And They Lived Happily Ever After - A June '11 Disneymoon TR! THE END - NEW PTR!

[Shannon84]

We have a lunch ADR for Chefs in October, it will be our first time trying it out and I am very excited!! I hope we get a visit from Remy too he is too cute...Rataoullie is an adorable movie!

I have been reading a lot of reviews on the boards about the pick a pearl, it looks like such a fun thing to try out!!

 

[oboedm]

Great update! We love Pick a Pearl! The first time we were with a four year old. my nephew. He was so freaked out by the ceremony-- it was really funny! I think I need to give Chef's another shot. We weren't impressed with it the last time we ate there, but your pictures make everything look good! =)

 

[klacey1]

So happy that Chefs was good for your guys! I'm definitely getting the gratin de macaroni next week-- glad you rate it so highly!!
I LOVE doing the Pick a Pearl! I had my first one set into a ring that I do wear a lot.

 

[disneybarbie]

Great Epcot afternoon Courtney!

I've never been to Chefs de France but it is high on my 'must try' list!

and I got the same size pearl as you at the Japan pavillion! did you find a setting for it? I got one from ebay, before our honeymoon lol.



Happy 2 month wedding anniversary btw!


Emma x

 

[dekkerdisneydreamer]

Hi Courtney,

Congratulations on your marriage! I have to say that you made a very beautiful bride!

I just joined the report and am very jealous that you stayed at the Poly! That is my dream resort to stay at, one day we'll get there! I noticed you've stayed at AKL before, and my family and I are staying there in October. Any good hints to pass along?

Your report is going along great, it looks as if you have really taken some nice pictures that you and Miguel will remember fondly.

Ready to read your next installment!

 

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

Just found your TR and LOVE it! I'm sooo jealous of your DisneyMoon and wish I would have done that ...but it gets me excited for DH and I's anniversary trip next summer with NO kids!!!

11 nights in Disney....oh my...just dreamy!! I will be doing pick a pearl for the first time on our upcoming trip and can't wait! I ended up buying the carriage on ebay and think it's so cute! Hope my pearl fits!!

Can't wait to read more!!

 

[alliebelle3]

Great update! Chefs de France is a new favorite of mine, too. I really love the ambiance, and the waiters aren't half bad

I've never done the Pick a Pearl. Do you mind me asking how much it was?

 

[merbobear]

Pick a Pearl looks awesome!
I can't wait until dd is a little bit older, because I would love to make that a tradition. Who knows, maybe it is something we will do next year..she'll be 4 at that time. I was browsing ebay for settings a while ago, and saw some really cute birdcage style pendants, and even a cinderella coach for pretty reasonable prices.

And now I just can't stop thinking about doing the Segway tour. Next year we are going all 3 of us plus our moms and a friend will be joining us (2 grandmas = built in babysitters), I think I might have to book the tour for me & Mike and surprise him with it!

 

[cjsdh]

Oh, beautiful happy couple, thank you sharing!：dance3：

 

[amazingact21]

Chefs sounds delicious. I'm not big on French food, but your pictures and description has made me put the restaurant into consideration.
PaP looks like fun! I think the earring idea sounds smart, and it'll tie in 2 seperate trips.

 

[blessedmom4]

All caught up again AND logging in...must be a full moon. Your Disneymoon was the thing dreams are made of, LOVE IT!!! I still think the Pick a Pearl is an AMAZING souvenir of a royal trip! Thank you for sharing it all with us!!!

 

[UGAFan0829]

Yet another awesome update!!

I really enjoyed reading about Chef's! It looked SO yummy! I think I'll have to put it on my list of must-do's! And you have to watch Ratatouille...it's one of my favorites!

I've always wanted to do PaP, but have always been a little intimidated by it, I may just have to break down and try it next time. It looks like you got a really pretty one!

 

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

Great update, I love the World Showcase! They have such cute things in Canada, Brandon always wants to buy an apron there, but never does, I think this year I'm going to just buy one for him!

OMG Chef's looks SO yummy, I'm so glad we finally have a lunch ADR there! I think I'm going to get what you go, the mac and cheese, it looks great! And Remy is adorable, I haven't see Ratatouille either, but I'm hoping to before we go! Although, our ADR is pretty late for lunch and he might not be around, but still, I'd like to see it!

Pick a Pearl looks like so much fun, I'm thinking of doing that on my trip too! I'm just kind of nervous that I won't know what to do!

I love your picture with Belle! What did you talk to her about? You know how I am about meeting the princesses!

You must do PaP! It is so much fun! The CM that does it is really nice. She tells you exactly what to do, so no need to worry! Our meeting with Belle was pretty quick, but if I remember correctly, she asked if Miguel was my Beast! It think that's a pretty standard line for her though, because I've been asked that by many Belles. I always say yes!

I love Les Chefs de France. I've never had that appetizer, but it looks really good.

I also love that they served the fries in newspaper. My mom immigrated from Belgium, and she said that was how they served them at all of the stands traditionally.

The flatbread at Chefs is really good! I would definitely recommend it! I thought the newspaper was a really cute touch!

I may have to try Chef's next time we go. I will have to look up the kids menu to see if they have anything my girls would eat . The food looks Yumm-O!

My girls picked a pearl back in May. We all really enjoyed the "show" that was made of the process. I would like to pick one for myself next time we go. One of the girls got a 7mm and the other one received a 7.5mm. The larger one barely fits in the carriage setting I bought off ebay. I can always have them reset in something else later if they want me to.

I really wish I had of got the carriage - it seems like everyone here has one! I was expecting to be able to find one somewhere in Disney but they weren't anywhere. I guess Ebay is the only place.

The PaP experience looks like a lot of fun. It was fun to see Remi. What did he say or do, if anything.

Remy mostly just squeaked! He did move a bit, too. There was a man that brought him around on a tray, so he did the talking. It was really cute.

I have never eaten at Chefs nor done the pick a pearl, and now I want to more than ever!!! LOL I love France and I always want to do the PaP experience, but the time never seems to pan out for it to happen! LOL

Beauty and the Beast is my FAVORITE disney movie! Belle is my FAVORITE princess too!!! When we go to DHS, we ALWAYS see the Beauty and the Beast Musical haha!!! Never gets old

You must find some time for the Pap! It is so worth it! I know it's a girly thing, but I think your DS would enjoy it, too! The CM makes it so fun, and it's neat to get to pick your oyster out of the water.

 

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

We have a lunch ADR for Chefs in October, it will be our first time trying it out and I am very excited!! I hope we get a visit from Remy too he is too cute...Rataoullie is an adorable movie!

I have been reading a lot of reviews on the boards about the pick a pearl, it looks like such a fun thing to try out!!

I hope you enjoy Chefs! We really loved our lunch there! I hope you get to see Remy!

Great update! We love Pick a Pearl! The first time we were with a four year old. my nephew. He was so freaked out by the ceremony-- it was really funny! I think I need to give Chef's another shot. We weren't impressed with it the last time we ate there, but your pictures make everything look good! =)

PaP was so much fun! I can't wait to do it again! I hope if you give Chefs another shot it will be better for you!

So happy that Chefs was good for your guys! I'm definitely getting the gratin de macaroni next week-- glad you rate it so highly!!
I LOVE doing the Pick a Pearl! I had my first one set into a ring that I do wear a lot.

I hope you enjoy Chefs! The macaroni is really good!

Great Epcot afternoon Courtney!

I've never been to Chefs de France but it is high on my 'must try' list!

and I got the same size pearl as you at the Japan pavillion! did you find a setting for it? I got one from ebay, before our honeymoon lol.



Happy 2 month wedding anniversary btw!


Emma x

Can you believe it's already been two months?! It has really flown by!

I never did find a setting for my pearl. I really wish I had bought the carriage off of Ebay. I think I will leave it loose until we go to Disney again, because I want to do PaP again and have them set as earrings.

Hi Courtney,

Congratulations on your marriage! I have to say that you made a very beautiful bride!

I just joined the report and am very jealous that you stayed at the Poly! That is my dream resort to stay at, one day we'll get there! I noticed you've stayed at AKL before, and my family and I are staying there in October. Any good hints to pass along?

Your report is going along great, it looks as if you have really taken some nice pictures that you and Miguel will remember fondly.

Ready to read your next installment!

I'm so glad to have you joining in! And thank you for all of your sweet comments!

 

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

Just found your TR and LOVE it! I'm sooo jealous of your DisneyMoon and wish I would have done that ...but it gets me excited for DH and I's anniversary trip next summer with NO kids!!!

11 nights in Disney....oh my...just dreamy!! I will be doing pick a pearl for the first time on our upcoming trip and can't wait! I ended up buying the carriage on ebay and think it's so cute! Hope my pearl fits!!

Can't wait to read more!!

Thank you for joining in! I hope you have an amazing time on your anniversary trip! I am sure that Miguel and I will spend many anniversaries in Disney.

Great update! Chefs de France is a new favorite of mine, too. I really love the ambiance, and the waiters aren't half bad

I've never done the Pick a Pearl. Do you mind me asking how much it was?

If I remember correctly, I think PaP was $15? I remember thinking it was a lot less expensive than what I thought it would be. It's definitely worth it!

Pick a Pearl looks awesome!
I can't wait until dd is a little bit older, because I would love to make that a tradition. Who knows, maybe it is something we will do next year..she'll be 4 at that time. I was browsing ebay for settings a while ago, and saw some really cute birdcage style pendants, and even a cinderella coach for pretty reasonable prices.

And now I just can't stop thinking about doing the Segway tour. Next year we are going all 3 of us plus our moms and a friend will be joining us (2 grandmas = built in babysitters), I think I might have to book the tour for me & Mike and surprise him with it!

I think your DD would love Pap! I think it's a great idea to make it a tradition!

Oh, beautiful happy couple, thank you sharing!：dance3：

Thank you so much!

Chefs sounds delicious. I'm not big on French food, but your pictures and description has made me put the restaurant into consideration.
PaP looks like fun! I think the earring idea sounds smart, and it'll tie in 2 seperate trips.

The food is not too French (or at least what we had wasn't). It was more like American food with a French twist. It was very good!

All caught up again AND logging in...must be a full moon. Your Disneymoon was the thing dreams are made of, LOVE IT!!! I still think the Pick a Pearl is an AMAZING souvenir of a royal trip! Thank you for sharing it all with us!!!

Awww, thank you!!! I think your girls would absolutely love Pap! It is such a fun experience!

Yet another awesome update!!

I really enjoyed reading about Chef's! It looked SO yummy! I think I'll have to put it on my list of must-do's! And you have to watch Ratatouille...it's one of my favorites!

I've always wanted to do PaP, but have always been a little intimidated by it, I may just have to break down and try it next time. It looks like you got a really pretty one!

PaP is so much fun! You should try it!

 

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

DAY 2 - Pt. 3

After our great PaP experience, we wandered around the Japanese store for awhile before venturing back outside. The drummers were setting up on the first platform of the building, so we stopped for a bit to watch them and take in the sights. They were very entertaining!

Finally, we moved on to Germany. I had plans to stop in the caramel store, but it was really crowded and I was so full so I ended up walking in and walking right out. Next time, I am determined to try something from there! I did manage to keep Miguel away from the train set this time, though!

Finally, we made it to Mexico! By this point we were once again parched and melting in the heat, so we stopped for a beverage to cool us off. I went with the strawberry margarita and Miguel got the standard lime.

The Mexico pavilion is a great place to get out of the heat! It’s nice and cool inside, and the dark setting is really relaxing after being out in the blazing sun. We found an empty bench and set down to enjoy our margaritas.

We also browsed through some of the little stands, and took a peak over at San Angel Inn.

Eventually we were cooled down enough, so we made our way back outside, where we were greeted by a Mariachi Band! They had found a girl in the crowd who was having a birthday that day, so they sang "Las Mananitas" to her. Many people think the Mexican birthday song is "Feliz Cumpleanos" but it isn't - that's just the Americanized version! I love Las Mananitas, but I only get to hear it on Miguel's birthday, so it was fun getting to hear it performed by the Mariachis.

By this point, we were both ready for a break at the hotel, so we planned to stop by TT and use our FPs from earlier and then head out. When we got to Test Track, the FP line was so long! It looked like it would have taken a good 20 minutes to get through it, so we decided to just go ahead and leave the park.

We hopped on the monorail, and soon enough we were back at the Poly, where we found a cute towel animal again!

We were once again tired from the heat and from our Segway tour, so we laid down for another glorious afternoon nap.

I woke up around 5:00 and went out to the balcony to make a few calls to my family. This became a daily activity as well, and I really enjoyed a little time to myself where I could share all of the fun that we were having.

After my calls, I went in to take a shower and soon after Miguel woke up as well. We both got dressed, and were ready to head out for an evening at DTD around 7:00

The drive to DTD seemed to take forever. It must have taken us at least 30 minutes to get there, but we did eventually make it to our destination, which was packed! It took a good 5 minutes to find a parking spot, but we did eventually find a place and we were able to make our way over to T-Rex.

This would be our third time to eat at T-Rex, and we always really enjoy our time here. It’s always very crowded, though! I could hear when some people were checking in that the wait was well over an hour.

Our name was quickly called, though, and we made our way over to the holding line to get into the restaurant. I overhead many people complaining that they couldn’t believe that they had to wait so long, then stand in a line to get into the restaurant, and then stand in yet another line to be seated. I felt like responding with, “and I can’t believe that you didn’t think to make an ADR” but I refrained. We saw so many people trying to get walk-up reservations on this trip – some succeeded and some did not. I just had to keep telling myself that not everyone reads the DIS boards!

Soon enough, we moved from the holding line to the actual line and we were led to our table. I was really hoping for the Ice Age room or the Coral Reef room, but we ended up in the Forest room again.

Our waitress came over and we got started off with some drinks and appetizers. I ordered some sort of a sunset-type drink that had rum and fruit juices and Miguel got a margarita. I find that the drinks are T-Rex are pretty strong. Miguel tends to disagree with me, but then again I don’t drink very often, so I’m a little sensitive to the taste of alcohol.

Just a tip – the drinks at T-Rex are served in a souvineer glass, making them about $13 a piece, which in my mind is way too much to pay for a beverage, even at Disney. Since I had no interest in the glass, I asked our waitress if I could get the drink in just a regular glass. She told me that I could, but that the drink would be smaller. It was still plenty big for me, and at only $8 I was happy to have saved $5!

For our appetizer, we went with the Dexter’s Dual Dip, which is a combination of Spinach and Crab dip and Chile con Queso. Both dips were decent, but not too special.

It wasn’t long before our entrees arrived as well. Miguel went wit hthe Mega Mess of Bones, which he has ordered in the past. It is a huge dish that comes with a quarter chicken, half slab of ribs, and two sides. He enjoyed this very much!

I tried a new dish and got the Tar Pit Shrimp, which is fried shrimp with coleslaw and waffle fries. It was very good!

We had absolutely no room for dessert, so we enjoyed the atmosphere of the restaurant a little more, and then we headed out.

And just where were we going? To the World of Disney, of course! On the way there, we noticed something going on in the little outdoor theatre and we stopped to watch. It was some sort of dance party and it looked like a lot of fun.

After about 5 minutes, we entered the shopping mega store!

I browsed for probably 20 minutes or so, but my mail goal was to get some wedding related souvineers. Finally I decided on an ornament and a set of salt and pepper shakers (which I plan on using more as figurines in a display cabinent) and checked out. I mentioned my AP and received a 10% discount, and the ornament ended up only being $5 instead of the marked $15, so it was a very successful shopping trip!

I met up with Miguel who had decided to wait for me outside, and we decided to head on back to the Poly and rest up for the next day!

Next up: We visit a Disney water park for the first time!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Those dishes at T-Rex look huge! That one really was a mega pile of bones.

I'm all about afternoon naps.

 

[DisneyCrafter]

I love the picture of Miguel drinking the margarita! He looks so happy. It makes me so excited for our trip coming up in just a little over a month! (In fact I just expressed my excitement to my husband in a very childlike giddy manner. )

I got the SAME souvenirs on our honeymoon! I don't use the salt & pepper shakers either, they are in a buffet cabinet in our kitchen. We get an ornament from Disney each time we go now. It's hard to find ornaments for every place we visit so we also collect magnets from every place we travel to together!

I am very excited to read about your first time at a waterpark in Disney. Greg and I will be visiting TL for the first time (well my first time, he's been to TL before with his family).

 

[dizney chick]

Hey I'm still hearI am amazed to hear that the segway's wear you out. But it's good to know. And I have never done PaP but after hearing about it I just might do it next trip
I do find it funny how many people walk into Disney restaurants and are surprised by the wait. I am sure these are the same people who laugh at me when I talk about planning my next trip. I guess some people have to experience the wait times to believe them.

 

[Belle83]

I'm still getting all caught up, but love your TR! My SO and I get comments about age, too. I'm 27, he's 34, but I look really young and he looks older than he is. People think I'm his daughter. I expect comments, but at least our waiter at CG was professional and nice about it.

The Poly looks sooo nice!