Island Hopping: A Highly Inappropriate TR. (Boom.)-- Morning of EPCOT Firsts NEW 5/18

[Fantasyland Mom]

We crossed Future World and found ourselves where we had begun the day--The Land Pavilion for an early dinner at Garden Grill!

We checked in and were given a pager. The restaurant had just opened, so I doubted we'd be waiting long. While we waited, the girls made some pressed pennies at the machine right outside the restaurant, and those are now in their "treasure" boxes at home! We sat on the benches near the restrooms and were called almost immediately.

They led us to the second level, to the absolute smallest table for a party of 5 that I have ever seen. I wasn't happy with the view (or lack of view), the lack of space, and the fact that there were plenty of the semi-circular booths still open on the first level which would have solved all those problems. However, my head hurt too much to complain. I just wanted to sit.



Our server sat down our plates and bread. SEE? NO ROOM.



The food is all served family style, with separate dishes for adults and kids.
The salad came before our drinks even arrived.



I liked the dressing on it, and the amount of toppings. I love toppings on my salad. I eat so many that it becomes no longer healthy!

This was our table before the huge platters even arrived. There was much shifting when they did come. All in all, it was uncomfortable. And almost immediately, Brynn knocked over her drink. It wasn't her fault--there just was no room to move!



I have to say that I was pretty zoned out during this meal, and after seeing the pictures and videos, it makes me sad. Everybody looks like they had a great time, and I even look like I was faking it pretty well!

The food was pretty good. I admit that I actually enjoyed the mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese from the kids' dish better than the sides on the adult dish. The kids' dessert was cute, as well; it was a cupcake, but baked inside an ice cream waffle cone! Fun to eat! The adult dessert was some sort of berry cobbler with ice cream, and it was delicious, as well. I really can't complain about the food at all. I just wasn't hungry, so I didn't need refills on anything, which we were offered.

They had fun with the characters!

















I'm not sure why we don't have more pictures than that. The characters all came around twice and had wonderful interaction with our kids. I think that we just didn't take any pictures on the second go-round!

Even though I don't really recall much about this meal, my kids loved it! They still claim it as one of their favorites!

When we were finished, the headache was still there. The emergency medicine wasn't so wonder-working, after all. Don't misunderstand me, though--I had a WONDERFUL time on this day! I just had to push through it is all!

There was still daylight as we made our way back to the strollers, so for some unknown and idiotic reason, I decided I wanted to ride Mission: Space on the orange side, just to see what it was like. Yep. Alone. Headache and all.

My family was supportive. On the way, we stopped to watch a fountain show, and Julia took one of the pictures that she used this year in her PTA Reflections contest (and got 2nd place!).



(She didn't want her glasses to get wet.)





Sawyer was chillin'.



I went on the Orange side, and I can report that I don't see the point in it. It's just like the other side, but more uncomfortable. It's not more fun. It's not more realistic. Meh.

It was about seven o'clock at this point, and we decided to make our way out of the park. We couldn't leave without a ride on Spaceship Earth, though! That would be sacrilage! I would never hurt Dame Judi Dench's feelings like that.

And so we went back to cave paintings times.



[




Don't read in the dark! You'll make your eyesight worse!



See, this is better. Don't strain to see.



The most photographed scene in Spaceship Earth:



I had made a big deal to Brandon about making sure Brynn got in the ride picture this year. I nagged him and nagged him, because last year she didn't make it in the photo. She made it this year.



I, however, did not!! Sawyer was sitting in my lap, and he's in it instead of me! LOL!



And with that, we made it quickly out of the park and into our beds. My head was hurting so bad that it made it hard to sleep.

I'll go ahead and tell you, though, that when I woke up, the headache was gone completely, and I never had another one for the rest of the week! Maybe all I needed was an early night and some Dame Dench.

I would have to wake up early the next morning for one of our favorite WDW traditions. Won't you join us? It will be quite the celebration!

[MissPrice]

Yay for a whole day of updates!! I love your writing style by the way.

I can never decide between MK and EPCOT as to which is my favorite park, but after just reading about your day, I'm going with EPCOT!! I also just got super excited for 3 Caballeros and The Land in 3 days!

I'm sorry about your headache I can't believe you went on MS:Orange and it didn't get worse.

You China pictures are so pretty. It looks like the girls were having fun on their mission. Sorry that guy was such a jerk!!

Looking forward to next update. -Amanda

[GrimGrinningStitch]

Yay! A new update! And at my favorite park as well!

It looks like such a fun day. It's funny that you mention you haven't spent much time at the China pavilion, since I've realized that's one area of Epcot I haven't explored at all! I'll have to do that next time.

How is Mission Space? All the reports of motion sickness has put me off form riding it, but I may want to check it out this trip. I'm on the fence.

Boooooo headaches! Having a headache you're trying to push through is one of the worst feelings in the world. Hopefully this was the only time it happened during your trip.

Can't wait to see the video when you get it finished!

[danimaroo]

Not only did you update, but it's quite an epic update! YAY!

I'm sorry you got a stupid headache; there's nothing worse than sickness or headaches trying to ruin the Disney magic for you, seriously.

Mission Space... I have not gone on it and probably never will. It just does not interest me to have my face get squished or have my stomach flipping. I just know I wouldn't be able to handle it, wompwomp.

Boat rides are truly a Godsend in Disney parks. Between those and a little PeopleMover action, my feet thank me profusely every time.

That really is the tiniest table they put you guys at! So weird, when we ate there on our honeymoon they put us in one of the big booths! That table looks way too small to start with, nevermind when you're doing a family-style meal. But I love those characters, esp. Farmer Mickey.. Now I'm kind of sad we canceled that ADR, wah.

I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOUR VACATION VIDEO! Seriously excited.

[shan23877]

That was one heck of an update! So sorry about the headache. There's little worse than feeling like crap on vacation and not wanting to spoil everyone's fun.

Sorry that lunch in Mexico wasn't great. Will you try it again?

Garden Grill looks good, but I have yet to put it on even a maybe list. Maybe one of these days.

I can't wait to try one of the P&F missions. Did you guys enjoy it?

Love the photos as always.

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Wow updates!!!! Too bad that you had the headache to battle (and that "respectful" person behind you in China ), but it sounds like a nice Epcot day otherwise!

Julia asked Crush a great question - good for her!! Love the picture of Brynn licking the churro!! Sawyer looks so handsome during his Sunshine Seasons photo shoot!

[Disney9.9.10]

Wow that is a lot of updating! I love all of your pictures!! You did a lot of really great exploring in Epcot. It is too bad that you had such an awful headache - that is no fun, especially on vacation! Your table at Garden Grill really looks cramped - that is a ton of stuff for one little table!

[Fantasyland Mom]

Originally Posted by MissPrice

Yay for a whole day of updates!! I love your writing style by the way.

I can never decide between MK and EPCOT as to which is my favorite park, but after just reading about your day, I'm going with EPCOT!! I also just got super excited for 3 Caballeros and The Land in 3 days!

I'm sorry about your headache I can't believe you went on MS:Orange and it didn't get worse.

You China pictures are so pretty. It looks like the girls were having fun on their mission. Sorry that guy was such a jerk!!

Looking forward to next update. -Amanda

Here's what I've decided: Epcot is my favorite park for myself, but MK is my favorite park to watch my kids in...that way I get two favorites! Sneaky, sneaky!
I might be a little bit jealous that you'll be in Epcot so soon! I have eight more months.
Honestly, I don't think anything could have made that headache any worse than it was, not even MS: Orange!
The girls had a blast in China and had no idea that the jerk said anything!

Originally Posted by GrimGrinningStitch

Yay! A new update! And at my favorite park as well!

It looks like such a fun day. It's funny that you mention you haven't spent much time at the China pavilion, since I've realized that's one area of Epcot I haven't explored at all! I'll have to do that next time.

How is Mission Space? All the reports of motion sickness has put me off form riding it, but I may want to check it out this trip. I'm on the fence.

Boooooo headaches! Having a headache you're trying to push through is one of the worst feelings in the world. Hopefully this was the only time it happened during your trip.

Can't wait to see the video when you get it finished!

You know, I didn't experience any motion sickness on Mission: Space, though it WAS quite claustrophobic. I didn't like that. The only way that I can describe it is that it feels like pressure on your chest. I couldn't tell I was spinning, and I didn't feel weightless at all, which is the effect they're supposed to be going for, I think. I just felt pressure. In my opinion? NOT WORTH IT. I tried it, and it wasn't great. Not a must do in my book, but Test Track was closed at the time and we needed filler!
This WAS the only time I had a headache on this trip, and the only time anybody felt the least bit bad at all! Maybe that'll help you enjoy the rest of the TR without worry,
This video is amazeballs. You are going to be blown away.

Originally Posted by danimaroo

Not only did you update, but it's quite an epic update! YAY!

I'm sorry you got a stupid headache; there's nothing worse than sickness or headaches trying to ruin the Disney magic for you, seriously.

Mission Space... I have not gone on it and probably never will. It just does not interest me to have my face get squished or have my stomach flipping. I just know I wouldn't be able to handle it, wompwomp.

Boat rides are truly a Godsend in Disney parks. Between those and a little PeopleMover action, my feet thank me profusely every time.

That really is the tiniest table they put you guys at! So weird, when we ate there on our honeymoon they put us in one of the big booths! That table looks way too small to start with, nevermind when you're doing a family-style meal. But I love those characters, esp. Farmer Mickey.. Now I'm kind of sad we canceled that ADR, wah.

I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOUR VACATION VIDEO! Seriously excited.

I love being EPIC!
SMUSHED! That's it! That's all that MS is--a bunch of smush and NOT feeling weightless! Totally not worth it. I'm not against it, but I definitely wouldn't go out of my way to ride it or wait in a line or anything.
Love boat rides! And we do plenty of PeopleMover action later on, don't you worry!
The characters were great, and they came around twice and spent lots of time both visits. But that table was flippin' ridiculous.
THIS VIDEO IS SPECTACULAR! I can't wait for you to see it. I hope it becomes the sensation of the DisBoards! Brandon has worked so hard on it! His goal is to have it done before Julia's birthday, which is a little over a week away...I don't wanna be a doubter, but we'll see.

Originally Posted by shan23877

That was one heck of an update! So sorry about the headache. There's little worse than feeling like crap on vacation and not wanting to spoil everyone's fun.

Sorry that lunch in Mexico wasn't great. Will you try it again?

Garden Grill looks good, but I have yet to put it on even a maybe list. Maybe one of these days.

I can't wait to try one of the P&F missions. Did you guys enjoy it?

Love the photos as always.

I owed it to everyone for going missing the last few weeks! Now I feel like I'm all caught up and can go back to an update (a regular-sized one) every few days or so.
I will try the lunch in Mexico again for sure, but I'll get the beef tacos Brandon had next time. Apparently deep fried isn't my thing, but his dish looked and smelled wonderful!
Garden Grill was great and all and did nothing wrong to us at all (except for the small table), but I think the headache put a cloud over it and pushed it back to my maybe a long time from now list. It wasn't bad at all! The characters were wonderful! But it just wasn't spectacular, either.
The P&F mission was really fun! We'll definitely be doing at least one of these each trip from now on. I want to try more countries.

Originally Posted by Stringbean&Wingnut

Wow updates!!!! Too bad that you had the headache to battle (and that "respectful" person behind you in China ), but it sounds like a nice Epcot day otherwise!

Julia asked Crush a great question - good for her!! Love the picture of Brynn licking the churro!! Sawyer looks so handsome during his Sunshine Seasons photo shoot!

I know, right?! Holy updates, Batman!
Even with the headache, we had a really fun and wonderful Epcot day...I mean, it's EPCOT! How can you NOT have fun!?!
I think you just summed up my kids' personalities in that paragraph--Julia is the thoughtful one, Brynn's the indulgent one, and Sawyer's the center of attention!

Originally Posted by Disney9.9.10

Wow that is a lot of updating! I love all of your pictures!! You did a lot of really great exploring in Epcot. It is too bad that you had such an awful headache - that is no fun, especially on vacation! Your table at Garden Grill really looks cramped - that is a ton of stuff for one little table!

I KNOW! But now I feel all caught up and ready to get back to a normal pace!
Brandon and I were discussing the table last night, actually, and he said it reminded him of what a table on a submarine would be like--small, with a tiny hallway for servers (they dropped stuff constantly!), and moving!! I forgot to add that Brandon was feeling a little motion sickness even though the restaurant barely moves! Only my husband...

[merbobear]

Ahhh I am sorry about the headache! This past year I came down with what would become a terrible cold , and my symptoms were in full swing at 'Ohana. The food was still so good, the entertainment was fun and sweet (all those little girls dancing with their daddies!)..but it was hard to like it because I just felt like crap!

but anyway, I am glad you could enjoy yourself despite the headache.

Every time I see a picture of your girls in their face paint, I vow that my dd is going to get her face painted at Disney this year too. They do a really good job!

And I am SO hoping that our WS experience this year will be like yours was on this day. Each time we have tried to tour the WS, we do Mexico and then something goes awry. We miss every meet & greet due to poor timing, dd has a melt down..I mean the reasons vary, but I just absolutely yearn to have a fun family day in the WS and it has never happened. 2013 will be our year to enjoy the WS! lol You have inspired me

[merbobear]

Oh..I always forget something I wanted to say and remember it just after I click to post! lol

Yours is the second TR in as many days that has given a pretty positive/glowing review of the Garden Grill...and up until now, that place has not even been on my radar. I mean, we like C&D as much, possibly more, than the average person, but I just haven't had that deep burning desire to eat there, but now...I kind of want to.

That table they stuck you at, though...eek! Looks like it was meant for 4 (or 2!) and they just stuck a high chair at the corner for poor Sawyer. I hate how so many restaurants act like 4 plus a baby is just 4...the baby/high chair takes up the space of 2 adults in most cases, you have to give them room to make their messes

[merbobear]

Yes, 3 replies in a row. Everyone is going to think I'm just trying to up my post count lol
I am excited to see your video! I feel like I might have asked you this before, but I can't remember..and if I did, I can't remember the answer...what software is your husband using to edit your vacation video? I so want to make a fantastic vacation montage rather than have a billion random unedited clips..but I just am at a loss about where to start!

And..about Mission Space Green vs Orange..I agree that neither one is really better or more authentic than the other (though, I've never been on a real space shuttle, so who am I?). I generally refer to MS as the ride that people go on to kill time while waiting for their Soarin' or Test Track FP's to come up I mean, it's not a terrible ride. The theming is pretty fun and I have a good time on it, but it wouldn't devastate me to miss out on it altogether.

[tinkgurl]

I just found this TR and got all caught up. I won't comment on everything since it'd be a lot, but all of your pictures are amazing! And your kids are so adorable!

[LifeIsDis]

SO MANY UPDATES AND I LOVE IT.

Your day at Epcot sounds wonderful, but I am so sorry about your headache. I have had migraines in the past, and they are the worst things in the world and I just end up in the ER because they can last up to five days. Not fun. At all. So I totally understand how you felt on this day.

China is the one pavilion I have never explored at all. That needs to change because I'm obsessing over all of your pictures.

I can't believe they would give you a table that small at Garden Grill. It looks very squishy!

Oh my GOD. I am in LOVE with the pictures of Julia and Brynn in front of the fountains. They are BEAUTIFUL.

[nannye]

Subscribing!

I really enjoyed reading the TR! I went and read last years too. Awesome so much fun and you write so well and entertaining! Can't wait to see the video!

[Fantasyland Mom]

Originally Posted by merbobear

Ahhh I am sorry about the headache! This past year I came down with what would become a terrible cold , and my symptoms were in full swing at 'Ohana. The food was still so good, the entertainment was fun and sweet (all those little girls dancing with their daddies!)..but it was hard to like it because I just felt like crap!

but anyway, I am glad you could enjoy yourself despite the headache.

Every time I see a picture of your girls in their face paint, I vow that my dd is going to get her face painted at Disney this year too. They do a really good job!

And I am SO hoping that our WS experience this year will be like yours was on this day. Each time we have tried to tour the WS, we do Mexico and then something goes awry. We miss every meet & greet due to poor timing, dd has a melt down..I mean the reasons vary, but I just absolutely yearn to have a fun family day in the WS and it has never happened. 2013 will be our year to enjoy the WS! lol You have inspired me

Well, you'll see even MORE facepaint this trip to keep reminding you!
Your Ohana experience sounds like my Garden Grill experience--it was good, I most definitely didn't hate it, but it's hard to enjoy when you feel so bad.
Let me tell you, we have had our fair share of Epcot meltdowns. Brandon's always joking that there must be something about World Showcase that just sets off our kids, some sort of trigger there. You'll see...we still have another Epcot day.

Originally Posted by merbobear

Oh..I always forget something I wanted to say and remember it just after I click to post! lol

Yours is the second TR in as many days that has given a pretty positive/glowing review of the Garden Grill...and up until now, that place has not even been on my radar. I mean, we like C&D as much, possibly more, than the average person, but I just haven't had that deep burning desire to eat there, but now...I kind of want to.

That table they stuck you at, though...eek! Looks like it was meant for 4 (or 2!) and they just stuck a high chair at the corner for poor Sawyer. I hate how so many restaurants act like 4 plus a baby is just 4...the baby/high chair takes up the space of 2 adults in most cases, you have to give them room to make their messes

The more comments, the merrier! You really will love Garden Grill. It was lots of fun, ESPECIALLY C&D! It wasn't even on my radar until it somehow just popped into my head last year out of the blue. I'm glad we went. We'll go again, but probably not next year (but who knows, maybe?). Just make sure you specify a BIG BOOTH! Because, yeah, you can totally see in one of those pictures that I was literally squished sideways against the wall, and the space was so tight that Brandon didn't even bother standing up to take pictures; he just held the camera above his head.

Originally Posted by merbobear

Yes, 3 replies in a row. Everyone is going to think I'm just trying to up my post count lol
I am excited to see your video! I feel like I might have asked you this before, but I can't remember..and if I did, I can't remember the answer...what software is your husband using to edit your vacation video? I so want to make a fantastic vacation montage rather than have a billion random unedited clips..but I just am at a loss about where to start!

And..about Mission Space Green vs Orange..I agree that neither one is really better or more authentic than the other (though, I've never been on a real space shuttle, so who am I?). I generally refer to MS as the ride that people go on to kill time while waiting for their Soarin' or Test Track FP's to come up I mean, it's not a terrible ride. The theming is pretty fun and I have a good time on it, but it wouldn't devastate me to miss out on it altogether.

Third time's the charm!! I don't know if he's using more than this, but right this second he's working in After Effects. He likes it because he says, "It's like Photoshop, but for videos!" He knows Photoshop inside and out for both his regular job and his side photography gig, so he's familiar with the controls and coding. We're not exactly using tons of effects or anything, but we are cutting clips, smoothing them, timing them to the music, and stretching/speeding some. He's also integrating some really cool photo effects that I've never seen him do! I am so stoked! I have never seen anyone's Disney video be quite like this!
Yeah, Test Track was closed. It was most definitely a big ol' time killer. And now that TT is open? I don't think I'll be riding it next year. It's pointless.

Originally Posted by tinkgurl

I just found this TR and got all caught up. I won't comment on everything since it'd be a lot, but all of your pictures are amazing! And your kids are so adorable!

WELCOME, and thanks!! Glad you are here and look forward to getting to "know" you!

Originally Posted by LifeIsDis

SO MANY UPDATES AND I LOVE IT.

Your day at Epcot sounds wonderful, but I am so sorry about your headache. I have had migraines in the past, and they are the worst things in the world and I just end up in the ER because they can last up to five days. Not fun. At all. So I totally understand how you felt on this day.

China is the one pavilion I have never explored at all. That needs to change because I'm obsessing over all of your pictures.

I can't believe they would give you a table that small at Garden Grill. It looks very squishy!

Oh my GOD. I am in LOVE with the pictures of Julia and Brynn in front of the fountains. They are BEAUTIFUL.

I was totally worried that this was going to turn into a days-long migraine. Since the Maxalt didn't work, the next step was going to be ER the next morning for a shot. Thankfully, it didn't come to that, but I was already preparing to call my doctor to have him talk to the FL docs!
It really is beautiful and fun back in China! I still need to explore their store, but I was terrified my children would start grabbing breakable things off the shelves, so we skipped that.
VERY SQUISHY TABLE. The more I look at the pictures, the more frustrated I get. If we go back, I am insisting that they put us in one of the big booths, even if we had to wait...but there wouldn't have even been a wait this day, as there were plenty of open big booths, so...

Originally Posted by nannye

Subscribing!

I really enjoyed reading the TR! I went and read last years too. Awesome so much fun and you write so well and entertaining! Can't wait to see the video!

Thanks for subbing and for going back and reading the last TR! I don't think this trip is nearly as dramatic as that one (thank goodness--this headache was about as much drama as we got this go-round, and we deserved the lack of stress!), but I think we had even more fun!!
I can't wait to show everyone the video! Every clip I see of it makes me more and more excited! Brandon swears it shouldn't be long, and he's been working on it just about every waking moment he's home...which might be why my garage is still not cleaned out...