Fears, tears, fun, and laughter: We survived spring break TR updated 1/29

[DisMomAmy]

I love the Flower & Garden Festival too! It's such a great time to be at Disney. I always feel like spring is that much closer when we get home.

Yay for a potential Halloween trip!! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

 

[All7OfUs]

So many updates!! All of them great!

I like to take the ferry now and again too, just to mix it up some. Yeah, strange that the tuna sandwich didn't come with at least chips! HUH?

You got some fabulous pix of EPCOT too. Nicely done

 

[MEK]

I love the ferry too. It really is fun to see the castle from the water. It's such a different perspective.

I enjoyed all your pictures and recent updates. The boys are cuter than ever! What a nice evening in the MK.

 

[JPFamilyMom]

I love the Flower & Garden Festival too! It's such a great time to be at Disney. I always feel like spring is that much closer when we get home.

Yay for a potential Halloween trip!! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

F&G festival and spring break weather wise was great, the crowds were just a bit much.

Thanks, I'm really hoping I can make it happen, I'll really be trying to get my DH in a good mood the next month so I can sell him in the idea

So many updates!! All of them great!

I like to take the ferry now and again too, just to mix it up some. Yeah, strange that the tuna sandwich didn't come with at least chips! HUH?

You got some fabulous pix of EPCOT too. Nicely done

Thanks, it's funny we ended up at Epcot twice when originally it wasn't ever in our plans really

I love the ferry too. It really is fun to see the castle from the water. It's such a different perspective.

I enjoyed all your pictures and recent updates. The boys are cuter than ever! What a nice evening in the MK.

thanks, that was my favorite part of the trip, def. enjoyed the evening at MK hoping for many more like that

 

[JPFamilyMom]

We left of here at our first kidcot stop:

And where dbil, sis, mom, & Dad got their first drink before we headed to

for the first potty break and some phone fun

We stopped for our first snack and some fun pictures. Dh and I shared:

I tried both the fish and fries with the vinegar and it wasn't bad, dh opted to just do the ketchup.

After our yummy snack and some more drinking by the rest of my family we headed over the little bridge toward Paris

We saw this cutie

And some lovely topiaries

continue in next post

 

[JPFamilyMom]

I was enjoying the scenery and just snapping away

Then I realized the boys were getting bored and I didn't want any meltdowns so it was time to find a snack for the boys

I tried to talk them into this:

but they didn't want to try and so I enjoyed it... while they ate

more ice-cream

Since my family was drinking I convinced my Mom to try one of these, since they are infamous here on the DIS

I continued to take some pictures:

After everyone was done with their snacks and drinks we were off on our way again

This I think was the warmest day of our trip

I stopped in here for a small snack for us to try but we didn't spend much time in this area:

My dh and I each had a bite of the baklava, but decided it really wasn't our cup of tea

Next we were headed to Japan where everyone had some fun and we stayed for awhile

 

[JPFamilyMom]

We entered into this lovely area:

I decided I wanted to find the kids a fun snack so I entered into the little stand down the main walkway:

And bought them this:

While in the shop my sister spoke some Japanese with the cast member. My sister has been learning Japanese because she has a lot of business men from Japan come into her restaurant and she hopes to one day visit that country.

Next the adults decided to try some food here:

I can't remember what I ordered but it was either something with chicken or just veggies

Someone in our party discovered something funny, the soy sauce packet said made in America on it, which we all found funny since most things say made in China or some other country and here we were in Japan and a soy sauce packet said made in America

The boys were getting restless as my sister went into the store to look around, so I got them out and we went exploring

After everyone was satisified with their exploring we marched on, my family stopped here:

For some yummy funnel cake that we shared

We headed into the kidcot area to get their puppet bear things stamped

After his bear got stamped Joey started crying because he changed his mind and decided he didn't want it stamped

We headed out of the American Pavilion

cont. next post

 

[JPFamilyMom]

As we entered Italy we saw this:

And I had to snag the picture because they are my great Aunts favorite characters

We were lucky enough to be arriving when this guy was also arriving

So we stayed to watch him perform

We were all enjoying the performance, well all of us except Jack. There were a lot of people watching and as Jack became more aggitated the shoes started flying again and we had to get him out of there and to a quiet place asap. I learned not to get toward the front as it makes for a hard escape, but eventually we got away from the crowd and found some shade and quiet over by the gelato stand....wait did someone say gelato?

Gelato is one of my dh's favorite desserts and the boys call it ice cream, so to the snack stand I go

That hit the spot and put everyone in much better moods

It was time to head on

We just loved all the topiaries

Shortly before or after this we were entering Germany where my family had more plans for drinking and eating. But Jack was DONE!!! And we were headed for a full blown meltdown so this is where we left my family. My Dad seemed upset, but he would've been more upset if Jack had a meltdown in public so we apologized and headed off on our own.

Up next things turn around and we have a GREAT end to our day

 

[DisMomAmy]

We found it hard to tour the world showcase when the boys were younger. One year we didn't even step foot into that part of Epcot!

When they get a little older & are interested in Kim Possible Missions (Zach loves) and collecting passport stamps, you can enjoy it more. Alex is a huge collector & wants to always complete his collection so it's important for him to visit ALL of the Kidcot stations to get all of the stamps. Luckily he was OK with the fact that he wouldn't get them all in November - it was just too crowded during Food & Wine - but the key was telling him up front that he wouldn't get them all.

Can't wait to hear about what turns your day around!

 

[JPFamilyMom]

We found it hard to tour the world showcase when the boys were younger. One year we didn't even step foot into that part of Epcot!

When they get a little older & are interested in Kim Possible Missions (Zach loves) and collecting passport stamps, you can enjoy it more. Alex is a huge collector & wants to always complete his collection so it's important for him to visit ALL of the Kidcot stations to get all of the stamps. Luckily he was OK with the fact that he wouldn't get them all in November - it was just too crowded during Food & Wine - but the key was telling him up front that he wouldn't get them all.

Can't wait to hear about what turns your day around!

Thanks Amy, that makes me feel a lot better, but it's funny because to this day despite how they both acted while touring World Showcase when we talk about Epcot or WDW for that matter they both mention Epcot a lot and say it was a favorite part of our trip. Of course it was the last park we went to, that could have something to do with it. And they did get to eat a lot of yummy snacks all day while there.


oh and speaking of collecting, when I got out the Disney planning box Jack saw the coin holder thing we purchased and he goes, thats where my coins are, thanks for finding them, I can't wait to get more. I had to keep them in the box, because he kept taking all the coins out and losing them. And then getting upset when he couldn't find a coin. I should try and find a display board to keep them on his wall where he can't touch them but can look at them.

 

[JPFamilyMom]

We had just walked off on our own

We quickly walked by China

I did stop to get an ice tea, it had a fruit flavor to it, it was pretty good and hit the spot, also shared with the boys and I think we got them more water. It was getting hotter.

We also just walked pass Norway without stopping

We did make a quick stop to walk into Mexico to get out of the heat and ride the 3 Caballeros

I have to add in here that Jack at the time always told people he could speak spanish, but really just spoke gibberish. And the nice cool ride had a calming affect on the boys and they really enjoyed the music, so we went on the ride twice.

Joey and I walked outside to get the stroller ready and there was a PP so we took a pic

By the time we were done with the picture my Dh brought Jack out and put him back in the stroller and onward to the place that turned the whole day around. I had forgotten about these little hidden gems

It wasn't the coolest place to be in (don't think the a/c was working properly), but it was quiet, and there were toys. This is the baby/family center. Private and clean bathrooms, both boys had a bathroom break, drank some water from the water cooler, played toys, and watched a little t.v. It was exactly the break they needed

After our break, we were off again

we made our way into the soda tasting area and this was right up DH's ally

cont. next post

 

[JPFamilyMom]

Jack had fun tasting the clear sodas

DH tried every single soda there, except the Beverly which they were out of or was out of order

Joey and I don't drink soda, so he sat back and relaxed while I captured it all on camera

Ice cream at Beach Club was Dh's favorite part, but I think this place took second for him. He loves Coca Cola

After we left this area we saw these guys

We only watched for a second because the sun was right in our eyes

So we headed here instead

Jack enjoyed the ride so much he got to go twice, once with me and once with DH, the line was pretty long even with the GAC and he got pretty ansy toward the end of his wait in line, but he LOVED this ride

When I rode with Jack the guy next to us was getting a kick out of Jacks shrieks of laughter and screams of delight. Dh didn't say much about their ride except that Jack was climbing all over him during the end of their wait and that they had fun once on the ride.

While Dh was in line and on the ride with Jack, Joey got another treat

He was a sticky mess when he was done, it took like ten wipes to get him clean He enjoyed it though.

Up next a Soarin' adventure and the end of our trip

 

[DisMomAmy]

I'm glad the baby center gave the boys (and mom & dad) the break they needed. We've never been inside one of them... we probably should have checked them out years ago!

Too bad the Beverly wasn't working! I wonder what your DH would have thought about it!

Joey looks like he really enjoyed that popsicle!

 

[jmskinner]

I just read through your whole TR. Can't believe I haven't been following, but guess I haven't been Dis'ing much the last few months.


I couldn't help but laugh when Jack was licking the counter and the CM just hands you the GAC card. I think we have all been there.

So funny what rides the boys like and don't like. Jacob isn't a big fan of BTMRR or Splash Mountain, so I find it funny Jack loved them. Jacob doesn't like TT either.

I think WDW needs more of those family stations, more of a "prevent a meltdown station" so kids can take a break.

 

[mousescrapper]

Hey Jess finally caught up...I missed a ton here, took me a few days to read and look at all the fun.

I am so glad overall, your family had such a wonderful time and enjoyed all the rides and yummy treats

I'm glad that you were able to get ahead of the meltdowns and find ways to divert them too...we used the baby center at EP a few times too...

Looking forward to hearing about the end and plans for the next trip

J

 

[JPFamilyMom]

I'm glad the baby center gave the boys (and mom & dad) the break they needed. We've never been inside one of them... we probably should have checked them out years ago!

Too bad the Beverly wasn't working! I wonder what your DH would have thought about it!

Joey looks like he really enjoyed that popsicle!

yes those baby centers are a life saver, I plan to use them a lot more in the future. I'm so glad we found it by mistake that last day, otherwise we would have not been able to go on. Joey really enjoyed that popsicle I don't know how many he ended up eating on that trip, I suspect he will try to beat his record though

I just read through your whole TR. Can't believe I haven't been following, but guess I haven't been Dis'ing much the last few months.


I couldn't help but laugh when Jack was licking the counter and the CM just hands you the GAC card. I think we have all been there.

So funny what rides the boys like and don't like. Jacob isn't a big fan of BTMRR or Splash Mountain, so I find it funny Jack loved them. Jacob doesn't like TT either.

I think WDW needs more of those family stations, more of a "prevent a meltdown station" so kids can take a break.

It's cool I've been hit and miss with the DIS the past year too. I still need to catch up on yours, yeah it would be nice if they added at least one more baby center to each park so when you are the opposite end of the park you might have a second option. I know there are also some quiet benches I've seen families use, so I need to mark everything on our new maps

Hey Jess finally caught up...I missed a ton here, took me a few days to read and look at all the fun.

I am so glad overall, your family had such a wonderful time and enjoyed all the rides and yummy treats

I'm glad that you were able to get ahead of the meltdowns and find ways to divert them too...we used the baby center at EP a few times too...

Looking forward to hearing about the end and plans for the next trip

J

Yeah We were very fortunate that the meltdowns never got too terrible and that we never lost the boys shoes from the minor fits Hoping to use the baby centers more on future trips

I originally thought I would have this done over Christmas break but things just keep coming up. Hoping to post the last part of the trip tomorrow and give a sneak peak into our new plans.

 

[JPFamilyMom]

We had just survived our crash dummy experience and were now ready to Soar over California.

The line was quite long even with FP/GAC, so we agreed there would only be one time riding this. So I let DH ride since I have gotten to ride before. So while my DH braved the line with Jack, Joey and I headed to Living with the Land. I enjoyed the ride, but it was just too slow for Joey, he kept trying to climb away from me

he did enjoy the part where we saw animals

After our tour of seeing Disney crops, we decided we wanted to sample some of those delicious veggies and headed to Sunshine Seasons

Where Joey wanted to try everything he saw, but we settled on this (Joey loves broccoli- he didn't share any broccoli with me):

DH and Jack joined us and decided they were hungry too

Jack got the pizza sandwich thing and we had so many packs of grapes we took some back to the house with us for later

After we were done eating we decided to call it a day and headed toward the exit

As we headed toward the exit we noticed there was no line at a ride

So a ride was in order, they boys really enjoyed it, though Joey kept pushing the buttons on the screen and I think we watched in swedish or something, so I have no clue what was being said, and had never ridden this ride before. It was a great way to end our vacation though.

After this we left DisneyWorld with two happy little boys who were filled with some great memories. As they of course don't remember the meltdowns and thankfully only remember the happy moments they had. So of course we will be back DH said we could go back in 2013, I of course had other plans

 

[jmskinner]

How did Jack like Soarin?

I think Jacob selected Japanese once on Spaceship Earth. And all you missed was a history lesson.

Are you going to have a PTR for the next trip? Can't wait to hear how you all enjoy MNSSHP. I sure missed it this year.

 

[JPFamilyMom]

How did Jack like Soarin?

I think Jacob selected Japanese once on Spaceship Earth. And all you missed was a history lesson.

Are you going to have a PTR for the next trip? Can't wait to hear how you all enjoy MNSSHP. I sure missed it this year.

I think he liked it ok, didn't really get a good read, and my DH didn't say much, he didn't not like it.

debating the PTR, if I do I won't start it until Spring Breakish because I'll have more details worked out by then, I'm still waiting for info to be released. Are you going to start a PTR for your upcoming trip or did you already and I missed the start?

 

[jmskinner]

debating the PTR, if I do I won't start it until Spring Breakish because I'll have more details worked out by then, I'm still waiting for info to be released. Are you going to start a PTR for your upcoming trip or did you already and I missed the start?

I just started a PTR, link is in my sig. I was so excited about my trip, I couldn't wait.