Trip+Dining: Why can't we live here? -Photo Heavy!- 12/30 updated

[Singledad]

Okay, Currently uploading hundreds of photos. Seriously, hundreds. That isn't counting the photopass photos I still need to claim. So, while waiting for things to upload, I figured to at least get this started.

We did do a pre-trip report located: Here. (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2702494)

Cast of characters:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/Friday/SAM_1705.jpg

"Me, 27, single parent of one little girl. Name is Scott. I am allergic to the sun (PMLE), and even sun block doesn't help. I also have other medical problems and tons of anxiety. Oh, and I am Transgendered (FtM) and we go in June for Gay Days!"

DD: she is 5 and is suspected to be on the autism spectrum (high functioning/Aspergers?) She does have Sensory Integration Disorder/Sensory Processing Disorder (same thing, different names). Seeker for most things, avoider for just a few. She also gets tired very easily.

Trust me, I will be adding photos.. tons of photos. But as I said, we are still uploading.

Our plans:

Sunday:
Pack car
11pm go to work

Monday:
7am get off work
SLEEP
Drive from school to BIL's (Chicago)

Tuesday, may 31st:
7:55am Fly out of midway
Arrive at orlando around 11:30am.
Check-in, All Star Music
Epcot
4:30pm Garden Grill

Wednesday, June 1st: MK day
Magic kingdom
2:05pm Lunch in park @ The Crystal Palace
7:00pm Dinner @Liberty tree tavern
9pm - main street parade! MUST SEE!!!

Thrusday, June 2ed: DHS day
7:40am Chef Mickeys @ Disney's Contemporary Resort
DHS
12:5opm lunch in park @ Hollywood and Vine
6:00pm Supper in park @sci-Fi Dine-In theater
DTD?

Friday, June 3rd:
Move hotel day-move to CBR

8:15am head to MK, then monorail/boat Disney's Polynesian Resort.
9:50am breakfast @ ohana's

Blizzard beach.
dinner off proptery @ Kobe's
Maybe DTD/Disney Quest?

Saterday, June 4rd: MK day/Red day!

9:10am Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in the Castle
10:05am breakfast @ Cinderella's Royal Table
4pm snacks in Adventureland @ aloha isle
Possible Fireworks: 10pm

Sunday, June 5th:

Check out day
DTD
magical express to airport by 2:30pm or so
5:20pm fly out
7:10pm arrive in chicago

Monday, June 6th:
Turn 28!(my birthday!)
Drive Home


~~~
Now, to see what really happened!


Pre-trip (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41394848&postcount=2)

Day one: Aren't you tired YET!? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41395131&postcount=3)
Day one: Epcot! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41424382&postcount=9)
Garden Grill (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41424444&postcount=10)

Day Two: Magic Kingdom! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41494523&postcount=24)
Day Two: MK day goes on. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41494523&postcount=25)
Crystal Palace (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41494761&postcount=26)
Liberty Tree Tavern (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41494858&postcount=28)
Day Two: after the kingdom (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41507227&postcount=37)

Day Three: Chef Mickey's in photos (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41871852&postcount=51)
Photopass interlude (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41872048&postcount=52)
Day Three: The most magical day (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42093377&postcount=61)
Day Three: Magic goes on (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42093485&postcount=62)
Day Three: Yes more magic! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42093591&postcount=63) <-- Includes Sci-Fi Dine INN
Day Three: Is that Pixie Dust in my eyes? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42093632&postcount=64)
Day Three: Photos and more (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42093863&postcount=65)

Update? Maybe (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42301954&postcount=72) - pow-wow

Hollywood and Vine/Play N Dine (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43582399&postcount=82) *NEW*

Day Four: Moving Day! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43582536&postcount=84) *NEW* <--Includes Ohana breakfast!
Day Four: Kobe's! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43582574&postcount=85) *NEW*

[Singledad]

Our plans:
Sunday:
Pack car
11pm go to work

Monday:
7am get off work
SLEEP
Drive from school to BIL's (Chicago)

~~~
What happened:

Well, I didn't end up finish packing our stuff before work on sunday, so I didn't pack the car before work. I also didn't get off work at 7am, but rather closer to 9:30am. Since I was all pumped and wide awake, I hurried home, finished packing, tossed everything into my car, child included :lmao:. Then drove off to... wait, BIL informed me the day before that even He wasn't planning on sleeping at home Monday night due to a family wedding bringing in the hordes. Thankfully my dad and family where actually home, unlike originally planned. So we drove to my dad's instead. This was actually a very good thing.

Not only did I have an hour less to drive that evening, I got to see my dad, DD got to sleep in a familiar place, and I got to wash our clothes before our trip. Why didn't I just pack clean clothes? well most of them were clean, yet reeked of smoke due to my mother being a chain smoker. :sick: So This saved me needing to wash clothes first thing at disney. :banana: :banana: :banana:

We went to be around 8pm. Mind you I was awake for nearly 24 hours at this point. Lets see how day one goes! :rolleyes:

Next Posting (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41395131&postcount=3)

[Singledad]

So, since we had to drive to my BIL's to drop his car off first we had to wake up around 3am. :eek:

We left my Dad's around 4am, but not before Dad slipped me some more money! (Thanks dad! I really really really appreciate this! :worship:)

Off to BIL's then I get to ride, and him drive. Off to the airport!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/Epcot/SAM_1159.jpg

DD is awefully awake for this crazy hour! I pray she naps on the plane, But will she?

I had done check in online so had our boarding passes, just needed to check our luggage. See, we fly southwest airlines. DD has never been on any other flight than SW. I love the fact you get two checked bags per ticket, there is no fee to change your flights, and I just always get a great ticket price.

as i was in line to check bags i noticed we forgot a bag in the trunk!! :sad2: I was willing to go without it, but when i told DD i forgot the bag with her blanket and pillow she started to tear up. :idea: so i called BIL and had him come back through. All bags now accounted for, we checked them in and got through secruity. This year no one did any tests on my auto-pap (like a c-pap) :confused3 guess x ray is enough now. and we made it through pretty easy.

ate breakfast there from mc donalds, snapped a pic with my laptop:

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/252751_10150629227850584_663425583_18946279_920768 _n.jpg

Our plane arrived a little early, which was great. We had a DISmeet on the plane, with chwgmjay (http://www.disboards.com/member.php?u=235193). Poor guy was being man handled and talked to death by my DD. :sad2:

But she did PRETEND to sleep... for a moment.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/Epcot/SAM_1161.jpg


Got to airport, said bye for now to chwgmjay (http://www.disboards.com/member.php?u=235193). I wanted to rush right to ME but DD had other ideas... photo time!!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/Epcot/SAM_1169.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/Epcot/SAM_1172.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/Epcot/SAM_1173.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/Epcot/SAM_1176.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/Epcot/SAM_1180.jpg

Eventually I convinced her we didn't need a photo of every last inch of the airport. Of course, this will be the last time DD *wants* me to take photos of her. -.-'

On to ME and ASMu.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/Epcot/SAM_1181.jpg


http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/Epcot/SAM_1199.jpg





http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/Epcot/SAM_1201.jpg

Our room was ready! Sure it was nearly the farthest from the front you could get... or so it felt. But still, it was ready. (ETA: We were in Broadway.)

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/Epcot/SAM_1202.jpg

Nothing says home like mickey towels!

We also had our first and only towel animal of the trip:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/Epcot/SAM_1203.jpg


So, after removing some of the things from our carry ons, to create our park bags... and me figuring out I am stupid and didn't carry on any of our sun screen.... (but remembered the benedryl cream!) We were off to Epcot!


http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/Epcot/SAM_1204.jpg




Next Posting (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41424382&postcount=9)

[anjalee6]

Yay! I am glad you started your TR. I can't wait to read more. Great start!

[cindianne320]

Can't wait to hear more!

[itsalebeau]

Subscribing!
I love your daughter's glasses. :goodvibes

[PrincessInOz]

Here at last!

princess::upsidedow

[Singledad]

Yay! I am glad you started your TR. I can't wait to read more. Great start!

Thanks, now if only I can keep it going!

Can't wait to hear more!

Well, alas you will end up waiting from time to time. :hug:

Subscribing!
I love your daughter's glasses. :goodvibes

So does she! We had a different pair that she got with the insurance that cost more. The black ones we got a few weeks later for super cheap from walmart. (the frames themselves were only 9 bucks!). We got them as a just in case back up pair. She loves the black ones, and doesn't wear the pink ones! So the backups became the main pair. :lmao:

Here at last!

princess::upsidedow

of course you are the LAST to show. ;)

[Singledad]

So, last we left you, we were on the bus to Epcot. First stop once we got inside was to Guest Relations to get our Guest Assistance Card. (GAC) I cannot stress how much I love Disney. The fact that they go above and beyond to make sure everyone has access to attractions has filled me up with some near cry moments. I cannot thank Disney enough for something as 'simple' as a stroller as wheelchair tag. I cannot think of a single park I've been to offhand, outside of Disney, that has a system in place, and personal trained how to handle situations such as children in Strollers who need them for medical reasons. :worship: :worship: :worship: Such a relief and a trip saver.

Okay, I think I can go back to the trip report. ;) Well, maybe.. :laughing:

On to the report! :lmao:

After getting that taken care of, I noticed I didn't have any real plans, or even good idea's on how we should go about this park. It wasn't on our original plans, I didn't know what DD may or may not care for, plus I wasn't sure how our energy levels would be. I really should have looked over the map and plan things out a bit better before we went. Even if you don't plan to spend much time in a park, still plan as if you do. Would have saved me A LOT of wandering/travel time within the park. (Ie: going back and forth between Sea's and Land, etc.)

First ride we took: Spaceship Earth. I reminded DD before we went in that this is Disney. Nothing will touch you, nothing on the rides will hurt you. I asked her if she wanted to go on the ride in 'the big golf ball' that takes us into outer space. She did, she liked it. I think this was a great first ride, even though we 'paused' on it for a while. This really concerned her, as we were near some of the audio-robotics. She asked me 'They can't touch me, right?' and I explained to her that no, they are just robots, just computers making them move the same way, saying the same thing over and over.

:idea:
She then exclaimed, they are like Statues! But with computers in them! After that she was no longer scared! :wizard: :woohoo: :woohoo: I cannot tell you how much this 'small' yet extremely big step was for her. I don't know why we paused in the room we did, but it sure did cause some big pixie dust! no longer did I have to try to avoid every ride and attraction with the 'robots'. :laughing: Anytime she was getting nervous about them, I would hear her say to herself, 'they are just statues with computers'. And times when I thought she was getting nervous I would say it for her.

So, I lost track of what rides after that first one we rode in which order. We rode Test Track, living with the land, Figment's journey into the imagination.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/Epcot/SAM_1206.jpg


http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/Epcot/SAM_1205-1.jpg

DD really didn't know how to 'work' this section, so she walked around, randomly stepping on things. She did LOVE making music with her arms though!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/Epcot/SAM_1207.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/Epcot/SAM_1270-1.jpg

Am I the only one who was disturbed by this boy's feet?

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/Epcot/SAM_1267.jpg

We then headed to our dinner at Garden Grill (which will be posted about after this.)... Oh my, did we have fun!

After Garden Grill, we headed over to the seas and rode Nemo, did Turtle Talk (which she was meh about, and I loved.), and spent plenty of time looking at the fish.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/Epcot/SAM_1284.jpg

We started to think about doing world showcase, but with it getting closer to 9 and ILLUMINATIONS it was so crowded! We managed to do the mexico boat ride, and the kidcot station there, but then we ran from the crowds and hit Soaring!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/Epcot/SAM_1287.jpg

Yes, that is right. I didn't bother with the crowds, and didn't try to see Illuminations. We had very little wait for Soaring during this time. I'd recommend doing this yourself if you didn't get a fast pass. :thumbsup2

DD didn't hate it, but I didn't like it. Maybe the fact I am scared of heights, or the fact I had people's feet in my line of sight. Either way, I am glad we didn't wait long.

After we got off the ride, it was PM EMH's. :eek: Here I thought maybe then would have been a good time to try soaring. Thank GOODNESS I didn't wait! We never would have gone on! That line was at least an hour long by the time we walked out! :headache: Oh well, off to Test track again as this was the requested 'last ride'. This line LOOKED long, but really moved along nicely. I think we had less overall wait (lack of a fast pass lane maybe?) than earlier.

After this I decided I didn't care what DD said, we are going to BED! She kept trying to get me to say she could swim soon as we got back to the hotel. I gave in and said if you are awake enough then yes.

When I was headed out the gate, this is what I saw in the stroller:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/Epcot/SAM_1296-1.jpg

That said, she woke up when we got to ASMu and said she was hungry. Since we had such an early supper/late lunch, (3:30pm home time.) and we normally eat supper around 7pm (8pm disney time.) I was hungry too. So off to the food court to grab something before they closed for the night. (Anyone else think they need to stay open even a half hour longer at night? Every night it is CRAZY in there. Even during the Pizza only hour.)

DD asked for pizza, and by the time I got both of our meals, DD had passed out again. Oh well, I figure pizza can keep well enough. Esp since I have a/c down the lowest it goes.

So, that was our first day! Up next: Garden Grill, then day two!

Next Posting (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41424444&postcount=10)

[Singledad]

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/Epcot/SAM_1210-1.jpg

So, we both had not eaten since McDonalds at the airport. So yes, we both were very much so ready for food. Thankfully we didn't have much of a wait.

Since I want this TR to be part Dining Report as well, I think I will do dining first, then the meets. Tell me if this format confuses you or is just fine.

So, Salad: Neither of us eat salad regularly, and we both didn't want to try it today. So sad of a waste, if I had been asked first I would have told him not to bring it out for us. :sad1: But he brought it before drinks were even ordered. Which if you are hungry (and like salad) could be a good thing.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/Epcot/SAM_1218.jpg

See, this is a start of a trend. We did eat some of the tomatoes before this photo was taken. So, most of the time either I forgot to take photos all together, or got them after we ate some.

thankfully I did get to ask for a lack of fish on my plate. Yes, another 'theme'. I am a *very* limited/plain eater. My kid eats more than I do. I dislike any and all types of 'seafood'. I *used* to eat shrimp as a kid, but then my mom thought she was being funny and explained what the 'vein' is. Mind you, as I was busy eating popcorn shrimp my older sister had just told me 'isn't de-veined'. That was the last of my seafood eating days.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/Epcot/SAM_1221.jpg

All of it was super good. Nothing super weird here. I am getting hungry all over again looking at these photos.

DD however was less pleased with her meal.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/Epcot/SAM_1220.jpg

She doesn't like broccoli. I love it, and this was super tasty, and steamed just right! Nor does she eat french fries, nevertheless sweet potato fries. These I enjoyed a few of as well. They were okay, but not crispy enough for me.

She was very taken aback by the goldfish crackers on top of the mac and cheese. She actually gagged and nearly did the multicolored yawn due to them. She was forever suspicious of all mac and cheese the rest of the trip. After I removed all crackers left in it, she did eat more... a bit slowly as she examined each bite for the smallest hint of cracker.

She did enjoy the chicken though! :cheer2:

We did have our birthday pins on, and mentioned it when we checked in. Because of this we ended up with some pixie dust and some extra dessert. :cloud9:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/Epcot/SAM_1250.jpg

I want to go back simply to beg for more of this cake! :worship: I am not big on chocolate, but this was sheer heaven on a plate.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/Epcot/SAM_1252.jpg

As for our normal desserts, DD got this tasty treat:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/Epcot/SAM_1249.jpg

At this point DD had eaten all her cake and was full to bursting. She did try it after I made her, and she said it was very yummy. I enjoyed it too, but also was quite full.

Now we come to the adult dessert.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/Epcot/SAM_1251.jpg

Now, I am not big on rubarb. In fact, when I was told that was the dessert I was half thinking of just asking for him to not bring it. However, I got caught up in other things (characters, getting DD to eat, etc) that I forgot. Thankfully! I tried it,and I liked it! So now we know something else that I can enjoy from time to time.

Now, we had the DxDP. I paid out of pocket for the tip and the light up thinggy on my DD's drink.

This is how our first receipt looked like:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/recipts/SAM_1255.jpg

The receipts confused me.

So, I wrote down my tip in the tip box, and when he came by I stated that I was going to charge the tip and the out of pocket cost to my room. gave him my card (which was valid for charging.) and I got two (well three, one I signed for them. two I kept for myself.) and these are what they looked like:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/recipts/SAM_1299.jpg

The longer one was a copy of the 'store copy'. and the lower portion read this:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/recipts/SAM_1257.jpg

The only complaint I had with using dining plan was if you had something extra out of pocket you are paying for, it leaves you up to do the math on it if you don't want to wait forever for them to bring you a new receipt after the dining plan is taken off. If they even do that? IDK, I am STILL confused on this. :headache:

Okay, on to the characters. I felt like they often rushed right by us. I think part of it is my fault for not pulling someone aside and explaining that she may not act over joyed, but really is. Nor will she be all that verbal in her happiness. I could tell she wanted to just get some more time hugging them, but that didn't happen. Even when I watched chip dance and do the hula with the kids at the next table, we got all of an eye blink. sign, a hug, one more moment (a wave, a laugh, a clap, something.) then off they went. Even compared to other character meals, this one was a bit more rushed character wise. :confused3

Now, for the photos I grabbed:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/Epcot/SAM_1213.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/Epcot/SAM_1215.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/Epcot/SAM_1223.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/Epcot/SAM_1231.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/Epcot/SAM_1244.jpg

She really loved kissing the characters.

Oh, and being sung to:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/Epcot/SAM_1247.jpg


Next Posting (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41494523&postcount=24)

[PrincessInOz]

Nice update and I love looking at food porn. I haven't eaten at Garden Grill, so I was interested to see the food. The dessert looked heavenly....and :yay: for Disney Pixie Dust magical cake.

[Singledad]

Nice update and I love looking at food porn. I haven't eaten at Garden Grill, so I was interested to see the food. The dessert looked heavenly....and :yay: for Disney Pixie Dust magical cake.

I mainly looked for this ressie because my dad raved about it, and I vaguely remember it from when I was a kid. However, they have dropped lunch and is dinner only. I think that change also changed most of what my dad loved about it. (food the kids will actually eat, etc)

I enjoyed the food, and I think most people will like the food here. I just wasn't impressed with the character interaction here compared to some of our other meals.

[chwgmjay]

LOL... I had an awesome time meeting ya'll on the plane. :)

[anjalee6]

I agree. The dining plan receipts can be very confusing. It was also hard for me to keep from losing them. I mark what meals we eat on my planning sheet though so that I know what we have used. It seems to work well for me. I can completely understand how it would be confusing to pay for some things out of pocket. IDK how to make that part better though. I love Garden Grill. I am really hoping the character interaction is good when we go in a couple weeks. My kids love it there and we have always had really good luck with them. I hope that hasn't changed. Can't wait to read more.

[Singledad]

I love Garden Grill. I am really hoping the character interaction is good when we go in a couple weeks. My kids love it there and we have always had really good luck with them. I hope that hasn't changed. Can't wait to read more.

Well, as I said, other families had some great interactions. I think it had a lot to do with them thinking DD wasn't *into* it. :confused3 It can be hard for others to read her.

[Belle83]

I love the picture of her crashed in the stroller, it's just beyond adorable! Looking forward to reading more.

ETA: I like your TR title. Our whole trip (May 2011) I kept telling my SO that I want to live there forever, lol.

[Singledad]

I love the picture of her crashed in the stroller, it's just beyond adorable! Looking forward to reading more.

ETA: I like your TR title. Our whole trip (May 2011) I kept telling my SO that I want to live there forever, lol.

my daughter said before we even got there "know what would be cool? If we could live at disney"

then said it again throughout the trip. "I wish we could live here"

[WDWCP96]

I read your PTR but don't know if I ever posted or not. We just returned from our trip and were there the same time as you.

We also ate at Garden Grill. It was the first time my DH had eaten there and my first time since they had changed from offering all 3 meals to just dinner. Unfortunately I didn't get to enjoy the food that much since I was feeding my youngest and making sure we got pictures and autographs. Our character interaction wasn't all that great either, we had the best time with Dale but the others kind of rushed.

We too never stayed for Illumniations either since DS1 doesn't like loud noises.

Can't wait to read more about your trip.

[Tygerlilly]

Yay! Finally found your trip report! Can't wait to read and see more pics!

[Lidian]

Ack! I had no clue you started a TR! I'm here, hope you don't mind. :goodvibes

I tried so hard to get an ADR for Garden Grill this year, but it wasn't in the cards. That salad was right up my alley, and it looked so YUM. (Now I want a salad!) Your dinner looked good too!

And seriously, what is up with Gold Fish on the mac 'n cheese? My kids aren't picky, but I think even they would have turned their noses up at it. (They love them separately, but can't see them being happy with it being together.)

I'm sorry that the character interactions weren't great. :( On the bright side, your DD is absolutely adorable! I'm glad that she made a great realization on the animatronics and was able to enjoy the ride! Sounds like you had a great arrival day! And the pics of her snoozing in her stroller - priceless!

[Singledad]

welcome to all who have shown up! I promiss to post soon! just having some techincal troubles. laptop is falling apart on me I swear! (current issue: the touch pad mouse isn't working. previous issue: the power plug part was floating around inside the case, making me have to fish for it with paperclips...)

[Corrine 1973]

You started a TR???? How did I miss that. Well better late than never right?

What a great start. I am sorry you didn't like Soarin'. It is one of my all time favorite rides, but than both times I rode it was in the first row so I didn't have any feet infront of me.:confused3

I agree about the GAC, I am so glad that Disney has this program set up because it definatly added magic to our trip as well. Talk to you soon.

[Singledad]

You started a TR???? How did I miss that. Well better late than never right?

What a great start. I am sorry you didn't like Soarin'. It is one of my all time favorite rides, but than both times I rode it was in the first row so I didn't have any feet infront of me.:confused3

I agree about the GAC, I am so glad that Disney has this program set up because it definatly added magic to our trip as well. Talk to you soon.


I think a lot of my PTR readers have missed the fact we moved on to a TR. Even though I posted about it in the PTR....

IDK. I didn't HATE soarin, It just wasn't my fav.

Up next, more TR!

[Singledad]

Okay, so we had a really long and late night on day one, so we slept in a bit day two. I think we woke around 9am or so. What finally got us out of bed I think was a text message or two from Corrine. THANKS! :goodvibes

We were thinking of getting some swimming in but I really didn't feel up to having to yell at DD we *had* to get out of the pool to make it to MK on time, etc. So I managed to dodge swimming, and we stopped in the arcade instead.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1307.jpg

I think it would be all too easy to sink a fair amount of money into the arcade, but I will say I think the pricing is fairly reasonable. What I did NOT care for was the ticket redemption. Every place I go to (chuck e cheese being the biggest) you can pay cash out of pocket for tickets above what you have in actual tickets. So say you are 5 tickets short of something larger, you can pay cash for those 5 tickets. (at CEC this is 5 cents. a penny a ticket. other places i've seen up to a dime per ticket.) Disney? Nope, no way. Plus, the items you can redeem are not even Disney themed. :sad2: not even in a 'off brand' way.

After having some fun in there, we headed off to MK.

I wish I had my photopass cd already, but I don't. I know we went and saw mickey mouse, got our photos taken a few places, got DD her ear's hat, then we had lunch at Crystal palace. (Crystal Palace Posting (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41494761&postcount=26)

In line for the mouse, sporting new ear hat:
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1309.jpg

After Crystal Palace, we found out that Corrine and Liam was just over at Aloha Island, so we met them there. I think they were surprised just how CLOSE Crystal Palace and Aloha Island are.

First thing we rode together was Jungle Cruise. due to the rain a few of the rides (including jungle cruise) were down, but we figured we may as well just wait there till it opened. So the kids had fun in line:


I love how that girl in the background is like "what ARE they doing!?"
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1348.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1351.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1352.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1353.jpg

Later that girl in the background was chuckling at them:
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1347.jpg


I really was kinda concerned about this one, because once again the robots. However after her going :idea: they are just statues with computers at epcot, and the fact we had the magical Liam with us... I figured she would be okay. and she was better than okay, she was GREAT!

Notice her concerned look:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1356.jpg

But Liam is calm and smiling, so....

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1361.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1357.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1363.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1366.jpg

After that, we headed over to the carpets. I want to say, I loved the fact we started over in adventure land. Last year we never made it to this section of the park so this was all new for DD.

The Carpets, were the camel spit on me and Corrine, which cracked DD up.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1370.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1371.jpg

I am getting a little fuzzy on what we did next, but I think we went over to splash mountain. After getting SOAKED, we had to go up to guest services. We planned to do this anyway as the GAC I got at Epcot wasn't quite working out at MK, one of the stamps was different than last year, although our needs were similar this year. However, it was splash mountain that made that trip a must, as I didn't think and had had the GAC in my front pocket. it was destroyed by water. After a stop there, and catching a small parade, I think we headed to tomorrowland. (Corrine please please correct me if I am wrong!)


ETA: She had this to say:


Only thing that I would add is after the Flying carpets we went to Pirates of the Carribean (remember how you really wanted to do that.) and than we made a trip over to BTMRR. Remember how both of our buts kept raising out of the seat.:lmao: Than we headed over to splash where we talked the family behind us through the ride. "Nope this is not the fall". And boy did you get soaked.:lmao: Not my fault, I volunteered to go in front.

Than we took the train to the front of the park where we went to GS and a pit stop at the bathrooms.


http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1375.jpg

(DD watching parade)


How could I have forgotten about nearly flying out of BTMRR!?! and talking the first timers through splash mountain! :sad2:
Next Posting (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41494531&postcount=25)

Crystal Palace (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41494761&postcount=26)

[Singledad]

So, off we went to Tomorrow land.

There we did Buzz Lightyear. This was the ride that scared DD the most last year. It was only due to Liam being there that I got her on without having to lift her up and take her anyway. She followed Liam, leery and repeating to herself statues with computers... Once on it though, she enjoyed it!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/disneybuzz.jpg

Sadly you can't see Liam! :headache:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/disneybuzz2.jpg


http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1377.jpg

I know I am fat. But, I was a bit more hopeful I might smush in this time. (I did lose 15 lbs and go from a size 50 pants, to 44 pants.) However, I couldn't get in. So, I told DD I was escaping, and she said 'oh no you're not!' and grabbed onto me!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1378.jpg


After Buzz light year, it was big ride time. The super scary Space Mountain! I didn't think DD would have a huge problem with this one, because there ARE lights. It is just like space. It is NOT completely dark. both DD and I however were worried about the fact you do NOT sit next to someone. Single file line. and at this point I have to say a heartfelt I am so sorry! What was I thinking!?! I wasn't that is what! We should have had me and DD in one rocket with a single rider in front, then liam and corrine in the other rocket, with another single rider. I am SO SORRY! :eek: :sad2: Can Liam forgive me? With feeling rushed and worried about Skye, I think I scared him into sitting up front without you right behind him. That was SO WRONG, and I am SO SORRY! :sad1:

Also, this is were we lost DD's balloon. You cannot bring balloons into space mountain. so we wrapped it around the pole outside, and went in. but I forgot to go back for it! :rolleyes1 :sad2: :guilty: when I finally remembered, and managed to get over there.... it was gone. Thankfully it was just one of the free ones from the resort, but still...

Skye said she LOVED the ride though. I was able to hold her hand (she reached back, I reached forward) and yell/talk at her the whole ride. -Is this were I lost my voice??-

After this is when we split up again. We had ADR's for Liberty Tree Tavern, Liam and Corrine for Crystal Palace. Liberty Tree Tavern (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41494858&postcount=28)

After supper, I had wanted to see Main Street electrical parade so freaking bad. but DD wanted to ride more rides. So, I got her to go onto Haunted Mansion with me. Now yes, this is a bit more than space mountain, and with me having started out this trip thinking I would be lucky to ride anything outside of dumbo this is a big leap. But this seriously is one of my favorite's and I wanted to be able to ride it. :rolleyes1 This went well, although in hindsight I should have skipped it. It wouldn't have even been half as bad if we had not had another one of those pauses. even then, it wouldn't have been all that bad to pause on this one if it wasn't for the fact we were right next to "Constance Hatchaway, the Black Widow Bride". Talk about testing her limits! We heard all her sayings, as we were stopped for quite a long time. I kept checking in with DD, asking her if she was scared, reminding her it is just a statue with computer in it, but she looked terrorfied, unable to tear her eyes from Constance for a moment. I even told her to close her eyes, and I'll plug her ears, because remember nothing in a Disney ride will hurt you. but she said no, she didn't want to close her eyes.

For a video of the ghoul we were so near (closer than in this clip) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pl8egmoYvec

I think a tip for parents is: don't just think about if your kid could handle the ride, think about if the ride got stuck like this did, if your kid would still be able to handle it. That was the tipping point I think.

After such a creepy time, I knew we had to head to some happy rides to help rid that image and voice out of DD's head before bed. I was trying to get us over to dumbo, however DD spotted Small World and proclaimed: "Dada, you have to ride that one, so you can know all the words again!" :lmao: See, earlier that day I was trying to sing the song, and couldn't remember all the lyrics. DD remembered it, and not just that but recognized the ride! :eek: :woohoo: So ride it we did!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1397.jpg

Now, mind you, this whole time we were trying to meet up with another Dis family. We kept playing phone tag, as neither one could hear it ring. I finally got to talk to them at this time. I heard it ring in small world. we had an empty boat (just me and DD) so I felt bad, but answered and said we are ON small world. I tried to call back, but I didn't get an answer. This sums up how it went the WHOLE time. Always playing tag but never actually getting to meet. :sad2:

DD wanted to ride it again, so we did!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1399.jpg

After that, we rode Dumbo one last time:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1408.jpg

Then swam upstream to get out of the park before fireworks.

DD had wanted one of these balloons from the moment we stepped into the park, but I told her we had to wait until we were leaving. So, we had to stop and get one of these:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1412.jpg

and since I lost her other one, I stopped at the front desk and asked about a new resort balloon. I told her what happened, and the desk clerk talked with DD a bit, and after a few min came out with these:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1413.jpg

after a long day, that little bit of magic near about made me cry. :wizard:

Crystal Palace Review (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41494761&postcount=26)
Liberty Tree Tavern Review (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41494858&postcount=28)

[Singledad]

So, we had a 2:05pm ADR for Crystal Palace. I knew nothing much about this outside of Buffet, and Winnie the Pooh. Man, it was CRAZY the amount of people standing and waiting, nevertheless inside the place.

We got there a little early (15 min maybe) and waited all of 5 min for our table. We got seated, and we saw Eeyore was headed to our table. We decided to wait for him.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1310.jpg

and wait... and then there was a parade. This was fun!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1311.jpg

After the parade Eeyore disappeared! So we figured to try to wait until he came back. I mean, he was all of one table away from us when the parade started. Yet, DD and I was starving! after a few min of waiting, we gave up and grabbed our first plates.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1317.jpg

DD LOVED those meatballs. She also liked the pizza. Actually, she ate everything on this plate.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1316.jpg

I too ate everything I put on my plate, however I will say I was disappointed here by the food options. For having a character meal that tends to draw the younger crowd, they didn't have much that most kids would eat. DD refused to try mac and cheese again so soon after the cracker thing at Garden Grill, and if you add up the options... she had very few left that she would eat. I too am a very simple eater. Even the fact the steak was 'citrus maradated' nearly made me pass it up. I was too hungry to do so, and figure citrus might just mean a dash of lemon. lemon isn't too bad... It was really good, but still... other things up there were things like braised kale? =p "Cinnamon & lemon basmati rice" I am sorry, what is basmati and cinnamon so doesn't go with lemon! seafood seafood seafood... examples: salmon, mussles, clam chowder. oh and "Fruit & vegetable tofu curry" o.0 Seriously.... where is the plain meat, potatoes, gravy, and veggie's I know like corn and green beans? :confused3

Adventurous eaters may like the place, but to me, this was too adventurious for a lunch with winnie the pooh. (esp since, where was the honey!? and Carrots!?! I mean, you would think even though we never see rabbit he would be making sure we had some normal veggies in there too! (ie normal as in, not already mixed in with something weird.)

okay, here is our second plates:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1327.jpg

DD needed more of the meatballs, and she tried some of the ham. (she didn't eat much of the ham.)

and for me:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1328.jpg

This steak wasn't as good as that first bit. This was a bit charred on the outside.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1332.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1333.jpg

I really liked that strawberry cheesecake stuff.

Dining rant aside.....

back to Eeyore! Wait, there he is, 10 tables past us! :scared1: We have already been here a half hour at least, I don't want to wait a full hour for him to make it by again. So, I ask a waitress, who finds the handler, who I tell about the parade, waiting, starving kid, come back with food and he is back but way past us. She reassures us we won't have to wait a full hour, take our time, eat up, before we leave just talk with her. She pointed out where she would be standing. Much relieved, we went back to our meal and fun.

First we saw Piglet!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1319.jpg

This is DD showing piglet her grapes. Piglet mimed out that he too likes grapes. I really did enjoy the character interaction here. Although DD needed my loud voice to relay her messages to the characters, as she didn't talk loud enough. Still, even when they couldn't hear her, they still took some time with her.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1318.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1320.jpg

Something I missed with the camera was right after this kiss, DD pulled off a grape and tried to follow Piglet to give it to him. I called her back, asked her what she was doing and then explained that although he likes grapes too, he already ate lunch. 'how did you know?' 'else he would be trying to eat all our food silly!' 'oh'. :rotfl:

at this time, I noticed that Eeyore was about to switch sides of the resterant, and it would be easiest on him for us to meet him in the middle there before he did switch. So I waved and smiled at the handler, and we went up there next to her to wait till he was ready.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1321.jpg

This was also awesome in that the handler offered to take some photos with my camera. I can't tell you how much this means to a single parent to not just get photos, but be in some too! best way to show that yes, I was there too!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1322.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1323.jpg

and there was another parade:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1329.jpg

Then Pooh:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1334.jpg

Who got some tummy rubbing:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1340.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1339.jpg

Then the best of all T. I. double Gir Rr!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1343.jpg

Who I got into a friendly debate of 'I love him more' with a little boy at another table.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1342.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1344.jpg

I really wish the next one would have came out better... I asked the parental unit at that table with the boy if she would be willing to take a photo of me and tigger for us. (that is how we got the shot above.) and she told me to take a silly one:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1345.jpg

Despite the fact I didn't care for much of the food options, I did enjoy the place. and DD really enjoyed those meatballs. (I think her grand total of meatballs eaten was 6, and they are not small!)

Liberty Tree Tavern (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41494858&postcount=28)

[ctink23]

This is DD showing piglet her grapes. Piglet mimed out that he too likes grapes. I really did enjoy the character interaction here. Although DD needed my loud voice to relay her messages to the characters, as she didn't talk loud enough. Still, even when they couldn't hear her, they still took some time with her.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1318.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1320.jpg

Something I missed with the camera was right after this kiss, DD pulled off a grape and tried to follow Piglet to give it to him. I called her back, asked her what she was doing and then explained that although he likes grapes too, he already ate lunch. 'how did you know?' 'else he would be trying to eat all our food silly!' 'oh'. :rotfl:

This is ADORABLE!:goodvibes


I just started following along! Excited to hear about the rest of your trip!

[Singledad]

So, we had a 7pm ressie at libery tree tavern. Yes, that is right NO characters! :eek: LOL. I was happy about this one in that I could actually just sit and eat, and I knew the food was going to be good. We had little wait time, and I also enjoyed that during that wait time, they had something for the little ones to do:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1379.jpg

although someone did park their stroller in the fireplace, this didn't seem to be very wheel friendly. stairs to the restrooms, and even steps up to the actual tables.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1380.jpg

I did like the look of the place though.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1382.jpg

Why can't I have one of these in my house??

I was getting quite tired and crabby by now, so this may effect my views on the service, but I wasn't as happy as I was with everywhere else with this one.

We sat at our table for way too long before even a nod our way. Took forever to get our drinks... I mean, I am not talking we were bored, we talked, we looked at the stuff on the walls, we were not bored, we just wanted to be acknowledged.

When we finally got our drinks, and then our food: (sorry it is blurry)

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1384.jpg

We got a lot of it! For one adult and one child this was a lot of food. Not complaining! :goodvibes

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1386.jpg

Mind you, there was another slice of turkey on there, but DD was too hungry to wait. I am not sure what the stuff on the ham was, and we never tried it. But the beef and the turkey (and the ham slice that had no stuffs on it) was all really good!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1387.jpg

green beans were yummy!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1388.jpg

Crackerless mac and cheese! (DD ate this slowly, double checking every bite to make sure no cracker had been put in there. but she ate it and liked it.)

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1389.jpg

Potatoes! yumm!!!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1390.jpg

Gravy! Was needed for the beef, but everything else could be eaten without, but it was good enough gravy to eat with everything!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/Disney%202011/MK1/SAM_1392.jpg

and of course, DD got this for her birthday. I think we must have skipped dessert, as I have no photos or memories of it. I think the reason for that is that, by then I was just frustrated. during our meal our waiter never stopped back to see if we were okay, or needed anything. (not that we did, but still, it is expected.) When he did finally come by and I said we were done, he made comment about 'but you barely ate anything', when we had eaten over half of what was brought. Since they brought out more than enough for three adults, I think we ate more than enough thank you very much. :mad:

Even if we had room for dessert, I think we both just wanted to get our bill and go. :rolleyes1 who knows how long it would have taken to get dessert if we had wanted it too. :confused3

Outside of my frustration and irritation with waiting for the waitstaff... I would rate this meal high. The food was all great, all things we enjoy. We both were stuffed, and highly satisfied by the food. I think we will do this one again. I just hope that it doesn't take 20 min to get a hello after being seated.

[Singledad]

This is ADORABLE!:goodvibes


I just started following along! Excited to hear about the rest of your trip!

welcome! and yes, yes I can't help but admit my DD is adorable! The fact Piglet and them were there too just makes it even sweeter! ;)

[PrincessInOz]

I'm having problems scrolling through your post - it keeps jumping on me; so I'm going to have to come and read your text and look at the pictures again later.

But I got enough to know that you and DD had a full day at MK. And you ate at the same two places I ate in the last time I was there....CP and LTT. The food at LTT was fantastic and I'm sorry that you didn't get a decent server. We did...she had been working at the LTT for over 15 years and was so friendly and accommodating. I have to say that I enjoyed the Apple Crumble/Pie dessert at LTT. But that birthday cake looked good too.


princess::upsidedow

[Singledad]

I'm having problems scrolling through your post - it keeps jumping on me; so I'm going to have to come and read your text and look at the pictures again later.


Hope it works soon for you!

But I got enough to know that you and DD had a full day at MK. And you ate at the same two places I ate in the last time I was there....CP and LTT. The food at LTT was fantastic and I'm sorry that you didn't get a decent server. We did...she had been working at the LTT for over 15 years and was so friendly and accommodating. I have to say that I enjoyed the Apple Crumble/Pie dessert at LTT. But that birthday cake looked good too.

Great, now I so want apple crumble/pie. :headache:

princess::upsidedow


Sorry the post isn't working right for you at the moment! I too wish I had a better server. I think that would have bumped this from pretty good, to awesome.

[Chaitali]

Yay, I just came across your trip report and caught up :) I love the photo of the 2 of you kissing Eeyore! Sounds like the trip is off to a good start and hope the rest of it was good too.

[Lidian]

I'm glad that you finally got to see Eeyore! And, of course, the rest of the gang. That was nice that the handler took pictures for you!

Totally loving your TR! :cloud9:

It looks like cheese on the ham via the picture. Wonder if it was?

I'm sorry that DD was paranoid about the mac n cheese. :(

Your day with Corrine and Liam looks like a blast! :goodvibes

[sahm2two]

The stuff on the ham was a pineapple glaze... and it was delicious! :goodvibes

I just now realized (thanks to Facebook) that you had a trip report going! I guess I missed that post in your PTR? :confused3

Anyway, great posts so far!:thumbsup2

[Corrine 1973]

I keep forgeting that your day with us came earlier in your Vaca than in ours. I am still a bit a way from adding our day to my TR. But than I am milking it.:thumbsup2

We weren't to suprised to see you guys so soon at Aloha Isle, more suprised that I happened to see you right when I decided to throw away my empty cup. We were just enjoying our yummy dole whips under the dryness of the roof. The rain up to that point had been crazy.:lmao:

I love the pics of the kids on Jungle Cruise. I have a couple of great pics alsowith both of our kids eyes wide with wonder.

Only thing that I would add is after the Flying carpets we went to Pirates of the Carribean (remember how you really wanted to do that.) and than we made a trip over to BTMRR. Remember how both of our buts kept raising out of the seat.:lmao: Than we headed over to splash where we talked the family behind us through the ride. "Nope this is not the fall". And boy did you get soaked.:lmao: Not my fault, I volunteered to go in front.

Than we took the train to the front of the park where we went to GS and a pit stop at the bathrooms.

Thanks for saying that about Space Mountain. I think we both would have enjoyed it more if we were seating closer, but I understood why you wanted Magical Liam in front of your DD so I didn't make a big deal about it. I can't believe we forgot that ballon.:confused3

[anjalee6]

Your trip looks and sounds like so much fun so far. I think it's great that the CM gave her DD more balloons. That was so thoughtful. I bet it was special to her too. It's so nice that you got to be in pictures with your DD. I found that we could ask any CM even waitresses and they took pictures for us just so that our whole family could be in it, instead of dad in some and mom in some. It was nice. Your day is MK looks like fun. I hope my DD will still still this year long enough to enjoy things. She can be a handful though at 2 1/2. We will see how she does. When she was smaller, it was easy to just put her on things and she just went with the flow. Now she has a mind all of her own. Can't wait to read more.

[Singledad]

I forgot to mention that since DD was more awake this time around when we got back to the resort she *had* to swim. I was still trying to meet up with C&G'sMama (http://www.disboards.com/member.php?u=219181), and since they were at another All Star resort I made sure to bring my cell just in case they wanted to walk that far and meet us at the pool.

We swam for about an hour in the piano pool. DD loves swimming and had a great time. Me? I had some fun, but I was also exhausted and wanted to go to bed. I also knew both of us needed showers before we could sleep.

No photos of the pool time, as I was nervous enough just having my cheapy cellphone near the pool.

once again me and C&G'sMama's schduels just were not going to mesh, so after another 20 min or so of swimming I dragged DD out of the pool. I had to start counting and everything... :headache: :sad2:

Got her showered, got me showered, got out to get her fully in pj's and into the bed (she was running around in underwear only, the way she likes.) and I noticed she had a light rash. :sad2:

Just like last year... she rashed. This year I was prepared and quickly slathered her up with creams the doctor gave us. Off to bed we both went.

Next posting should be on Day Three... posted ASAP. :thumbsup2


Month later: Next Posting (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41871852&postcount=51)

[Singledad]

Your trip looks and sounds like so much fun so far. I think it's great that the CM gave her DD more balloons. That was so thoughtful. I bet it was special to her too. It's so nice that you got to be in pictures with your DD. I found that we could ask any CM even waitresses and they took pictures for us just so that our whole family could be in it, instead of dad in some and mom in some. It was nice. Your day is MK looks like fun. I hope my DD will still still this year long enough to enjoy things. She can be a handful though at 2 1/2. We will see how she does. When she was smaller, it was easy to just put her on things and she just went with the flow. Now she has a mind all of her own. Can't wait to read more.

I can't believe you are in the single digit dance already! :eek:

I did often get waitstaff and other CM's to take photos, but I didn't see too many near at the times I needed them. So I took advantage of every one I could, including fellow guests! I was always polite, and I hope no one thought me strange or rude for asking but as a single parent, you do what you got to do! ;)

Yeah, I couldn't think of trying to bring DD when she was 2 and a half. I didn't know enough about her sensory issues and she would have destroyed the trip by groping random strangers, running around crazy, and just being , well, crazy.


when she was 4 was hard enough, but at least she was already well behaved enough to listen as much as possible. This trip was golden as we didn't have nearly as many issues due to understanding what would work better for her.

I think so long as you let her run a bit between the lines, you should be fine! :wizard: Hoping for some pixie dust for you!

[anjalee6]

I forgot to mention that since DD was more awake this time around when we got back to the resort she *had* to swim. I was still trying to meet up with C&G'sMama (http://www.disboards.com/member.php?u=219181), and since they were at another All Star resort I made sure to bring my cell just in case they wanted to walk that far and meet us at the pool.

We swam for about an hour in the piano pool. DD loves swimming and had a great time. Me? I had some fun, but I was also exhausted and wanted to go to bed. I also knew both of us needed showers before we could sleep.

No photos of the pool time, as I was nervous enough just having my cheapy cellphone near the pool.

once again me and C&G'sMama's schduels just were not going to mesh, so after another 20 min or so of swimming I dragged DD out of the pool. I had to start counting and everything... :headache: :sad2:

Got her showered, got me showered, got out to get her fully in pj's and into the bed (she was running around in underwear only, the way she likes.) and I noticed she had a light rash. :sad2:

Just like last year... she rashed. This year I was prepared and quickly slathered her up with creams the doctor gave us. Off to bed we both went.

Next posting should be on Day Three... posted ASAP. :thumbsup2

I hate when I have to start counting. I am sorry your DD got the rash again, but glad that you were able to catch it quickly. Yeah, our DD will be a handful but at least grand mom is coming for part of the time and with her around it never seems so bad.

[deenbrad]

Enjoying your report! So glad you had a good time! Your DD was willing to go on more rides than my DS8!:confused3

[ctink23]

Does the pool water give your DD a rash? Yikes! Good thing you were prepared! Especially since she loves swimming so much!

Looking forward to day 3!

[Corrine 1973]

Here's a couple of pics of you guys that I thought would look good in your TR!!!:thumbsup2

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg126/Corrine1973/WaltDisneyWorld2011324.jpg

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg126/Corrine1973/WaltDisneyWorld2011315.jpg

Hope you like them.:hug:

[mtgirl29]

I am here and finally caught up on your TR. Love the shrimp story. I used to love shrimp too, as a child, until someone told me about the icky vein story. So I with you on that one.:thumbsup2
I am soooo jealous that you got to hang out with Corrine. It looks like you all had so much fun!!!
Your daughter is just too cute and looks to have a very BIG personality. I love the way she pretended to sleep in the one photo! :rotfl2:
Cannot wait find out what caused your DD's rash and to read more! popcorn::

[Corrine 1973]

Happy Father's Day Singledad!!!!!

[lbuzz52]

HI! i've seen you around on some other TR's and came over to get caught up.

I did the same thing with my sunscreen for arrival day. Stupid TSA rules:lmao:

I love the statues with computers story. that's pretty intuitive. My dd likes to psych herself up for things like that with its okay maya, i know you can do this.

Looks like there was much fun to be had with Corriene and Liam. The kids seemed to hit it off quickly.

We had the same thing happen with Eeyore at CP and had to hunt down a handler so we could see him before we left. Try a breakfast there maybe- the food was pretty normal from what i remember.

[Princesca]

Awesome TR! I have a soft spot in my heart for single parents. After mine were divorced, my mother (who was supporting my sister and me on a secretary's salary) somehow managed to scrape together enough money to take us to WDW. We stayed off-site, in a room that a relative of a friend was able to comp us, and I don't recall spending much money that trip, because we didn't have it TO spend, but that didn't diminish the magic.

I don't remember too much about the trip, but I DO remember how hard my mom worked to make sure that we still got to have the magical experiences kids dream of.

You and your DD are awesome :) Lovin' the pics! :goodvibes

[lovethattink]

I think a lot of my PTR readers have missed the fact we moved on to a TR. Even though I posted about it in the PTR....

IDK. I didn't HATE soarin, It just wasn't my fav.

Up next, more TR!


I missed it, but I'm here now!! Back to read the rest.


Anakin wouldn't have eaten anything but the chicken leg at Garden Grill. To me everything looks great, even the salad.

The stroller looks like it worked out really well!

[Singledad]

sorry sorry sorry, real life has had me stressed out and i've not updated like i planned to.

I also have to whine about the fact that i didn't read nor think about shipping when i pre-ordered. now I need to hurry up and scrap together an extra 13 bucks in a few days or risk not getting things. (my 30 day window is near.) :headache: :headache: :headache:

ETA: talking about the disney photopass CD/book offer above.

[xDisneyAngelx]

Hey,
I love your TR so far. Your DD is so adorable. I'm glad you had a great time at Disney. And no need to stress....just lay back and relax. :cloud9: I can't wait to read more about how your trip went :-) Take Care
~Melissa

[EvangelineG]

Enjoying your trip report! Your DD is so cute. I think reminding herself that they're just statues with computers inside was a great strategy! :)

[Singledad]

I am sorry, since getting back into the real world life has been super full of stress which has made posting on the dis a chore, which it shouldn't be. However, I finally got my photopass CD so I figured I better at least update!

So, day three is here with more photos than anything else.

We met up with Corrine and Liam again, at Chef Mickey's.

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/263045_183172151742873_100001502679473_512299_7579 205_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/265125_183172208409534_100001502679473_512301_2604 687_n.jpg

I didn't notice I had a bad hair day until after CM. -.-'

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/268165_183172271742861_100001502679473_512304_5031 973_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/263825_183172318409523_100001502679473_512306_2166 355_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/263155_183172401742848_100001502679473_512308_5825 231_n.jpg


and yes, at this point if you notice my kid's name on her button, oh well. :confused3

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/268040_183172531742835_100001502679473_512314_5800 693_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/267510_183172625076159_100001502679473_512320_5599 809_n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/264315_183172708409484_100001502679473_512323_4709 985_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/271050_183172838409471_100001502679473_512329_5833 686_n.jpg

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/261615_183172861742802_100001502679473_512330_2739 419_n.jpg

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/264145_183172971742791_100001502679473_512333_6020 57_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/270595_183173008409454_100001502679473_512334_5955 048_n.jpg

Yay finally one with everyone!!

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/268970_183173041742784_100001502679473_512335_1920 649_n.jpg

DD didn't want to let minnie go!


http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/264005_183173191742769_100001502679473_512340_3779 557_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/263930_183173311742757_100001502679473_512343_3961 431_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/269105_183173341742754_100001502679473_512344_2178 198_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/269740_183173461742742_100001502679473_512348_2095 144_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/261895_183173541742734_100001502679473_512350_3915 469_n.jpg


and that is that from CM.

Yes, I didn't end up with *any* food porn from CM. I guess because it was basic breakfast faire? I don't know. maybe Corrine grabbed some food shots? :confused3 Food was good, char interactions were good too. was a bit interesting trying to get photos and interactions as if we were two families rather than one like they thought. :laughing: but hay, Liam and Corrine are our disney family!

Up next, DHS....

Photo pass photos from day 1 and 2: Photopass interlude (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41872048&postcount=52)

[Singledad]

Okay, Got the photo pass, figured to do day one and two now, then just mix them all in from here out.


Day one- Epcot:


http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/268959_186057594787662_100001502679473_521200_5063 59_n.jpg

First time on Test Track:

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/267453_186057651454323_100001502679473_521202_2111 593_n.jpg

Second time on Test Track during PM EMH:

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/267894_186057688120986_100001502679473_521203_4107 867_n.jpg


Day Two, Magic Kingdom:

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/271088_186066808120074_100001502679473_521238_2729 600_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/267747_186066838120071_100001502679473_521239_5007 060_n.jpg

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/270353_186066878120067_100001502679473_521241_6622 441_n.jpg

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/282139_186066918120063_100001502679473_521243_4976 150_n.jpg

I love this one of them grinning at each other:

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/270653_186066961453392_100001502679473_521244_2189 670_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/284252_186067008120054_100001502679473_521245_2746 338_n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/283865_186067044786717_100001502679473_521246_3339 423_n.jpg


http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/283318_186067081453380_100001502679473_521247_5319 315_n.jpg

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/267774_186067101453378_100001502679473_521248_5251 611_n.jpg


notice the pink balloon.. that got left behind at space mt.

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/270318_186067154786706_100001502679473_521250_4144 680_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/270239_186067198120035_100001502679473_521251_4108 658_n.jpg

this was after we checked to see if by chance it was still there:

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/269826_186067241453364_100001502679473_521252_3641 921_n.jpg


yup, not many photopass photos the first two days.... I made up for it on saterday (day 5... mk again)

[lovethattink]

Great pics!! That's wonderful that you were able to meet up again! Looks like you had a great time! Your dd really loves Minnie! Can't tell you were having a bad hair day, it looks fine!

[sue_88]

I am enjoying your report and I'm really liking your daughter. I have Aspergers as well. Looking forward to more.

[PrincessInOz]

Great pictures! Glad to see you back on the Dis again. Hope that things are settling back down and that you're feeling less stressed.

[Singledad]

Great pics!! That's wonderful that you were able to meet up again! Looks like you had a great time! Your dd really loves Minnie! Can't tell you were having a bad hair day, it looks fine!

Yeah, it was awesome! I got the ressie's from a dis member who had to cancel, and I didn't want to drop a 5 person ressie down to 2, felt bad about it. so I waited and ended up offering corrine and liam to sit with us, as they couldn't get a CM ressie. worked out awesome for all!

DD does love minnie!

I am enjoying your report and I'm really liking your daughter. I have Aspergers as well. Looking forward to more.

Thank you, hope you keep enjoying it!

Great pictures! Glad to see you back on the Dis again. Hope that things are settling back down and that you're feeling less stressed.

things are not settled, and I am more stressed than ever, but I also feel guilty about not getting this done. The next one is one I want to write up well, because it was one of the two best days of the trip!

[cindianne320]

I am sorry that real life is so stressful right now :(

I am also looking forward to hearing more. And now I know the CM is a must do next time we are there! What time did you go, and where did you head after? (For planning purposes!)

[Singledad]

I am sorry that real life is so stressful right now :(

I am also looking forward to hearing more. And now I know the CM is a must do next time we are there! What time did you go, and where did you head after? (For planning purposes!)



thank you for that. I am currently posting from the hospital. No no, not me or my DD, but my auntie. and things are on the mend, I get to take her home tomarrow. but still... stress is high.

Chef mickey's was great, our ADR was for 7:40am. which is a bit early for me and my DD, but hay, it was worth it!

Afterwards me and DD went to disney hollywood studios, but Corrine and Liam went to animal kingdom.

If I plan this again, I'll plan to go to either MK or epcot, as the resort that chef mickeys is in, is on the monorail. so it would be pretty easy to get to either of those via monorail, which is fun to ride for kids of all ages!

[WDWCP96]

Sorry things are so Stressful right now but glad that your aunt is on the mend. I love all the pictures you posted.

[ctink23]

I love Chef Mickey's! You got some great pictures.

Sorry to hear that your life is so stressful and that your aunt is in the hospital. Hope she recovers soon!

[Singledad]

Auntie is finally out of the hospital, so YAY! :cool1:

Okay, so last we were on day three, and we had just finished at Chef Mickeys. I gave DD the choice of taking a bus right to where we were headed, or taking the monorail first, then a bus.

She picked monorail!

So, up to the monorail we went. I will say this, the waiting platform is not made very well to accommodate a line plus people coming off the elevator to get into said line. There was some sort of hold up with the monorail, so there was quite a back up on the waiting platform. I felt bad for not taking DD out of the stroller and making her stand and wait, however she was already saying how tired her legs were and I knew that she just couldn't handle that crowd of people without the safety of her stroller.... a long wait later, we got on the monorail and road to the TTC. There we went off and got into line for the bus for Disney Hollywood studios! Wow, there wasn't much shade while waiting for that bus! but since there was very little line there, it wasn't a big deal to sit on the bench way back and stay in that sliver of shade.

Got on the bus after a small wait, and off we went!

I will say, I think this was the 2ed hottest day of our trip. I was baking! :headache: But thankfully this didn't effect my mood at all, you however will see some not so happy looking DD pictures during the worse of the heat.

The first thing we did went we got there was to get some awesome photopass photos! I have to say, I finally have some photos of our little family that I really really love!

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/198778_193922404001181_100001502679473_548751_1992 457_n.jpg

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/216751_193922464001175_100001502679473_548752_3706 967_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/267291_193922564001165_100001502679473_548755_1944 233_n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/262537_193922594001162_100001502679473_548756_3117 281_n.jpg


After that we wandered toward the hat and noticed some CM's tossing a bunch of hula hoops onto the ground. DD asked me what they were doing, I told I don't know, and she asked if she could ask them... so she did and was told they were there for her to play with. So play with them she did!

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/249205_193922697334485_100001502679473_548759_2582 648_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/185471_193922747334480_100001502679473_548760_4407 668_n.jpg

If I would have let her, she would have stayed there ALL DAY. but the sun was being brutal, so we moved on... This is where she made what I think was one of her best purchases of the trip. She bought herself a stuffed Stitch. I was a bit surprised she had taken so much to him, as she was quite afraid of him and the rest at Disney on Ice... and she never stopped gripping me while being forced to watch it by me. However, she decided she wanted him, and he has gone *everywhere* since. Of course, who do we see less than 5 min after she buys this plushie? Only Stitch himself!

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/269890_183173671742721_100001502679473_512353_5545 988_n.jpg

She, of course, had to show him that she bought... him!

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/270645_183173715076050_100001502679473_512354_3701 137_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/267940_183173751742713_100001502679473_512355_1316 223_n.jpg

you could tell he thought it funny and cool. This was the first (and one of the few) times that i didn't have to step in and 'speak' for either DD or the character. I could and did just stand there and take it in. (and snap pictures!)

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/263780_183173785076043_100001502679473_512356_2788 273_n.jpg

If this isn't disney magic, I don't know what is:

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/270705_183173808409374_100001502679473_512357_2676 363_n.jpg

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/263655_183173861742702_100001502679473_512359_4010 311_n.jpg

Oh, and during this time, we had him all to ourselves! No one was waiting in line behind us, so I didn't feel rushed. :cloud9:

after one final hug...

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/264845_183173908409364_100001502679473_512360_8357 120_n.jpg

We spotted none other than Donald AND Daisy Duck!

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/282443_193922827334472_100001502679473_548763_7401 059_n.jpg

These two did feel a bit more rushed, as DD was trying to ask if she could kiss them on the bill, but no one heard her (or me either.) or at least, acted like they heard. :confused3

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/283485_193922800667808_100001502679473_548762_4362 23_n.jpg

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/226034_193922854001136_100001502679473_548764_3126 390_n.jpg

as you can tell, she didn't mind terribly, she still was happy to see Daisy! (and Donald.)

I am going to post this, and keep going, but don't want to lose any of this...

Next Posting (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42093485&postcount=62)

[Singledad]

So, after meeting Daisy and Donald I decide we should check out our first ride. Since she did so well on rides at MK with Liam, I figured to try her out on the Movie ride.

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/268630_183173991742689_100001502679473_512363_2714 810_n.jpg

I would have loved to get my picture taken with this prop, but the line moved too fast to do so.

DD did good even with the gangster jumping into the tram (and we were in the front seat, RIGHT near him too!)

She asked where the lady went, and kept yelling WELCOME BACK, at her after she returned until she heard DD and said thank you!

After, the tram guide was on the unloading platform as well and DD had to go up and ask her if she could give her a hug. After a hug to make sure she was safe, and the guide saying she had just gone to get some popcorn (cause DD asked why she left like that.) we moved off to explore some more.

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/284519_193923027334452_100001502679473_548769_3946 148_n.jpg

DD was pretty hot and grumpy, as I couldn't figure out where to go to get anywhere. Eventually we found and rode Star Tours. DD said she liked it, but when asked if she wanted to ride it again said NO.

We then got to see The little Mermaid, and then rode Toy Story Mania the first time. that is right, we rode this multiple times...

Every time we rode DD would ask if she won. Of course I said she did. I mean, she won HER games... even if she didn't beat my scores.

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/261700_183174095076012_100001502679473_512366_5822 908_n.jpg

I think she did awesome though.

After one time on TSM, it was getting close to our ADR for Hollywood and Vine , so off we went!

I will post about that and link it here... just let me say, this was my favorite ADR and a MUST DO for our next trip. Even *if* she may not still enjoy the toons, the food was perfect for us!

After stuffing ourselves silly, we went back to watch Little Mermaid again. This time we sat closer so she could see better. I'll tell you that the waiting area to get into the theater get pretty packed, and people will sit on the floor, so moving a wheelchair or a stroller as wheelchair in this area can be a bit nerve wracking. esp. since no one wants to move an inch to make room for you.

After that we discovered something fun in the 'streets of america' area. The fire hydrants!

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/224491_193923130667775_100001502679473_548772_1969 902_n.jpg

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/263065_183176105075811_100001502679473_512427_1185 001_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/284763_193923204001101_100001502679473_548774_7599 108_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/281452_193923290667759_100001502679473_548776_1215 167_n.jpg

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/282399_193923547334400_100001502679473_548784_5784 438_n.jpg


http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/262565_193923787334376_100001502679473_548790_7155 210_n.jpg

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/263377_193923757334379_100001502679473_548789_4853 110_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/281846_193923860667702_100001502679473_548792_5246 143_n.jpg


To say she was soaked would be an understatement. However, as I said.. the sun and heat was brutal that day.

We took some photos:

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/281274_193923900667698_100001502679473_548793_2273 893_n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/215175_193923944001027_100001502679473_548794_4193 53_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/262409_193923974001024_100001502679473_548795_2622 211_n.jpg

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/284698_193924020667686_100001502679473_548796_4509 400_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/185435_193924057334349_100001502679473_548797_6951 750_n.jpg

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/251586_193924090667679_100001502679473_548798_1893 116_n.jpg

Then we went and found the muppet show:

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/271180_183176395075782_100001502679473_512435_1778 285_n.jpg

I am sorry, I chuckled at this sign in the waiting area.

After that we took some more fun pictures before going back to ride TSM two more times. (in a row.)

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/269419_183176411742447_100001502679473_512436_7975 486_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/265166_183176441742444_100001502679473_512437_2093 571_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/268846_183176528409102_100001502679473_512439_2903 47_n.jpg

Then she found another fire hydrant to play in.

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/269700_183176578409097_100001502679473_512442_4303 994_n.jpg

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/261410_183176718409083_100001502679473_512446_4134 546_n.jpg

this one didn't spray as much as the other one, so she asked to go back to the other one... where she proceeded to get soaked again.

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/270405_183176751742413_100001502679473_512447_6899 345_n.jpg

http://hphotos-snc6.fbcdn.net/261883_183176815075740_100001502679473_512449_8197 625_n.jpg

posting again as I am out of allowed photos.

Next Posting (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42093591&postcount=63)

[Singledad]

Can you see why it took me so long to work the nerve up for this posting? nearly two hours later and I am so not done yet.

So, DD got soaked again. We still had an hour until our dinner ADR, but we both were starting to get hungry. Not thinking much about it, I headed over to Sci-Fi Dine in, just to inquire how hard it may be to get in a little early for supper. I was thinking maybe being told to come back in about a half hour, letting DD dry out in the sun for that time... However, they just gave us a buzzer thing and said they would call us when a table was ready. I was headed towards the door to let soaking skye back in the sunlight, when the buzzer went off!

So... off we went and got seated. about 5 min later, DD said she was cold, and I did a facepalm. :headache: She was soaking wet, and sitting in the AC!?! I am such a bad bad parent! But we were seated, early even (per my misguided request.) and now I was wishing I had just waited till she was dry to ask. :headache:

So, I snuggled her and hugged her, and had my legs on her, trying to warm her up. I asked her if she wanted to stay in the cold and eat right now, or leave and get warm and eat later. She picked eat now. If I wasn't worried about the cost, I would have left long enough to buy a towel, or blanket for her. I didn't have *anything* to cover her with.

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/262155_183176885075733_100001502679473_512452_1935 95_n.jpg

So this meal was super rushed in my wish to get DD fed and into the warmth.

I got a milkshake which I shared with DD.

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/265015_183177165075705_100001502679473_512460_4927 977_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/268082_183177211742367_100001502679473_512461_2575 438_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/269136_183177345075687_100001502679473_512466_1973 377_n.jpg

This is when I felt even worse... Being wet, having just come in from extreme heat, into cold AC... then inhaling a milkshake on top of that? "I'm going to throw up!" *grab kid, stand up, panic not knowing where the bathroom was, saw a waitress, quickly asked, 'excuse me, kid about to be sick, nearest bathroom!?' then rushed her to it. got there in time! *

So yes, feel free to tsk tsk tsk at me. :guilty:

However... post being sick, DD seemed much happier.

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/268095_183177081742380_100001502679473_512457_3326 859_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/261700_183177118409043_100001502679473_512458_1632 182_n.jpg

DD ate everything she ordered, fairly quickly too. (she was still cold.)

I snapped a picture of my steak, but I too ate quickly so as to get her back into the warmth.

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/264870_183177408409014_100001502679473_512468_3575 380_n.jpg

got a quick photo before our bill arrived:

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/269810_183177478409007_100001502679473_512470_2319 450_n.jpg

We skipped dessert, and rushed DD out to the heat again. We headed over to the toy story area again, for another ride on TSM.... However, we spotted Woody and Buzz in the building across from it, and jumped into line. after being in line about 10 min, is when I noticed... in my rush to get DD warm again, I forgot my backpack at Sci-Fi dine in! :headache:

I really didn't want to leave the line to go get it, but I also didn't want it to end up in some lost and found at the very front of the park and me end up having to run all around the park to get it back.
So, I asked the CM working there :eek: (I can't believe I can't remember her name this moment. Sandy, Sandra.... ) I am sorry, I just realized I left my backpack back at the Sci-Fi Dine In restaurant. do you know if there is any way to call over there and let them know I do plan to come back there and get it, I just don't want to lose our spot in line to do it right away." She said she wasn't sure, but that was a very good question and she will try to find out. about 10 min later, a supervisor looking guy came over and asked me which restaurant it was I forgot my bag at, and what it looks like. I told him, and he disappeared for a while. He came back, told me they have my bag there. By this time I released that by not having the bag, I also don't have her autograph book! Nor my camera, which with photopass wasn't a big deal. I then asked if there was any way to either save my spot in the line for me to go get it, or for someone else to get it for me. He asked for more details about the bag (as in, a way to make sure it really is mine) I told him where to find a paper that states my name, etc inside the bag. He disapeared... about 20 min later, there he is with my bag! :yay: :woohoo: :cool1:

Now that was some Disney magic! We didn't lose our spot, and we got the bag back, with everything intact, and in time for DD to get her book 'signed'. (buzz has a stamp.) Now, also while that was going on, the same CM I had asked about the calling over informed the whole line that chances are high that by the time we made it up Woody wouldn't be there anymore, as he was due for a break within x min. He would be gone for 15 to 20 min, then return.

I saw quite a few people decide to not get into line, or leave the line knowing this information. I explained to DD that the cowboy most likely wouldn't be there by the time we got up there, and asked if that was okay. She was very disappointed, but still wanted to see buzz anyway.

I am going to start another post, as I want to not worry about going over photo/smilies limit....

Next Posting (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42093632&postcount=64)

[Singledad]

So, we get up there and sure enough, it is just Buzz. I'll let the pictures do the talking here.

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/254715_193924120667676_100001502679473_548800_5500 015_n.jpg

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/223900_193924200667668_100001502679473_548802_7010 109_n.jpg

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/189323_193924274000994_100001502679473_548804_4352 009_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/189329_193924390667649_100001502679473_548807_4914 720_n.jpg

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/284718_193924440667644_100001502679473_548808_1534 94_n.jpg

Now, I explained to Buzz how at first she was very scared of him, until she watched his movie and learned he was a super hero and a good guy.

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/285409_193924504000971_100001502679473_548809_4799 846_n.jpg

You could tell he was touched by hearing that, and was equally as proud of DD for not being scared of him any longer.

Now.... that alone is magic.

However, the pixie dust is about to fall...

Remember that CM who was at the start of the line when I noticed my missing backpack? Well, she was now working inside. As I was standing there letting DD get her hugs and kisses in with Buzz, She (the CM) pulled me to the side and whispered to me... If you are around here in about 20 min, and I am still inside, come to the back door here and I will let you in to see Woody. If I am not inside, find me, and I will get you in.

:eek:


Okay, She didn't even know that the soul reason for us getting into line was because DD saw woody. Buzz was okay, but Woody "The cowboy" was her goal.

So, once we were done with Buzz and said our goodbyes, I made SURE we were there by the time woody got back.

While waiting we rode toy story mania a few MORE times in a row. All told we rode it 5x that day. Not bad for her saying she didn't want to try it at first!

So, I didn't even tell DD what the CM had told me, and 20 min later, I went to the exit. after the next people came out, I waved to the CM, she smiled, and waved us in. She then explained to the next people in line that DD was next and they will get their turn after that.

DD saw Woody, and jumped out of her stroller and RAN to him.

At that point I fully admit I had pixie dust in my eyes. I know they were a bit watery.

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/216646_193924727334282_100001502679473_548815_3679 127_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/282411_193924710667617_100001502679473_548814_2029 546_n.jpg

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/223722_193924534000968_100001502679473_548810_4345 807_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/281529_193924657334289_100001502679473_548813_6056 755_n.jpg

I admit, I am choking up just looking at these photos... I mean, look at her smile! she looks like she is about to float!

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/198812_193924760667612_100001502679473_548816_4272 762_n.jpg

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/223112_193924804000941_100001502679473_548817_3079 217_n.jpg

I made sure to let guest relations know that this CM made our trip. I don't cry easy, I don't get choked up. I was close to sobbing from joy at seeing DD getting to see Woody.


I need a small break now... how about you? :goodvibes

[Singledad]

Okay, here are a few photos that I had not linked earlier, but still wanted to share.

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/262070_183175505075871_100001502679473_512408_4198 409_n.jpg

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/268540_183175521742536_100001502679473_512409_8219 326_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/267874_183175588409196_100001502679473_512411_4155 098_n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/267935_183175621742526_100001502679473_512412_9430 56_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/267860_183175638409191_100001502679473_512413_1104 803_n.jpg

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/261300_183175711742517_100001502679473_512416_7446 790_n.jpg

These next ones I took because it is the wheelchair car. Watching this car being used nearly made me cry. Why? because I couldn't stop thinking about my sister (she pass away a few years ago at age 33), and how much she would have LOVED to been able to experience that with DD. I mean, for Erica to have been able to just roll right into the car, no having to transfer.... and sit next to DD and play the games with her.... It just really really made me miss my sister, and think about all the things we will never get to do.

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/270600_183175751742513_100001502679473_512417_6691 728_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/262125_183175765075845_100001502679473_512418_2775 897_n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/265000_183175791742509_100001502679473_512419_4445 060_n.jpg

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/261590_183175848409170_100001502679473_512420_3707 10_n.jpg

:sad1: I miss you sis. I really do.

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/262130_183175918409163_100001502679473_512422_2690 051_n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/267890_183176015075820_100001502679473_512425_7070 815_n.jpg

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/264800_183177618408993_100001502679473_512474_6184 923_n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/265000_183177591742329_100001502679473_512473_6320 352_n.jpg

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/261815_183177698408985_100001502679473_512477_3175 197_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/223727_193924837334271_100001502679473_548818_1794 338_n.jpg


So, after seeing woody and buzz, we rushed off to the buses. See, that morning I had forgotten to bring our gift for Liam, and I had planned to meet with them at DTD to give it to him. So, we took a bus to our hotel, ran to our room, grabbed the gift, and jumped onto a bus to DTD. It was pretty darn late already, most people were leaving DTD at the time. I handed it off, and we got back onto a bus to go back to ASMu and SLEEP!

Next posting shall be our hollywood and vine ADR....

Next Posting (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43582399&postcount=82)

[PrincessInOz]

:wizard: :sad: :wizard:

WOW! What a magical day at Hollywood Studios. You and your daughter did great with:

the photopass pictures
the character meet and greets
the fabulous cast members with such pixie dust
getting into Sci Fi
TSM - 5 times??? and without Fast Passes?? Ridiculous and unheard of!!!!



Can't wait for your update on H&V.


ps. Glad your aunt is out of hospital. Is she better? I also hope that you're feeling less stressed.

[Singledad]

:wizard: :sad: :wizard:

WOW! What a magical day at Hollywood Studios. You and your daughter did great with:

the photopass pictures
the character meet and greets
the fabulous cast members with such pixie dust
getting into Sci Fi
TSM - 5 times??? and without Fast Passes?? Ridiculous and unheard of!!!!



Can't wait for your update on H&V.


ps. Glad your aunt is out of hospital. Is she better? I also hope that you're feeling less stressed.

Aunt is getting better. She had a liver transplant, and her body is slowly recovering from the effects of needing a liver. Her kidney function is returning... and she has gained 14 lbs in the last 2 months. so yeah, on the mend.

I hope to post Hollywood and vine tonight (as in, thursday night my time.) while at work. I highly doubt it will take me the three hours to put together as I did with the above update. (ie: DHS)

[Chaitali]

Wow, that really was a magical day! I love all the photo pass pictures, especially the ones of you guys on the bench with Mickey and Minnie. I've never seen those before. And the photos of your daughter with Stitch and Woddy are so precious! I have a soft spot in my heart for Stitch too and I love what the movie has to say about family.

[cindianne320]

I thought I commented. Anyway- What a magical day you had! I was tearing up over your Woody story!

And how in the world did you ride TSM so many times?! Awesome!

[sue_88]

I enjoyed the photos of playing in the water from the hydrant. It is always a suprise to find simple things that shape a vacation day.

[lovethattink]

Wonderful pictures! I love hearing about that Disney Magic! Hurray for the extra pixie dust!!! So glad you got your bag back! And it's awesome that THEY brought it to you!!! So sweet and heartwarming about Woody too!!

[Singledad]

I know i've seem to have lost most my readers and am thankful for those sticking around. Between work, taking DD to appointments etc, I just haven't had time to post more yet. here though is a small glance as to why.

This last weekend was pow-wow weekend.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/The%20rez/sign-03.jpg

This is my tribe. I am a direct descendant of the Stockbridge-Munsee tribe, Band of the Mohican. For more information on my tribe, and the area feel free to check out the tribe's website www.mohican.com .

Our pow-wow grounds are part of a park, and also has campgrounds. Here are a few photos of the park areas.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/The%20rez/8b24c88b.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/The%20rez/ManyTrails-03.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/The%20rez/bridge.jpg


oh, and here is a very very old (and yes I am fat.) photo of me out on a rock in the river. Rock jumping is a traditional pow-wow pass-time.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/The%20rez/ManyTrails-06.jpg


So now you can see it is a wonderful looking place, here are a few photos from this year's pow-wow.


This is the grounds before Grand Entry.

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/291812_199786226748132_100001502679473_568790_1886 846_n.jpg

See, the stadium 'seats' are made right out of the hill around it. perfect and natural.

The middle part is the drummer's pavilion. it is covered so those awesome drums are protected from the rain that is a normal part of the annual veterans pow-wow. and also the brutal sun.

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/292892_199786436748111_100001502679473_568794_6978 404_n.jpg


My daughter in her Fancy Shawl regalia, waiting in line for grand entry.

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/223769_199786826748072_100001502679473_568798_8172 494_n.jpg

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/294322_199786623414759_100001502679473_568796_7337 253_n.jpg

Men's Traditional entering the grounds...

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/295299_199787100081378_100001502679473_568801_2949 876_n.jpg


My daughter entering the grounds...

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/226078_199787313414690_100001502679473_568804_3218 073_n.jpg

The smallest ones getting their tobacco before entering the grounds....

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/223795_199787386748016_100001502679473_568805_5630 064_n.jpg

All dancers are in the arena

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/292869_199787580081330_100001502679473_568808_4684 171_n.jpg


Papoose contest: Walkers up to 3 years old (aka toddlers)

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/294167_199788160081272_100001502679473_568814_5598 553_n.jpg

of course, the best part of Papoose contests is seeing how many 'walkers' refuse to be put down, or wander off... or get distracted by a ribbon in the grass. Ah, kids!

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/294123_199788336747921_100001502679473_568816_2950 877_n.jpg

Papoose contest: Walkers ages 4, 5 and 6. (My daughter is 5.)

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/293922_199788613414560_100001502679473_568820_1408 526_n.jpg

Lined up afterword:

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/291957_199788896747865_100001502679473_568822_3777 409_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/228816_199789196747835_100001502679473_568826_3886 483_n.jpg

Second dance for the older walkers:

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/294321_199789503414471_100001502679473_568829_5898 743_n.jpg


Winners:

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/293266_199790860081002_100001502679473_568846_4335 277_n.jpg


more dancing:

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/294558_199791293414292_100001502679473_568850_7349 351_n.jpg

Youth Dancers:

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/226187_199793170080771_100001502679473_568876_4139 443_n.jpg

and, I am ending with my grinning girl!

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/205860_199788096747945_100001502679473_568813_6604 110_n.jpg

[cindianne320]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing!

Can't wait to hear about the rest of your WDW trip when you have more time!

[sue_88]

I'm still around too. Nice real life update!

[deenbrad]

Love the pow-wow pics! Thanks for sharing!:goodvibes

[kmedina]

I just started reading the trip report and am still on Day One. It looks like you had a great time.

[Singledad]

we sure did! welcome to the report! still in progress. Might end up doing a quick H and V posting compared to what I want to do... just to get the update in there. :rolleyes1

[PrincessInOz]

:wave: I missed the maybe update on the pow-wow! I just assumed people were catching up!!!! :sad2:

Anyways.....that's a great event that you've shared. Must be nice to be able to attend cultural events like that?

Glad to see you back on the boards. :goodvibes

[kmedina]

I am all caught up now. It looks like your stroller choice paid off. Seeing your DD sleeping so peacefully in it is nice. DS#2 was born shortly after you started your trip report (which is why I arrived so late, sorry). Since DS#1 will not walk all around WDW, we recently ordered a double (yikes). DS#1 seemed a little big for it. Hopefully, it works out.

The boy’s feet concern me too! Your DD is glowing in every picture. That is awesome. We were so looking forward to CP this trip. I am also concerned with the lack of food choices. My husband agrees with you on LTT, so I am glad you tried it. I am always nervous about bringing our camera to the pool too.

DS is most eagerly awaiting a return to CM. That picture of your DD with Minnie is beyond adorable. My son will be tall enough for TT this trip. We are all excited. It looks like your DD enjoyed it. Those hoops look fun. She actually scored pretty high each time on TSMM for her age. It looks like you really enjoyed it. I never noticed the hydrants did that. That is another place at DHS for my son to get soaked. He will love it just as your DD did, I bet.

Your DD looks like she had a lot of fun at the Pow Wow weekend. There are not many things like that where we live, so it is always nice to see pictures.

I cannot wait to read the rest. No rush though.

[Singledad]

Wow.... how did I never end up with the H and V posting yet?! I promise that update will happen BEFORE next year ! (aka in the next week or two.)

I took my photopass CD to my dads to show him, and keep forgetting them there! :headache:

[Corrine 1973]

Wow.... how did I never end up with the H and V posting yet?! I promise that update will happen BEFORE next year ! (aka in the next week or two.)

I took my photopass CD to my dads to show him, and keep forgetting them there! :headache:

Don't worry Singledad, memory loss is the first thing that happens when you grow old. Happens to us all.:rotfl2:

[Singledad]

Not that anyone is still reading this poor dusty thing... but here we go... Hollywood and vine!

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/268495_183174141742674_100001502679473_512368_4794 332_n.jpg

So, This was my favorite meal out of them all! GREAT food! Both me and DD ate like pigs at this one!

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/263605_183174205076001_100001502679473_512370_2524 129_n.jpg

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/269625_183174248409330_100001502679473_512372_2410 13_n.jpg

That grin on her face speaks volumes!

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/263160_183174448409310_100001502679473_512379_5496 121_n.jpg



They did this happy birthday song and dance for skye (well all the birthday kids, but skye just happened to be the only one there for a birthday at the time.)



http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/268515_183174308409324_100001502679473_512374_1330 358_n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/267980_183174355075986_100001502679473_512375_8489 60_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/270532_183174415075980_100001502679473_512378_8220 121_n.jpg

BIRTHDAY CUPCAKES!!!

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/264255_183174488409306_100001502679473_512380_4318 856_n.jpg

This is what I managed to snap between bites of my DD's plate. I think the red bit was left over from some sort of meatball :confused3 Not exactly sure, just know we both loved our food so much we couldn't take time to photograph it much.

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/267685_183174531742635_100001502679473_512381_6195 49_n.jpg

This is the thing I am still dreaming of:

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/271120_183174575075964_100001502679473_512382_6258 486_n.jpg

This smothered chicken was to die for! I think I ate like three of them... =D and now I want to visit disney again JUST for this chicken! the chicken wasn't dry, not super fatty/veiny, it was perfect, and that topping just made it heaven! :cloud9:


How can you not drool at the sight of that??

Oh, and with these potatoes...

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/270375_183174628409292_100001502679473_512383_6058 720_n.jpg


Oh jeeze, I am getting super hungry just looking at those photos! Best food!

The level of character interaction was awesome here. They took time to just let skye hug on them, which is exactly what she loves to do. They had these dances like every 20 min or so it seemed, which kept DD busy. It was the perfect mix.

As leo shows, it was a two thumbs up type of experience:

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/261270_183174675075954_100001502679473_512384_5786 985_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/268085_183174748409280_100001502679473_512386_2900 77_n.jpg

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/263090_183174795075942_100001502679473_512387_1572 968_n.jpg

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/263130_183174858409269_100001502679473_512389_4376 841_n.jpg

you can see my DD making stitch dance in the middle here:

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/267765_183175078409247_100001502679473_512396_6207 365_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/264975_183175231742565_100001502679473_512399_1211 38_n.jpg

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/267495_183174875075934_100001502679473_512390_2860 148_n.jpg

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/262290_183175335075888_100001502679473_512402_1422 396_n.jpg

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/269180_183175381742550_100001502679473_512403_3290 125_n.jpg

our ADR was during a high prime time for eating lunch, so it was super busy inside, but all in all it wasn't overly loud, and we were not always bumping into people. I liked this place over crystal plaice. CP was very loud, was chaotic. H&V while smaller in space, was much better organized.

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/268233_183175425075879_100001502679473_512404_4419 998_n.jpg

oh, and because it is so good you have to look at it again...


http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/271120_183174575075964_100001502679473_512382_6258 486_n.jpg


*big grin* Hungry yet?? Ready to dive into H&V yet?? I sure am~!~


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[Singledad]

I am all caught up now. It looks like your stroller choice paid off. Seeing your DD sleeping so peacefully in it is nice. DS#2 was born shortly after you started your trip report (which is why I arrived so late, sorry). Since DS#1 will not walk all around WDW, we recently ordered a double (yikes). DS#1 seemed a little big for it. Hopefully, it works out.

Better late than never! and it should work out. doubles can be a real pain though as they can be overly large.

The boy’s feet concern me too! Your DD is glowing in every picture. That is awesome. We were so looking forward to CP this trip. I am also concerned with the lack of food choices. My husband agrees with you on LTT, so I am glad you tried it. I am always nervous about bringing our camera to the pool too.

The best for nice simple food so far was LTT and hollywood and vine. I loved hollywood and vine, and I think our LTT would have been loads better if we had had a better server.

DS is most eagerly awaiting a return to CM. That picture of your DD with Minnie is beyond adorable. My son will be tall enough for TT this trip. We are all excited. It looks like your DD enjoyed it. Those hoops look fun. She actually scored pretty high each time on TSMM for her age. It looks like you really enjoyed it. I never noticed the hydrants did that. That is another place at DHS for my son to get soaked. He will love it just as your DD did, I bet.

My kid *Always* finds a way to get soaked if it is possible! Even if it was just the bubbler, she would have soaked herself. (Bubbler = drinking fountain for those who do NOT live in or near Wisconsin.)
Your DD looks like she had a lot of fun at the Pow Wow weekend. There are not many things like that where we live, so it is always nice to see pictures.

Glad you enjoyed them!

I cannot wait to read the rest. No rush though.

Glad there is no rush... :laughing: cause I still forgot my photopass cd's at my dads! :headache: but I did finally get to do Hollywood and vine!

[Singledad]

So, after such a long and great day we passed out quickly the night of 'day 3'. Once we got up, we had to hurry up and pack our stuff, get it transferred by bell services to our next hotel, and rush off to get to Ohana's for breakfast!

I have to say, I was juggling a lot of luggage that morning. We planned to meet L and A at blizzard beach after breakfast and so had a bag with swimming gear, along with our normal backpack full of stuff, her stroller, her play bag, etc. Once we made it to Poly, I was very glad that luggage services was able to hold onto most of our extra bags while we had breakfast.

Today was another super hot day.

This day is my least photo day. We never went to a theme park, just a water park, and my camera is NOT going in a water park.

So, I am going to put our Ohana photos in with this post as it will be a smaller one anyway.

We arrived upstairs at Ohana, checked it, was given lei's... upon lei's upon lei's. My DD lost her's about 5x while waiting for us to be called. Now that isn't saying we had to wait a long time, that is just how easy it is for my DD to lose something she is to wear. We had our photo taken by Photopass (CD is still at dads though...) and we waited to be called. I loved the CM handing out the lei's because neither one had any issue with DD asking for more of them. Every time she lost one, she got another one, and even got two of them for her stitch as well.

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/261701_183183071741781_100001502679473_512489_7060 7_n.jpg

DD had fun pretending this wooden 'drum' was real:

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/268802_183183385075083_100001502679473_512496_2528 397_n.jpg

and dad couldn't resist trying to get a nice photo in while he could. (but his flash was acting wonky.)

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/261365_183183515075070_100001502679473_512498_7825 719_n.jpg

So, we got seated and what do we find right outside our window?

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/268696_183183761741712_100001502679473_512503_3604 892_n.jpg

A pretty bird.

We didn't even get to greet our server before Stitch himself arrived! :woohoo:

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/261327_183183965075025_100001502679473_512506_1980 071_n.jpg

Stitch loved his 'baby' stitch, and took plenty of time with DD.

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/268746_183184078408347_100001502679473_512508_2475 441_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/261881_183184138408341_100001502679473_512509_1129 673_n.jpg

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/268399_183184198408335_100001502679473_512510_5548 281_n.jpg

Breakfast was good, but I felt the server was super rushed and thus was rushing with us.

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/268263_183184278408327_100001502679473_512511_2299 454_n.jpg

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/262227_183184335074988_100001502679473_512512_6649 702_n.jpg

Why do I say that? Because we didn't even get a chance to really eat anything before she was back asking if we needed more or were done. o.0 you gave us this less than 10 min ago, we are lucky to have gotten my child to say what she wants to eat out of it, nevertheless actually eat anything!

After our food was rushed on and off our table, it seemed to have taken forever for another character to come. Oh, and we missed the parade as DD had to use the potty. We came back at the tail end, and she and I was begging CM's with the baskets of musical instruments to give DD one, as that is part of the reason we even made this ADR. None would, until I was the last person standing there and said my kid wasn't given one and this was why we made the ADR. In all she got to shake one, less than a min, after the parade was done. So even THIS was rushed. *sigh* To be honest, I think this was the worst of our meals. LTT wasn't all that good, but at least the food was good. We barely were allowed to taste the food before it was being whisked away again.

Eventually Lilo made it by our table, and she too loved the little stitch.

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/262148_183184471741641_100001502679473_512514_2645 362_n.jpg

With how everyone else was rushing us, I am super glad the characters at least took a little bit of time with us. Nearly made up for it, while at the same time making the other CM's seem even more rediculious as, we of course are going to be here until we see all 4 characters, so why are you trying to take the food off the table and push us to hurry when the characters are no were near having made a round?

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/271012_183184535074968_100001502679473_512515_2392 468_n.jpg

Oh, and it was a bad day for DD already, she was so antsy, she missed her chance to get her wiggles out by missing that parade, the food was gone, so she couldn't munch of that... she was stuck just -waiting-.

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/267846_183184588408296_100001502679473_512516_4202 51_n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/270565_183184665074955_100001502679473_512517_6132 979_n.jpg

Mickey was a bit more rushed than stitch and lilo were. and pluto was the quickest of them all. *shrugs*

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/269461_183184755074946_100001502679473_512519_1023 539_n.jpg

He did interact with her, more so than at other places where they just did the sign, photo and go, but I could tell he himself was feeling rushed (or he needed a potty break. LOL.)

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/261650_183184871741601_100001502679473_512522_4043 693_n.jpg

DD was happy when we were all done and ready to leave. she had more fun taking random photos after we were out of there than being at ohanas.

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/270645_183184925074929_100001502679473_512523_2281 607_n.jpg

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/264005_183184965074925_100001502679473_512524_6509 840_n.jpg


http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/264257_183185088408246_100001502679473_512527_1421 395_n.jpg


I was highly disappointed, despite that smile on my face. This Ohana experience was nothing like what I remembered from my childhood. and for it to have been our last dining plan experience of the trip... well, if that had been the actual end of our trip it wouldn't have made for a happy Scott. Happily we have more to our trip, we just are no longer doing the packaged hotel+dining+tickets deal. More freestyling, paid out of pocket from here on out.

So... what did we do the rest of the day? Once done being disappointed at ohana, we walked around poly a little. Seemed pretty nice and if I ever win the lotto that we do not play, this would be on our list of other places to stay.

After walking around a bit, we got our bags back from luggage services and hopped the bus for blizzard beach!

Once there we met up with L and A. The four of us went down one of the family slides together a couple times, which was fun. Sadly, this caused the death of L and A's cellphones as they had mistakenly thought a ziplock baggie would keep their stuff safe from the water. :scared1: of course, after the first trip down the slide that baggie was half full of water!

After that, we split up. DD wanted to play in the kiddie section, and they wished to do the lazy river and some other rides.

DD loved the kiddy section, being able to go up and slide down on her own, and I enjoyed being able to sit and see her do so. I was able to sit! on my own! YAY! as a single parent of a special needs kid, this is not a usual occurrence!

After that, I made my DD come and do what *I* wanted to do, and that was go down the Lazy river. So we did. of course, DD nearly gave me a heart attack at one point! She decided that, even after telling her repeatedly that she had to stay ON the raft, that she wanted to swim holding onto it. of course, she did so inside a darker tunnel with a very strong current. :scared1: and I was stuck on top of my raft! I finally managed to flip myself off my raft, and struggle to where DD was nearly drowning, only to happily find that someone heard me yelling and had grabbed DD up for me. :worship: This was very scary. and thankfully was exactly what needed to happen for DD to remember that I don't tell her no at Disney without reason.

After going around one last time on the river, I decided we had enough water time and started to look around to find L and A. This was made a million times harder since their phones were dead. Sadly this theme follows the rest of the trip.

See, without those phones they had no way to tell time. So even when we had set times and spots to meet up... well, Disney does funny things with your internal sense of time and so without an actual clock, your kinda set up to not be there! Anyway, I put DD in her stroller (yes, we had the stroller with even at the waterpark. only had it parked for a little while as we did the family rides.) and walked around trying to think of where I could find those two. as I was walking around DD passed out cold.

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/270565_183185171741571_100001502679473_512529_1676 040_n.jpg

oh yeah, I wasn't kidding when I said stitch went EVERYWHERE.

I did manage to sneak him out of the photo so you can see sleeping beauty:

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/265043_183185121741576_100001502679473_512528_2936 730_n.jpg

Eventually I found L and A in the wave pool, and we all went and got dressed and headed out.

I am getting fuzzy on details now. I do know I left out that I was very unhappy about the refillable soda mug at blizzard beach. I asked multiple CM's at the booth I bought the mug if you can hold onto the mug while ridding down the raft slides. they said yes. So I went ahead and bought it. turns out they were wrong and we ended up having to either: walk all the way back up to the top of the little mountain to walk down with the mug again, or just not ride. My DD so couldn't do that walk, which is why we rode the lift up in the first place. anyway, I was losing my voice and this one CM thought I was yelling and getting overly upset when it was just my voice dying.... and in the end, this CM walked the mug down for us. which was nice, but wasn't the point. the point was I wouldn't have bought the dang thing if they had told me WHEN I ASKED that I couldn't actually carry it with me all day, on the slides too. I understand WHY you can't (at least on some slides. not the family raft one, where you can easily hold onto it... but still.) the point was, I asked. I didn't just ask one CM, I asked a couple of them. I felt basically that I was lied to (which I was) and cheated out of money I wouldn't have spent if they had told the truth. having a mug I can't carry with all the time, but have to set in one spot and go out of my way to get back to repeatedly wasn't my goal. Add in the sticker they put on was put on winkley and didn't even scan most the time, and when I figured that out, and asked if they could either fix the sticker or replace it or something (as I even had the receipt for the mug I bought less than 30 min before, from this same CM!) and they gave me a real hard time about it.

I don't see me giving in and going to the water parks again. Ever. I don't like water parks in the first place, but after such a headache over a freaking mug, why should I bother? much more fun in the theme parks, and if I need to drink something I can easily find a bubbler or a place to get one. oh, and I CAN carry a mug around there.

So, the only other things I know we did that day was go to our traditional place. We *always* go to Kobe's when we go to Disney!

I am doing that in another post so I have more photo allowance.

Next Posting (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43582574&postcount=85)

[Singledad]

The first time I ever went to a Japanese steakhouse resteruant was when I went to Gay days at disney when I turned 21. The group of people I went with took us out to Kobe's and since then, Kobe's is tradition.

First time I went:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/wolfyknight/FL%20GD%2004/kobecrew.jpg

Yes, I am the dork on the right with the mickey ears and flip up sunglasses.

2010, DD's first Kobe's :

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/28120_10150191592260584_663425583_12926491_565342_ n.jpg

2011 Kobe's:

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/269191_183182978408457_100001502679473_512487_5395 695_n.jpg

Camera didn't want to focus. But still....

I love Kobe's. The Disney style of this type of restaurant is Teppan Edo. They make the food right there, and it is part dinner and part show.

The waiting area has Koi pond (s). for a quarter you can get food to feed the koi.

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/271182_183185351741553_100001502679473_512534_5013 949_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/263503_183185445074877_100001502679473_512537_3480 378_n.jpg

These Koi are so friendly they will come right next to you to eat. You could even pet them if you wish.

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/261827_183185281741560_100001502679473_512532_8011 037_n.jpg

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/268791_183185841741504_100001502679473_512548_2761 473_n.jpg

Mickey of course followed us here:

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/271144_183185988408156_100001502679473_512553_5116 060_n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/268410_183186068408148_100001502679473_512555_6410 479_n.jpg

DD loves those noodles!

She is posied, ready to pounce of the next food put on her plate!

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/269460_183186221741466_100001502679473_512559_9913 32_n.jpg


http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/270406_183186258408129_100001502679473_512560_3459 360_n.jpg

Of course, you can't help but love the rice...

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/268902_183186318408123_100001502679473_512563_1129 974_n.jpg

L and A are so awesome, they paid for the birthday package thing, and so DD got sung too, and we all got some yummy cupcakes, and a photo too. ( am unsure if i or someone ever scanned the photo in...)

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/270212_183186725074749_100001502679473_512571_2619 806_n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/270596_183187011741387_100001502679473_512576_3869 972_n.jpg

After eating we make sure to get some photos. This place is a wonderful backdrop for photographs!

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/261578_183187688407986_100001502679473_512590_3637 054_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/271131_183187748407980_100001502679473_512591_7489 825_n.jpg

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/263811_183187821741306_100001502679473_512593_3870 157_n.jpg

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/268367_183187928407962_100001502679473_512595_7368 518_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/268654_183187975074624_100001502679473_512596_1065 116_n.jpg

DD of course had to get into all the photos she could!

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/268653_183188431741245_100001502679473_512604_6499 592_n.jpg


All in all, we had a nice day and night. Made even better because we passed out at Caribbean beach resort that night!

[Lidian]

I'm still here and totally loving your Trip + Dining Report. :goodvibes

Very sorry to hear you had such a bad experience at O'hana's. :guilty: And then issues at the WP. :sad2: But it looks like you had a great ending to that day at Kobe's! :thumbsup2

Waiting for more! popcorn::

[Singledad]

I'm still here and totally loving your Trip + Dining Report. :goodvibes

Very sorry to hear you had such a bad experience at O'hana's. :guilty: And then issues at the WP. :sad2: But it looks like you had a great ending to that day at Kobe's! :thumbsup2

Waiting for more! popcorn::

Glad you are still here! yeah at ohanas the food was good, but all in all it just was a mix of being rushed, but also being bored! :confused3

I think the WP could have been better, but when you take into account I Hate, and that is with a capital H, HATE water parks... the fact that it was super hot, and I couldn't easily access something to drink regularly... that made me frustrated, and then for them to lie to me about the mug? :mad:

But yes, Kobe's always makes life better! :cloud9: Tons of good food, made right in front of you, and is very entertaining! I am almost scared to make an ADR at the disney one in epcot.. what if it doesn't live up to Kobe's? I went to a similar place in the Wisconsin Dells, and it just wasn't the same. The chef just wasn't as friendly, and that really changes the experience.

Glad you responded! :thumbsup2 Now if only I keep the momentium... only two more days really to write out! But those photopass photos for the next day are much much needed for the next posts! :headache: I think I may have to ask my dad if he is willing to pay and mail them to me.

[Lidian]

Glad you are still here! yeah at ohanas the food was good, but all in all it just was a mix of being rushed, but also being bored! :confused3

Being bored is sooo rough on a little one! :guilty: And no one likes feeling rushed when they're dining (or anywhere for that matter ... unless you're being rushed through a line :rotfl2:).

I think the WP could have been better, but when you take into account I Hate, and that is with a capital H, HATE water parks... the fact that it was super hot, and I couldn't easily access something to drink regularly... that made me frustrated, and then for them to lie to me about the mug? :mad:

I'm not a fan of WPs, but I don't hate them ... but I can understand your frustrations. I'm the type of person that I probably would have confronted the CM about lying to me about the mug. And then I'd be escorted off the property. :lmao: But I am sorry to hear that you had such a rough day. :hug:

But yes, Kobe's always makes life better! :cloud9: Tons of good food, made right in front of you, and is very entertaining! I am almost scared to make an ADR at the disney one in epcot.. what if it doesn't live up to Kobe's? I went to a similar place in the Wisconsin Dells, and it just wasn't the same. The chef just wasn't as friendly, and that really changes the experience.

We don't have a local Kobe's, but we have Wasabi's and a few other hibachi grill places. We enjoy them, and when we tried Teppan Edo in May, there wasn't much difference. We found the chef to be super friendly at TE over our local places ... but the "show" was pretty much the same. The food was good, fresh, but still comparable to what we have at home. The only difference I can really recall was the desserts were AMAZING! And a manager came by the table to go over what DD could and couldn't eat.

If you want to try TE, just book it and have low expectations for it. That way, you go in feeling like it will be horrible and then if it surprises you, then Huzzah! :yay: And if it doesn't, you leave with the expectations you went in with. :lmao:

I can't compare it to Kobe's for you ... because when we tried to go, it was like a 2 hour wait. We weren't waiting that long for food, we were starved! :rolleyes:

But I did enjoy TE ... but again, it's the same as what I'd go to locally. With the exception of the chef being nicer. Most of the ones here won't talk, they just cook and do a few little "tricks". The one at TE was very social and gave the kids attention.

Glad you responded! :thumbsup2 Now if only I keep the momentium... only two more days really to write out! But those photopass photos for the next day are much much needed for the next posts! :headache: I think I may have to ask my dad if he is willing to pay and mail them to me.

Fingers are crossed you can work something out so we can hear more soon! :goodvibes And if not, I'll still be around. ;) I don't scare off easily. :p

[Singledad]

But I did enjoy TE ... but again, it's the same as what I'd go to locally. With the exception of the chef being nicer. Most of the ones here won't talk, they just cook and do a few little "tricks". The one at TE was very social and gave the kids attention.



Fingers are crossed you can work something out so we can hear more soon! :goodvibes And if not, I'll still be around. ;) I don't scare off easily. :p


Sorry the wait was so long at kobe's! We never had much more than 40 min wait, but I think most the time L calls ahead and makes a reservation. I also know you can eat at the one Kobe's (they have more than one location.) at normal non-grill right there tables which of course seat much quicker.

The chefs at Kobe's have *always* been happy, cheerful, friendly and yes talkative. they really try to get the others involved... Did the TE chef 'flip' food for guest to try to catch in their mouth? Also, there are some classic 'lines' they always say. Like 'free facial' when they take a wet rag over the grill before starting... and telling you to come back tomorrow/see you tomorrow when you ask for well done meat. :lmao:

That is part of why I was disappointed at the place in wi dells, the chef really wasn't friendly/talkative. basically just going through the motions.

I'll have to take your advice (about expectations) and try TE next time we go and I have the dining plan. :thumbsup2


also, glad you are not that easily scared off!

[Corrine 1973]

Gosh such a big update, I really got to get a move on in my TR if I want to catch up with you.

The H&V pictures are great. It make me just smile when I see you DD loving herself on the characters. It's those special moments with the charactes caught on film that make it all worth it.:thumbsup2 And you are right, the food does look scrumptious. I am a sucker for real mashed potatos. Yummmm!

I am so sorry you had a less than good time at Ohana. I am not much for confrontation but I would have not let them take my food until I was completly done. It was on my dime after all. I am glad you stayed to see all the characters and made them give you a instrument, if only for a minute.:)

Sorry you had such a horrible time at the WP. I can understand your hate of WP with your problem with the heat/sun. I happen to love waterparks, but with a rather good one her at SFGA I can't bring myself to shell out the extra cash for the one at WDW. Especially when every resort has a pool.:confused3

Kobe looks great. I have only been to a place like that once, but suddenly feel I need to do it again.:thumbsup2

[PrincessInOz]

I'm still around but haven't yet caught up on your latest posts. Running out the door; but I will be back in a while to catch up.


Happy New Year! And I hope to read/see more of your TR in the New Year.


princess::upsidedow

[a pirate's mama]

I just read your report so far and it sounds like you had a wonderful time! I look forward to reading more and the pictures are great!

[Singledad]

I just read your report so far and it sounds like you had a wonderful time! I look forward to reading more and the pictures are great!

welcome!!! and thanks! I think photos can say a lot more than I can. :flower3:

[Lidian]

Sorry the wait was so long at kobe's! We never had much more than 40 min wait, but I think most the time L calls ahead and makes a reservation. I also know you can eat at the one Kobe's (they have more than one location.) at normal non-grill right there tables which of course seat much quicker.

I just know when they said 2 hours, we turned around and walked out. :sad2: We just drove around, and I recalled reading it was a Must on your PTR, so we stopped. :lmao:

The chefs at Kobe's have *always* been happy, cheerful, friendly and yes talkative. they really try to get the others involved... Did the TE chef 'flip' food for guest to try to catch in their mouth? Also, there are some classic 'lines' they always say. Like 'free facial' when they take a wet rag over the grill before starting... and telling you to come back tomorrow/see you tomorrow when you ask for well done meat. :lmao:

I don't recall if the TE chef flipped food or not. I know the one at home flips rice ... and I think the TE chef may have ... or maybe he pretended, or asked? I honestly don't remember. I remember having a good time, but the kids were very talkative, I was trying to get in touch with our friends, and it was forever ago. :lmao: I know I wouldn't hesitate to go back ... but odds are, it won't live up to your Kobe dreams ... but it would still be a good food environment. We arrived as soon as it opened -- all the staff met in the lobby and welcomed us all to TE and TD. It was really neat.

That is part of why I was disappointed at the place in wi dells, the chef really wasn't friendly/talkative. basically just going through the motions.

I'll have to take your advice (about expectations) and try TE next time we go and I have the dining plan. :thumbsup2


also, glad you are not that easily scared off!

You'll probably enjoy it, but it won't be the same as Kobe's. :thumbsup2 I'm all for trying things at least once. ;)

[cindianne320]

Glad you are back! Can't wait to read more!

[PrincessInOz]

FINALLY home again and with time to catch up on your TR. Glad to see you posting and hope you had a great Christmas and New Year's. May 2012 bring you happiness, joy and good health to you and yours.

I loved your posts on H&V. My DS has outgrown the Playhouse Disney phase and I'm not sure that we will make it there....in the near future....ever! So, it was fantastic to see how wonderful the characters interacted with your DD. You have some great pictures of her there.

Kobe looks like a lot of fun and I'm glad that your DD had so many wonderful celebrations for her birthday.

Hope to see you posting the next update soon.


princess::upsidedow

[kmedina]

I love the picture of your DD with Handy Manny. My son adores him and was very happy to eat there on our recent trip. He was even Manny for Halloween. The outfit your DD wore to Ohana is so cute and properly themed. That stinks that you had a disappointing day at the water park. I love the picture of your DD with her arm around your friend's neck at Kobe. It is a great picture. Sorry this is an untimely response. I took some time off the DIS and just recently came back on.