castle so we went to the side and caught a few glimpses of the princesses again.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0071.jpg

We strolled back to the Carousel and took a look around, no boys. We were pretty early so I figured we'd go back to City Hall to get Ariana's Guest Assistance Card and then when we met with the boys we'd be good to go right away. We had a bit of a weird encounter as this point. We noticed a CM was carrying a bag and was handing out something randomly to people as they were walking by. We decided to check it out and turns out they were "I'm Celebrating!" buttons. He starts up a conversation with us and makes a remark about Ariana's shirt. The one with the princesses on it making silly faces. He says directly to her in a nice enough tone of voice, "So where did you get that shirt from? I've never seen that before!" I answer for Ariana and say I made it. He starts pumping for details no longer in a nice enough tone of voice, "How did you make it? Where did you get the design from?" I answered it was from the DISboards, had he heard of it? He says, no longer trying to be nice, "Oh yeah. Actually it was my friend who made that design and sent it to a friend. Then it shows up on the internet all over the place and suddenly everyone has it." Oh? What happened to a minute ago when you said you'd never seen it before? ..... We thanked him for the buttons and moved on.

Pardon the interuption!

So we strolled down to City Hall and got her card, no problem. We strolled back again towards the Carousel (I'm really loving this no rushing philosophy, can you tell?) and made a quick stop into one of the shops.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0075.jpg

We walked back past this lovely lady but were too late to wait for a meeting.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0072.jpg

At this point we were at our scheduled time to meet the boys so with one last picture of the back of the castle….
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0073.jpg

….we waited in the shade under the awning at Mickey’s Philharmagic with a view of the Carousel. It was mighty hot this particular day so we were very thankful we’d grabbed the misting fans for ourselves. Even sitting in the shade we had to douse ourselves fairly often to stay comfortable. Then we waited. :rolleyes1 And then we waited. :sad2: And just for fun, we waited some more. :headache: About every ten minutes we left the comfort of the shade long enough to walk around the Carousel in case they were silly enough to be waiting on the side that was full sun…. but no boys. So we waited. :rolleyes1 And then we waited. :sad2: And then just for fun, we waited some more. :headache:

After an hour of waiting I was cursing my husband’s last minute decision to forgo the ability to communicate with one another (the phrase ‘screw that!’ possibly was uttered) and I decided we’d go into Mickey’s Philharmagic to see the show. As patient as Ariana was being,

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0077.jpg

.... she’d been asking to go in so I finally said what the heck and in we went.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0078.jpg

We love this! We reach out for the jewels and Ariel’s outstretched arms, we sing to the music, we smell the pie and jump when the broom throws the water on us…. :cloud9: As great as it was on its own, we had people sitting right beside us that had never seen it before and they were thoroughly enjoying it! They were hooting and hollering and just really having a blast and so we were laughing with them as much as we were laughing at the show. Too soon it was over and we were back to waiting. :rolleyes1 And waiting. :sad2: And just for fun, waiting some more. :headache:

I’d been hoping Murphy’s Law would prevail and as soon as we’d walked away they would have shown up, but no such luck. Grrrrrr. After another half hour of waiting, (if you’ve kept track its now been an hour and a half since the time we were supposed to meet) the boys finally strolled up explaining their delay. I’m sure I had a “I told you so!” expression on my face but I played nice and let it go. The kids went back thru Mickey’s Philharmagic again while I took care of buying a lanyard for Ariana to put her Guest Assistance Card into and George filled me in on yet another rental car vs directions story. I’d been really annoyed but I didn’t want to put a damper on anything so I plastered a smile on my face that was only three quarters real and was ready to get moving! All set, we let the kids decide which rides to go on. Ariana’s first pick?
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0091.jpg

Of course! We shrieked when Snow White’s dress was caught in the trees and warned her not to bite the apple and to look out for that big rock! Then we oooed and ahhed when the prince kissed Snow White awake and we all waved goodbye to the Dwarfs as they rode off towards the setting sun.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0086.jpg
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0088.jpg
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0089.jpg

I laughed afterwards at the particular car we were in.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0090.jpg

So George. He even buys shirts for himself with Grumpy plastered all over them. The only kind he'll wear! :rotfl:

High fours were given!
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0094.jpg

And we were off to see Pooh Bear.

CONTINUED IN THE NEXT POST. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33436858&postcount=72)

ZeroToHero

09-03-2009, 08:19 PM

Super cute! And that CM seemed a little weird - not all of them can be great, I guess. Yeesh. Was he a young guy? Like a College Programmer?

Mickey_Mom

09-03-2009, 08:27 PM

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0095.jpg

Such a fun ride, always brings a smile to my face.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0099.jpg

Alex’s favorite part was the room of rain.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0102.jpg

Demetri’s favorite part was finding a totally awesome, super cool hat in the dump shop!
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0104.jpg

About this time Demetri started begging to go on Splash Mountain. We showed him on the map where we were and where Splash Mountain was and he was content for now to go on a few other rides first before we got there.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0106.jpg

Next we were off to Wonderland to join a Mad Tea Party. I must confess these teacups do make my stomach go willy-nilly so I begged off and the kids rode together.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0108.jpg

They have a jolly good time making that thing spin as fast as they can while I would have frantically held tight so we wouldn’t spin at all, so without me they had a blast!

Right after they finished, someone special was waiting to hop on to the ride!
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0110.jpg

Seems a family was having a Magical Moment with the White Rabbit and any photo ops would be in the walkway after he was done. He was still waiting when the kids finished up so we didn’t get to see him actually on the ride, but I grabbed a quick shot and we headed off to Tomorrowland and the Speedway!
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0111.jpg

What a hoot this ride is! Alex and Demetri love Nascar (and Cars of course!) and pretending they’re in the race for the Cup! Demetri got to steer his car with Alex as his poor passenger. :laughing: Ariana drove with George as her passenger and he didn’t fare that much better I don’t think. I was on my own taking video and trying to steer with one hand, so I more or less just banged back and forth from side to side. :rotfl: At the end of the ride while we’re waiting to disembark, we’re always the ones that bang into one another from behind :rolleyes:. Our apologizes if we’ve ever bumped any of you dear readers but we’re usually pretty good about only bumping one another!

By this time we were overdue for a late lunch so we crossed the street to Cosmic Ray’s. It wasn’t crazy busy but it took us a bit to find open tables and we ended up in the section where Sonny Eclipse was performing.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0116.jpg

He’s a lot of fun the first time around, but if you’re there for any stretch of time, the repeats aren’t as funny. :laughing: George and I had the standard hamburger / cheeseburger and Ariana had a cheese pizza but Alex was all about trying new things this trip so he chose the turkey wraps.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0117.jpg

It seems there was a little too much turkey in there for his taste :confused3 and any other flavor like the tomatoes, etc was drowned out. Demetri stole off of our plates, and we discovered at this meal that he loves fried onions. Blech for me but George loves them and soon enough Demetri was stealing all of his fried onions for himself.

We talked about our plan of attack for the rest of the afternoon and explained to Demetri again that we were soon going to be at Splash Mountain after we finished off Tomorrowland.

We waved goodbye to Sonny and I started my mission to find a talking trash can. Yep, a talking trash can. I’d heard about it but had never seen it. I’d thought it was in Cosmic Ray’s but after we’d poked around a few normal garbage cans and gotten several strange looks later, it became evident it wasn’t there. I started to ask a few CMs where I could find the talking trash can and after a few more even stranger looks, I was about to give up. Then George noticed a guy with a walkie-talkie walking purposely towards our area and suggested I talk to him since “he looked like he knew what was going on”. :laughing: He was right and the CM whipped a schedule out of his back pocket and informed us that Push the trash can was wandering the area outside of Cosmic Ray’s right now. He said to look for the laughing crowd and that’d be him. Yipee! More great timing! So we gathered ourselves together and walked out in search of Push. We found him right away almost right outside the doors! Our streak of great timing was still going strong! He’d not yet drawn a crowd so we had pretty decent access to him and he spoke with our family.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_vids/th_2009_0817pics0118.jpg (http://s662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_vids/?action=view&current=2009_0817pics0118.flv)

Next Update: A Jungle Cruise Surprise and A Failure to Plan

ZeroToHero

09-03-2009, 08:41 PM

I love PUSH! And we never got to see him, which was pretty sad... you guys look like you had fun though! "I love Canada!" :rotfl:

And I posted between your two posts, in case you didn't go back.... go back now! :p

Lady Lallie

09-03-2009, 08:52 PM

Okay so I'm glad I'm not the only one who had a moment with a snotty CM about the Princess shirt! That was the same attitude we got in May. I wonder if the person who designed it was a CM or something. They shouldn't have put it on the internet if they didn't want people to use it AND they can't make money off of Disney characters anyways because that is copyright infringement! So there.

I feel better now.

Do you?

:laughing:

You dealt with that frustration very well. I would have FLIPPED at Marc if he had been that late. So good for you!! :thumbsup2

Angies1274

09-03-2009, 08:54 PM

Great update!!

Something very similar happened to us at MK last year. We were supposed to meet in front of Peter Pan's Flight after DS and I went to get fastpasses for BTMRR. But, when we came back to find them, they were no where to be found. We ended up walking all the way up to Pooh, around the castle, sat down for awhile and finally almost an hour later we found each other. Apparently, DS needed to use the restroom and then when they came out,we weren't there so they began looking for us. UGH!!:headache: It sounds like you handled it much better than I did.;) Let's just say we don't go anywhere, especially Disney without our cellphones now!!

Love the video of Push the talking trash can!! Very Cute!! Winnie the Pooh is so much fun!! It's always a must do for us!! Demetri is such a cutie!!:goodvibes

Despite the setback, it sounds like you guys got quite a bit accomplished that morning!!

Can't wait for your next update!!!

Happydog

09-03-2009, 09:08 PM

Okay first, great update lovely photos and sounds like it was fun EXCEPT for missing men!!!! :mad: Oh yes that would have been me!!!! No cell contact? GASP! Well you and your daughter handled it like ladies!!! ;)

great photo of the "rain rain rain" in the Adventures of Pooh! :thumbsup2

Mickey_Mom

09-03-2009, 09:57 PM

What a lovely mother/daughter breakfast and a beautiful picture with Cinderella :goodvibes

Ariana looked thrilled to be meeting all the princesses again :) Our visit to CRT was for lunch - we had the same four princesses and we were pleasantly surprised by delicious food after some of the reports I had read.

Oh that's great! So far, its only dinner that I've heard not so great reviews on and of course, that was when we had our not so great time too. I'll stick with breakfasts myself! :thumbsup2

Super cute! And that CM seemed a little weird - not all of them can be great, I guess. Yeesh. Was he a young guy? Like a College Programmer?

I would have pegged him in his late twenties, but I'm not really the best at guessing ages. :rolleyes:

I love PUSH! And we never got to see him, which was pretty sad... you guys look like you had fun though! "I love Canada!" :rotfl:

He was way cool to find, I laugh everytime I watch it. "Look at me! I'm Justin Timberlake!" :lmao:

Okay so I'm glad I'm not the only one who had a moment with a snotty CM about the Princess shirt! That was the same attitude we got in May. I wonder if the person who designed it was a CM or something. They shouldn't have put it on the internet if they didn't want people to use it AND they can't make money off of Disney characters anyways because that is copyright infringement! So there.

I feel better now.

Do you?

:laughing:

You dealt with that frustration very well. I would have FLIPPED at Marc if he had been that late. So good for you!! :thumbsup2

Here here! Entirely inappropriate of him and yes, I do feel better now! :rotfl:

Under any other circumstance, oh I would have been frosty until I was darn ready to be otherwise, but I didn't want to ruin things for the kids. It would have killed the whole day for sure.

Great update!!

Something very similar happened to us at MK last year. We were supposed to meet in front of Peter Pan's Flight after DS and I went to get fastpasses for BTMRR. But, when we came back to find them, they were no where to be found. We ended up walking all the way up to Pooh, around the castle, sat down for awhile and finally almost an hour later we found each other. Apparently, DS needed to use the restroom and then when they came out,we weren't there so they began looking for us. UGH!!:headache: It sounds like you handled it much better than I did.;) Let's just say we don't go anywhere, especially Disney without our cellphones now!!

I did manage to get one little crack in at the end of our day back in the room. I said, ".. but it would have been so much better if we could have communicated with one another..." Alex pipes up, "She means we should have brought our cell phones! Even I knew what she was really saying there daddy!" :lmao: It briefly addressed it but made us all laugh.

Love the video of Push the talking trash can!! Very Cute!! Winnie the Pooh is so much fun!! It's always a must do for us!! Demetri is such a cutie!!:goodvibes

Despite the setback, it sounds like you guys got quite a bit accomplished that morning!!

Can't wait for your next update!!!

Ahhh, but I still have so much more to tell you about our first (park) day! :goodvibes But no rushing!

Okay first, great update lovely photos and sounds like it was fun EXCEPT for missing men!!!! :mad: Oh yes that would have been me!!!! No cell contact? GASP! Well you and your daughter handled it like ladies!!! ;)

great photo of the "rain rain rain" in the Adventures of Pooh! :thumbsup2

We had another similar incident later on in the trip, but our roles were reversed. Let's just say George didn't quite handle it as lady-like as we did. :eek: We are definately bringing our phones next time.

SunnieRN

09-04-2009, 12:50 AM

Love the Push video! Sheesh, what's up with Mr. Snotty cm? Even if "his friend" did design it, it's not any of his business who wears it!!

Glad you found eachother and had a good afternoon!

jordanyosh

09-04-2009, 01:46 AM

okay, sorry I'm late! I'm here now.

Mickey_Mom

09-04-2009, 06:23 AM

Love the Push video! Sheesh, what's up with Mr. Snotty cm? Even if "his friend" did design it, it's not any of his business who wears it!!

Glad you found eachother and had a good afternoon!

Yeah really! He was definately the exception in what is normally impecable behavior from CMs. We're always blown away by how wonderful they normally are.

okay, sorry I'm late! I'm here now.

Fashionably late my friend. :welcome:

mickeysmyboy

09-04-2009, 06:30 AM

I'm so sorry about your wait for the boys!I would have been fuming mad! Especially after trying to get cell phones to communicate with! :headache: Men!!

ICK! What a jerk that CM was! The person who made the design had to know that once it went to one person via the internet it was going to be all over the universe in 5 seconds flat! UGH!

Sound like you had a pretty good time the rest of the day though! I love the Push video! We've never seen him!!

Can't wait to read more!

Mickey_Mom

09-04-2009, 06:55 AM

I'm so sorry about your wait for the boys!I would have been fuming mad! Especially after trying to get cell phones to communicate with! :headache: Men!!

He saved forty-five bucks by not buying US texting minutes ahead of time. Whoopeee.

ICK! What a jerk that CM was! The person who made the design had to know that once it went to one person via the internet it was going to be all over the universe in 5 seconds flat! UGH!

Sound like you had a pretty good time the rest of the day though! I love the Push video! We've never seen him!!

Can't wait to read more!

I hope that CMs day got better and he was nicer to people. We were really not expecting attitude over a tee shirt.

Push was fun, but the crowd filled in quickly after he spoke with us. He doesn't have a CM to stop the kids from mauling him! :rotfl:

JPFamilyMom

09-04-2009, 07:18 AM

momtoleasawav

09-04-2009, 05:09 PM

I am really enjoying reading your trip report. Can't wait to read more!!

wdwgirl03

09-04-2009, 05:35 PM

Cool you guys got the I'm Celebrating buttons!

Love the video of Push. :thumbsup2

Mickey_Mom

09-04-2009, 06:53 PM

My DH is frugal too.... but I think he would go for the cell phone thing thank goodness, and if not and he were that late, I wouldn't have been so nice to my DH :lmao:

Wow about the CM, sorry you had to experience that:sad2: that is awful

LOVE the trash can video, I have to find that trash can, must add it to my MK list :rotfl:

:rotfl: Don't forget to look for the guy "who looks like he knows what's going on" with the schedule in his back pocket. There's no Push on the Times Guide!

I am really enjoying reading your trip report. Can't wait to read more!!

:wave: Hi there! Thanks! I'm having a great time writing it! :goodvibes

Cool you guys got the I'm Celebrating buttons!

Love the video of Push. :thumbsup2

Oh man, we must have come home with ten of those I'm Celebrating buttons. We got them at check in, we got them from bitter CM guy.... There was a CM handing out random buttons at the bus area when we were leaving DHS. Alex got the Incredibles on a button that said Family Reunion :rotfl: but Ariana snagged a black and white one with the Prince putting the glass slipper on Cinderella's foot that says Happily Ever After. Score!

MinnieNurse

09-04-2009, 07:06 PM

Great updates. I love the Snow White ride. :cloud9: We skipped it in August and now I need to go back and ride it.

Man I have that princess design saved on my computer and almost used it. After LL and your experience I think I wont. Crabby CM's need to be reported though. Questioning a child like that should not be tolerated.

jordanyosh

09-04-2009, 07:11 PM

Some form of communication is a must at WDW.....did your DH know that you were a bit upset even though you put on the happy face? Oh wait, he's a man like me....never mind.

PracPerfPatricia

09-04-2009, 07:38 PM

What a wierd, creepy CM...:headache:

The whole thing with the phones...reminds me of something Dh would do...:confused3...He can be sooooo generous and that get wierdly frugal with certain things...maybe it comes with the Y chromosome?

I think its cute that you "plastered" on the smile-I've done that-sometimes you just have to pick your battles...;)

We love Philharmagic too...sooo good...:cloud9:

You got to see the White Rabbit...:eek: Lucky you!

Never seen Push...just another reason to add to the list...;)

DisneyFairy66

09-04-2009, 07:51 PM

Hi Hi!
I love your TR! Its great!! Cant wait to read more!

Question though where did you find that photo scavenger hunt? Id love to find one for my upcoming trip!!!!

Mickey_Mom

09-05-2009, 09:45 AM

Great updates. I love the Snow White ride. :cloud9: We skipped it in August and now I need to go back and ride it.

If you leave now, I'll meet you there...;)

Man I have that princess design saved on my computer and almost used it. After LL and your experience I think I wont. Crabby CM's need to be reported though. Questioning a child like that should not be tolerated.

I wish I knew the true story behind the design. What makes them so touchy about it?

Some form of communication is a must at WDW.....did your DH know that you were a bit upset even though you put on the happy face? Oh wait, he's a man like me....never mind.

Yeah, he knew. He went into his "whatever you want honey" mode. :rotfl:

What a wierd, creepy CM...:headache:

The whole thing with the phones...reminds me of something Dh would do...:confused3...He can be sooooo generous and that get wierdly frugal with certain things...maybe it comes with the Y chromosome?

I think its cute that you "plastered" on the smile-I've done that-sometimes you just have to pick your battles...;)

Exactly! :thumbsup2

We love Philharmagic too...sooo good...:cloud9:

You got to see the White Rabbit...:eek: Lucky you!

We got to see the back of him anyway! :laughing: He seemed to be waiting there quite a long time so we lost the photo-op.

Never seen Push...just another reason to add to the list...;)

Ah lists. I love keeping WDW lists!

Hi Hi!
I love your TR! Its great!! Cant wait to read more!

Question though where did you find that photo scavenger hunt? Id love to find one for my upcoming trip!!!!

Hello! :wave2: Here's the one we pulled our items from: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31367456&postcount=2264 Good luck!

Nicole786

09-05-2009, 10:20 AM

Mickey_Mom

09-05-2009, 10:47 AM

I just read through your TR to catch up! I'm really enjoying it. I know all too well what comes from no cell phones in WDW, but being from Canada im sure it would have been ridiculously expensive with the service!

Hello and :welcome: We'd priced it out before leaving and yes, calling is ridiculously expensive. :eek:

But texting was more reasonable at seventy-five cents per text (no roaming charges) and we had a $15 credit on our account because of a small snafoo when we'd been set up. George was convinced however that times and places to meet was a much better way of doing things. :sad2:

TinyDancer

09-05-2009, 12:58 PM

Loving your TR so far.

AWESOME pics!!

Mickey_Mom

09-05-2009, 03:53 PM

Loving your TR so far.

AWESOME pics!!

Thank you! I'll be updating later today but life has gotten in the way so far and we're working in the backyard. I've snuck in for a few minutes :ssst:

Mickey_Mom

09-05-2009, 10:24 PM

Push was soooo much fun! It started to get a little crowded around him and we’d had our turn so off we went for more adventures. We decided to help out in the battle against Zurg and in no time we were right in the thick of it.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0120.jpg

George went with Ariana, Demetri went with Alex and I was on my own. I’d remembered a hint I’d read that if you turned around in the first room you exit and shoot the targets there, you’d get mucho points. So I turned and fired but I don’t think it helped me any. Either that or I missed them completely because I had a deplorable final score.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0123.jpg

I really enjoyed this ride and I really hadn’t expected to. Since Toy Story Mania came out I think the draw for this ride has gone down somewhat, but we had a fun, fun time and at several points George and I were aiming at one another and laughing maniacally as we turned our cars toward each other!

We took the customary ‘Curse you Buzz Lightyear!’ picture with Zurg behind bars (I have no idea what they were doing in this picture!)
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0127.jpg

..... and found a picture of mischievous Stitch fighting his own battle! Wonder how he scored?
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0129.jpg

Continuing our fun, we headed towards the Monsters Inc Laugh Floor and waited for our turn to help power Monstropolous.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0131.jpg

When we were in our seats awaiting the show to start, the camera found George and he was up on the big screen but I can’t remember what message was written for him! Something that made him laugh and shake his head back and forth in quick denial anyway!

It was a cute show, but I feel like I’ve heard it before so I hope they add a bit more variety to it. Maybe its just me..?

Anyway, no one had any desire to go on Stitch’s Great Escape (such a shame because we really love Stitch but the ride is just so blah) so we let a gleefully happy Demetri know we were heading towards Splash Mountain and did a few twirls crossing the bridge out of Tomorrowland.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0136.jpg

There was a show going on in front of the Castle but it was halfway thru so we planned to come back for a later one.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0139.jpg

A quick hello to another ducky
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0140.jpg

And it was time for our traditional family bongo dance over the bridge into Adventureland! Let me explain. One of the several trip planning DVDs we have is the one with the four people talking about what different experiences you could get in each park. One lady talked about toddlers and little ones, one guy talked about all the relaxing things you could do, the young teenish guy talked about all the thrill rides and the main lady just talked about the parks in general. It was our favorite planning DVD because it just made everything look so FUN! Anyways, the main lady was a bit quirky and she did a little bongo dance to the music when she crossed the bridge. Well on our first trip, the bridge was coming up and I reminded the kids about the bongo dance. To our surprise, the music from the DVD was actually coming from the bridge and so we bongo danced over it! Every single time we cross that bridge – we bongo dance!
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0142.jpg

Our first stop (after passing right by Aloha Isle) was the Jungle Cruise!
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0155.jpg

George was parking the stroller and I was wandering a bit with Alex when I noticed for the very first time this area in front of the Jungle Cruise. I can’t believe I’d never seen it before! Slowing down sure lets you see new things.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0143.jpg

The ride itself was cheesy fun, as always, but this particular ride was extra fun for Demetri. He happened to be the first of our group onto the boat and so he got to sit on the special magic square beside the driver. Ariana was beside him, then followed by me, then Alex then George. I was a little nervous Demetri sitting up there without me being next to him. He’d be the kid that dips his fingers into the water or reaches for the hippos and splash! As it turns out, our seating arrangements worked out fantastic for him because he was laughing at absolutely everything she said and felt it was completely natural to have a conversation with her every step of the way. So Demetri essentially became part of the ride and even scooted over at her beckoning to steer our boat.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0153.jpg

He got a rousing round of applause when the cruise was over and had an absolute blast!

Hee hee – There is NO random dancing at Disney!
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0145.jpg

Next, we were off to a whole new world in Agrabah. Watch out for the camel – it spits!
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0156.jpg

It was still pretty hot and we used our misting fans regularly. Sprit, sprit, fan….ahhhhhhhh.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0158.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0160.jpg

We played a game of chicken up in the air with the camel and I managed to take this picture. If you look closely, you can see the water coming out, and a second later I lost the game of chicken.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0159.jpg

The next thing we decided to do was the Enchanted Tiki Room. Before our first trip, we’d heard to skip this one so we’d never done it before. This time around however, I thought what the heck and we waited in line.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0165.jpg

We’d just missed a show and were the first in line for the next, so when the doors opened in the fountain, we missed it. It seemed we waited a very long time and I remember remarking it must be a long show. Pictures while we waited.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0162.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0163.jpg

It was finally our turn and in we went, grabbed a seat and watched the show. Sigh. I wanted to like this show, but unfortunately I just couldn’t. While Zazu has always been a favorite, I’ve always really disliked Iago. His voice just grates on my nerves and I quickly find myself wincing listening to him. And so it was that I was glad to have finally gone to see the show, but alas, not my thing.

Demetri was getting ever so excited to be closer to Splash Mountain, but first we needed to finish up Adventureland. Anyone know what we haven’t done yet?
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0174.jpg

Love the canon holes thru the flag!

Yay! One of our favorites. We got to see the new stage for Captain Jack’s Pirate Tutorial but unfortunately we’d missed the shows for the day. A hazard of not even glancing at the Times Guide! Alex gave me a stern look when they mentioned no flash photography was allowed on the ride, so I put my lens cap on and just sat and enjoyed our sail through the Spanish Main. The first time I saw this ride with the addition of Jack Sparrow, I kept waiting for Johnny Depp to stand up and wave. So life like!

Love it!

I love the dump shop for the Pirates ride. It has tons of really cool stuff in there and Alex picked up a few souveniers for his friends. Demetri picked a sword fight.....
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0173.jpg

.... and would have stayed there all evening if we didn’t remind him a certain ride was coming up next……

CONTINUED IN NEXT POST (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33462153&postcount=97)

Mickey_Mom

09-05-2009, 11:53 PM

Yep! We’d finally made it to Frontierland and the ride he’d been waiting for from the moment we’d started our day.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0178.jpg

This ride is just too fun. Everyone has a laughing place and this ride is it for Demetri. He loves the first climb and being up high outside where you can look out over the park, he bops and dances to the music, he loves all the little dips and the characters. He loves the bees and when the bear gets stuck, and most of all he loves the long climb up, up, up and that ever so slight moment of hesitation at the top when he gets the biggest smile on his face that turns into a deep breath that becomes a woooo-hooooo as he holds on tight and hopes to get soaking wet!
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0185.jpg

We’re in the three back rows. Alex was running to the picture place after this ride because he wanted to make sure he caught what he referred to as the “best ride picture ever”. I found the one that was us and I said, “where are you?” and he said “Exactly!” Oooookaaaay. Unfortunately Demetri’s face is partially hidden by the boy in front of him, but you can make out his smile!

With Splash Mountain finally conquered, we decided before trying to tame a runaway train that we’d ride a much smoother rail, the WDW Railroad. We kept the stroller parked outside Splash and hopped aboard.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0187.jpg

We headed towards Mickey’s Toontown Fair and I realized as much as we’d gotten done today, there really was a whole lot we hadn’t yet done. We hadn’t even been on Dumbo yet! Off our train continued towards Tomorrowland and I was struck again how no one uses that super secret path behind the Speedway. Mental note to self, take the super secret path that leads to Space Mountain. Speaking of Space Mountain, are they re-doing it completely or what? It’s been closed for so long for refurb they must be doing a complete overhaul? It was a little odd passing it on the train and I was still bummed that we hadn’t been able to go on the Transit Authority. Off towards Main Street USA we went and noticed a black monorail gliding by. Very cool. Then we slowly made our way back towards Adventureland and rolled to a stop where we’d started in Frontierland. It was the perfect little break and we were doing a stupendous job in keeping with our no rushing, taking it easy theme.

Thanks goodness because we needed all our energy to get that runaway train!
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0190.jpg

Another favorite of Demetri’s, he calls it the crazy train ride. Just when you think this ride is over, it goes on and on. It slows and speeds up and whips you around and then slows and speeds up again. We love this ride at night and we made another mental note to do this again for sure on our second MK night.

Another casualty of not reading the Times Guide was missing the last raft over to Tom Sawyer’s Island. We’ve never been and I was looking forward to exploring unknown territory, especially with Demetri. I think he would have had such fun, but not this time. Another mental note.

We were starting to get a little peckish and it was still pretty hot so we decided it was time for a snack break. We found the nearest ice cream stand and I don’t remember what George and Demetri got, but Alex got Dibbs and Ariana got her much desired Mickey Head ice cream. I tried a frozen banana….. It looked so yummy…. banana, chocolate and nuts ….. it should be good!
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0191.jpg

Not so much. I was ready to toss it after three bites. I ate the chocolate and nuts around the banana, content that I’d at least tried it early on and knew never to get it again. Ever.

The next few pictures of the next ride we went on turned out a little creepy. Check this out…
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0192.jpg

Looks like its evening time and the sun is almost gone …. right? Except that 20 minutes later with this picture, its clearly still day time with a bright sun.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0209.jpg

Weird huh?
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0199.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0193.jpg

I was so excited to ride this and was reminding everyone to be the last ones out of the stretching room so we could listen. One teensy problem however. With Ariana’s GAC, we were led into a different entrance than what everyone else uses.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0201.jpg

It’s a smaller hallway that we’ve used before, but when we were allowed thru to join the main line before boarding our doom buggies, we had completely bypassed the stretching room! Man! First time they’d done that and I’d been soooo looking forward to it! I tried a few pictures with no flash but they didn’t turn out so I just sat and enjoyed the ride and made funny faces at the ghosts that tried hitching rides with us.

We’d now come almost full circle back to where we’d started our day – Fantasyland. Actually just before entering Fantasyland we were met by the most glorious of smells for our fast growing hungry tummies. Columbia Harbour House. George thought it was a table service and we were out of luck to get anything, but when I told him it was counter service and I wanted to try it for dinner, he was all gung-ho. But then he chickened out and said he didn’t want to try anything new and just wanted to stick with what he knew was good. Grrrrrrrr. Yet another thing for another time.

Another favorite ride is Peter Pan’s Flight. While we were standing in this longish line, I told the kids to make funny poses for me. The boys were standard silly poses.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0211.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0213.jpg

And Ariana gave me something that made her look like an opera singer!
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0214.jpg

I’ve often tried to take pictures on this ride, but just as it seems I’m about to snap a great picture, I’m propelled forward and the shot is lost. So this time, I had a ship to myself and I decided to just take it all in. I even spread my arms throughout the start of the ride and pretended to have been sprinkled with pixie dust! So much fun, I highly recommend it! As it happened, when I had my arms out I glanced down at my shirt and noticed little gold sprinkles everywhere. And then I noticed it was on my arms, short, legs…everywhere! I tried brushing it off there was soooo much of it, but it wouldn’t come off. I really had been sprinkled with pixie dust!! I’d never noticed it before!! I was the last to come off in our group and I asked the kids if they’d noticed the pixie dust. Nope, I was the only one. So another note went into the file to watch for the pixie dust when we rode it next.

Next of course was It’s a Small World.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0215.jpg

It was almost a new ride for us this time because we were riding a pretty cool boat. The GAC card took us to the alternate entrance area and the CM put us on a boat by ourselves that was meant to have a wheelchair wheeled onto it. Very cool that wheelchairs can go on this ride, I’d never considered it before how they’d do it. For us, it was essentially single seats that you could lounge on and put your feet in the middle. Very different.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0216.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0217.jpg

With the boat to ourselves and no one to disturb, we were very silly and talked to the dolls and I told the boys to point out something small they’d never seen before in each of the rooms. Alex marveled the entire trip at all the money that was in the water. A quick blurry shot of the kiddos running up the aisle.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0218.jpg

It was time for our late dinner and there was no Spectro Magic scheduled for this night, so we headed back to Cosmic Ray’s. We had a little under an hour before Wishes was to start, so we took our time before going to find a spot. The boys went up to get the food while Ariana and I danced to the music Sonny Eclipse was playing. Our late dinner was fairly close to what our late lunch had been.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0220.jpg

Time to head out and we hadn’t gotten very far when my mouth dropped open in horror. If you remember, we hadn’t bothered to look at the Times Guide all day long and while that had provided us with a wonderfully spontaneous go-on-whatever-ride-we-want kind of day, we’d also missed out on a few things that were on, or wrapped up at scheduled times. I’d known before we left however that Spectro Magic wasn’t scheduled for this first day here, and because of that, we’d scheduled our second MK day when Spectro was scheduled. So imagine my shock when we came out to this.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0222.jpg

CONTINUED IN THE NEXT POST (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33462187&postcount=98)

Mickey_Mom

09-05-2009, 11:59 PM

Crap! But oh well, we did have another MK day coming up, so this failed planning could be redeemed then.

It was about twenty minutes until Wishes was due to start and we found a spot to settle in. A quick shot of the castle…
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0224.jpg

….and our family getting ready to watch.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0225.jpg

And then Jiminy came on to introduce the show. I love, love, love Wishes. I sing, I cry, I ooh, I ahh. I love it. Tinkerbell flies down from the castle. I love it. My favorite songs have fireworks timed to it. I love it. Sigh. We realized too late we were too close to the castle, but oh well. I tried the fireworks setting on my camera and set it to continuous, six photos with one click of the button. These are my favorite two.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0304.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0305.jpg

It was extra magic hours at MK this day so we knew we didn’t have to sardine our way out of the park once Wishes was over. We’d gotten most of the park done however and with our second MK day all set to take care of what we’d missed, we asked the kids what one ride they wanted to go on before we called it a night.

Can you guess?

I’ll give you a hint. Demetri had a major say.

Have you figured it out?

Oh yeah. You know it.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0310.jpg

George passed this second time around, poor thing didn’t want to get wet.

I took a few Main Street night shots….
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0311.jpg

…. and we headed for the Pop bus area. We’d missed a good chunk of the crowds with the extra Splash ride but it was still early enough that we got onto a bus fairly quickly and had an uneventful ride back to the Pop.

We came back to cute little towel basket in our room and everyone got ready for bed while I downloaded the days pictures.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/CRT_MK/2009_0817pics0316.jpg

Lastly, we went over our favorites and not-so-favorites of the day. Here are the answers I got:

ALEX
:): Jungle Cruise
:upsidedow: Turkey wraps and the Tiki Room

ARIANA
:): CRT and Splash Mountain
:upsidedow: Nothing!

DEMETRI
:): Splash Mountain two times and driving the Jungle Cruise
:upsidedow: too close to the castle for fireworks

Next Update: Where's Demetri?!? Where's Ariana?!?

mickeysmyboy

09-06-2009, 06:29 AM

Angies1274

09-06-2009, 07:23 AM

Wow!! Great Update!!:thumbsup2

Yay!! for Demetri being able to steer the boat in the Jungle Cruise.:yay: DS was chosen to do that in April.;) Did he get a little Jr. Skipper card?

We learned last year to avoid the frozen banana. Yuck.:sad2: (sorry, I should have warned you!!:rolleyes1)

Love your Splash Mountain pics!!! It's such a fun ride!! How cool that your were able to ride it again after Wishes.:goodvibes

Beautiful pictures of the Castle during Wishes:cloud9:

It sounds like you had a great day and you got so much accomplished!!!:banana:-even with it being a relaxing day;)

bluejasmine

09-06-2009, 07:26 AM

AHHH! Where is the next post??LOL I was really enjoying your TR!

Lady Lallie

09-06-2009, 07:46 AM

What a wonderful day at MK!

Seriously, just reading about it put a huge smile on my face. You had some good pixie dust with you all day. :wizard:

The pictures you got of Wishes are beautiful! Kudos.

MinnieNurse

09-06-2009, 10:46 AM

:goodvibes:goodvibes:goodvibes

I love Splash Mountain. What a wonderful day!!!

Mickey_Mom

09-06-2009, 12:44 PM

Sounds like you had a great day at MK!! Demetri is too cute!! He must have in heaven driving the Jungle Cruise!!

I love you Wishes pictures!!! I've found, with my camera at least, to use the fireworks setting the camera has to be absolutely still. It's kinda a pain in butt. But, I did get some good pictures in regular automatic mode with the camera rested on my knees. I'll have to try the continuous mode! I've never thought of that! I bet that would be good for rides too!

I did a lot of practise shots with my camera before leaving home and really liked how the continuous mode pictures came out. With the ones I got from Wishes, if I move thru the pictures quickly, its like I'm there watching it again! :rotfl2:

Wow!! Great Update!!:thumbsup2

Yay!! for Demetri being able to steer the boat in the Jungle Cruise.:yay: DS was chosen to do that in April.;) Did he get a little Jr. Skipper card?

Awww, no he didn't get a Jr Skipper card. That would have been a fun souvenier. Oh well! :goodvibes

We learned last year to avoid the frozen banana. Yuck.:sad2: (sorry, I should have warned you!!:rolleyes1)

:laughing:

Love your Splash Mountain pics!!! It's such a fun ride!! How cool that your were able to ride it again after Wishes.:goodvibes

Most of this ride is indoors of course but it was super fun to ride it again after dark. They're just different somehow!

Beautiful pictures of the Castle during Wishes:cloud9:

It sounds like you had a great day and you got so much accomplished!!!:banana:-even with it being a relaxing day;)

We made a big effort not to try and cram so much in. We could have stayed longer with the EMH but I'm glad we ended things "early". It was midnight by the time we turned in for the night and any later than that we would have started getting grumpy with one another.

AHHH! Where is the next post??LOL I was really enjoying your TR!

:rotfl: I'm trying to make it last as long as I can. Welcome aboard!

What a wonderful day at MK!

Seriously, just reading about it put a huge smile on my face. You had some good pixie dust with you all day. :wizard:

The pictures you got of Wishes are beautiful! Kudos.

Thanks :hug: and yay for your smile! Our first day at MK was wonderful.... too bad our second day wasn't. :sad2:

:goodvibes:goodvibes:goodvibes

I love Splash Mountain. What a wonderful day!!!

It was really :cloud9:

jenjolt

09-06-2009, 05:59 PM

Now I need to figure out if my camera has a continuous mode or not...I know it has a fireworks mode...but continuous I'm not sure and to make matters worse I'm not sure where I put the user manual CD...so its on my list to find LOL!!

I loved your update!! What great pictures!!! I'm glad Demetri was able to not only enjoy his favorite once but twice!!!!! Part of the fun of Disney is being able to say you know what I'm going to do that next time!!! I can't wait to read more!!

PracPerfPatricia

09-06-2009, 08:17 PM

Just lovely fireworks photo in front of the castle...:goodvibes

I agree that Buzz seems less crowded since TSM-which is ashame-its still a really fun ride...I love spinning in the ships too...

So you got nailed by the spitting camel too huh?:lmao:

Love the HM at dusk...extra creepy...:eek:

Sounds like you all had a fabulous day...:thumbsup2

(Not liking the sound of your next update...Missing kids...:scared1:)

luvdumbo

09-06-2009, 08:23 PM

popcorn:: Great updates!

Mickey_Mom

09-06-2009, 08:49 PM

Now I need to figure out if my camera has a continuous mode or not...I know it has a fireworks mode...but continuous I'm not sure and to make matters worse I'm not sure where I put the user manual CD...so its on my list to find LOL!!

I think I remember you saying you had a Fuji Finepix S2000 (I remember because mine is a Fuji Finepix S1000 :laughing:) and yes, you do have continuous mode. There are two buttons on the top of the camera - one toggles face detection on and off, and the other lets you choose various continous mode options.

I loved your update!! What great pictures!!! I'm glad Demetri was able to not only enjoy his favorite once but twice!!!!! Part of the fun of Disney is being able to say you know what I'm going to do that next time!!! I can't wait to read more!!

So true.... my list for next time keeps growing the more trip reports I read! :rotfl:

Just lovely fireworks photo in front of the castle...:goodvibes

Thanks!

I agree that Buzz seems less crowded since TSM-which is ashame-its still a really fun ride...I love spinning in the ships too...

How was your score? I think mine was defective.... :rolleyes1

So you got nailed by the spitting camel too huh?:lmao:

Yep, smack in the eye.

Love the HM at dusk...extra creepy...:eek:

It was sooo weird, I took another shot 10 minutes later and got the same darkness even though it was blindingly sunny!

Sounds like you all had a fabulous day...:thumbsup2

(Not liking the sound of your next update...Missing kids...:scared1:)

Double eek! :eek: :eek:

popcorn:: Great updates!

Thanks! :goodvibes

jenjolt

09-06-2009, 09:07 PM

Oh...you have the same camera as me....or at least close enough!!! That makes you a very valuable asset!! :rotfl: I just PM'd you some questions I hope you don't mind!

wdwgirl03

09-06-2009, 09:21 PM

Another great update and lots of fun pics. How fun Demetri got to be part of the show on the JC!

I still love Buzz Lightyear but the thing that annoys me is the triggers are so hard to use! Dad mentioned something about how it seemed like his gun would work once every three shots. :confused3 I seriously wish they would redo it so they are like the Disneyland ones. There your guns are attached to a cord so you can pull them out and they light up/vibrate so you know you hit a target. It works a LOT better!

ZeroToHero

09-06-2009, 11:01 PM

Argg! Can I steal your Fireworks shots? They're so great! I need to figure out how to get my camera to do that - my fireworks shot leaves the shutter open for about 5 seconds, which means they turn out awful...

I love Splash Mountain too! So much more than it's Animal Kingdom counterpart... :sad2:

(you'll see why soon.)

And I'm glad you're all having a good time - although I am a little leery of the next update. :(

jordanyosh

09-07-2009, 01:16 AM

You got soo much done!

They are doing a pretty major rehab of Space Mountain, but not as extensive as the one at DL. SM at DL was closed for over a year.

mickeystoontown

09-07-2009, 08:51 AM

Absolutely great firework shots! I have a fireworks setting on my camera but they still don't turn out very well.:confused3

DisneyFairy66

09-07-2009, 09:21 AM

Great update! Love the Haunted Mansion Pics!!!!

Mickey_Mom

09-07-2009, 09:32 AM

Oh...you have the same camera as me....or at least close enough!!! That makes you a very valuable asset!! :rotfl: I just PM'd you some questions I hope you don't mind!

Happy practising! ;)

Another great update and lots of fun pics. How fun Demetri got to be part of the show on the JC!

I still love Buzz Lightyear but the thing that annoys me is the triggers are so hard to use! Dad mentioned something about how it seemed like his gun would work once every three shots. :confused3 I seriously wish they would redo it so they are like the Disneyland ones. There your guns are attached to a cord so you can pull them out and they light up/vibrate so you know you hit a target. It works a LOT better!

I wonder why they would have done it differently? The DL version DOES sound better! I thought I was doing really well picking off targets left, right and center..... but my score says otherwise.:sad2:

Argg! Can I steal your Fireworks shots? They're so great! I need to figure out how to get my camera to do that - my fireworks shot leaves the shutter open for about 5 seconds, which means they turn out awful...

Your shots weren't awful! Have you tried a mini tripod? The fireworks look great in your pics, its the castle that was a teeny blurry. I want to try that next trip, especially for Spectro.

I love Splash Mountain too! So much more than it's Animal Kingdom counterpart... :sad2:

(you'll see why soon.)

uh-oh

And I'm glad you're all having a good time - although I am a little leery of the next update. :(

You got soo much done!

They are doing a pretty major rehab of Space Mountain, but not as extensive as the one at DL. SM at DL was closed for over a year.

I can't wait to see the finished product. I've heard rumors of what the changes are and they sound great.

Absolutely great firework shots! I have a fireworks setting on my camera but they still don't turn out very well.:confused3

That's why I like the continuous option. Out of six shots, on or two are bound to be good! :thumbsup2

Great update! Love the Haunted Mansion Pics!!!!

Thanks! I loved how creepy and dark the ride looked when everything else was so bright and cheery!

jordanyosh

09-07-2009, 11:00 AM

the rumored changes to SM do sound great.

Have you seen the pics of the demolition they are doing right now to the old skyway building--CRAZY.

Mickey_Mom

09-07-2009, 11:37 AM

the rumored changes to SM do sound great.

Have you seen the pics of the demolition they are doing right now to the old skyway building--CRAZY.

I hadn't seen the pics but looked them up. Wow. I had no clue WDW used to have a Skyway! That stroller parking area by IASW makes more sense to me now. Hope they make it a restaurant but its a shame they couldn't have just converted the existing building.

jordanyosh

09-07-2009, 11:57 AM

I hadn't seen the pics but looked them up. Wow. I had no clue WDW used to have a Skyway! That stroller parking area by IASW makes more sense to me now. Hope they make it a restaurant but its a shame they couldn't have just converted the existing building.

I wonder why they're demolishing it? If they weren't going to do something with the space why not just leave it? Hopefully, something new is coming.

DisneymoonJess07

09-07-2009, 12:23 PM

So, we just got back from Disney yesterday, and I have loved reading through your trip! I need to start my TR soon! Can't wait to see more!

Mickey_Mom

09-07-2009, 12:36 PM

So, we just got back from Disney yesterday, and I have loved reading through your trip! I need to start my TR soon! Can't wait to see more!

Hey! Welcome back! Thanks for joining in ... I'll be watching for your TR!

SunnieRN

09-07-2009, 04:35 PM

cjackearl

09-07-2009, 06:20 PM

Argh, darn life and being away getting in the way. I missed TWO updates, both of which were fabulous.:goodvibes Oh my, you're a very patient nice wife to have been so calm when DH and boys showed up so late. Good for you!

This last trip I rode Splash for the first time and I have to agree with Demetri, it's a not to be missed. So funny that Alex dipped out of the shot!:rotfl:

Your MK day and night just sound so amazing.:goodvibes

Glad you didn't dance randomly on the Jungle Cruise.;):laughing:

I'm not going anywhere for a good long while now so I'm looking forward to keeping up.:goodvibes

Mickey_Mom

09-09-2009, 02:27 PM

Wow, love your freworks pictures and the ones on Zero to Heros trip report as well!!

What a great rest of the day you had!! You accomplished a lot for taking it easy!! Love the creepy looking HM picture. Before I scrolled down I was thinking, man in sure got dark quickly!;)

Looking forward to more!!

Thank you! I love that HM turned out creepy!

Argh, darn life and being away getting in the way. I missed TWO updates, both of which were fabulous.:goodvibes Oh my, you're a very patient nice wife to have been so calm when DH and boys showed up so late. Good for you!

If we'd been anywhere other than WDW....... ;)

This last trip I rode Splash for the first time and I have to agree with Demetri, it's a not to be missed. So funny that Alex dipped out of the shot!:rotfl:

Demetri's already asking "when are we going back Mommy?" I've even caught George a few times saying "when" we go .... :thumbsup2

Your MK day and night just sound so amazing.:goodvibes

Glad you didn't dance randomly on the Jungle Cruise.;):laughing:

You know what Alex still says once in a while with a slow point?.... "follow the green line" ! So silly! :rotfl2:

I'm not going anywhere for a good long while now so I'm looking forward to keeping up.:goodvibes

My kids are back to school this week so I've been dealing with the fun stuff that goes with that. I hope to get an update done in the next day or so. :goodvibes

Disney Princess Jenn

09-09-2009, 07:17 PM

Looking forward to the next update! :)

JPFamilyMom

09-09-2009, 10:40 PM

woo hoo for your Disney Magic/Pixie Dust, that is so great Demetri got to drive the Jungle Cruise. He must've been on :cloud9:

What a great first MK day, took me enough days to get caught up.

Life still happening over here :lmao: Hope all is well in Canada, noticed you changed your avatar..... so Dec 2010 in your future maybe?????

PracPerfPatricia

09-11-2009, 01:45 PM

I was on another TR-and I just had to tell you that I love your new avatar...:yay::santa:!

jenbear123

09-11-2009, 04:50 PM

popcorn:: Loving your report so far. Also really enjoyed the trash can video! So cute how Demetri gave it a hug!!! :hug:

How did you like staying for ten sleeps in Disney? My mom and I are taking our first 9 night Disney extravaganza in April 2010. CAN'T WAIT! We always found 7 nights just never enough so we've added 2 extra nights for our next trip AND a split stay :eek: It's crazy but we can hardly wait!

Anywho, LOVE the report so far. I hope you get back into the swing of things with the kids back in school TTFN ;)

Mickey_Mom

09-11-2009, 10:18 PM

Looking forward to the next update! :)

;) Hey there!

woo hoo for your Disney Magic/Pixie Dust, that is so great Demetri got to drive the Jungle Cruise. He must've been on :cloud9:

He had fun, but I could tell he thought that's what happened on every Jungle Cruise. :rotfl:

What a great first MK day, took me enough days to get caught up.

Making it last... and last... and last.... :laughing:

Life still happening over here :lmao: Hope all is well in Canada, noticed you changed your avatar..... so Dec 2010 in your future maybe?????

Cross your fingers!

I was on another TR-and I just had to tell you that I love your new avatar...:yay::santa:!

Thanks! On the last day of our trip, there was a bounce back offer in one of our rooms... my first one! I called and was given a quote for October 2010 at POR but I didn't confirm it before we left because it wasn't the right time. Yesterday we got Mickey Mail confirming the October 2010 trip and I made a comment that we'd better check our VISA and make sure they didn't charge the deposit by mistake. George says, "Why cancel it? You don't have to do that now." :yay: :yay: Baby steps!

popcorn:: Loving your report so far. Also really enjoyed the trash can video! So cute how Demetri gave it a hug!!! :hug:

:welcome: Push was definately a fun find!

How did you like staying for ten sleeps in Disney? My mom and I are taking our first 9 night Disney extravaganza in April 2010. CAN'T WAIT! We always found 7 nights just never enough so we've added 2 extra nights for our next trip AND a split stay :eek: It's crazy but we can hardly wait!

We went with the ten sleeps to fit in the two waterparks and DisneyQuest for the first time. Was that a good call? You'll have to wait and see ;)

Anywho, LOVE the report so far. I hope you get back into the swing of things with the kids back in school TTFN ;)

It's been nuts for sure but things are almost settling down. Alex started high school on Tuesday, Ariana had a new teacher to meet on Wednesay and Demetri visited his kindergarten classroom with us today. He starts JK next Thursday and is soooo excited!

Mickey_Mom

09-11-2009, 10:34 PM

Please humor my digression before continuing with our regularly scheduled programming.

On Alex’s ninth birthday, we had a big pool party bash in our backyard with about twenty or so kids. Ariana LOVES to swim, LOVES birthday parties and so she was very much included in all of the festivities interacting with all the kids and swimming and having a jolly ole time. Kids were all over the place…. coming in and out of the pool, in the tree fort, on the swings, playing badminton, wonderful chaotic fun. About half way thru, George and I ran into one another and he asks me where Ariana is. I’d been doing quick scans of the backyard keeping tabs on her throughout the party, as was George, and she was always smiling and having fun. This time however, I wasn’t finding her in my quick scan. I didn’t worry, just started focusing on everyone individually. I didn’t find her. Now I was worried.

One of the mannerisms of Ariana’s autism is running. She’s not usually running to or from anything, she just likes to run. She can go from a walk to a run instantly and she is FAST. She also has trouble communicating and although she’s much better now, she would have been hard pressed on the day of Alex’s ninth birthday party to tell anyone any information that would have brought her home. So on this day, when I couldn’t find her in our backyard that had high fences and locking gates and only one way out, I was worried. When had she gotten past us? If she had, where had she gone? And how long ago? Was my little girl, in just a little orange two piece bathing suit, running the streets? Was she darting through traffic? I wouldn’t let my thoughts get any sinister than that….. George let out a whispered “Oh my God” and rushed to his truck to drive around the neighborhood and as calmly as I could, because none of the kids knew what was going on, I started to look into the nooks and crannies of the backyard. Five very long minutes later I was still looking for her and suddenly had an urge to check at the wood pile we had behind one of our two sheds. To get to this area, you had to turn sideways and shimmy between a shed and a chain link fence. I couldn’t shimmy very well being pregnant with Demetri but I didn’t care and slowly made my way down the side of the yard. I reached the end and looked around the corner because I couldn’t actually go around the corner, and there she was. She had a piece of firewood in each hand and as soon as she saw me, she said “fire?” My sweet little girl just wanted to have a bonfire and wanted to get the wood herself. I held out my hand for her to come to me and we shimmied back through the side of the yard and I calmly led her back to the front of the house where George had zoomed off in his truck. None of the kids had an inkling of what was going on still and I was trying desperately to keep it that way. Just as I reached the driveway with Ariana in hand, George zoomed back in to call the police when he saw us from the driver’s seat. He hung his head and cried. Away from all the kids, I finally let go and did too.

Boy that turned into a long story! Sorry about that. :blush: I didn’t mean to start this update on such a somber note, but I wanted to share a little bit about what our mindset is when it comes to Ariana. Alex’s ninth birthday party was unfortunately not the last time we’ve had to experience that fear. :scared: And on this trip, George and I had wondered what she would do in Disney World if she did slip away from us. Would she just keep walking around looking at everything? Would she try to go on rides? How long before a CM would notice the GAC card on her lanyard around her neck and approach her? Ok, enough of that…. back to the update! :goodvibes

Today we were going to Animal Kingdom. We have a love:lovestruc/hate:headache: relationship with Animal Kingdom. OK, hate is too strong a word but, you know. We’re always excited to go and ride Expedition Everest and Kali River Rapids and also go to see the Festival of the Lion King and Nemo the Musical…. and I always go with the intention of slowly exploring the Tree of Life and its wonderful carvings. But our four trips have all been in August/September and HOT and we just lose steam very quickly. On our previous trips we hadn’t enjoyed the parade, there are no fireworks and the animals on the safari’s tend to be sleeping. If we get to go in December 2010, I’m really, REALLY hoping we get to see a completely different side of Animal Kingdom. Anyway on this day, we went in knowing it was likely going to be a half day even with the EMH and we had no ADRs booked so we could do whatever we felt like all day long.

My lazy bones family dragged themselves out of bed, got ready and grabbed a bus to Animal Kingdom, arriving at 10:30am. ( :eek: Told you we were lazy!)
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We went thru and I got my first picture of the Tree.
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We were already hot and decided to hit up Kali River Rapid right away to get cooled off.
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I’ve heard this ride has an amazing line with a ton of cool things to do while you’re waiting but we’ve never seen it. If the line was not too bad I was hoping to check it out, but maybe another time. On our boat, we were on with another family of which the Dad was deaf and they signed to one another. Very sweet family in the short time we hung out (haha) When we approached our first dip, everyone was slowly building up their “whoaaaaa”s until we all screamed when the water hit. Looking around, I said, “Oh! I didn’t it!” just a split second before water splashed up over where I was sitting and smack dab over my head drenching me. The entire boat, sweet family included, uproariously laughed and pointed their fingers at me as I sat there soaked. Ha! A few short minutes later (they really need to make this ride longer or let you go around twice or something) most of the boat wasn’t too badly wet except for George and I and maybe Demetri a little bit too.
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Sufficiently cooled down, they boys played a little bit in the fountain while George got the stroller, and we headed towards Expedition Everest. I knew that Demetri was 43 inches bang on and that EE was 44 inches to get on, but he was so wanting to ride it this time that we were hoping his shoes would boost him up a bit (or that he’d grown an inch very quickly). We went up to the height measurement thingie and the CM told him to stand straight like a soldier and put his nose a little bit up…. but no, he was thisclose but not close enough to ride. Man was he disappointed! But Daddy soon saved the day by secretly telling him he could have an ice cream while they were waiting for us to come off and he felt a little bit better. Just a little.
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Our family calls EE the “Yeti ride”. I’ve been on a lot of roller coasters in my day, but for me, the Yeti ride is the second best I can remember being on. I really love it when there’s a theme to rides. Not just jump in a roller coaster, go up a hill, loop de loop and you’re all done. Nah! While thrilling, where’s the fun?! In the perpetual looping Stacy TV back in the rooms, when she’s riding EE and reaches the point where it stops because the Yeti has ripped up the track, she puts her fingernail in her mouth, looks to the camera and says, “we seem to have run out of track”. For whatever reason we always laugh crazily when she says this and so every time we ride it, we always turn to one another and repeat the line. :laughing: Then, as if it’s our first time ever, we always shout, “now what?!?” and go waaaaaaaaa! when racing backwards. Then the Yeti makes his appearance and we shout crazily again to go forward again and then stop for another Yeti appearance and then race to the finish. On this ride, we always come back to the station with ear to ear smiles, ready to go again! Whoever imagineered this ride… well done!

We came out into the dump shop and was met by this over the top cute little bobble-head guy:
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/AK_Swimming/2009_0817pics0016.jpg

Isn’t he adorable??

CONTINUED IN NEXT POST (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33543305&postcount=130)

Mickey_Mom

09-11-2009, 10:45 PM

We met up with George and Demetri and decided we wanted to see when the next Nemo show was. We’d continued with our no Times Guide theme so we headed that direction to see what we’d find. As luck would have it, they were filing in right then and there for the next showing that was to be in five minutes.
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We weren’t concerned with the seats we’d get so we parked the stroller, got in line and just walked right in no wait. More great timing! :woohoo: We were one of the last families in and so we ended up being split into (at first) two groups. Then two CMs were a little confused and sent two families to the same set of seats and we ended up being split into three groups. We were OK with that, luck of the draw, what have you. Alex and Demetri scored with almost front row centre seats, Ariana and I were about halfway up on the outer end of the middle section and George was up close to the top by the exit. I took a few shots without a flash and they turned out pretty decent.
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We love this show. It’s so colourful and graceful. The actors/characters are wonderful and when they run into the seating area we always ooh and aah. Bruce and Crush are amazing and even the Pelican is just incredible. What wasn’t so incredible however, is what led me to tell my story at the beginning of this update. Sigh. Earlier I said when I was looking for Ariana in our backyard, it was a very long five minutes before I thought to look for her in a certain spot. Well this time, it was a very long five minutes in which I had no idea where to look.

When the show was over, Ariana and I stayed where we were and waited for all of us to come back together. In the rush of getting seated before the show started, Ariana and I were the only ones sitting in a spot all five of us had been. Meaning I had no idea where the CM had taken Alex and Demetri to, nor did I know where George ended up. So when everyone was filing out, Ariana and I let everyone go by us and we waited for George and the boys to come find us. Well, one boy found us – Alex, by himself. He approached us alone and the first thing out of my mouth was, “where’s Demetri?!” After all, they’d gone down the stairs towards their seats and George had gone up. Ariana and I were sitting on the aisle and we knew he hadn’t gone past us up to George so where the heck was he?

Alex then does nothing to calm me down by saying, “He came up to you guys.” Amongst hundreds of people still filing out of the theatre, I have a slightly elevated voice at this point when I respond, “NO HE DIDN”T!” I looked Alex dead in the eye and said, “Go find him. Now.” I went to the nearest exit with Ariana and scanned each and every person that walked out of that theatre looking for my little boy. George was no where to be found, he’d found a seat right by the exit so when the show was over he’d walked out with a view of each exit and was just waiting for us all to come out.

Alex booted it back down to where they’d been sitting and five very long minutes later, both Alex and Demetri met us at the exit door. It seems as the performers were bowing and the show was wrapping up, he asked Demetri if he could see Mommy and Ariana sitting in our seats, Demetri said yes he could and with no one in the aisles, Alex sent him up to meet us. He watched him go up the stairs and turn into what he thought was our row. He gathered his stuff together and that’s when he came up to Ariana and I saying Demetri had come to us. When I sent Alex back to where they’d been sitting, my sweet, smart little boy was there waiting. He’d misjudged who Mommy and Ariana were when he left Alex and when he couldn’t find us, he’d gone back to Alex. Except Alex wasn’t there, so he stayed in one spot and waited. Oh. My. All my preaching to my kids about what to do if they got separated from us paid off. Crisis averted. :littleangel:

Hmmmm, isn't the name of this update asking where two of my children had gone? Ah, I’ve only told half the story.

CONTINUED IN NEXT POST (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33543487&postcount=132)

ZeroToHero

09-11-2009, 10:55 PM

Mickey_Mom

09-11-2009, 11:14 PM

The four of us came out of the theatre and met up with George. He of course, had no idea what had happened and we filled him in on the story. Alex then went to retrieve the stroller while the rest of us got some water and crystal shakie things together, and looked over the map to see where we wanted to head next.

Soon Alex was back and we were tossing a few items in the garbage when I looked up and stopped mid sentence asking, “Where’s Ariana?” George and I often ask this question of one another, snapping our heads around to find her and usually the other says, “Right here.” She’s in our sites constantly that if we lose site of her for even a fraction of a moment, we panic. She rarely stands still, her feet are always moving, so most times we’re telling her, “Over here Ariana.” Or “Stay with me, sweetie-girl.” Or something along those lines. This time, however, when I was putting things in the garbage and asked, “Where’s Ariana?” George didn’t answer right away. In fact, he started whipping around like I was and then we were all looking for her. None of us wanted to move anywhere because we’d had absolutely no idea which direction she’d stealthly gone in.

Questions were running through my mind in split second timing. Did she go back into Nemo? Did she go back to EE? What was she wearing again? Two children lost separately within ten minutes of each other? What kind of a mother am I anyway?

Alex suddenly shouted, “I see her!” and went sprinting off in the direction we hadn’t yet gone in. By the time he’d walked her back, my heart had returned to normal and and we all just took deep breaths and decided to move on. I think I might have made a general announcement to all that we should never wander away from each other. Ever. Again. Ever. Please. :grouphug:

We decided our next ride would be Dinosaur. Well, the next ride for Alex, Ariana and myself would be Dinosaur.
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The next adventure for Demetri would be in the Boneyard!
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He’d never been before and I knew he would have a blast. So the stroller was parked in the shelter of some trees and off we went our separate ways. Geez, weren’t we supposed to be staying together? Anyway, Dinosaur was a hoot....
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Rawr!!

.... and once again Alex was a riot in the ride photo.
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We came out of the ride and realized immediately that it had rained. First rainstorm of the trip and we’d missed it! After our great timing seemed to have run out on us for a little while, it had come back! But wait a minute; George and Demetri were in the Boneyard. The outdoor play area. Uh-oh.

We caught up to them and George let us know it had rained pretty hard but ended almost right away so they’d had plenty of time to play. George took a few pics of him playing but then pretty much relaxed on the benches by the single exit and just watched him.
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Demetri had a blast but still was overjoyed when his big brother came back.
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Time for a late lunch. I’d really wanted to try the Flame Tree BBQ (and hoped that any birds left us alone) but when we got outside the restaurant, once again George chickened out (pun not intended! :lmao:) and we went in search of something else. In the end we settled on Pizzafari and I’m kinda glad we did. We really enjoyed the pizza break with the salads and deserts and just chilled. We talked about what we still wanted to do at the park and then what we’d do the rest of the day. We decided dinner and a swim back at the resort would be perfect. First however, we had a show to see that Ariana couldn’t stop talking about the entire trip.

CONTINUED IN NEXT POST (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33543527&postcount=133)

Mickey_Mom

09-11-2009, 11:20 PM

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Ariana loves the Lion King. Easily her favorite movie, even beating out Snow White which is, of course who Ariana is in her dreams. (ha!) For months at home before our trip, Ariana had been asking us off and on to go to the Lion King Musical in NY. She loves youtube and frequently watches clips of the musical. Being on WDW buses, each time she found the Lion King advertisement and would read it intently. Her favorite companion is of course, Baby Simba and from the moment we’d arrived at Animal Kingdom, she’d been looking forward to seeing the show. So off we went and with more great timing, we walked right in with a large crowd minutes before the show started.

We were in the Warthog section.
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Don’t you love the look on her face when this guy is making a warthog snort?

The show was wonderful and Ariana was transfixed the entire time. Those silly monkees!
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Timon cutting a rug.
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This fire guy is crazy!
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When these two dancers come on, Ariana is just in heaven. She loves the lifts and I have to agree, they’re beautiful. And when she goes up and flies around... breathtaking!
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Final goodbyes and we were off for a jungle trek.
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We hadn’t done this before so we were hoping to actually see some animals.
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Did you see the animals? Nope, neither did we. To be fair, we did see the bats, but man those are some of the ugliest things I've ever seen. Blech!

By this time we were deciding how to wrap up the day and head back to the resort. We asked the kids and decided to go on Kali River Rapid one more time, then Rafiki’s train and pack it in.

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This time, every single one of us got completely soaked! Alex was giving me this look on purpose for the camera, but Demetri was completely not impressed that I made him wait to take the picture.

Something struck Ariana as particularly funny when George was drying off and she just started laughing and laughing.
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We’d opted not to do It’s Tough to be a Bug, it freaks Demetri out, but along with that went the chance to explore the Tree so I was bummed about that big time. Add that to the next time list.

We headed on over to the Wildlife Express to ride the train to and from Rafiki’s Planet Watch, but we don’t actually get off the train. We just stay on it as a ride in itself.
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We started our slow walk to the front of the gates and I explored the shops. I picked out gold loop earrings with a Mickey Head floating in the centre of the loops and Ariana was eyeing the “Baby” choices to go along with her Baby Simba. She wasn’t favoring any particular “Baby” and in fact was wanting a second Baby Simba so we opted to see how she might choose later in the week.

Shopping done, we walked thru the Rainforest Café. I’d really wanted to schedule a dinner reservation here but it would have been out of pocket so we decided against it. In retrospect, that worked out for the better because it was so darn loud in there we wouldn’t have been able to hear ourselves. Man! We sure had fun looking at everything though!
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We headed out just before six o’clock and the bus was waiting for us to head back to the Pop. :woohoo:

We walked briefly thru the Pop shop before going back to the rooms and ran into this guy.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/AK_Swimming/2009_0817pics0126.jpg
Hello! I am Dug and I love you!

Back to the rooms before dinner and Demetri’s bunny had a new friend.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/AK_Swimming/2009_0817pics0129.jpg

No need to worry, we separated them for the rest of the trip and we managed to still have only two bunnies before heading home! :laughing:

It was now six thirty and it was a perfect time to go for a swim and have a late dinner.

Next Update: Teppan Edo... Crap!

ZeroToHero

09-11-2009, 11:32 PM

Hahaha!!!!! Did you not like Teppan Edo?

Or does the Crap refer to something else about it?

:lmao:

I always seem to post in between updates...so then I have to post again at the end of them! I'm sorry!

Mickey_Mom

09-11-2009, 11:50 PM

On the edge of my seat here! And I'm doing an update too... so hopefully yours will be done by the next time I check in!

Demetri's the best - I know I wouldn't have done that at his age... in fact, I think I remember intentionally getting lost in a store once, so I could have them page my mother over the intercom.

At least I knew what to do... :rolleyes1

Did your mother kill you!? :lmao::rotfl2:

Hahaha!!!!! Did you not like Teppan Edo?

Or does the Crap refer to something else about it?

:lmao:

I always seem to post in between updates...so then I have to post again at the end of them! I'm sorry!

:rotfl: Didn't think of that when I wrote it. :rotfl: It definately refers to something else about it!

JPFamilyMom

09-12-2009, 07:14 AM

mickeystoontown

09-12-2009, 09:00 AM

Holy smokes! I don't see how you stayed as calm as you did when you had not one but two children get lost in such a short period of time. Just when you think your children never listen to you, they do something that you've pounded into their heads.......stay put and wait for somebody to come get you. That's what I told our kids too.

We never have a real plan when we tour the Animal Kingdom either. Well, I take that back, we know that we need to get Fastpasses for Expedition Everest and go on the safari early in the day. But, other than that, we just kinda go with the flow too.

It looks like your love/hate relationship with the Animal Kingdom worked okay this trip. Like you said, you can always do the things you missed on your next trip.

Looking forward to reading more.

jenjolt

09-12-2009, 09:23 AM

Holy Moly...I don't have children of my own but after 11 years in childcare (started when I was 16) losing a kid is a very scary experience!! You handled it perfectly and it speaks highly of your parenting that Demetri listened and when back to the spot he was and stayed waiting for you guys!!! :thumbsup2:thumbsup2

I just love your attitude that you know what we didn't get to something this time we'll just have to do it next time (don't you just love having a next time LOL)

Your pictures of the FOTLK were amazing!! I haven't seen this show yet but I'm so seeing it in a couple of weeks I can't wait!! Thank you for posting those!!

Happydog

09-12-2009, 09:35 AM

Okay, I have caught up now!!! :thumbsup2

Finished MK day -- YOU GUYS WERE EVERYWHERE!!! buzz buzz buzz! Lots of great rides in and seems like a lot of fun was had by all, and you know I have never been to Columbia House either, but I hear it is good!! :laughing:

You are really an excellent shot with that camera!! Nice photos of the fireworks, and "surprise" Spectro!

BUT in the AK, your photos of Nemo and FOTLK were fantastic!

Your day at AK looks wonderful too! Isn't Kali the best way to beat the heat??!! We were PRAYING to get soaked when we were there!! It was the best "cooling system" we could ask for!

Looking forward to Epcot dinner!! :yay: Never been to Teppan Edo!!

PracPerfPatricia

09-12-2009, 09:44 AM

wdwgirl03

09-12-2009, 09:54 AM

Great update! AK is my second favorite park. :goodvibes

We all get a kick out of that line of Stacy's on resort TV too...in fact, when we were riding it my dad had to go and repeat it when we got to that part. :rotfl:

I remember seeing FOTLK on our first trip to AK and then we didn't see it for a long time. I have a newfound appreciation for that show...it's great isn't it?!

mirandag819

09-12-2009, 10:37 AM

Great updates! You all got so much more done that day at AK then we did the same day.... I really wanted to see both shows and we didn't see either of them. I would have totally freaked out loosing 1 child, I can't imagine how you held it together when it happened a 2nd time.

LOL! Glad you didn't have to bring 500 bunnies home.

Yeah I don't know what happened with RFC, but I swear on that day they were taking the dining plan....we had Laundry's giftcards for our bill, but they were asking about Dining Plan and I heard numerous people tell them they were on the dining plan. Did they just do that for free dining or what?

wendy3

09-12-2009, 11:32 AM

Joining your fan club. What a great trip report so far!! Awaiting the next installment popcorn::

ellajeansmom

09-12-2009, 01:54 PM

Got a little behind but I'm caught up now!

A fabulous MK day - lots of rides but at an easy pace :thumbsup2 Too bad about the missed meeting time with the boys :sad2: I paid an extra $40 to have my cell plan upgraded to US coverage while we were at WDW (DH's cell already has US coverage because he needs that for work). I think I only used it 3 or 4 times in the week but it was worth the $ just to know we could do that. Oh and great pics of the fireworks :goodvibes

Glad that all ended well with the missing kids episodes at AK - our girls tend not to wander too far but those few seconds/minutes when you can't see them feel like an eternity. My parents had trouble with my youngest brother taking off - and he was fast. We once lost him at one of the big hospitals in Toronto...we'd been visiting someone and he jumped on the elevator and the doors closed before the rest of us could get on. Luckily we found him in the lobby but my mom was freaked out.:scared1:

We loved both the Nemo and Lion King shows - they are really well done, glad you enjoyed them :) We missed both EE and Dinosaur but they sound so fun...next time!

Can't wait to read about Epcot and Teppan Edo (another item on my next time list!).

mickeysmyboy

09-12-2009, 05:24 PM

OMG! Your story about losing Ariana on Alex's b-day made me cry! I lost DD once in Best Buy when she was 3 and was so freaked out!! It was one of the most awful times of life!

Sounds like you had a great day in AK, aside from losing the kids!! Can't wait to read more!!!

Lady Lallie

09-12-2009, 05:45 PM

Oh my goodness! What a scary update! I'm glad everything worked out in the end. Phew!

I kinda feel the same way about Animal Kingdom, I always seem to get really discouraged while I'm there for some reason. I'm hoping that when I go in January it will be cooler so I might be able to get more done. :laughing:

Jennyfer

09-12-2009, 07:58 PM

Just caught up and I'm ready for more.

You have an awesome family!

cjackearl

09-13-2009, 07:39 AM

Your family is just so sweet. I love Alex's camera tricks.:laughing: And Arianna's laughing pictures are just precious. We didn't make it to Finding Nemo, but it looks great. I'm so, so sorry the end of it included a missing Demetri. What a good boy to do what you instilled in him to do if he was lost. And then Arianna too! Oh, you poor mom. I had a missing child at Typhoon Lagoon our last trip (the story is in my PTR) and I just about lost my mind! I'm glad that all ended well.:grouphug: Great shots of FOTLK! We love the show as well and the movie was a huge, huge hit here also. I think we even have two copies of the Lion King game still.:laughing:Want one? Good job keeping those bunnies apart. Although baby towel bunnies would be so cute!:laughing:

Angies1274

09-13-2009, 07:40 AM

Wow!! Great updates!!!!:thumbsup2 But...oh my...How scary about Demetri and Ariana getting lost!!:scared1: I'm so glad that they were found and everything was fine.:hug:

I understand your feelings about AK now that we've gone in August too.:rolleyes: It was so hard getting everything accomplished that we wanted to because it was just sooooo HOT!!!

You got some really great pictures in FOTLK and Nemo!!! I didn't even attempt to get pictures during the show this time...not sure why??:confused3

Loved EE and Dinosaur!!! So much fun!! That's one of the great things about bringing the parents along, we were actually able to go on rides we hadn't before because the boys were too scared.;)

It looks like you had so much fun on Kali!!! I can't wait to hear what you thought about Teppan Edo.popcorn::

Mickey_Mom

09-14-2009, 01:16 PM

GREAT update :thumbsup2:thumbsup2 Glad the kids were only lost for a short period, though I know short periods of lost children can feel like hours as I often find myself running in two different directions when my kids wonder, they can't wonder in the same direction :confused3

It's an instant want-to-throw-up feeling when I can't see them. Ugh!

Bummed you didn't eat at Flame Tree, but Pizzafari sounds good too.

It was! But next time (I love saying next time!) I'm going to at least sit at the Flame Tree even if George grabs something else!

Can't wait to see what happens next.......popcorn::

Holy smokes! I don't see how you stayed as calm as you did when you had not one but two children get lost in such a short period of time. Just when you think your children never listen to you, they do something that you've pounded into their heads.......stay put and wait for somebody to come get you. That's what I told our kids too.

Luckily that was the first time Demetri had to make practical use of my "when you can't see Mommy/Daddy/Alex" mantra and he was rewarded with many hugs and kisses when we found him!

We never have a real plan when we tour the Animal Kingdom either. Well, I take that back, we know that we need to get Fastpasses for Expedition Everest and go on the safari early in the day. But, other than that, we just kinda go with the flow too.

It looks like your love/hate relationship with the Animal Kingdom worked okay this trip. Like you said, you can always do the things you missed on your next trip.

Its so bizarre, I've been reading other TRs from around the same time we did and they all saw animals. It's like they go to sleep knowing my family is on the way! :laughing:

Looking forward to reading more.

Holy Moly...I don't have children of my own but after 11 years in childcare (started when I was 16) losing a kid is a very scary experience!! You handled it perfectly and it speaks highly of your parenting that Demetri listened and when back to the spot he was and stayed waiting for you guys!!! :thumbsup2:thumbsup2

Thank you :hug:

I just love your attitude that you know what we didn't get to something this time we'll just have to do it next time (don't you just love having a next time LOL)

I'm always afraid each time we go will be the last time, but Demetri and Ariana are helping my cause to convince George for Dec 2010 ;) And of course with all the huge changes to Fantasyland, that is now a must see!

Your pictures of the FOTLK were amazing!! I haven't seen this show yet but I'm so seeing it in a couple of weeks I can't wait!! Thank you for posting those!!

Oh I cannot wait for you to see this, you will love it! And your pictures will be just like mine!

Okay, I have caught up now!!! :thumbsup2

Finished MK day -- YOU GUYS WERE EVERYWHERE!!! buzz buzz buzz! Lots of great rides in and seems like a lot of fun was had by all, and you know I have never been to Columbia House either, but I hear it is good!! :laughing:

It was a fantastic day! Darn my picky hubby... he's just going to have to get 'take out' from Cosmic Ray's and come join the rest of us at CHH! :rotfl:

You are really an excellent shot with that camera!! Nice photos of the fireworks, and "surprise" Spectro!

BUT in the AK, your photos of Nemo and FOTLK were fantastic!

Thanks! :blush: I love to take pictures. A LOT of pictures. :rolleyes:

Your day at AK looks wonderful too! Isn't Kali the best way to beat the heat??!! We were PRAYING to get soaked when we were there!! It was the best "cooling system" we could ask for!

We're the family that laughs at people wearing rain gear on Kali. We love getting soaked!

Looking forward to Epcot dinner!! :yay: Never been to Teppan Edo!!

There may have been a small glitch before we got there!

Mickey_Mom

09-14-2009, 02:19 PM

Well the best I guess you can say for lost children is that when everyone is back together it does make a good story...:confused3

I think that I would have been gravitating between...trying to stay calm and collected on the outside and feeling hysterical on the inside...

Yep, that's pretty much it. You're trying to appear calm to your other children but on the inside your heart is beating like a thunderstorm :scared:

The story of Ariana being lost when she was younger at Alex's 9th b-day...also a big...:scared1: (One of the things with kids anywhere on the spectrum is that they are really so very trusting...they usually don't have a mean bone in their bodies...they assume everyone is like that as well...David assumes that everyone is well intentioned -until proven otherwise-wish that were true...)

So glad everyone finally got back together...:goodvibes

It's tough... I don't know how to teach her not to trust people.... how to separate the good samaritans from the non. Sigh. It was a while before I wasn't holding her hand extra tight.....

EE so fun-just did it for the first time...:lmao:-sorry for Demetri-He's sure to make it next time...::yes::

Love Dino-too-scream like a baby on it...:lmao:

:rotfl: Demetri and I talked about these two rides last night. George told him "when we go next time" (:cool1:) you'll be tall enough. I told him he had to eat all his vegetables and drink all his milk! :laughing:

Um...other the the trauma of losing Demetri-I'm glad you liked Nemo-I like it too-some people seem not to, I wonder if they thought it would be just like Lion King-both different, both excellent...

We love them both for different reasons. I personally don't think one is better than the other..... :lovestruc

Looks like you guys took it on the chin...second time around on Kali-it's pretty easy to get soaked...

I love that Ariana loves Lion King so much...it makes you feel great as a parent when they find something that blissed them out that much...:goodvibes

She's still asking daily to go see the Lion King Musical in NY. George and I were joking this morning that one day she's just going to present us with a completed itinerary for a trip to NY. Transportation? check! Tickets? check! She'll have used my credit card and booked everything out for us! :lmao:

Great update! AK is my second favorite park. :goodvibes

We all get a kick out of that line of Stacy's on resort TV too...in fact, when we were riding it my dad had to go and repeat it when we got to that part. :rotfl:

:rotfl2: Good to hear we're not the only ones!

I remember seeing FOTLK on our first trip to AK and then we didn't see it for a long time. I have a newfound appreciation for that show...it's great isn't it?!

Love it!

Great updates! You all got so much more done that day at AK then we did the same day.... I really wanted to see both shows and we didn't see either of them. I would have totally freaked out loosing 1 child, I can't imagine how you held it together when it happened a 2nd time.

Ah but you guys saw moving animals on your safari! :laughing: You'll definately have to see them next time you go. Next time! :thumbsup2

LOL! Glad you didn't have to bring 500 bunnies home.

Yeah I don't know what happened with RFC, but I swear on that day they were taking the dining plan....we had Laundry's giftcards for our bill, but they were asking about Dining Plan and I heard numerous people tell them they were on the dining plan. Did they just do that for free dining or what?

Hmmmm, maybe they were just warning people ahead of time they're not thru the DDP. I'll try another booking next time. It was loud when we walked thru but it looks so much fun!

Joining your fan club. What a great trip report so far!! Awaiting the next installment popcorn::

:welcome: Thanks!

Mickey_Mom

09-14-2009, 03:03 PM

Got a little behind but I'm caught up now!

A fabulous MK day - lots of rides but at an easy pace Too bad about the missed meeting time with the boys :sad2: I paid an extra $40 to have my cell plan upgraded to US coverage while we were at WDW (DH's cell already has US coverage because he needs that for work). I think I only used it 3 or 4 times in the week but it was worth the $ just to know we could do that. Oh and great pics of the fireworks :goodvibes

Oh the extra cell costs are definately going into the budget next time. It was crazy without it.

Glad that all ended well with the missing kids episodes at AK - our girls tend not to wander too far but those few seconds/minutes when you can't see them feel like an eternity. My parents had trouble with my youngest brother taking off - and he was fast. We once lost him at one of the big hospitals in Toronto...we'd been visiting someone and he jumped on the elevator and the doors closed before the rest of us could get on. Luckily we found him in the lobby but my mom was freaked out.

Ack! Glad that turned out! Imagine trying to search an entire hospital?! :faint:

We loved both the Nemo and Lion King shows - they are really well done, glad you enjoyed them :) We missed both EE and Dinosaur but they sound so fun...next time!

Can't wait to read about Epcot and Teppan Edo (another item on my next time list!).

I love next time lists! :laughing:

OMG! Your story about losing Ariana on Alex's b-day made me cry! I lost DD once in Best Buy when she was 3 and was so freaked out!! It was one of the most awful times of life!

Sounds like you had a great day in AK, aside from losing the kids!! Can't wait to read more!!!

:hug: Ugh it's too easy to take things for granted isn't it? Everyone go hug your children and/or loved ones today! :goodvibes

Oh my goodness! What a scary update! I'm glad everything worked out in the end. Phew!

I kinda feel the same way about Animal Kingdom, I always seem to get really discouraged while I'm there for some reason. I'm hoping that when I go in January it will be cooler so I might be able to get more done. :laughing:

I can't wait to hear how it works out for you! Although the animals will still know its us when we go again. :rolleyes:

Just caught up and I'm ready for more.

You have an awesome family!

:goodvibes Thanks! That's so nice of you!

Your family is just so sweet. I love Alex's camera tricks.:laughing: And Arianna's laughing pictures are just precious. We didn't make it to Finding Nemo, but it looks great. I'm so, so sorry the end of it included a missing Demetri. What a good boy to do what you instilled in him to do if he was lost. And then Arianna too! Oh, you poor mom. I had a missing child at Typhoon Lagoon our last trip (the story is in my PTR) and I just about lost my mind! I'm glad that all ended well.:grouphug:

I remember your TL story! Its crazy how quickly they could end up anywhere and the extra element of water would freak me out even more too.

Alex's camera poses are a hoot! Wait till you see our day at DHS!

Great shots of FOTLK! We love the show as well and the movie was a huge, huge hit here also. I think we even have two copies of the Lion King game still.:laughing:Want one? Good job keeping those bunnies apart. Although baby towel bunnies would be so cute!:laughing:

Awww :laughing: that would be cute!

Wow!! Great updates!!!!:thumbsup2 But...oh my...How scary about Demetri and Ariana getting lost!!:scared1: I'm so glad that they were found and everything was fine.:hug:

:goodvibes Thanks!

I understand your feelings about AK now that we've gone in August too.:rolleyes: It was so hard getting everything accomplished that we wanted to because it was just sooooo HOT!!!

Yep! They need more outdoor fans. Mmmmm, outdoor misting fans!

You got some really great pictures in FOTLK and Nemo!!! I didn't even attempt to get pictures during the show this time...not sure why??:confused3

That was me last time. I was going over the pictures and there was nothing from the show. This time I compromised and only snuck a few so I could watch the rest. :thumbsup2

Loved EE and Dinosaur!!! So much fun!! That's one of the great things about bringing the parents along, we were actually able to go on rides we hadn't before because the boys were too scared.;)

:cool1:

It looks like you had so much fun on Kali!!! I can't wait to hear what you thought about Teppan Edo.popcorn::

Kali = fun fun fun !
Teppan Edo = ??? Soon!

Mickey_Mom

09-18-2009, 07:31 PM

Just a quickie update today and I'm hoping to get my next one done tomorrow. :rolleyes1

Hmmmm, I thought I’d taken some pictures of our early swim and late dinner after our day at AK but I seemed to have actually set the camera down for the evening… what’s with that?! :rotfl: Must be because I don’t have a waterproof digital camera. ;)

Our swim started out at the 50’s bowling pin pool and then after awhile, just for fun we went to the 60’s main Hippy Dippy pool to check it out. It was a bit tougher to keep my eye on both Ariana and Demetri at the same time but it wasn’t all that crowded and we checked out the fun flower spouts. I was struck by how polite everyone was at both pools. Sometimes you can get some pretty rowdy folks that don’t always take the people around them into consideration, but it was a great swim and a great end to the day. I can’t really remember what we all had for dinner at the Pop food court, but I know I had nachos and cheese….yum! I asked for extra cheese on my plate, and then I just went ahead and asked for a small container with more cheese to dunk the nachos into! :blush: Oh so yummy and it felt like such a shame that I couldn’t finish it. Then it was back to the rooms for a bit of TV and night-nights.

I’ll finishing off our AK day by listing what the kids told me were their favorite and not-so-favorite things of the day.

ALEX:
:) Expedition Everest
:upsidedow Standing on the buses

ARIANA:
:) Festival of the Lion King
:upsidedow Nothing!

DEMETRI:
:) Kali River Rapids two times! and the towel bunny!
:upsidedow "I couldn't go on Expedition Everest." :sad1:

KathyRN137

09-18-2009, 09:05 PM

jenjolt

09-18-2009, 09:26 PM

Thanks for the quick ending to your day!! I'm glad you guys were able to really enjoy some pool time, that is fantastic!! Hmmm...nachos sound really really good right now!!!!

Mickey_Mom

09-18-2009, 09:39 PM

Tracy, I can't believe I've missed your report... and I remember following your PTR, too!

Somebody throw something at me... :duck:

I was absent from the boards a lot in August... I'm going back to start over... be back soon!

Kathy

Hey Kathy! :welcome:

Thanks for the quick ending to your day!! I'm glad you guys were able to really enjoy some pool time, that is fantastic!! Hmmm...nachos sound really really good right now!!!!

You have 7 days!! Another trip report to follow! :yay: (Not that I'm rushing you back or anything!)

mickeysmyboy

09-19-2009, 06:41 AM

Angies1274

09-19-2009, 09:25 AM

I didn't take any pictures of the pool this time---no waterproof camera here, either.:laughing: We only did the Hippy Dippy Pool because it was so close to our room. It was so funny, because the water was so warm, and hardly refreshing but the flower spouts were great. I think we spent most of our time under them.:rotfl:

Nachos--yum!! I agree with Alex!! EE is so much fun!!!!;) That's too bad Demetri couldn't ride.:sad2:

KathyRN137

09-19-2009, 01:55 PM

Ah... all caught up! I feel so much better now! ;)

*What a lovely mother-daughter breakfast with Cindy... and that picture! :cloud9:

*You got to do so much inthe MK that day, despite the time lost waiting for the boys.

*So glad Demitri knew what to do when he got separated from Alex! :thumbsup2 And then to have Adriana wander off...Your poor heart!

*That picture after your last Kali ride looks like its a shot of a family of wet cats! :laughing: Oh well, it was refreshing, right?!

Looking forward to more...

Kathy

cjackearl

09-19-2009, 03:36 PM

A swim at the end of a Disney day is the perfect nightcap. Except of course for an actual nightcap. And if said nightcap is at the pool where you're swimming? PERFECT!

JPFamilyMom

09-19-2009, 05:30 PM

Sounds like a great end to your evening. Very relaxing.

Can't wait to see what happens nextpopcorn::

p.s. I'm stealing your idea for the favorite and not so favorite things from each day. Hope you don't mind. :)

PracPerfPatricia

09-19-2009, 08:48 PM

I love how Ariana could find nothing bad to say about the Animal Kingdom...now she's definitely a glass half full kind of girl...:thumbsup2

Poor Demetri...not being tall enough to ride but before you know it-he will be...;)

Love a nice swim in the evening...:goodvibes

************************
popcorn::

Mickey_Mom

09-20-2009, 01:05 AM

Sounds like a great end to your day! Those nachos sound soooo yummy! I'm thinking the nachos in Mexico will have to be my lunch next month on our Epcot day, along with a margarita! YUMMY!!

Oh that sounds heavenly! I'm jealous!

I'm glad you had a nice swim! I've heard that the main pools at Pop etc can get pretty rowdy and sometimes unenjoyable because of that! That's no fun on vacation!!!!

We've been caught in rowdy crowds too but we lucked out this trip. Very peaceful!

Can't wait to read more!

I didn't take any pictures of the pool this time---no waterproof camera here, either.:laughing: We only did the Hippy Dippy Pool because it was so close to our room. It was so funny, because the water was so warm, and hardly refreshing but the flower spouts were great. I think we spent most of our time under them.:rotfl:

The flower spouts were pretty forceful so for us it was more of a duck and weave thing! :laughing:

Nachos--yum!! I agree with Alex!! EE is so much fun!!!!;) That's too bad Demetri couldn't ride.:sad2:

Yeah he was upset at the time but he's happy knowing he'll be for sure tall enough next time.

Ah... all caught up! I feel so much better now! ;)

*What a lovely mother-daughter breakfast with Cindy... and that picture! :cloud9:

*You got to do so much inthe MK that day, despite the time lost waiting for the boys.

*So glad Demitri knew what to do when he got separated from Alex! :thumbsup2 And then to have Adriana wander off...Your poor heart!

*That picture after your last Kali ride looks like its a shot of a family of wet cats! :laughing: Oh well, it was refreshing, right?!

Oh I laughed to read that! Wet cats.... so true! Yes it was very refreshing and sooo much fun!

Looking forward to more...

Kathy

A swim at the end of a Disney day is the perfect nightcap. Except of course for an actual nightcap. And if said nightcap is at the pool where you're swimming? PERFECT!

:lmao: :rotfl2:

Sounds like a great end to your evening. Very relaxing.

Can't wait to see what happens nextpopcorn::

p.s. I'm stealing your idea for the favorite and not so favorite things from each day. Hope you don't mind. :)

Awesome! I loved watching them relive the day in their minds to figure out the answers!

I love how Ariana could find nothing bad to say about the Animal Kingdom...now she's definitely a glass half full kind of girl...:thumbsup2

Poor Demetri...not being tall enough to ride but before you know it-he will be...;)

Love a nice swim in the evening...:goodvibes

Definately a great day! :goodvibes

************************
popcorn::

Mickey_Mom

09-20-2009, 01:36 AM

This morning we were a teeny bit better getting out the door a little earlier, and with Bunny leaving housekeeping a special thank you for his new friend…

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0001.jpg

… we headed off to the bus stop for Epcot.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0002.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0003.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0004.jpg

Demetri loved his shirt for today and so wanted me to take a picture!
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0006.jpg

Ariana immediately showed me hers for a picture too …
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0007.jpg

Alex gave me a look when I raised my eyebrow in question if he wanted his picture taken…. I took that as a no.

Our first stop was Spaceship Earth.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0008.jpg

I can’t believe I’d never noticed this before. Kinda cool.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0009.jpg

I don’t know what it is, but a big part of me really likes this ride, but another part of me doesn’t. I love drifting thru the different scenes of history, they are so well put together.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0011.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0017.jpg

My favorite scene, although it should be the math lessons in Greece (ha!) is:
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0020.jpg

I like creating the future and the pictures of Ariana and I came out quite cute.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0025.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0028.jpg

And when you come out of the ride and they show the different faces on the big map, the boys had some pretty funny pictures too. George is at the very top and the boys are off to the side.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0031.jpg

I really don’t know what it is that I don’t like about Spaceship Earth. I just can’t put my finger on it.

Last year we just breezed thru the part outside the ride but this year we stopped to see more of what was there and played some video games.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0037.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0038.jpg

Next we headed towards the Innoventions buildings and signed up for a Kim Possible mission. Woo-hoo!! I was really looking forward to saving China!
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0043.jpg

George started walking around with Ariana and I caught up with the boys. Seems they’d added a picture taking thingie to the big fire truck that was there and they were making the picture all fancy before emailing it to themselves.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0041.jpg

We were moving on when George caught up to me and said he was going to take Ariana to Soarin. She’d been asking constantly for it since we arrived and since she wasn’t so interested in the Innoventions buildings he would take her for some extra rides.

When I caught back up to the boys, they were playing a game where you take videos of yourself running, jumping and shaking your booty for a victory dance. As soon as you’re done the three scenes, you go to a video game machine where you play the game with yourself as the game. Way cool.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0044.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0045.jpg

I got there pretty much as they were finishing up so I took a video of the boys playing the video game of themselves.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_vids/th_2009_0818pics0047.jpg (http://s662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_vids/?action=view&current=2009_0818pics0047.flv)

Then I got a picture of the victory dance.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0049.jpg

You can even email the game to yourself at home so you can play it whenever you want. Way fun, I definitely recommend doing this!

The next thing we saw was the Great Piggy Bank Adventure.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0051.jpg

I remembered reading a quick article on this that it was a really fun way to teach kids what it takes to save up for something. I’m game for anything fun and educational so off we went.

Alex chose the thing we were saving up for – a dream vacation. Ah! Now we’re talking! Aren’t the handles on the drawers adorable??
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0053.jpg

You get a piggy that you take with you to the different activities, and he keeps track of how much you’ve saved towards your goal. Our piggy was so cute! Demetri wanted to channel his inner piggy.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0055.jpg

CONTINUED IN NEXT POST (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33644284&postcount=165)

Mickey_Mom

09-20-2009, 01:51 AM

First you decide how much of the money that you earn you will spend, and how much you will save.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0056.jpg

Then you ride the ups and downs of interest and money markets.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0057.jpg

Lastly you decide how much of your money you’re going to put in what types of investments and hope that a sneaky fox doesn’t steal all your savings!
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0059.jpg

Your piggy then counts up all the money you’ve saved and tells you if you’ve made enough to reach your goal. Sadly, we were just short of what we’d need for our dream vacation. Boo-hoo.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0060.jpg

I really recommend doing this too. It’s a cool way of showing your kids that the money doesn’t grow in the backyard off the trees.

We decided to give the wall of video games our attention for five more minutes….
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0061.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0065.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0064.jpg

… and then we headed on over to the Land to meet back up with George and Ariana who had left earlier to go to Soarin.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0071.jpg

We went into the building, down the escalator and sat on the benches right where you get the fast passes. It’s the exit to the ride so we figured we’d catch up with them as they were coming off. We sat while one batch of people came off the ride. And then a second. And then a third. After thirty minutes of sitting on the benches, I asked Alex to walk back over to the entrance to the ride to see if we’d missed them walking thru. He came back five seconds later to get us. Turns out George and Ariana had been waiting at the entrance while we’d been waiting at the exit. Sigh.

So back on to Soarin we went.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0073.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0074.jpg

To me, this ride makes me feel like I have total freedom. Over everything. I’m completely safe and yet I’m soaring over rivers and mountain tops and deserts and California, with the wind on my face and in my hair and the sweet smell of oranges in the air. I’m smiling from the moment we lift off to the moment we set down. Sometimes my feet swing beneath me like I’m a young girl again on a swing, sometimes they’re still while I’m slowly moving my eyes over the scenes taking everything in. When the golf ball flies towards us, Demetri reaches for it and when we reach the end and the fireworks over Disneyland are rocking our glider, I can see Ariana’s little dance of joy that tells me that is her favorite scene.

On one of our trips, I’d taken video of Soarin so that Ariana could watch it whenever she wanted to. Unfortunately we had a failure of epic proportions and the video was lost. My camera takes pretty decent videos so I knew I had to try again to get it. I’ve put the video here. If you haven’t been on Soarin before, I wouldn’t watch it. Don’t spoil the ride, you really must be there to get the full effect. For anyone wishing to relive the Soarin experience and just for a moment pretend you're there….. enjoy!
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_vids/th_2009_0818pics0077.jpg (http://s662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_vids/?action=view&current=2009_0818pics0077.flv)

Next we headed off to the obligatory Circle of Life movie with Simba, Timon and Pumbaa. The movie itself is kinda cheesy, but the message is good and its always nice sitting in that huge theatre for a bit of a rest. In any case, Ariana and Demetri love it.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0078.jpg

We came out of the Land building to find it was pouring. We’d been lucky so far and this was our first encounter with rain this trip. Well George and Demetri had briefly been caught in a rainstorm at the Boneyard in AK but Alex, Ariana and I had missed it while in Dinosaur so we were OK with it finally catching up to us. Not so lucky though was our stroller that hadn’t been under shelter when the rain hit. And our bag hadn’t been zipped up either so say goodbye to those napkins saved and those new maps we’d grabbed on the way in. Oh and our autograph book? It now has minor water damage to some of the page bottoms but all in all, it could have been much worse.

Right about then however, George and Alex started to get short tempered with one another. Alex had parked the stroller and George wasn’t mad about it but he said something to be funny and Alex took it the wrong way. Alex was somewhat miffed in his response and tone which then made George mad enough to walk towards the nearest tree with Demetri in the stroller and wait for us there sheltered from the rain. Desperate to smooth things over, I suggested we head to the Seas and visit Nemo before the boys and I headed to our 1:30pm lunch reservation at Teppan Edo.

We dashed thru the diminished rain ….
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0079.jpg

… and I took some lousy pictures from my clamobile.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0082.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0083.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0089.jpg

We skipped Bruce and Crush for now knowing we’d be back and headed back outside for some silly fishy poses with Dory and Marlin.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0091.jpg

I almost got a nice picture of the three kiddos with the Mine, Mine, Mine guys….
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0094.jpg

… and by then it was time to start heading to Teppan Edo. George was still a bit touchy from the run in with Alex and so he was in a “whatever” mood when I asked him when and where we’d meet up again after lunch. With no phones, he was now in the position of sitting in one spot waiting for us to join him. How did that go? Can you tell I’m foreshadowing? Uh-huh.

I’d left ourselves with a good twenty-five minutes to get to World Showcase and to Japan so we could stroll and take our time.

We caught a picture of the amazing disappearing golf ball. It really is there, but just barely… can you see it?
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0097.jpg

We turned the corner out of Future World to World Showcase and Canada. My gaze was always being drawn towards the beautiful water.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0099.jpg
I love the maple leafs in the fence posts!

We strolled past the United Kingdom buildings and were going to call home and check in with our house sitter but there was no phone receiver.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0102.jpg

A little more silliness…
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0103.jpg

… and with Paris in our sights..
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0106.jpg

… we reached Japan.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0110.jpg

We were just over five minutes early and we checked in and took a seat in the lovely waiting area. It was about now that I realized all of our key cards were in the plastic pocket attached to the lanyard around Ariana’s neck. After our great timing to get to Japan right on time, no rushing, we had no way of paying for lunch.

Crap!

CONTINUED IN NEXT POST (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33644308&postcount=166)

Mickey_Mom

09-20-2009, 02:10 AM

Alex drew the short straw and had to run back to George to get one of our key cards. Luckily he found him right away but now we were twenty minutes late. We had to recheck in and only had to wait about another five minutes before our table was ready. We met our table mates and headed as a group to our table.

Each table has a hot cooking surface surrounded by ten seats. As we were taking our seats, I warned Demetri a few extra times not to try touching it. Going around the table, there was a single eater on the end, Alex was beside her and then Demetri and I. To my left was a lovely family from Boston finishing up the rest of the seats. Jinta was our server…

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0113.jpg

… and he took wonderful care of us until our chef was ready to start. He showed us all how to take a little piece of the wrapper that our chopsticks were in and using an elastic band, MacGyver them together so we looked like pros. We practiced picking up the crayons Demetri got with his kids menu and were experts by the time it came to eat.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0115.jpg

Alex and I both ordered the Filet Mignon with vegetables, noodles and steamed rice while Demetri asked for the Tempura Combo with a shrimp and chicken with noodles, vegetables and steamed rice. Our chef, Kenji put on a marvelous 'show' preparing our meals.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0116.jpg

Preparing an onion train which he choo-choo’d towards Demetri to his delight.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0118.jpg

A quick Mickey head.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0119.jpg

And his masterful cooking.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0121.jpg
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0123.jpg
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0125.jpg

Producing our delicious dishes.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0126.jpg
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0128.jpg

Demetri’s meal came from the kitchen in a monorail dish which he absolutely adored. Before our trip, I’d asked him what his favorite ride at Epcot was and he’d answered the monorail. (ha!)
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0122.jpg

I think I ate every possible bite I could of that meal. Oh the flavors! So delicious! The rice was a bit sticky and I noticed not much of it had been eaten at the entire table, but that just left me more room to have dessert! I had the chocolate ginger cake while the boys had the soft serve ice cream. So very, very, good. We would definately do Teppan Edo again. :thumbsup2

It was nearing 3:30pm and we’d been away from George and Ariana for two hours now. A very long lunch! A last few pictures...

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0129.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0130.jpg

On our journey back, we walked past this cute couple…
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0131.jpg

this practically perfect lady….
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0133.jpg

and this lovely young girl….
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0134.jpg

We’d set the place to meet after lunch as the character spot but left the time open because I’d had no idea how long we’d be. I’d suggested to George that he take Ariana back to Soarin and have lunch at either the Electric Umbrella (we’d been there before so no trying anything new there) or to the Sunshine Seasons food court outside Soarin if he wanted a big variety. When we found them at the character spot, what he’d ended up doing is taking it slow visiting each character since the lines were practically nothing and then just stayed there and waited for us.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818WDW0270.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818WDW0269.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818WDW0268.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818WDW0267.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818WDW0264.jpg

When I asked him why he chose to skip lunch he answered, “cause I’m an idiot.” Well then. At least he said it instead of me!

Next up: Rain, Rain... Go Away!

jenjolt

09-20-2009, 07:56 AM

Aww...I'm glad you and your boys had a great lunch at Teppan Edo! I really would like to try and eat there sometime it looks like a great time!!!!

Soarin is such a great ride! I'm so glad its something that you guys are able to enjoy so much as a family!! I can't wait to be riding it soon!!!!

Loved the shirts...they are so cute!!!!

Can't wait to hear more!!

ZeroToHero

09-20-2009, 08:11 AM

Did you ask the family from Boston if they knew me? We're a very close-knit community up here.... all million of us. :rotfl:

Teppan Edo looks delicious - I haven't eaten breakfast yet, so my stomach was growling.

I love the pictures of Ariana with the characters! Minnie Mouse looks so... sassy? For lack of a better word... in her picture.

I'm sorry Alex & George got in a fight, but did it clear up by now? Was that his way of apologizing?

Lady Lallie

09-20-2009, 08:25 AM

I love super long updates! :thumbsup2

Thanks for the morning ride on Soarin. I find my legs swinging sometimes too, it's just the kind of ride that makes you so happy.

Teppan Edo looks like a great meal! Yum Yum!

SwansLoveDisney

09-20-2009, 08:30 AM

I'm joining in and loving your Trip Report!

You have a beautiful family and it sounds like you all have so much fun together!

cjackearl

09-20-2009, 09:06 AM

JPFamilyMom

09-21-2009, 07:04 AM

I played that piggy bank game online :lmao: It looks a bit more interactive in the parks. That game Alex and Demetri played looks really cool, might have to try and do that with Jack.

I have never ridden Soarin' :confused3 and that is even after two trips to DL/CA in Anaheim :confused3 Trying to see if Jack will be up to it on this trip if he is tall enough.

The lunch looks like a lot of fun, but not something my kids would sit still for :sad2:

popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::

mickeystoontown

09-21-2009, 09:37 AM

Fantastic updates! It sounds like you guys have gotten a lot done at Epcot so far. I have a 12 year old son and every once in a while, he'll take our joking the wrong way and get all upset. I think it's the whole...."I don't know if I am still a little boy or a soon-to-be teenager" thing.

Looking forward to reading more!

Angies1274

09-21-2009, 11:12 AM

Love the long update!!:thumbsup2

Yay! for Demetri's shirt!! What a cutie he is!!!:goodvibes

We didn't spend too much time in Innoventions on our last trip, but we did make sure and do the one where you put yourself in a video game. It was so much fun!! Great pictures!!

Thanks for sharing the Soarin' video!! You know how much I love that ride.;) It made my day!!!

Sounds like you had a great experience at Teppan Edo. Everything looks so yummy!!!

Great character pictures with Ariana!!!

The "Rain, Rain..Go Away" sounds alot like our Epcot night. :sad2:

Can't wait for more......popcorn::

PracPerfPatricia

09-21-2009, 01:53 PM

Mickey_Mom

09-21-2009, 07:29 PM

Aww...I'm glad you and your boys had a great lunch at Teppan Edo! I really would like to try and eat there sometime it looks like a great time!!!!

After writing about our Teppan Edo lunch I was inspired to make a similar dish for dinner from left over steak. Yummy, but not near as good as Kenji did it! :rotfl:

Soarin is such a great ride! I'm so glad its something that you guys are able to enjoy so much as a family!! I can't wait to be riding it soon!!!!

I can't wait to hear all about your trip!

Loved the shirts...they are so cute!!!!

:goodvibes

Can't wait to hear more!!

Did you ask the family from Boston if they knew me? We're a very close-knit community up here.... all million of us. :rotfl:

Oh, you know... they did say they knew of a young lady by the name of Danica, but I assumed they were talking about the race car driver. :laughing:

Teppan Edo looks delicious - I haven't eaten breakfast yet, so my stomach was growling.

I can totally see you and Lou eating there! You'd love it!

I love the pictures of Ariana with the characters! Minnie Mouse looks so... sassy? For lack of a better word... in her picture.

:laughing: Sassy is an awesome description! I miss meeting the characters. Our first trip it was our mission to meet every character and I want to do that again next time.

I'm sorry Alex & George got in a fight, but did it clear up by now? Was that his way of apologizing?

Unfortunately those two rarely apologize to one another, they just let it go. Fortunately however, they let it go very easily and instantly 'forgive' one another. Not me, I get sulky and hold grudges. :upsidedow

I love super long updates! :thumbsup2

Yeah, it'd been a week since my last update so it felt good to just keep going! :laughing:

Thanks for the morning ride on Soarin. I find my legs swinging sometimes too, it's just the kind of ride that makes you so happy.

I forgot to say we waited for the front row :cloud9: The best!

Teppan Edo looks like a great meal! Yum Yum!

Mmmmm, delish!

I'm joining in and loving your Trip Report!

You have a beautiful family and it sounds like you all have so much fun together!

:welcome: .... and thank you! It was definately a main objective of ours this time around to just have fun!

Mickey_Mom

09-21-2009, 08:08 PM

Oh my, I loved this update! From the great tees, Ian would LOVE Demetri's 4 shirt!, to the magical ride on Soarin', to your delicious and fun looking lunch. Teppan Edo is on my must try list now, thanks to great reviews by you, Amy, and Jackie! That monorail dish is so cute, I wonder if they're available for sale anywhere? Did you e-mail yourself the video game? We never even went into Inoventions, but next time definitely. So how hungry were Arianna and George at this point?:laughing:

I think I'm going to make Demetri a 5 shirt in February for his birthday! :laughing: I would love to have that monorail dish too.. I'm going to look for it!

Yes, Alex emailed himself the video game and he said its a hoot to play it here at home. He smiles everytime. Ariana needs to be reminded to eat in Disney :rotfl: but yep, George was starving!

I played that piggy bank game online :lmao: It looks a bit more interactive in the parks. That game Alex and Demetri played looks really cool, might have to try and do that with Jack.

Oh you really should do that with Jack, he'd love it! Demetri was asking to go back at the end of the evening and do the Piggy Bank game again. Not sure how much of the savings part he learned ... that piggy is so darn cute!

I have never ridden Soarin' :confused3 and that is even after two trips to DL/CA in Anaheim :confused3 Trying to see if Jack will be up to it on this trip if he is tall enough.

Oh I think he just might love it, it's so... transfixing, he won't be able to look away! :goodvibes

The lunch looks like a lot of fun, but not something my kids would sit still for :sad2:

Yes, this was not an Ariana lunch either. I was a little concerned Demetri wouldn't like it but the monorail dish was a big hit for him.

popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::

Fantastic updates! It sounds like you guys have gotten a lot done at Epcot so far. I have a 12 year old son and every once in a while, he'll take our joking the wrong way and get all upset. I think it's the whole...."I don't know if I am still a little boy or a soon-to-be teenager" thing.

Looking forward to reading more!

So true! George is pretty sarcastic and I'm a bit of a wise a$$ myself so every once in a while Alex gets frustrated. :rolleyes: Poor thing.

Love the long update!!:thumbsup2

Yay! for Demetri's shirt!! What a cutie he is!!!:goodvibes

He gets away with alot due to said cuteness! :lmao:

We didn't spend too much time in Innoventions on our last trip, but we did make sure and do the one where you put yourself in a video game. It was so much fun!! Great pictures!!

Innoventions has always been a favorite of Alex's but I was usually :confused3 meh, either way. Was everything in there new this year or did I just not pay close enough attention? Cause it was super fun.

Thanks for sharing the Soarin' video!! You know how much I love that ride.;) It made my day!!!

Yay! I'm glad! That makes my day!

Sounds like you had a great experience at Teppan Edo. Everything looks so yummy!!!

We'll be back to that one for sure. :thumbsup2

Great character pictures with Ariana!!!

I was surprised to see how well his pictures turned out. George is usually the thumb in the picture kinda photographer.:rotfl2:

The "Rain, Rain..Go Away" sounds alot like our Epcot night. :sad2:

It was a doozy!

Can't wait for more......popcorn::

Mickey_Mom

09-21-2009, 08:12 PM

Hmmm...Another great update...

awesome review of Teppan Edo-I know that Em wants to "eat in Japan" (she is crazy for the store there too) next year on her BD trip but does she want Teppan...or Tokyo D?...your review sounds so good-it just makes me just want to go with Teppan...

I've read one review of Tokyo Dining and it sounded great too, but I don't think it had the extra fun of the chef with the hot plate, etc. They did a marvelous job.

I loved the great video game that the boys made...that's the kind of stuff I'd like to do...stop and smell the roses...if you will...if...DH wasn't in a rush to hit the "hightlights"...:confused3 ...and Alex saving for a trip-now what trip would that be...;)

That video was a hoot and I LOVE that you can email it to yourself and just play over and over. I just asked Alex what his dream vacation would be and he said Hawaii or New York. Well I know one little girl who'd be voting for New York..... :rotfl2:

I'm sorry about Alex and George fighting...:confused3...I wouldn't no anything about a stubborn father and teen fighting...:lmao:---I'm sorry-its really upsetting you know I know but sometimes its comforting to know you aren't the only one...:goodvibes

Isn't it 'funny' how each of us are at the point in our TRs where we're at Epcot and our husbands are bickering with our children? Was there something in the water? :rolleyes:

jordanyosh

09-21-2009, 11:53 PM

ZeroToHero

09-22-2009, 12:29 AM

I laughed a bit about the sticky rice comment. Japanese rice is typically very sticky...:thumbsup2 Trust me I had it every day growing up...unless....wait a second.....maybe my mom was a bad cook.............no really, it's supposed to be sticky.

:rotfl: Very true, very true.

Otherwise sushi falls apart! Duhhhh.... c'mon, how did you not know that?

(Just kidding, I'm pretty sure that's not how sushi is held together)

Mickey_Mom

09-22-2009, 05:49 AM

jordanyosh

09-22-2009, 12:14 PM

:lmao: It was good but I couldn't get it out of the bowl with my chopsticks! :blush:

My Ji-chan (grandpa in Japanese) could pick a single rice kernal out with his chopsticks and he could do it REALLY fast...I'm so white, I'm the only one in my immediate family that would rather use a fork at a Japanese restaurant. The servers always look at me with disdain...

Mickey_Mom

09-25-2009, 06:51 AM

Hello my dear DIS readers. I apologize for the lateness that is my next update. Three schools + eight "meet-the-teacher" meetings = :scared:

I hope to be back on track tomorrow and get those updates pumping out regularly again.

Thanks for sticking with me! :grouphug: :grouphug:

wdwgirl03

09-25-2009, 06:54 AM

I'm still here, I haven't updated my TR in a while either! And I've got to catch up on everybody's reports that I'm reading!

ZeroToHero

09-25-2009, 07:57 AM

:p And usually you're the one telling me to update!!!!

We're all waiting patiently... :teeth:

Mickey_Mom

09-25-2009, 06:31 PM

I'm still here, I haven't updated my TR in a while either! And I've got to catch up on everybody's reports that I'm reading!

Hmmm, well I'm glad to help you catch up ;)

:p And usually you're the one telling me to update!!!!

We're all waiting patiently... :teeth:

Do as I say... not as I do! :laughing:

ellajeansmom

09-25-2009, 08:52 PM

Great update :thumbsup2

I love Soarin', thanks for the video :goodvibes

Teppan Edo looks so fun and yummy - and to add my 2 cents to the early comments, yes the rice is generally sticky for Japanese dishes ;)

Lovely pics of Arianna and the characters! Too bad they skipped a meal and sat waiting for a bit :rolleyes1

The video game of yourself at Innoventions looks so fun, the boys definitely seemed to be enjoying themselves!

KathyRN137

09-26-2009, 12:18 AM

I'm here too! (Just getting too sleepy to think up comments for your last update... which I enjoyed very much!)

I'll have to stop by again tomorrow!

Kathy

cjackearl

09-26-2009, 10:13 AM

I'll wait..popcorn::...but it WON'T be patiently!:mad:;)

cheryterese

09-26-2009, 10:37 AM

And then it was off to the play area where he made a new friend.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0016.jpg

Just starting to read your trip report and already have a question! :)
We'll be flying out of Buffalo, on Southwest, when we go.
Where was that great play area and for what age kids is it for? My kids are 4, 2, and 1 and that would be so helpful for the wait!
Also, were you able to board together and get seats together easily?

Okay, back to read the rest of your report!

Mickey_Mom

09-26-2009, 11:07 AM

Great update :thumbsup2

I love Soarin', thanks for the video :goodvibes

Your welcome! Ooo, I just had an idea.... I'm going to hook up my laptop to my 50" plasma and watch it there! It's almost like being there.... right? :rotfl:

Teppan Edo looks so fun and yummy - and to add my 2 cents to the early comments, yes the rice is generally sticky for Japanese dishes ;)

Very yummy... and yeah, I guess I should have phrased that a little differently! :laughing:

Lovely pics of Arianna and the characters! Too bad they skipped a meal and sat waiting for a bit :rolleyes1

She loves meeting the characters and I'm really wanting to get back to that next time instead of worrying about how long the line is.

The video game of yourself at Innoventions looks so fun, the boys definitely seemed to be enjoying themselves!

A definate highlite of their day... highly recommend it!

I'm here too! (Just getting too sleepy to think up comments for your last update... which I enjoyed very much!)

I'll have to stop by again tomorrow!

Kathy

Thanks! I'm almost ready for another update!

I'll wait..popcorn::...but it WON'T be patiently!:mad:;)

:lmao: :rotfl:

Just starting to read your trip report and already have a question! :)
We'll be flying out of Buffalo, on Southwest, when we go.
Where was that great play area and for what age kids is it for? My kids are 4, 2, and 1 and that would be so helpful for the wait!
Also, were you able to board together and get seats together easily?

Okay, back to read the rest of your report!

:welcome: Four, two and one! My goodness what wonderful ages to go! Here's another shot of the play area....

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0015.jpg

We were at Gate 18 and the play area was just steps away. The toys were perhaps a teensy bit young for Demetri, but he had fun nonetheless. They were 'new' to him of course so he had lots of fun exploring and seeing what was there.

Southwest is my favorite airline. Yes, we boarded together and sat together. Check in online as early as you can when your 24 hour window opens up and you'll be among the first to board -- your chances of sitting together will be better. If you happen to be a little late with the online check in, you should be fine -- when you have a stroller or young children, you are seated right after the first batch of people go on.

Will you be doing a trip report for your January trip? I'd love to follow along :goodvibes

cheryterese

09-26-2009, 11:27 AM

:welcome: Four, two and one! My goodness what wonderful ages to go! Here's another shot of the play area....

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Travel_SH/2009_0815pics0015.jpg

We were at Gate 18 and the play area was just steps away. The toys were perhaps a teensy bit young for Demetri, but he had fun nonetheless. They were 'new' to him of course so he had lots of fun exploring and seeing what was there.

Southwest is my favorite airline. Yes, we boarded together and sat together. Check in online as early as you can when your 24 hour window opens up and you'll be among the first to board -- your chances of sitting together will be better. If you happen to be a little late with the online check in, you should be fine -- when you have a stroller or young children, you are seated right after the first batch of people go on.

Will you be doing a trip report for your January trip? I'd love to follow along :goodvibes

Thanks! Glad you had a good experience with Southwest. Hopefully we will too. We had the same price for them, JetBlue or AirTran out of Buffalo and went with them because of the free luggage. We're a bit worried about the lack of assigned seats though.

I just finished your report - so much fun reading it while my 2 and 4 year old sat on my lap and looked at the pictures. They are so excited!! My 4 year old is hoping to be tall enough for EVERYTHING when we go (he won't make Rock n Roller Coaster, but should be 44" by then and able to do everything else, he's just shy of 44" now and has 4 months to go - he's tall for his age, thank goodness because he loves all rides!).

Glad to hear about your good experience at Teppan Edo (well, minus part of your family :rolleyes:). My kids love the Fuji Grill in our area, which sounds a lot like Teppan Edo. They call it the "fire restaurant" because of the fire that comes out of the onion, and it's their absolute favorite place to eat. I was thinking of making dinner reservations for a night of our trip.

I will definitely do a trip report when we get back!!! I'm in the throes of trip planning right now. So much fun, but overwhelming too.

You have a beautiful family! :hug:

KathyRN137

09-26-2009, 12:29 PM

Next we headed towards the Innoventions buildings and signed up for a Kim Possible mission. Woo-hoo!! I was really looking forward to saving China!
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0043.jpg

I'm looking forward to this, too! Can't wait to read about your mission!

I got there pretty much as they were finishing up so I took a video of the boys playing the video game of themselves.
Then I got a picture of the victory dance.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0049.jpg

That looks so cool and the video was such fun to watch, thanks!

So back on to Soarin we went.

When the golf ball flies towards us, Demetri reaches for it and when we reach the end and the fireworks over Disneyland are rocking our glider, I can see Ariana’s little dance of joy that tells me that is her favorite scene.

On one of our trips, I’d taken video of Soarin so that Ariana could watch it whenever she wanted to.

Great idea! :thumbsup2 Billy loves trolling for these types of videos on youtube; his favorites right now are HOP, Mickey's Philharmagic, and Fantasmic!

I am also intimately familiar with the "dance of joy"; it never fails to put a smile on our faces!

Preparing an onion train which he choo-choo’d towards Demetri to his delight.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0118.jpg

Demetri’s meal came from the kitchen in a monorail dish which he absolutely adored. Before our trip, I’d asked him what his favorite ride at Epcot was and he’d answered the monorail. (ha!)
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0122.jpg

Looks yum and so much fun!

When we found them at the character spot, what he’d ended up doing is taking it slow visiting each character since the lines were practically nothing and then just stayed there and waited for us.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818WDW0264.jpg

When I asked him why he chose to skip lunch he answered, “cause I’m an idiot.” Well then. At least he said it instead of me!

You got that right! :lmao: Well, I can see how he wanted to take advantage of the light crowd. The characters were probably able to give Ariana lots of attention and she deserved it!

Looking forward to the next (soggy) installment!

Kathy

Mickey_Mom

09-26-2009, 03:57 PM

Thanks! Glad you had a good experience with Southwest. Hopefully we will too. We had the same price for them, JetBlue or AirTran out of Buffalo and went with them because of the free luggage. We're a bit worried about the lack of assigned seats though.

You'll be fine. ::yes:: Catch the front of the 'family' line and you'll have no problems staying together. :goodvibes

I just finished your report - so much fun reading it while my 2 and 4 year old sat on my lap and looked at the pictures. They are so excited!! My 4 year old is hoping to be tall enough for EVERYTHING when we go (he won't make Rock n Roller Coaster, but should be 44" by then and able to do everything else, he's just shy of 44" now and has 4 months to go - he's tall for his age, thank goodness because he loves all rides!).

Oh you made my day! I'm glad they enjoyed it! More coming up! Demetri is so looking forward to the rides he missed this trip... your little guy will have a blast!!

Glad to hear about your good experience at Teppan Edo (well, minus part of your family :rolleyes:). My kids love the Fuji Grill in our area, which sounds a lot like Teppan Edo. They call it the "fire restaurant" because of the fire that comes out of the onion, and it's their absolute favorite place to eat. I was thinking of making dinner reservations for a night of our trip.

They do sound a lot alike.... I would definately try and squeeze that in, it's a lot of fun and a beautiful restaurant.

I will definitely do a trip report when we get back!!! I'm in the throes of trip planning right now. So much fun, but overwhelming too.

You have a beautiful family! :hug:

Thank you! Trip planning can be overwhelming at times for sure.... good luck keeping the fun factor up!

Great idea! :thumbsup2 Billy loves trolling for these types of videos on youtube; his favorites right now are HOP, Mickey's Philharmagic, and Fantasmic!

We had to bump up our monthly internet package because Ariana was 'using up' our bandwith watching Lion King, Barbie movies and Snow White!

I am also intimately familiar with the "dance of joy"; it never fails to put a smile on our faces!

:goodvibes

Mickey_Mom

09-26-2009, 05:01 PM

I’ve been trying to remember what George and Ariana did for their missed lunch, but I can’t. Ariana would skip eating all together if it meant she’d have more time for everything else (wish I had that ability!) and George has no problems skipping meals so maybe they didn’t do anything after all? I can’t remember. The next thing my camera says we did was head on over to Test Track.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0137.jpg

Running a close second to the monorail, this is Demetri’s favorite at Epcot. Hoo-hoo does he love the speed this ride gets too! I was describing this ride to a co-worker and he asked what the top speed was. I googled it because I couldn’t remember, and I think what I read was correct…. At top speed its 65 MPH (that’s 105 kms for you Canadians out there). Highway speed! Crazy! I didn’t try to take any pictures, I just enjoyed it. I did take a few pictures in the dump shop after dragging the boys away from the cars on display.

They were all about the dinky cars and Demetri loved the construction sets.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0138.jpg

Demetri found yet another super cool totally awesome Cars hat and wanted his picture taken wearing it. He put it on in a wonky way and it tugged his eye up a little while pushing the other one down.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0139.jpg

While taking the picture I remember saying, "Whoa, that's just creepy!" :laughing:

We moseyed on over towards Mission Space ....

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0141.jpg

....and I let George know I didn’t want to go on this ride. I’ve never been on the Orange side, I can barely handle the Green side without getting a queasy stomach. Besides, he’d never been on it before, either side, so it was my way of making him go on with Ariana. Hee hee. We knew that the height requirement on this ride was 44” (remember Demetri was 43”) but we fruitlessly tried anyway to see if he could go on. Nope. Still too short. But it was my turn this time to sooth his disappointment with an ice cream while we waited.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0140.jpg

Demetri always chose the Itzakadoozie ice cream treat everytime.

Ice cream treats taken care of, we decided to wait in the shop.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0144.jpg

Demetri was in awe of the Disney Racers and he picked out his favorite two for a picture.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0143.jpg

Once again he made a new friend and they decided to have a battle in the name of all that is good in the universe. Demetri had the force on his side because….. well, the other boys was a wimpy rainbow Mickey Head.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0145.jpg

We got to the space helmet section when Ariana arrived and she grabbed one to wear too.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0146.jpg

Just as we were leaving the Mission Space shop we were walking towards our stroller when it started to sprinkle. Nothing major, just a little sprinkle. We talked about where we’d head next…. I was suggesting Honey I Shrunk the Audience and Journey into Imagination with Figment, two rides we’d not done yet, when the sprinkle turned into steady, fat, rain drops. We grabbed the stroller and headed back towards Test Track where they have the canopy shelter outside the entrance. Just as we got under the canopy, the heavens opened up and it was now a torrential downpour. It was just after 5pm when Alex snapped a picture of the gloomy skies above the golf ball.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0149.jpg

Remembering our earlier stroller soaking when we’d been on Soarin, George pulled all of the parked strollers under the canopy. One of those pay-it-forward type niceties. There weren’t too many people around us taking shelter yet so the boys were zipping around with the stroller while we made small talk with some people around us. There was a cute, very young couple on their honeymoon - the Mickey ears wedding hat and veil was a dead giveaway, lol! They couldn’t stop smiling as everyone was saying congratulations and I just loved how happy they looked.

We could hear the announcements from Test Track that the ride was staying closed during the storm and it just didn’t seem to be letting up so we were wondering if we should brave the storm and head indoors.

We decided to hang on just a little bit longer….

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0148.jpg

… and then just under an hour after it started, it stopped. We decided to forgo anything else in Future World and just head over to Norway for our Kim Possible mission. A quick hello to another bunny along the way…..

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0150.jpg

…. and we reached Mexico to look for the Three Caballeros ride.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0151.jpg

This was our first time on this ride and we were looking forward to cruising around the Mayan ruins. What a fun ride! We loved floating past the San Angel Inn Restaurante.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0152.jpg

George was struck by how gorgeous the surroundings were and what a fabulous concept for a restaurant. We then had a lively conversation about ‘when’ we open our restaurant, how we’d have a similar theme, but that we would change our themes with the seasons. I think we need to head back to that Piggy Bank game for another go around!

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0153.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0154.jpg

Next up was Norway and we checked in for our Kim Possible mission. It was up to us to save China from the jade ninja monkeys!…. or something like that anyway. :rotfl2:

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0155.jpg

We’d split into two teams so George and Ariana were against the boys and I. We had so much fun traipsing around China! My competitive streak must have come out again because I don’t have a single picture from our mission. Well, its top secret right?

After George and Ariana kicked our butts, we doubled back to Norway to check Maelstrom off our list.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0157-1.jpg

Fun ride but I always feel guilty not watching the movie afterwards.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0156-1.jpg

You know, even though we were successful saving China, I can’t remember anything in it? Sigh. Next time!

We were slowly cruising our way around the World Showcase, and next was Germany. Germany has a lot in there the kids really like. Snow White’s wishing well….

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0158-1.jpg

… unfortunately she was no longer seeing any guests for the evening. Boo.

The Christmas store…..

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0159-1.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0160.jpg

….Ariana could wander in there all day!

Just look at all the details!

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0161.jpg

CONTINUED IN NEXT POST.

Mickey_Mom

09-26-2009, 05:13 PM

And last but not least… the trains!

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0162.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0163.jpg

Next up? Italy!

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0164.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0165.jpg

It was starting to near the time for Illuminations so we breezed past the American pavilion through to Japan.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0167.jpg

(Step away from the pond Lou!)

Unfortunately we were running out of daylight so we didn’t get to explore Japan at all. No pick a pearl for me this time. :sad1: And I know we walked through Morocco but I don’t have a single picture! :eek: Those windy back alleys were so nice to walk through and I wish I’d had more time to explore their shops. But alas, it was time to stake our spots for Illuminations.

We found a pretty decent spot and decided to just sit and enjoy the growing dusk and lights turning on all over World Showcase. Anytime a duckie swam close to where we were sitting, Demetri would start “talking” to it with a hearty “quack! quack! quack!” that made the families around us smile. The flames surrounding the water were on, the weather was beautiful, George snuck off for some munchies and I think the boys even sprawled out on the ground for a bit. The voice on the loudspeakers came on every five minutes or so to build our anticipation and soon, one of my very favorite Disney moments arrived.…. the flames were blown out with a whispered “hoooo” and the fireworks began!

I once again put my camera on the fireworks setting with the continuous six shots and got a few that I liked.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0172.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0173.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0181.jpg

I’m really disappointed however, to say that is pretty much all I got. I’m pretty sure next time I will be taking video of fireworks with my camera. Or maybe the wrappie tripods that you can bend around anything. That would have been perfect where we were watching, we had the fence in front of us where it juts out into the water.

Well, it was going on 9:30pm when Illuminations wrapped up so we decided to let the kids choose one ride each to go on before calling it a night. Demetri and Alex chose…..

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0186.jpg

And is there any doubt what Ariana chose?

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0187.jpg

Of course!

It was pretty late so we started heading back towards the front and yet still took our time. Ariana loved walking all over the beautiful lights…

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0189.jpg

and with that, we caught our bus and headed “home”.

Next Update: Havoc on a Seaside Village

jenbear123

09-26-2009, 07:47 PM

Preparing an onion train which he choo-choo’d towards Demetri to his delight.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0118.jpg

Just noticed I had the same cook, Kenji, when we ate at Teppan Edo in July.

http://i37.tinypic.com/outz0i.jpg

Not the best picture I had of him (I took mostly video of his cooking techniques). He was the best part of our meal (aside from the yummy food) that night. The service was fair to say the least. Our server (can't remember her name) seemed really stressed out but wanted to make sure she said and did everything perfectly. The time we were there seemed far too long but I guess anything seems longer than it actually is when you're in a rush to move on to the next thing in Disney! :rolleyes:

I LOVE the picture you took with the bunny and Demetri in the foreground. Can't explain why... just really like how the picture turned out. And your fireworks pics are pretty good too. I still need to figure out how to work my camera so I can take pics of fireworks. Just need to read through a few 50+ more pages in the instruction manual. And they call these cameras simply "Point and Shoot" :laughing: Love everything so far. Keep the updates coming :flower3:

mickeystoontown

09-26-2009, 10:22 PM

The pictures of Illuminations are great!

How did I know that Ariana was going to choose Soarin'?;) There's nothing better than ending a long day at the park on your favorite rides.:love:

3princesses+aprince

09-27-2009, 12:09 AM

I just read through your last few updates and they're great. I'm loving your August trip report, cause we're going in August next year.!! I know it will be HOT but I can't wait.

Angies1274

09-27-2009, 08:14 AM

Glad the rain stopped for you!!:thumbsup2 It looks like your Rain, Rain Go Away worked for you.;):laughing: I wish it had for us.:sad2:

We always enjoy The Three Caballeros ride in Mexico--so much fun!! You got some great pictures!!

Love the pictures of Illuminations!!:goodvibes

Lady Lallie

09-27-2009, 08:47 AM

wdwgirl03

09-27-2009, 09:50 AM

Ariana has good taste...I love love LOVE Soarin too! :cloud9:

And those lights out by Innoventions are so cool. Love them!

I had no idea about Snow White's wishing well either. The things you learn from other TRs...:thumbsup2

ZeroToHero

09-27-2009, 10:44 AM

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/Epcot_TeppanEdo/2009_0818pics0167.jpg

(Step away from the pond Lou!)

:rotfl2::rotfl2:

Love the updates!!!!

You know, we actually stayed to watch the Norway movie? It was only about 5 minutes, and it really wasn't bad at all! I liked it more then I thought I would!

Good of George to pull all the strollers in, that was nice of him. :thumbsup2
I bet a lot of people appreciated that... it's weird that the CMs don't automatically do that... have a covered canopy or something for them... or Disney could even have it up all the time, since it rains so much there.

Just wait until I post my pictures of the Wishing Well... :lmao:

mickeysmyboy

09-27-2009, 01:19 PM

I got behind on your updates :confused3

Sounds like you had a wonderful day in Epcot!! I'm glad the rain stopped!

Your lunch at Teppan Edo sounds lovely!! I'm going back and forth about booking and ADR there for our January trip! My main concern is there beign something for the kiddos! They tend to be picky!

I love the picture of Ariana standing in the lights! Very cool!! I love those lights!!

Can't wait to read more!

Mickey_Mom

09-27-2009, 07:10 PM

Just noticed I had the same cook, Kenji, when we ate at Teppan Edo in July.

http://i37.tinypic.com/outz0i.jpg

Not the best picture I had of him (I took mostly video of his cooking techniques). He was the best part of our meal (aside from the yummy food) that night. The service was fair to say the least. Our server (can't remember her name) seemed really stressed out but wanted to make sure she said and did everything perfectly. The time we were there seemed far too long but I guess anything seems longer than it actually is when you're in a rush to move on to the next thing in Disney! :rolleyes:

Kenji was a hoot. He was a bit quieter than some of the other cooks there but I appreciated his subtle humor more. ;) It was definately a long lunch that didn't quite work out as planned for George and Ariana, but it was great for us! :laughing:

I LOVE the picture you took with the bunny and Demetri in the foreground. Can't explain why... just really like how the picture turned out. And your fireworks pics are pretty good too. I still need to figure out how to work my camera so I can take pics of fireworks. Just need to read through a few 50+ more pages in the instruction manual. And they call these cameras simply "Point and Shoot" :laughing: Love everything so far. Keep the updates coming :flower3:

Thanks! I found out more about my camera when I googled it. :rotfl: It was easier to find how to do specific things like the fireworks and continuous, etc. And of course just pushing buttons and practising with traffic going past my house! :thumbsup2

The pictures of Illuminations are great!

I do like the shots I got of Illuminations but I just got mixed up with my settings and the rest came out blurry. Next time!:thumbsup2!

How did I know that Ariana was going to choose Soarin'?;) There's nothing better than ending a long day at the park on your favorite rides.:love:

That worked out really well for us this trip... keep it relatively early so we're not constantly tired, but end the days on our favs!

I just read through your last few updates and they're great. I'm loving your August trip report, cause we're going in August next year.!! I know it will be HOT but I can't wait.

Thanks! :goodvibes Hot yes, but very manageable.... don't forget the misting fans! :thumbsup2

Glad the rain stopped for you!!:thumbsup2 It looks like your Rain, Rain Go Away worked for you.;):laughing: I wish it had for us.:sad2:

We always enjoy The Three Caballeros ride in Mexico--so much fun!! You got some great pictures!!

Love the pictures of Illuminations!!:goodvibes

On this day the rain went away.... ;) Its a cute little ride eh? I tried to take pictures of the fireworks on the ceiling but I just couldn't get it. :sad1: Oh well (everyone say it with me.....) next time!

Mickey_Mom

09-27-2009, 07:35 PM

Another wonderful update! Even though you didn't get to everything you wanted in WS, it sounds like a pretty nice afternoon/evening.

I love those light up sidewalks too. They are just so cool and magical!

It was fun for sure. I hadn't really explored the pavillions like that before and a lot of what we did was new. Next time each of us will choose one pavillion to really thoroughly explore. Not sure if I'll pick China or Japan....

Ariana has good taste...I love love LOVE Soarin too! :cloud9:

:goodvibes:goodvibes

And those lights out by Innoventions are so cool. Love them!

The fountain came on too as we were walking thru.... beautiful!

I had no idea about Snow White's wishing well either. The things you learn from other TRs...:thumbsup2

We thought it was always there! :laughing:

:rotfl2::rotfl2:

Love the updates!!!!

You know, we actually stayed to watch the Norway movie? It was only about 5 minutes, and it really wasn't bad at all! I liked it more then I thought I would!

Oh, it was OK when we saw it on our first trip, but the number of times we ride Malestrom... we walk thru. :laughing: What is that giant thing in their shop by the way?

Good of George to pull all the strollers in, that was nice of him. :thumbsup2
I bet a lot of people appreciated that... it's weird that the CMs don't automatically do that... have a covered canopy or something for them... or Disney could even have it up all the time, since it rains so much there.

I've wondered that too... why not have a covered area for strollers? They wouldn't be able to do it everywhere but some areas would be nice.

Just wait until I post my pictures of the Wishing Well... :lmao:

I can't even imagine......

I got behind on your updates :confused3

Sounds like you had a wonderful day in Epcot!! I'm glad the rain stopped!

Your lunch at Teppan Edo sounds lovely!! I'm going back and forth about booking and ADR there for our January trip! My main concern is there beign something for the kiddos! They tend to be picky!

I wondered if Demetri would enjoy it or not but he's pretty adventurous with food and will try almost anything. Maybe bring back up 'for sures' for the kiddies to eat?

I love the picture of Ariana standing in the lights! Very cool!! I love those lights!!

Can't wait to read more!

I love them too! :goodvibes

Mickey_Mom

09-27-2009, 07:53 PM

Whoops! Forgot the Favorite and Not-so-Favorites for our Epcot day.

ALEX:
:) The rain! Spaceship Earth
:upsidedow Loooooong line at Test Track.

ARIANA:
:) Fireworks and Soarin
:upsidedow Nothing!

DEMETRI:
:) Test Track and fireworks
:upsidedow I couldn’t go on Mission Space

Mickey_Mom

09-28-2009, 07:51 AM

Thirteen years ago today, my little girl was born. :love: In the delivery room, George said to me... "She's here honey! Your little princess is here!" How prophetic! princess:

I now have two teenagers in the house...... :faint:

Happy birthday Ariana! You've fought so hard to get where you are today... we love you! :lovestruc

mickeysmyboy

09-28-2009, 07:57 AM

ZeroToHero

09-28-2009, 08:03 AM

princess:Happy Birthday Ariana!princess:

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-12866521576591_2070_17026214

cheryterese

09-28-2009, 10:22 AM

Awwwww....happy birthday to your princess!!

Angies1274

09-28-2009, 12:24 PM

:bday:Happy Birthday to Ariana!!!princess:

I hope she has a wonderful day!!pixiedust:

party:

cjackearl

09-28-2009, 12:45 PM

:cake:Happy Birthday Ariana!!:cake:

What a great Epcot day! There never seems to be quite enough time to see everything in the WS, but you gave it a great college try! What lovely Illuminations pictures.:cloud9: I should probably learn a bit more about my camera, but I don't think its got a fireworks setting. It has a night portrait setting though.:confused: I love how Ariana's answer to Not-so-Favorite thing is always Nothing!:goodvibes

I've been meaning to tell you that your kids have the BEST cheeks!! I'd probably refrain from squeezing the teenagers, but Demetri would be in trouble.:rotfl: Such cuties.:)

Lady Lallie

09-28-2009, 01:01 PM

Happy Birthday!!! :wizard:

Mickey_Mom

09-28-2009, 09:00 PM

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j154/mommymissy27/bday.gif

Happy birthday Ariana!!!

Your sentiment was beautiful!! It brought tears to my eyes!! Today is a day for you to celebrate too!! Have a wonderful day!

princess:Happy Birthday Ariana!princess:

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-12866521576591_2070_17026214

Awwwww....happy birthday to your princess!!

:bday:Happy Birthday to Ariana!!!princess:

I hope she has a wonderful day!!pixiedust:

party:

:cake:Happy Birthday Ariana!!:cake:

What a great Epcot day! There never seems to be quite enough time to see everything in the WS, but you gave it a great college try! What lovely Illuminations pictures.:cloud9: I should probably learn a bit more about my camera, but I don't think its got a fireworks setting. It has a night portrait setting though.:confused: I love how Ariana's answer to Not-so-Favorite thing is always Nothing!:goodvibes

I've been meaning to tell you that your kids have the BEST cheeks!! I'd probably refrain from squeezing the teenagers, but Demetri would be in trouble.:rotfl: Such cuties.:)

:rotfl: They've inherited my chipmunk cheeks! Much cuter on them than they ever were on me!

Happy Birthday!!! :wizard:

Thank you so much everyone! :goodvibes You all had me fanning the air in front of my eyes :blush: She loved all of your happy birthdays and smiled ear to ear! You guys are the best.... thank you!

DisBride2009

09-28-2009, 09:07 PM

Hey,
Happy Birthday mama! I hope you had a wonderful birthday. May all your birthday wishes come true!

:woohoo:princess:****PRINCESS ARIANA's BIRTHDAY 2009****princess::woohoo:

PracPerfPatricia

09-29-2009, 09:06 AM

:bday: Happy Belated Birthday to Ariana!

I hope the day was everything you wanted it to be and that your year is full of happy days and magic!

Mickey_Mom

09-29-2009, 12:45 PM

Hey,
Happy Birthday mama! I hope you had a wonderful birthday. May all your birthday wishes come true!

:woohoo:princess:****PRINCESS ARIANA's BIRTHDAY 2009****princess::woohoo:

:bday: Happy Belated Birthday to Ariana!

I hope the day was everything you wanted it to be and that your year is full of happy days and magic!

Thank you both! :flower3: She'll be so thrilled tonite when I show her.

We went out for dinner last night to her favorite restaurant..... they gathered the staff and sang Happy Birthday to her while presenting her with a chocolatety overflowing brownie with a candle in it. She was dancing in her seat!

**Quick note, when she was six years old, she learned to answer the question "how old are you"? Problem is, she's always answered "six"..... she just wasn't getting the connection. This summer, right before our trip, she started answering "twelve" ! And now, she answers "thirteen" !! :yay::yay:

Mickey_Mom

09-29-2009, 08:08 PM

“Typhoon Lagoon was created in the wake of the storm-of-storms. Surfboards were hurled into palm trees and boats were tossed through thatched roofs of beach houses and onto mountains. A hapless shrimp boat, Miss Tilly, journeying from Safen Sound, Florida, found itself swept up by the twisting tides of the fierce typhoon. The storm's force propelled the boat onto the peak of the volcanic mountain, Mount Mayday. To this day the shrimp boat still sits—impaled and precariously perched. Every half hour, the boat's whistle blows and the volcano attempts to dislodge its burden by bursting, causing an enormous geyser of water to shoot skyward. After the storm swept out to sea, Mount Mayday became the source for many waterslides, rivers, rapids: a sun-drenched Water Park.” … About.com

Today we were super excited to be going for the first time to Typhoon Lagoon!

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/TL_ChefMickey/2009_0819pics0001.jpg

We’d added the water parks and more option to our park tickets this trip as an extra incentive for Alex. He was bummed when he couldn’t get a friend to come with him so we’d added the option and some extra days to the trip. All of us love water parks! George likes to snooze in the sun (foreshadowing alert!), I love the lazy river, and the kids love the fast slides and wave pool. We caught the bus at a respectable 9:30am and arrived in less than 10 minutes. I was a bit rushed getting thru the front gates so I only snagged one quick picture.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/TL_ChefMickey/2009_0819pics0002.jpg

As we were heading to find a spot, we were intrigued by the rental of a private cabana for the day. Can you imagine?! Two hundred and fifty dollars for the day…. whew! Private cabana quickly rejected, we moved on to snag a spot for the day and then come back for lockers, life jacket etc. We just followed the path and really had no idea what was considered a “good” spot to go so we just figured we’d find out what we’d end up with.

We kept going until we literally hit the water :laughing: and found a table right beside the “Let’s Go Slurpin” drinks station. Unfortunately it was also a smoking area but we didn’t know that until later and it was too late to move. But oh well, we were planning on spending most of our time in the water anyway so…..

We rented a locker and got Demetri a life jacket, slathered up with sunscreen and went for a walk around the edges of the pool to see everything. We decided to find the Castaway Creek lazy river and just sail around the park to see what all was there. We didn’t have a map yet so we were just relying on the signs and walked straight away from the entrance to the lazy river that was right behind our chairs. :rotfl: We did make it on though and man, could I have just stayed on there all day! I mean, why get off?

We quickly learned how it worked, each entrance had a name (thankfully, since I always lost track of where I was!) and the tubes stay in the river… you just grab one from someone coming off. You never had to wait very long and you just hop on and go. Loved it! We did a complete circuit and then found out our closest entrance to our spot was the Seahorse one. Mental note. We went in the main pool and had a hoot battling those huge waves!

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/TL_ChefMickey/01060020.jpg

Every thirty seconds or so you’d hear what we labeled a “fwoomp!” sound and a wave would start. I was in complete awe of the size of those things! They are crazy high! Mind you, you have to be pretty far out to get the highest part of the waves, and when they reached the outer edges they were hardly more than teeny blips, but holy crap! How do they do that?!

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/TL_ChefMickey/01060003.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/TL_ChefMickey/01060002.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/TL_ChefMickey/01060004.jpg

Demetri was freaked out by the waves and we were worried it was going to be an early day for him, but George showed him something that soon had him running towards the water everytime he heard the fwoomp. He showed him how little the waves were at the edges and if he sat down in the water right when the wave hit, by the time the water came to him it would gently lift him of the bottom and carry him forwards and backwards.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/TL_ChefMickey/01060010.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/TL_ChefMickey/01060009.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/TL_ChefMickey/01060011.jpg

We were in the vicinity of our table when we noticed someone sitting at it and another person standing beside them. I looked over at George with a raised eyebrow and he nodded back to me with hands raised telling me he was watching them. I shrugged and turned back to the kids watching them play. A little bit later I look back at the table and suddenly one of our five chairs had been shoved to another table. :eek: Well honey, watch them all you want but I’m going over there to claim back our table! I mean our stuff was all over it, our shoes were underneath each chair and the stroller was tucked into it to. There’s no misunderstandings there, they just wanted to take it. :mad:

So I casually walk back to our table, grab one of our towels and bring the fifth chair back with a smile on my face that plainly reads, “bye bye!” :beach: I seriously thought for a minute they weren’t going to leave but then they looked at one another and finally got up. Geesh!

I have no idea in what order we did anything at this park, I don’t have a whole lot of pictures to remind me. I did turn Alex lose with the waterproof camera and he came back with some pretty cool shots.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/TL_ChefMickey/01060019.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/TL_ChefMickey/01060008.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/TL_ChefMickey/01060007.jpg

:lmao:

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/TL_ChefMickey/01060018.jpg

:rotfl2:

I snagged the camera back and took a few shots of Ariana too..... :goodvibes

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/TL_ChefMickey/01060021.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/TL_ChefMickey/01060022.jpg

Up Next: Uhhhhhh, I'm not feeling so great.....

mickeysmyboy

09-29-2009, 08:33 PM

jordanyosh

09-30-2009, 12:44 AM

Typhoon Lagoon is never a bad time even when it's really crowded. Who can beat Castaway Creek? I have actually fallen asleep on an innertube floating around on CC.

How old do you think kids need to be to enjoy Kim Possible? Do you think Erin would be able to do it? She'll be 7 1/2 when we go and she's super smart.

Mickey_Mom

09-30-2009, 06:07 AM

Sounds like a great morning at Typhoon Lagoon!

Well, except for the chair stealing people! Those are the same people who walk up next to you 2 minutes before the parade starts and expect you to move for them. Ummmm no, not going to happen!

I hope everything was ok and no one got too sick!! The foreshadowing is going to kill me until the next time you update!!

Ugh, you're right.... pushy parade people :headache: The foreshadowing involves some minor plan changing.......

Typhoon Lagoon is never a bad time even when it's really crowded. Who can beat Castaway Creek? I have actually fallen asleep on an innertube floating around on CC.

How old do you think kids need to be to enjoy Kim Possible? Do you think Erin would be able to do it? She'll be 7 1/2 when we go and she's super smart.

For a while there I thought I was going to fall asleep on CC too... I could feel myself drifting off while drifting along and the kids were with George..... but then suddenly realized my face was beaming straight up into the sun. Would not have been pretty!

For sure Erin would love Kim Possible. There is lots of audio and the clues are by no means hard, there are pictures to guide you and a "help" button on the phone if you need more detail than what the initial clue is.

Demetri loved being the "Kimmunicator keeper" while we were searching for our next clues and he loved huddle-ing up with us around the phone to shield it off from everyone else to keep it a secret.

cjackearl

09-30-2009, 06:10 AM

wdwgirl03

09-30-2009, 06:51 AM

Wow, nice of those people to just make themselves comfortable at your table. :rolleyes: Atleast you got it back!

The wave pool pictures are so cool. We went to TL years ago and I remember the waves being really big (and lots of fun!).

Angies1274

09-30-2009, 07:34 AM

Yay!!!:yay: I'm so happy to see an update about TL!!! We are thinking of adding on the Water Park option on our next trip. I'm not sure that we will be able to get to both waterparks so we are leaning toward TL because we heard it's more family friendly. Is this true?

It looks like you had a fun time!! I'm so glad that Demetri was able to enjoy the wave pool!! BTW--Your pictures are really beautiful!!!:goodvibes

I can't believe those people trying to steal your table.:sad2: Good for you for going over there and stopping them!!!:thumbsup2

KathyRN137

09-30-2009, 08:04 AM

Whoops! Forgot the Favorite and Not-so-Favorites for our Epcot day.

ALEX:
:) The rain! Spaceship Earth

I loved how Alex thought the rain was a favorite part of the day! Was it because he got a chance to just sit and hang out with his brother and sister?

Kathy

KathyRN137

09-30-2009, 08:17 AM

Great idea giving Alex the waterproof camera... I bought one for Tricia and one for Catie so they can do the same! :thumbsup2 They're for pool pix, though, we're not doing the water parks...

Demitri looks pleased as punch with himself for conquering the big wave! :goodvibes I'll bet Ariana loved the pressure of the water, too.

If we ever do one of the water parks I can definitely see myself wanting to stay in the lazy river for most of the day! :cloud9:

And great job defending your turf!

Kathy

Oh, and a Happy Belated Birthday to the big teen-age girl!!

3princesses+aprince

09-30-2009, 08:33 AM

I LOVE your TL update. We cannot wait to go there in August too, those water parks look so great. We're going to try to do both.

Your little guy is so cute in the little waves.:goodvibes

PracPerfPatricia

09-30-2009, 08:55 AM

George doesn't get sunburned does he...:guilty:..you mentioned he likes to snooze in the sun...I hope whoever it is...it isn't too bad...:confused3

Love the look on Demetri's face...good for George for showing him something fun to do that wasn't going to overwhelm him...:thumbsup2...I love that wave pool-but it can be intense...

Annoying table thieves...:headache:...good for you...Doesn't it ever blow your mind how some people just don't think the same rules apply to them as the rest of the world?...

Love the update....popcorn::

mickeystoontown

09-30-2009, 12:04 PM

It looks like you guys are having a blast at Typhoon Lagoon. I am not a fan of the wave pool.....seems like I just get sloshed around everywhere. The pictures are just fantastic. I took a waterproof camera with us to TL too but I haven't gotten the film developed yet to see if any of the pictures turned out.

Looking forward to reading more!

Lady Lallie

09-30-2009, 01:07 PM

Typhoon Lagoon looks like so MUCH FUN! WOO HOO!

Mickey_Mom

10-01-2009, 01:13 PM

Way to handle the table thieves! Seriously, if you want a good spot, or any spot, at one of the water parks you have to get there early and if not you can't go around snagging someone else's!:headache:

I'm glad Demetri found a way to enjoy the wave pool. It can be intimidating!

Uh oh, who's not feeling well?

Table thieves :laughing: I like that. I couldn't believe their nerve! That kind of stuff always irks me.

He had such fun in the pool, it wasn't until half way thru the day we thought to check out the kiddie section.

Wow, nice of those people to just make themselves comfortable at your table. :rolleyes: Atleast you got it back!

The wave pool pictures are so cool. We went to TL years ago and I remember the waves being really big (and lots of fun!).

People were body surfing those waves! Very cool.

Yay!!!:yay: I'm so happy to see an update about TL!!! We are thinking of adding on the Water Park option on our next trip. I'm not sure that we will be able to get to both waterparks so we are leaning toward TL because we heard it's more family friendly. Is this true?

It looks like you had a fun time!! I'm so glad that Demetri was able to enjoy the wave pool!! BTW--Your pictures are really beautiful!!!:goodvibes

I can't believe those people trying to steal your table.:sad2: Good for you for going over there and stopping them!!!:thumbsup2

We liked both parks for different reasons..... personally I didn't think either park was more family friendly than the other. More updates coming for both parks! Hopefully that will help.

How proud do you think I was when I saw Alex snapped a Mickey head photo for me? :rotfl:

Mickey_Mom

10-01-2009, 02:01 PM

I loved how Alex thought the rain was a favorite part of the day! Was it because he got a chance to just sit and hang out with his brother and sister?

Kathy

That answer definately made me smile. I asked him at the time why it was his favorite part and he replied, "I don't know. It was just cool." He liked Pooh Bear's room of rain too. :confused: Maybe that's the storm chaser in him! :laughing:

Great idea giving Alex the waterproof camera... I bought one for Tricia and one for Catie so they can do the same! :thumbsup2 They're for pool pix, though, we're not doing the water parks...

I should have got more waterproof cameras for pool pics now that I see what he did at the parks! They went fast though... 27 pictures each wasn't enough!

Demitri looks pleased as punch with himself for conquering the big wave! :goodvibes I'll bet Ariana loved the pressure of the water, too.

Oh the smiles on Demetri's face everytime the wave came was priceless! Ariana got more of a kick pretending to be Ariel and having the waves splash up around her :rotfl:

If we ever do one of the water parks I can definitely see myself wanting to stay in the lazy river for most of the day! :cloud9:

The lazy river was definately heaven on earth!

And great job defending your turf!

Kathy

Oh, and a Happy Belated Birthday to the big teen-age girl!!

Thank you! Dinner and the movies are two of her favorite things so we went to her favorite restaurant and went to see Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 3D. Very cute movie!

I LOVE your TL update. We cannot wait to go there in August too, those water parks look so great. We're going to try to do both.

Your little guy is so cute in the little waves.:goodvibes

:goodvibesThey were fabulous and so much more than I expected them to be. My family loves water parks but I'm more used to just a little wave pool with a slide ride here or there.... This was a water park Disney style!

George doesn't get sunburned does he...:guilty:..you mentioned he likes to snooze in the sun...I hope whoever it is...it isn't too bad...:confused3

George is very susceptible to sun burns.... when he was a teenager he was hopsitalized because he fell asleep in the sun all day......

Love the look on Demetri's face...good for George for showing him something fun to do that wasn't going to overwhelm him...:thumbsup2...I love that wave pool-but it can be intense...

For sure he didn't want anything to do with the waves farther in, even in George's arms.... it's definately a really strong wave.

Annoying table thieves...:headache:...good for you...Doesn't it ever blow your mind how some people just don't think the same rules apply to them as the rest of the world?...

All the time! And to boot, they were smoking while sitting there. Seriously! :mad:

Love the update....popcorn::

It looks like you guys are having a blast at Typhoon Lagoon. I am not a fan of the wave pool.....seems like I just get sloshed around everywhere. The pictures are just fantastic. I took a waterproof camera with us to TL too but I haven't gotten the film developed yet to see if any of the pictures turned out.

Looking forward to reading more!

That's a fairly accurate description... sloshed around. :rotfl: You definately lose your footing and end up in a much different place than where you were standing!

Typhoon Lagoon looks like so MUCH FUN! WOO HOO!

It was!

JPFamilyMom

10-01-2009, 09:51 PM

Gosh I can't believe I missed so much, work has had me exhausted each day, each night I try and catch up on at least one (though I try for two) PTR/Tr's- tonight was yours

So Happy Belated Birthday Ariana, wow 13. I remember those years, fondly and not so fondly, lol, teenage turmoil. And so you have two teens now:thumbsup2:thumbsup2

Way to go George on the nice stroller save, I would've greatly appreciated that if I was so lucky as to have my stroller saved on a rainy day.

Mickey race cars :scared1: I'm in trouble there if my boys see those :lmao: They'll want to buy them all. My plan is to get them each a gift card to be their spending money, but they might be too young to fully understand that concept:rolleyes:

Love your Illuminations pictures, you got some great shots. I can't wait to see that show, that is one of my top things to do.

Typhoon lagoon looks like fun, we did blizzard beach on our honeymoon, but I'm just not a water park kinda girl :confused3 and DH came off that big big big slide with a headache so that put a short stop to our afternoon. Can't wait to see what else you did at the water park.

Demetri is so cute, he is such a little ham

Mickey_Mom

10-02-2009, 01:33 PM

Gosh I can't believe I missed so much, work has had me exhausted each day, each night I try and catch up on at least one (though I try for two) PTR/Tr's- tonight was yours

Yay... welcome back ;) Hope things settle for you soon, it's not fun being exhausted all the time.

So Happy Belated Birthday Ariana, wow 13. I remember those years, fondly and not so fondly, lol, teenage turmoil. And so you have two teens now:thumbsup2:thumbsup2

Thank you! Yep, keeping up with the angst keeps me on my toes! :rolleyes:

Way to go George on the nice stroller save, I would've greatly appreciated that if I was so lucky as to have my stroller saved on a rainy day.

Yep, that's pretty much why he does those kinds of things. :goodvibes

Mickey race cars :scared1: I'm in trouble there if my boys see those :lmao: They'll want to buy them all. My plan is to get them each a gift card to be their spending money, but they might be too young to fully understand that concept:rolleyes:

Be prepared.. they're all over! :laughing: The gift card each is smart... I'm going to be especially frugal for our Christmas trip and although we don't spend a whole lot anyway, I think I'll do that too just to keep things under control. :thumbsup2

Love your Illuminations pictures, you got some great shots. I can't wait to see that show, that is one of my top things to do.

Thanks.... its a beautiful show for sure. Listen for the flames to be blown out! Did I mention that's one of my favorite parts? :rotfl:

Typhoon lagoon looks like fun, we did blizzard beach on our honeymoon, but I'm just not a water park kinda girl :confused3 and DH came off that big big big slide with a headache so that put a short stop to our afternoon. Can't wait to see what else you did at the water park.

Demetri is so cute, he is such a little ham

TL was a LOT of fun .... George didn't have a lot of luck at both water parks but that's another update... :rolleyes: Demetri's definately a character... almost everyone we meet asks us with a huge smile on their face, "Is he always like this?" :lmao:

jordanyosh

10-02-2009, 08:22 PM

[FONT="Comic Sans MS"][SIZE="4"][COLOR="blue"]For a while there I thought I was going to fall asleep on CC too... I could feel myself drifting off while drifting along and the kids were with George..... but then suddenly realized my face was beaming straight up into the sun. Would not have been pretty!

For sure Erin would love Kim Possible. There is lots of audio and the clues are by no means hard, there are pictures to guide you and a "help" button on the phone if you need more detail than what the initial clue is.

Demetri loved being the "Kimmunicator keeper" while we were searching for our next clues and he loved huddle-ing up with us around the phone to shield it off from everyone else to keep it a secret.

I had that issue. I fell asleep and my front side was a little more red than my backside, but I didn't burn so it was all good.

I'm glad you think Erin will like Kim Possible. I think she will like it too!

Happydog

10-03-2009, 12:14 PM

Had to get all caught up now, and I really really enjoyed reading your EPCOT posts, you have so many details! They were great! We have yet to explore everything there, ourselves, so I know that there is always more to do, you are right! I also really liked the photos, you take nice pictures! Typhoon Lagoon looks like it was a fun day too... we can't go there quite yet, not until both of mine swim, it would be too stressful for me otherwise. HOWEVER, I cannot believe someone would think they could just take your table!! :headache: Good grief! Looking forward to hearing more about the day!

Mickey_Mom

10-03-2009, 07:43 PM

my front side was a little more red than my backside

Oh dear... I had to read that a few times to catch that.... :rotfl2:

Had to get all caught up now, and I really really enjoyed reading your EPCOT posts, you have so many details! They were great! We have yet to explore everything there, ourselves, so I know that there is always more to do, you are right! I also really liked the photos, you take nice pictures! Typhoon Lagoon looks like it was a fun day too... we can't go there quite yet, not until both of mine swim, it would be too stressful for me otherwise. HOWEVER, I cannot believe someone would think they could just take your table!! :headache: Good grief! Looking forward to hearing more about the day!

I remember when I first started reading the DIS, I loved reading reports (and still do!) with lots of detail. :thumbsup2 Plus, I'll be able to read back and remember myself. :goodvibes

A little more to tell about TL... we just came back from the Toy Story double feature :3dglasses so hopefully tomorrow!

ZeroToHero

10-03-2009, 07:44 PM

Was it awesome? I want to see it!

Mickey_Mom

10-03-2009, 08:15 PM

Was it awesome? I want to see it!

You know what? I LOVE the movies..... I love the dimension... I loved seeing them on the super huge screen... I loved wearing the funky glasses and giggling with my kids at all the parts that we love... I loved the entertaining intermission..... but......

I was expecting things to be popping out at me, to want to reach out and grab things or duck from something coming straight at me.... to be saying "whoa.. cool!" ..... but it wasn't.

It didn't quite live up to my expectations, but we really, really enjoyed going.

Mickey's Philharmagic has totally spoiled me!

Mickey_Mom

10-05-2009, 08:49 PM

Boats were tossed and palms were bent. And when the storm of storms finally blew out to sea, it left behind this topsy-turvy tropical paradise. A sun-drenched oasis for swimming, soaking and sliding. – “The Story” TL guide map

We had a full day at TL before our Chef Mickey reservations for 8pm that we were realllllly looking forward to. Two days before leaving for our trip was Alex’s birthday and in lieu of a party we were going to celebrate at Chef Mickeys – his favorite. He’d also just graduated from middle school so we were throwing that into the celebration too. :cake:

No pictures for these … sorry….. I always forgot to strap the disposable around my wrist. Anyway, in the order as close as I can remember…..

Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool – so this is the main pool with the previously mentioned fwoomps! that let out the crazy six foot waves. We loved it! Ariana was right out there waiting for the waves to crash but then she started channeling her inner Mermaid and wanted to sit on the little half walls that were at the edges of the pool. The water would crash up around her just like Ariel and she would smile ear to ear. :goodvibes

Castaway Creek – fabulous lazy river with the occasional waterfall to either avoid or steer towards depending on your preference. All of us loved the lazy river… we would sometimes all hold hands so this virtual wall of boats would be floating around, or sometimes Alex would float away with Demetri or me with Ariana…. We were hardly at our table at all because anytime we had some free time between other attractions we’d always hop on to the lazy river. We also used it as a way to get around the park too… “Oh you want to check out Ketchakiddee Creek? OK, lets hop on the lazy river!” We must have been on it over half the day. :rotfl:

Keelhaul Falls / Mayday Falls / Gangplank Falls – way, way, super fun slide rides that we all could go on. Gangplank was a family rafting one which we had so much fun on…… it had the longest line but so worth it. Keelhaul and Mayday were a blast. I was worried my little dare devil was going to have problems at the ends of the rides where you’re basically dunked into the water at the end, but we had a system of what order everyone went in:

Alex (who got an added bonus of being the first to do everything) who would then await…
Ariana so she wouldn’t leave without us, then….
George so he could set himself up to catch….
Demetri at the bottom, and lastly….
me who would make sure Demetri went off OK. :thumbsup2

Demetri was OK getting dunked as long as George at least made an attempt to catch him at the end.

Humunga Kowabunga – This one is three side by side slides where you go straight down super fast. I personally didn’t do this one, it was too big for Demetri so I waited with him at the bottom of the slides where there are steps to sit on. Alex, Ariana and George did this one and the lines must have been crazy because it did seem to take them a while. Demetri and I had a hoot watching the people come off of this ride. You come down so quickly you can’t help but stand up with a wedgie of some sort! :crazy2: Finally my family made it down and Ariana came out first with a humungous smile on her face. George and Alex came out a split second later laughing the whole way.

Storm Slides – We were going to go on these right after Humunga Kowabunga but it was close to lunch time so we decided to save it for later. Unfortunately we forgot all about it and didn’t get back to them, nor Shark Reef which was right beside it, nor did we walk thru the Mountain Trail. :rolleyes2 Those are all next times!

At lunch time we decided to head towards Leaning Palms. We grabbed the standards, burgers and pizzas and headed back to our table where the table thieves had previously been thwarted. Cookies saved for later, we headed back to more of all the fun.

Ketchakiddie Creek – this is the children’s area which I would guestimate is best served for kids around seven and under. It has slides and a tiny raft ride, playground type toys with the water jets and what have you. Demetri didn’t spend a whole lot of time here because he wanted to go on the big boy rides!

Eventually it was time to head over to Crush ‘n’ Gusher which we wanted to accomplish before getting ready to leave for Chef Mickey. George had been sun worshiping most of the afternoon and hung back to swim with Demetri in the little pool area at the end of Crush ‘n’ Gusher so he could switch off after I went on. You pick up your two or three person boat at the bottom and carry it up the stairs. The line was short and continuously moving so in no time we were right on. Alex was a single rider and I went on with Ariana. I did not enjoy this ride at all! Next time I will try it as a single rider because I found it completely awkward to sit behind Ariana comfortably. My back (and butt) kept smashing into the ride as we were going down because of the way I was sitting and it hurt! But I figure it was just me and next time will be better…..

Next it was my turn to swim with Demetri in the pool while George went with the kids on Crush ‘n’ Gusher. I warned him about my experience but he came off saying it was a hoot – short but a hoot and didn’t have the same problem I did. Yep, must of just been me. Knowing we were all done with Typhoon Lagoon, we took our time walking back to the table gathering our belongings. We went back to Singapore Sal’s where we’d gotten the locker and life jacket from and I saw the coolest shirt. I really wish I’d bought it and I saw it two more times on our trip but still I didn’t get it. :sad2: It was the Nemo seagulls saying Mine! Mine! Mine! Wonder if the Disney Store online sells it?

We were heading over to the bus area when I notice George is looking a little peckish. He’d been pretty good about keeping up with the sun screen like the rest of us, but he burns quite easily after his teenage slumber-in-the-sun episode back in the day. :sick: He was not feeling very good and decided to head back to the Pop while the rest of us went to our Chef Mickey dinner. He felt bad missing it, but realized he would feel much better taking it easy the rest of the night than to force it through dinner. So after a little more coaxing from him, he hopped the bus back to the Pop while the kids and I grabbed one to the Contemporary.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/TL_ChefMickey/2009_0819pics0003.jpg

We love Chef Mickeys!

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/TL_ChefMickey/2009_0819pics0004.jpg

Our first trip was the dinner buffet and our second was the breakfast. We much prefer the dinner and have so many fabulous memories from that first trip that we were eager to get back and relive them and invent some more! They’d done some renovations since the last time we were there and the new set up was great. There was no line up for the Chef Mickey pictures so we posed while the picture man graciously used my camera to take the picture....

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/TL_ChefMickey/2009_0819pics0005.jpg

Too bad he didn’t zoom in…. see how pink we all are?

I’d explained we were now a party of four and it was no problem to change it. Less than 5 minutes later we were led to our table… right in the section Angie sat in. :laughing: Not quite by the window, that would have been a lovely view, but in that general area. Our autograph book at the ready, we loaded up our plates and quickly came back to our table to await the gang.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/TL_ChefMickey/2009_0819pics0007.jpg

CONTINUED IN NEXT POST.

Mickey_Mom

10-05-2009, 08:57 PM

First to arrive? Minnie!

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/TL_ChefMickey/2009_0819pics0008.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/TL_ChefMickey/2009_0819pics0009.jpg

Not long after was Pluto....

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/TL_ChefMickey/2009_0819pics0010.jpg

Always makes me laugh!

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/TL_ChefMickey/2009_0819pics0013.jpg

Next was the Big Cheese himself and everyone wanted in on the picture together this time….

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/TL_ChefMickey/2009_0819pics0016.jpg

I looked at the picture after this one and asked Alex what was wrong, he didn’t look happy. He looked at the picture and shook his head and said “That’s just my smile Mom. I’m having a great time!”

Right after Mickey left, Goofy arrived…

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/TL_ChefMickey/2009_0819pics0018.jpg

See that little boy there Alex? THAT’S how you smile! Just kidding!

Donald arrived shortly after….

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/TL_ChefMickey/2009_0819pics0020.jpg

And then it was napkin twirling time! Ariana decided to teach our area the finer techniques involved in the flicking of the wrist.....

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/TL_ChefMickey/2009_0819pics0022.jpg

Seeing this picture reminds me…. I need new dining room furniture, LOL!

Dinner finished, we’d now come to the part of the dinner we were most looking forward to. On our first trip, Alex raided the sundae bar and created a concoction that he so loved, he dubbed it the ultimate jube-jube sundae that he raves about to this day.

Today was not about recreating the jube-jube sundae, but topping it. Could it be done? We each went to the sundae bar and created our own masterpieces.

Which one do you like the best?

Ariana’s…..
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/TL_ChefMickey/2009_0819pics0025.jpg

Demetri’s…..
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/TL_ChefMickey/2009_0819pics0026.jpg

Alex’s….
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/TL_ChefMickey/2009_0819pics0027.jpg

Or mine? ….
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/TL_ChefMickey/2009_0819pics0028.jpg

Strangely, they all look pretty similar. :lmao:

While eating his 2009 sundae, I asked Alex to pose as he did for his 2006 sundae. He was laughing too much, he couldn’t do it.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/WDW085.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/TL_ChefMickey/2009_0819pics0029.jpg

An hour and a half later it was time to head out.

We took the monorail to the Magic Kingdom to catch the bus pack to the Pop. What a nice ride that was, I almost wanted to go a full loop and go around a second time. We had the car to ourselves so it was wonderfully quiet….. the lights of the resorts were reflecting off the water… the sky was beautifully clear of clouds….. the Magic Kingdom was softly aglow… .. sigh.

We briefly contemplated running inside MK to catch Wishes, but we were anxious to get back to George to see how he was doing and we had another MK day coming up soon.

A few shots while we were waiting….

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/TL_ChefMickey/2009_0819pics0032.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/TL_ChefMickey/2009_0819pics0033.jpg

Wouldn’t you know it, the bus pulled up just as Wishes got started and I was able to grab just one quick pic....

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/TL_ChefMickey/2009_0819pics0034.jpg

A very sleep boy being carried to our rooms….

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/TR_pics/TL_ChefMickey/2009_0819pics0036.jpg

George was snoozing and watching TV. He’d gotten something small to eat at the food court a little while after getting back but was more or less drinking lots of water. He still wasn’t feeling quite himself but loved hearing about our evening. It was a great ending to an otherwise really, really fun day.

Favorites and Not-So-Favorites:

ALEX:
:)Chef Mickey!
:upsidedowNothing!

ARIANA:
:)Chef Mickey!
:upsidedowNothing!

DEMETRI:
:)Keelhaul Falls!
:upsidedowNot being tall enough for Crush ‘n’ Gusher

Next up: Ohana means FAMILY and Alia means WAIT!

jordanyosh

10-05-2009, 09:37 PM

ZeroToHero

10-05-2009, 09:38 PM

Woahhhh!!!! Alex looks soooo young! (Granted, it had been 3 years) but wow!

Maybe it's just that after a certain point, you don't look much different?

:rotfl: I feel old!

Also, now I really want to do a waterpark! Are the lines for things about as long as for headliners at the 4 parks, or shorter? What is a "long" line to you?

And I've never done Chef Mickey's either! All these new things I need to do! I feel like there's not enough time, but in reality, it just means we need to keep going back! ;)

JPFamilyMom

10-06-2009, 12:46 AM

I was planning a breakfast at Chef Mickeys but your post has me considering a dinner there :confused3:;) Will have to ponder this thought for awhile, I have plenty of time :lmao: of course.

Glad you all had a fun day at Typhoon Lagoon, sorry about George, yep that was like our day, poor guy.

Can't wait to see what you did next :yay:popcorn::

wdwgirl03

10-06-2009, 07:06 AM

Storm Slides – We were going to go on these right after Humunga Kowabunga but it was close to lunch time so we decided to save it for later. Unfortunately we forgot all about it and didn’t get back to them, nor [COLOR="black"]Shark Reef which was right beside it, nor did we walk thru the Mountain Trail. :rolleyes2 Those are all next times!

If the Storm Slides are the ones I am remembering, you didn't really miss anything. They seemed really short to us, especially compared to all the slides at Blizzard Beach.

Looks like you had fun at Chef Mickey's! I'd like to eat there one day.

Angies1274

10-06-2009, 08:28 AM

Thanks for all the info at TL!!:thumbsup2 The lazy river sounds like something I would definitely enjoy!!;) I'm glad everyone had a great day!! But, I'm sorry that your DH didn't feel well and had to miss Chef Mickey's.:sad2:

Yay!!!!:yay: Chef Mickey's!!! We love Chef Mickey's too!!! and double YAY! for sitting in the same area that we did!!! I think we have sat in every area there and we liked that section the best.:thumbsup2

Okay, it's only 9:00am and I want one of those sundaes!!!:laughing: They look so yummy!!!

Great character pics!! I love Demetri's smile--so adorable!!:goodvibes--and how can you not get a picture of Pluto signing the autograph books?--too cute!!!

Mickey_Mom

10-06-2009, 11:47 AM

Typhoon Lagoon...I love your explanations of each thing you did! It helped give us a visual!

Castaway Creek IS Heaven.

Chef Mickeys--it seems people love this place. Its on our short list for our trip this Feb.

I hope George is okay.

Everything about CM is cool... the decor, the giant mural, the gliding monorails.... and the food is delish. You'll love it. Oh, I forgot to mention..... no birds this time!

Woahhhh!!!! Alex looks soooo young! (Granted, it had been 3 years) but wow!

Maybe it's just that after a certain point, you don't look much different?

:rotfl: I feel old!

You feel old?! :lmao: Once he turned 11 yrs old, whew..... he grew up before my eyes sooooo quickly. :sad1:

Also, now I really want to do a waterpark! Are the lines for things about as long as for headliners at the 4 parks, or shorter? What is a "long" line to you?

I thought the lines were fairly short all day actually. With Ariana's GAC I've only ever experienced lines at the 4 parks like a fast pass would give you and I can't remember the TL lines being any longer than that. Highly recommend you two go!

And I've never done Chef Mickey's either! All these new things I need to do! I feel like there's not enough time, but in reality, it just means we need to keep going back! ;)

CM is a must do for us every time we go! As long as you're able, keep that 'next time' mentality so you don't try to jam too much in or leave disappointed that you missed something. It took me three trips to reach that epiphany and now I know I'm a life time member of the Disney club! :laughing:

I was planning a breakfast at Chef Mickeys but your post has me considering a dinner there :confused3:;) Will have to ponder this thought for awhile, I have plenty of time :lmao: of course.

We really prefer the dinner but I also think a lot of that comes from the memories of our first ever time there. Our sundae contest fun is of course applicable only at dinner time! :rotfl:

Glad you all had a fun day at Typhoon Lagoon, sorry about George, yep that was like our day, poor guy.

Can't wait to see what you did next :yay:popcorn::

Oh yeah! Geez. Big, strong guys melting in the sun. :rotfl: