How I Survived 11 Days at WDW with a Disney-Resistant Husband **2/20 THE END **

[Pooh&OurHunny]

catching up on the amazing updates. I'm excited that my son too will be tall enough to ride Soarin and Test Track for first time. What is the golf ball in Soarin?

 

[MagicShell]

Mexican food on Cinco de Mayo, sounds just right. It sounds like you had a fun dis meet even if you had to go back and forth.

 

[drmommy]

We're fans of San Angel too! Haven't tried the enchiladas before, but they look great!

BTW, hope you don't mind...but I might steal the stealthy golf ball move! I just bought a Mickey golf ball on eBay!

 

[Missyrose]

I'm really late to the party, but I'm all caught up and am LOVING your TR!

I'm so envious of your long Disney trip (I've only ever gone for a week). Even when your DH doesn't cooperate with your plans, it seems like you still have plenty of time to see everything.

Can't wait to hear how you enjoyed the rest of your birthday!

 

[TyRy]

Looks like it was a fun Dismeet even with the running back and forth. I really think you have one of the only good reviews I've read of San Angelo...we've never tried it since we've never heard anything good.

 

[Queila]

Hello and greetings from Montreal!
Just signed up and read the whole thing in one sitting.

Have to say you are very patient with your husband. My husband is mildly resistant also but leaving the park after only a couple of hours was unheard of to me.

I a glad to see you kept a positive attitude and you guys shared great memories anyways. If you ask me, I think spending time by the pol in a deluxe hotel is a wonderful alternative to the crowded parks.

I love the pictures at the Boardwalk. Beautiful family.


Cannot wait to read more.

Q

 

[SoonerGirl]

Hi Trish, I was insanely behind so I'm going back a few updates here!

I totally get how much you love Philharmagic, I love it too - watching all the little kids trying to grab stuff out of the air is one of my favorite parts of the attraction

Good for you standing ground and making sure you got to see Wishes! We had Tink fly right over us during the dessert party too - that was pretty cool. I admit, I giggled when I read about your slooooooow walk out of the park after the fireworks - I could just picture the irritated face and grumbles coming from Chris

I love the picture of Katie pushing the stroller and trying to click her heels as she walked - such a great pic!

Yay Declan for getting to ride all the thrill rides! That must have been awesome to get to experience them all together.

I didn't know it was your birthday during our meet! Shame on you for not letting us know!

I've been very afraid to try San Angel Inn due to the awful reviews it gets on these boards but I've read several really positive ones lately so maybe we'll give it a try - if I ever get back that is......

 

[eandesmom]

Great DISmeet! A lot of back and forth but it sounds like it all worked out and not only did you have fun, you had a lovely lunch! It is so pretty in there, I'm glad to read another good review of it. We've been scared to try....

 

[MEK]

I loved your Cinco de Mayo meet. I wanted so much to be there, but I was banned from drinking due to a medication I was taking. So I avoided the meet altogether because I am not good at just saying NO to alcohol. You posted some great pictures of a lot of familiar faces. Looks like so much fun!

 

[MaryAz]

What a fun meet! We also liked San Angel. Can't wait to read what Hubby liked so much!

 

[rndmr2]

Found your TR a couple days ago and I am all caught up so now I feel I can comment. I commend you for your patience with your hubby. I don't think I could have in your position. Your photo session turned out really nice though. Your kids are really cute and I love all the dresses you have your little girl wearing. Your room at the BCV looked really nice, my brother and his family go fairly often and they really like it there too (but they stay in the regular resort not villas)

DH and I were there at the same time, well, we were there from the 2nd to 9th and it was definitely really hot and much more crowded than I was expecting it to be at that time of year. Maybe your next trip will be better in that there may be less crowds in October and therefore less lines for your hubby to wait in

My DH, who is just beginning to realize just what he is getting himself into LOL -(see sig for examples) was a little bit of a grump this last trip, though. I think it was due to the heat but a couple of the days as soon as we got there we wanted to find out when we could leave. I had a little more success than you did at keeping him there but I did miss Fantasmic because of it. I had told him I really wanted to see it but it wasn't until 9 and he wasn't feeling good and really wanted to go back to the room so that's what we did. Although I about killed him when a couple days later he asked me, "well, when is that show with the Characters on boats and the water and lights? I really wanted to see that one"

 

[HollyEpcot]

Thank you so much for sharing your vacation! Lovely photos! I am currently counting down the days till my next trip, although quite nervous because this will be 1st park trip with my disney-resistant husband. (He reluctantly agreed to go because I have been basically planning this since kids were born!) Glad to hear that this was not your last Disney trip!

 

[Wicket's Mom]

The last time that I went to San Angel was in 2006. It was so bad That I've not been back. I love the atmosphere there, but the food not so much. It's really a shame because the first time that I ever ate there it was so good that I really wanted to go back. Maybe they have changed the menu & I need to try it again.

 

[cdotla]

I love the Mexico pavillion!
Looks like a fun meet .. it is odd that first time you meet people from the boards/online community in WDW... my sister & I went to a Dole Whip meet for a podcast last year - it took us over 20 minutes to get the courage to walk up and introduce ourselves

I have the 'Three Caballeros' song stuck in my head now hehe

The Mexican pavillion was a great place for a meet! Nice to get out of the hot sun into the air conditioning, and I love the party atmosphere in there!

Hope you had a great time as well at your podcast meet!

How nice that you got to meet up with so many Disers! It really is like meeting up with old friends isn't it?

Glad you enjoyed San Angel, but I have to tell you, I'm one of the ones that didn't care for it at all I think I might have just made a bad choice, will have to try it again!

It is so strange that people can have such difference experiences or impressions from these restaurants, isn't it? You definitely aren't alone in not being a fan though!

I love the Mexico pavilion too. I can't wait to try the new restaurant! I'm so glad you got to participate in the meet. Sounds like it was perfectly arranged so the kids and Chris could enjoy their meal and you could hop back and forth!

I am dying to know what Chris' favorite part of World Showcase is!

While I was a little bummed not to spend more time at the meet, in the circumstances, it turned out great. Chris and the kids were happy at San Angel and I was able to pop over for visits throughout the meal without feeling like I was inconveniencing anyone or keeping anyone waiting.

What a fun DIS meet! And I'm happy to hear your great review of San Angel. We have an ADR there in January. We've never been, but I just love the looks of the setting. I'm happy to hear the food is good too!

Hopefully you will like it too! I also can't wait to try La Hacienda!

 

[cdotla]

Aww, glad your Dismeet was fun! Can't wait to see what Chris actually loves in the World Showcase!

Coming up!

True and I got it in time for a 3 1/2 hour trip each way to New Hampshire this weekend so it made the trip much more pleasant!

Awesome!

Looks like it was a fun dismeet!
Definitely want to try La Cava next month.

Really??? When are you going????

It sounds like you had a great Dis meet and meal at San Angel! I've read less then stellar reviews of San Angel as well and I'm glad you liked it!

Well we are definitely in the minority for liking it. But that is fine with me...being able to get in on a walk-up is great!

However, when we were leaving, the stand-by time was 2 hours!!!

Love a DISMeet!!! And how very fun to have one on your birthday! The food at SanAngel looks delicious. I think if/when we try it, we'll be on the "fan" list as well, we LOVE Mexican, and prefer real Mexican versus tex-mex.

We love Mexican food as well, but unfortunately there are not a lot of places to get it where we live. So it is a real treat for us.

catching up on the amazing updates. I'm excited that my son too will be tall enough to ride Soarin and Test Track for first time. What is the golf ball in Soarin?

I am sure your son will love riding all the rides. As for the golfball....there is a scene from Soarin' where a golfball appears to be coming at you from the screen - not real of course. However, as a little "plus" for my son, I pretended that it was real, told him to try and "catch" it, and placed one that I brought from home into his hand during the ride.

 

[cdotla]

Mexican food on Cinco de Mayo, sounds just right. It sounds like you had a fun dis meet even if you had to go back and forth.

It was definitely a fun time! And an awesome location!

We're fans of San Angel too! Haven't tried the enchiladas before, but they look great!

BTW, hope you don't mind...but I might steal the stealthy golf ball move! I just bought a Mickey golf ball on eBay!

Yay! Another San Angel fan. I am afraid we have small numbers in our group, my friend.

Glad you have your golfball. It is a great little way to add something to the experience. Especially for a 1st time rider.

I'm really late to the party, but I'm all caught up and am LOVING your TR!

I'm so envious of your long Disney trip (I've only ever gone for a week). Even when your DH doesn't cooperate with your plans, it seems like you still have plenty of time to see everything.

Can't wait to hear how you enjoyed the rest of your birthday!

Thanks so much for posting, and Welcome!!! I should have another update done this weekend.

Looks like it was a fun Dismeet even with the running back and forth. I really think you have one of the only good reviews I've read of San Angelo...we've never tried it since we've never heard anything good.

Well...I have learned and re-learned after all my time on the Dis that you really have to experience something yourself to know for sure if you will like it. If I had listened to the "general consensus", I would not have discovered many personal favourites, including San Angel, Coral Reef, CRT, and many others.

Hello and greetings from Montreal!
Just signed up and read the whole thing in one sitting.

Have to say you are very patient with your husband. My husband is mildly resistant also but leaving the park after only a couple of hours was unheard of to me.

I a glad to see you kept a positive attitude and you guys shared great memories anyways. If you ask me, I think spending time by the pol in a deluxe hotel is a wonderful alternative to the crowded parks.

I love the pictures at the Boardwalk. Beautiful family.


Cannot wait to read more.

Q

Hey...another fellow Canadian! Thanks for stopping by, and Welcome!

Yes, it was a little frustrating at times on the trip, but you are right - lounging at SAB was a great alternative to spending all of our time in the parks!

Thanks for your comments on our photos...I should have another update up this weekend.

Hi Trish, I was insanely behind so I'm going back a few updates here!

I totally get how much you love Philharmagic, I love it too - watching all the little kids trying to grab stuff out of the air is one of my favorite parts of the attraction

Good for you standing ground and making sure you got to see Wishes! We had Tink fly right over us during the dessert party too - that was pretty cool. I admit, I giggled when I read about your slooooooow walk out of the park after the fireworks - I could just picture the irritated face and grumbles coming from Chris

I love the picture of Katie pushing the stroller and trying to click her heels as she walked - such a great pic!

Yay Declan for getting to ride all the thrill rides! That must have been awesome to get to experience them all together.

I didn't know it was your birthday during our meet! Shame on you for not letting us know!

I've been very afraid to try San Angel Inn due to the awful reviews it gets on these boards but I've read several really positive ones lately so maybe we'll give it a try - if I ever get back that is......

Thanks Michelle! Hopefully we will one day find ourselves in WDW together again and can share a meal at San Angel.

Great DISmeet! A lot of back and forth but it sounds like it all worked out and not only did you have fun, you had a lovely lunch! It is so pretty in there, I'm glad to read another good review of it. We've been scared to try....

It was a great time, and a great meal. You should try it, Cynthia, and see for yourself. Or check out the sister restaurant, LaHacienda, which for the most part seems to be getting pretty consistent positive reviews.

 

[cdotla]

I loved your Cinco de Mayo meet. I wanted so much to be there, but I was banned from drinking due to a medication I was taking. So I avoided the meet altogether because I am not good at just saying NO to alcohol. You posted some great pictures of a lot of familiar faces. Looks like so much fun!

too funny about banning yourself from the meet. I agree with you though - those margarittas and tequillas are mighty tempting! Not sure if I could have resisted either.

It was a fun Dismeet though. Sorry to have missed you!!!

What a fun meet! We also liked San Angel. Can't wait to read what Hubby liked so much!

Yay! I think that makes 3 of us now.

Found your TR a couple days ago and I am all caught up so now I feel I can comment. I commend you for your patience with your hubby. I don't think I could have in your position. Your photo session turned out really nice though. Your kids are really cute and I love all the dresses you have your little girl wearing. Your room at the BCV looked really nice, my brother and his family go fairly often and they really like it there too (but they stay in the regular resort not villas)

DH and I were there at the same time, well, we were there from the 2nd to 9th and it was definitely really hot and much more crowded than I was expecting it to be at that time of year. Maybe your next trip will be better in that there may be less crowds in October and therefore less lines for your hubby to wait in

My DH, who is just beginning to realize just what he is getting himself into LOL -(see sig for examples) was a little bit of a grump this last trip, though. I think it was due to the heat but a couple of the days as soon as we got there we wanted to find out when we could leave. I had a little more success than you did at keeping him there but I did miss Fantasmic because of it. I had told him I really wanted to see it but it wasn't until 9 and he wasn't feeling good and really wanted to go back to the room so that's what we did. Although I about killed him when a couple days later he asked me, "well, when is that show with the Characters on boats and the water and lights? I really wanted to see that one"

Hello, and Welcome! That is too funny about missing Fantasmic on your trip. I will definitely have to check out your TR! Unfortunately I have gotten quite behind in my TRs these days...I am reading about 10 right now, but have been behind on all of them. I will catch up just as soon as I finish this report!

Funny as well that we were there at the same time. May is a great time, but it was a little hot this year, wasn't it?

Thank you so much for sharing your vacation! Lovely photos! I am currently counting down the days till my next trip, although quite nervous because this will be 1st park trip with my disney-resistant husband. (He reluctantly agreed to go because I have been basically planning this since kids were born!) Glad to hear that this was not your last Disney trip!

Hey there! Thanks for joining in!

Sounds like you have a very special trip coming up. There is nothing like the 1st trip to the Parks with your kids...nothing will ever replace those memories!! Hopefully your husband will be a complete Disney convert once he sees those looks on your childrens' faces when they see the Castle for the first time, and all the other special little moments throughout the trip.

The last time that I went to San Angel was in 2006. It was so bad That I've not been back. I love the atmosphere there, but the food not so much. It's really a shame because the first time that I ever ate there it was so good that I really wanted to go back. Maybe they have changed the menu & I need to try it again.

Hmmm...maybe they have changed things around recently. Maybe give it another try...or even check out La Haceinda. That one seems to be getting popular already.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Trish - those are great shots of the DisMeet.....and your lunch! You were eating THAT whilst we were drinking margheritas? I think I would have walked through a brick wall to get to those churros (the mexican pastry you had).

 

[cdotla]

Exploring World Showcase

After leaving the Mexican Pavillion, we headed over to Norway. Immediately upon arriving, we faced one of the biggest dilemmas of the trip:

To FastPass or not Fastpass...that is the question.

After a quick ride on the Malestrom, we did something I have never had the guts to do before....walked out on the film. It used to be Canada that had the most dated film in the World Showcase Pavillion. Now it is definitely Norway, with some stiff competition from France.

After walking through the theatre where the film is shown, we entered into Chris' favourite part of World Showcase...Puffin's Roost, the Norway giftshop.

On Chris' first trip to WDW back in 1998, when we were freshly married, and one of us (me) a poor, struggling student, he drooled and drooled over the handknit Norweigan sweaters. While he really wanted one, at over $250 a sweater, it simply wasn't an option.

On our first trip with the kids in 2007, he returned, this time determined to purchase one. And he did. Unfortunately, almost 9 years later, the price had also increased. I knew it was going to be an expensive purchase - I just wasn't prepared for just how expensive!

This year, once again, Chris was feeling the pull of the Norweigan sweaters...and their $300-400 price tags. Fortunately, I was able to convince him that the one he had at home, which had only been worn a handful of times, was really all that he needed. These sweaters are so, so thick, that even during our Canadian winters, they really don't get that much wear.

With another Norweigan sweater purchase averted, Chris quickly then moved onto his next favourite thing in the Puffin's Roost - the Helly Hensen store. Ironically, even though I am the shopper of the family, the most time we spent shopping in any store in all of WDW was at Chris' request at Puffin's Roost.

With his arms loaded with enough workout and activewear to last a lifetime, Chris finally made his way over to the changeroom.

To kill time while we were waiting, Katie posed for a Warrior Princess shot:

Finally, we were able to drag Chris out of the store with two impressive sized bags full of purchases. Thank goodness for resort package delivery!

Admittedly, he scored some pretty cool things. And unlike the Norweigan sweater, which collects dust 99% of the year sitting on the top shelf of our closet, he has been wearing much of the Helly Hansen stuff, including these shoes, almost daily:

By the time we finished our second country, the kids were already anxious to return to the Resort and go swimming at Stormalong Bay. Which sounded like an excellent idea to Chris. Since I really didn't feel that I had seen enough of World Showcase, I decided to stay behind by myself. Since it was my Birthday, I figured this would be a nice little treat - being able to enjoy a couple hours touring World Showcase on my own. It was already after 2pm, and we had dinner reservations at 5:30pm, so that would give me about 2 hours to tour.

I knew that the Voices of Liberty would be performing soon at the American Pavillion, and I hadn't seen them in ages, so I headed off in that direction.

On the way, I snapped some pictures of the topiaries in Germany:

And Italy:

As well as some pictures of the Lagoon:

I arrived at the American Pavillion just in time for these guys:

I love them!


Then I stepped inside the American Pavillion....

Soon I was treated to a stirring muscial performance by the masterful Voices of Liberty! What a supreme treat!

Much too quickly, the performance was over and it was time for the show.

While I am not American, you can't help but walk out of this theatre waving the American flag. It is a very strong and moving tribute to a great nation. I hadn't seen this show in probably a good 15 years, and was so disappointed my family wasn't with me to enjoy it. I mentioned earlier that Katie's favourite song from the "4 Parks, One World" CD is the Golden Dream. That song is the soundtrack to the moving tribute at the end of the show. I know Katie would have loved this.

(Continued next post)

 

[cdotla]

(Continued from last post)


Afterwards I headed over to the Mitsukoshi store in the Japanese Pavillion next door.

I love this store, and made a number of purchases, including a couple of Christmas gifts for the kids.

Then, I headed over to China to see the children's troop's acrobatic performance, which was postively amazing!!!

Finally, it was time to take a walk past France, and out the International Gateway back home to the Beach Club to get ready for dinner...a Birthday dinner at Jiko!

UP NEXT: A Birthday Dinner at Jiko