Family, friends, teachers & Stacy too! - The End 9/27 page 14

[DisMomAmy]

We didn’t have to wait long before being escorted into the castle.


I loved that the CM handed us a candelabra as we walked in. I was bummed that she took it with her after we were seated. I thought it was so cool. It freaked Alex out because he thought it was going to burn me… but they were flickering light bulbs, they weren’t going to hurt me!


We were seated in the ballroom but were told we could go check out the West Wing. First, ballroom pictures…


Zach & I ventured in there for some photos.







I wish we'd taken some pictures closer up to the big windows in the back of the room. It was snowing out there!

At one point during our meal we saw the Beast walking through the dining room. I tried to get a picture but it didn’t come out very well…


I got a closer picture here… (though it’s just as bad)


The meal was Fantastic! I had a lovely glass of sparkling wine and Tim had a beer to start the meal, which is a nice treat at Magic Kingdom. They started us with delicious warm rolls. Tim & I both had the strip steak and LOVED it! Zach had the children’s fish of the day, which was Mahi Mahi. He loved it! The chef came out and talked with us about Alex’s meal. Due to his kidney condition, he is on a low sodium diet. And as you all know, he likes chicken, chicken and only chicken. Our options were the kids grilled chicken meal or the rotisserie Cornish hen from the regular menu. The chef told us that the kids grilled chicken would be a healthier option as far as sodium and offered to cook him a double portion with lemon as the only seasoning to satisfy his growing appetite. He also provided him with raw veggies (which is the only way he’ll eat them). Everyone LOVED the meal and declared it our new favorite! We will absolutely be back.

The dessert offerings:


I believe Tim & I each had the chocolate mousse cream puff & the boys each had the triple chocolate cupcake. It was nice to see that they offered a sugar free option and a gluten free option.

After dinner we got to meet the Beast. Here are the pictures from my camera:






And the photopass pictures:












After meeting the Beast, we walked out through the room with the suits of armor. They were talking to us!


Another picture on the way out:


Continued...​

 

[DisMomAmy]

After our fantastic meal at Be Our Guest, we checked in with Jeff & Karen. They had left right around 5pm and had about a 3 hour drive ahead of them. It was almost 6pm and we decided we could hit a ride or two before making our way out. We decided to ride the other two mountains before leaving. On our way to Frontierland we checked out the new Tangled themed area.









Up first, Big Thunder Mountain! It had been closed when we were there last year so the boys were excited to check it out. We’d also heard about the new interactive elements they had added to the queue and hoped to be able to see those. I think the rain had cleared out the park because there was a very short wait in the standby line. Here are pictures of the new queue.










I think Tim was afraid of the explosives!












It was fun pushing down the explosives & making the water shoot up!










One last ride for the night…


With that, we made our way out of the park. It was almost 7pm. We figured we had at least an hour to get back to meet Jeff & Karen. Once we got back to our car, we called them & discovered they were already there! They found the resort & went to a restaurant right next door. We stopped in for a minute, dropped off a room key (so they could get through the security gate) and headed to the villa to wait for them. I think I jumped in the shower. The kids were so excited to see them!

Funny story about that night… while Jeff unloaded the car, Karen gave each of the boys $20 and told them not to tell Jeff. Later that night, once they were in bed, Jeff went in & gave them each $20 and told them not to tell Karen. They set them up to see how long they could keep it a secret! It was so funny… Alex cracked the next morning! He stuck his foot in his mouth and tried to backpedal but he let the cat out of the bag!

Up next: A day of R&R​

 

[mommytothreeboys]

I was so disappointed we didn't get in to see Be Our Guest! It looks fantastic! I'm so glad you enjoyed your meal and that they were so accommodating for Alex.

Cool new interactive elements at BTMRR. We missed them since we used a FP. Looks like fun!

I could tell you were hot at the MK that day! Sometimes a dip in the pool is all it takes!

 

[ddluvsdisney]

I wish that I could get an ADR for BOG! I can't even get one for Oct.

Sounds like it was good.

We didn't get to see the interactive queue for BTMRR either b/c of FP. I'm sure we'll make it over there in July sometime.

 

[KatMark]

I am so glad you loved BE OUR GUEST. I can't wait to be back there in 2 weeks. The candelabra is new...they didn't have that when we visited in December. I loved the strip steak and plan on having it again. We sat in the West Wing and loved it there.

You got wonderful pictures of the whole area.

That is too funny about Jeff and Karen with the $20.

 

[MEK]

First, very cute T-shirts on the boys! I want one! So cute!

BOG looks amazing and I am so glad everyone enjoyed their meals. I am really looking forward to eating there and carrying in the candelabra! I wonder if I can get Denny to pose for a picture with the beast.

Those desserts look amazing and its so cool that you can check out the other rooms.

Yeah for getting to ride all three mountains. I love the BTMMR queue. When did they do that? I didn't notice it in October. I hope it wasn't there or it will show how truly unobservant I am.

Great update!

 

[Cory's Gal]

Hi Amy! Alex & Zach are getting so big! What handsome boys! Love reading your TR so far! The new queue at BTMRR looks like a lot of fun! Be Our Guest looks fantastic! We are planning on dining there in February! Great pictures & review and I didn't know that you get to meet Beast!! Awesome!! I haven't seen any pics of the new Tangled area either, Disney did a great job!! Looking forward to reading more!!

~Beth

 

[DisMomAmy]

I was so disappointed we didn't get in to see Be Our Guest! It looks fantastic! I'm so glad you enjoyed your meal and that they were so accommodating for Alex.

Cool new interactive elements at BTMRR. We missed them since we used a FP. Looks like fun!

I could tell you were hot at the MK that day! Sometimes a dip in the pool is all it takes!

I guess you have some new things to look forward to for your next trip.

I wish that I could get an ADR for BOG! I can't even get one for Oct.

Sounds like it was good.

We didn't get to see the interactive queue for BTMRR either b/c of FP. I'm sure we'll make it over there in July sometime.

I've been trying to get BoG for October too... Although I didn't start trying until 5 1/2 months out so I knew my chances were slim... but I keep checking every day.

The new BTMRR queue was fun.

I am so glad you loved BE OUR GUEST. I can't wait to be back there in 2 weeks. The candelabra is new...they didn't have that when we visited in December. I loved the strip steak and plan on having it again. We sat in the West Wing and loved it there.

You got wonderful pictures of the whole area.

That is too funny about Jeff and Karen with the $20.

I hope to get to sit in the West Wing next time. The strip steak was soo good!!

First, very cute T-shirts on the boys! I want one! So cute!

BOG looks amazing and I am so glad everyone enjoyed their meals. I am really looking forward to eating there and carrying in the candelabra! I wonder if I can get Denny to pose for a picture with the beast.

Those desserts look amazing and its so cool that you can check out the other rooms.

Yeah for getting to ride all three mountains. I love the BTMMR queue. When did they do that? I didn't notice it in October. I hope it wasn't there or it will show how truly unobservant I am.

Great update!

I'm going to have to eat at BoG for lunch sometime... maybe once the crowds settle down a bit. Only two of the three rooms are open during dinner so I'd like to see the third.

It didn't seem like we did much at MK that evening, but I guess we did get a fair amount done. I think the new queue was a fairly recent addition.

Hi Amy! Alex & Zach are getting so big! What handsome boys! Love reading your TR so far! The new queue at BTMRR looks like a lot of fun! Be Our Guest looks fantastic! We are planning on dining there in February! Great pictures & review and I didn't know that you get to meet Beast!! Awesome!! I haven't seen any pics of the new Tangled area either, Disney did a great job!! Looking forward to reading more!!

~Beth

Hi Beth!! So glad you found me! I don't think I said it over on your PTR but your kiddos are so big too!! It's funny how we can months without seeing each other on the DIS & catch up like it was yesterday... except the kids are all bigger!

Good luck getting an ADR for BoG! We'll be trying to go back in February too but I've heard some people are having a really hard time getting ADRs - even right at 180 days!

The Tangled area was cute - and it really opens up what used to be a crowded walkway area.

 

[carissanboys]

Oops! I thought I'd read this update but I hadn't.


So glad you guys enjoyed your dinner at BOG! Sounds like a wonderful meal.

I had no idea there were interactive things in the queue for BTMR. We must have just zoomed on through. LOL

Too funny about the boys and the $40.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

What are your dates for October??

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[JPFamilyMom]

Be Our Guest looks so cool. That's neat that you got to do pictures with Beast after the meal. The desserts looked so yummy.

That Tangled area looks cool, and love the sneak peak at the 7 Dwarfs Mine train. It looks like a coaster, and I thought it was going to be more like hmmmm... this train at a non Disney park in California, which I can't explain. But I was thinking it would be more like Dinosaur at AK but in a mine train and tamer. Can't wait to see what it ends up being like.

Looks like another fun day

Too funny about the $20, well $40 I guess.

 

[KathyRN137]

What a funny trick by Karen & Jeff -- I would love to have seen Alex's face!

Wonderful that BOG could accommodate the low salt diet so well. I can't wait to have lunch there!

Billy is very excited to try the interactive queue at BTMRR, too. There's just something about cause-and-effect that feeds their need to control the environment, I guess!

Kathy

 

[DisMomAmy]

Oops! I thought I'd read this update but I hadn't.


So glad you guys enjoyed your dinner at BOG! Sounds like a wonderful meal.

I had no idea there were interactive things in the queue for BTMR. We must have just zoomed on through. LOL

Too funny about the boys and the $40.

BoG was great! I'm bummed I can't get an ADR for October.

The interactive things at BTMRR are fun - not sure we'd try to go through standby again just to play with them though. A nice way to pass the time if you find yourself stuck there.

The $40 was funny!

What are your dates for October??

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Thursday, 10/17- Sunday 10/20 We're going to MNSSHP on Friday 10/18. It's going to be a busy party night but it was really our only choice.

Be Our Guest looks so cool. That's neat that you got to do pictures with Beast after the meal. The desserts looked so yummy.

That Tangled area looks cool, and love the sneak peak at the 7 Dwarfs Mine train. It looks like a coaster, and I thought it was going to be more like hmmmm... this train at a non Disney park in California, which I can't explain. But I was thinking it would be more like Dinosaur at AK but in a mine train and tamer. Can't wait to see what it ends up being like.

Looks like another fun day

Too funny about the $20, well $40 I guess.

You should definitely check out Be Our Guest! It was great!

I loved seeing the new stuff, like the Tangled area. The sneak peeks were really fun too. I've heard that the Mine Coaster is going to be a cross between BTMRR & Barnstormer, but the mine carts are going to turn or rock I guess. I can't wait!!

What a funny trick by Karen & Jeff -- I would love to have seen Alex's face!

Wonderful that BOG could accommodate the low salt diet so well. I can't wait to have lunch there!

Billy is very excited to try the interactive queue at BTMRR, too. There's just something about cause-and-effect that feeds their need to control the environment, I guess!

Kathy

We'll see how the lines are in October at BoG for lunch. We may check it out then since I can't get a dinner ADR.

I hope Billy enjoys the queue at Big Thunder - it's fun! Only a couple more weeks for you, right?

 

[DisMomAmy]

Sorry for the lack of updates but I only had the first three days typed up and life has been crazy with sports & end of school activities. I didn’t think I’d get another update posted until after school got out on the 20th but I got a bonus day today with a postponed field trip that I signed up to chaperone. So where were we??? Day One was arrival day along with some time at DTD. Days 2 & 3 were spent at all four parks with Be Our Guest capping off our MK evening. Tim’s brother, Jeff, and his wife, Karen, arrived Friday night and would be spending the weekend, leaving mid-day Sunday.

Day 4 – Saturday, April 20th – Where ‘s the Sun?
Today was a pretty laid back day. We’d planned to spend a good amount of time at the pools but the weather didn’t cooperate all that much. We slept late, had some breakfast in the villa from Dunkin Donuts and just chilled out in the morning. The weather was cool & damp so we weren’t in a rush to get to the pools. Karen wanted to hit the Orlando outlets so she & I took off for a few hours & did just that. I knew where the outlets were & she knew where the outlets were but apparently they were two different sets of Premium Outlets. She was driving & wasn’t aware that there were outlets just around the corner so we ended up 30-45 minutes away. When we got back, the boys had been at the pool, had eaten lunch at the pool bar/gill and were hanging out in the room. We decided to check out one of the other pools and went over to the “Super Pool” in the Spas section of the resort. The boys spotted a volleyball net & played volleyball with Tim & Jeff for a while. Karen & I stopped to get a late lunch at the bar/grill on our way over, then chilled out in some deck chairs for a while. Eventually we joined the boys in the pool for volleyball. We eventually made our way to the hot tub for a bit. After swimming for a while, we headed back to the villa to get ready for dinner.

Jeff had brought a gourmet meal with him & used the resort grills to cook up steak & chicken. It was fantastic!! After dinner we explored the resort a bit, stopping at the marketplace to get some popsicles for the boys. We saw a couple more of the pools and saw what Zach called “turkey ducks!” They were ducks but had funny red bumpy bills. While we were out walking, Jeff mentioned that his back was sore… remember that for later.

The only pictures I have for today are from our walk around the resort:
This was one of the quiet pools we discovered.


This looks gross but it just shows how low the water levels were when we were there. Water normally ran between these buildings.


Some of the other areas of the resort:














Slide pool!


Mini golf!


Alex, pretending to play mini golf.


The “Fishpipe,” which we never did… It looked pretty cool. It spins around fast & the person inside stays on the bottom like a really long waterslide.


The Marketplace, which had a really good selection.




Day 5 – Sunday, April 21st – This morning we headed to one of the new pools we discovered (that had ping pong).



It was still cool & damp. Karen suggested we go to the other outlet mall! I’m not a big shopper… I don’t think I’ve ever done so much shopping in a weekend! On our way home we stopped at Panera to pick up lunch. We exited the store in a downpour. After lunch, they headed out & we headed to Epcot. We'd see them again on Wednesday night in Tampa for a Tampa Bay Rays/NY Yankees game.

Continued...​

 

[DisMomAmy]

Day 5 – Sunday, April 21st continued.

After Jeff & Karen left, we hung out at the resort for a bit longer hoping the rain would let up. We had a dinner ADR at Via Napoli but didn’t need to be at Epcot at any specific time. We headed to Epcot… with the ponchos! I think we got there around 3pm?? The rain had stopped for now. We had planned to ride Spaceship Earth on our way in but it was closed so we moved on to check out the Chase Meet & Greet inside Innoventions. We’d never done this before.




We were planning to focus primarily on the World Showcase today so we skipped most of the Future World attractions. We decided to stop at Journey Into the Imagination because we’d missed it on our first Epcot day.




















And when we exited the ride… RAIN! It was pouring! I dragged out the ponchos (which Alex was not happy about).


It was pouring so hard that we decided to walk right next door to see Captiain EO. The camera didn’t come back out for a while. The boys weren’t quite sure what to think of Captian EO. I thought it was much more fun when I saw it with my friends after a few cocktails. We were happy to be out of the rain. When we came out, it was still raining but the downpour had passed so we moved on.

We stopped in the UK to visit the Kidcot station. We ran into Alice. Zach refused to have his picture taken with a princess. I told him that she isn’t a princess, she’s Alice. He wasn’t buying it.




We visited all of the Kidcot stations on our way to Italy & also did a little shopping in the Japan shop, Mitsukoshi. The boys each bought a couple things. Alex also wanted to stop in the America gift shop and bought a set of World Showcase postcards.

We arrived in Italy just before our ADR time & it was pretty empty. I think a lot of people skipped their ADRs due to the rain (and because there is no credit card hold). We were seated quickly & sat out in the little wing that is almost like an outdoor porch area, but it’s enclosed with glass. It was the first time I’d eaten in that area. I was a little bummed because I wanted to show the kids the ovens. They probably would have seated us inside since it wasn’t crowded but we just wanted to get seated & eat so I didn’t make a fuss. We took a walk inside to see the ovens at one point. The meal was great. Zach didn’t seem very hungry but Alex devoured the pizza! He called it, “delicious!” The best part is that the rain stopped while we were at dinner!

After dinner we had to get a Kaki Gori, of course. I believe Tim took Zach over there while I headed to Germany with Alex. We were going to hit the Kidcot station & stop in the caramel shop.



While visiting the Kidcot station in China, Zach spotted some Magic Stix and had to have them. He’d been asking for “Devil Sticks” for a while since they had played with some in gym class (Magic Stix and Devil Sticks are the same thing but I’m guessing they call them Magic Stix at Disney because it sounds nicer). Zach has played with them a lot & plans to do an act with them in the last day of school talent/variety show.

Moving on to Norway. A troll…


More trolls…


Norway Kicot…


I’m sure we rode Maelstrom in Norway & Donald’s boat ride in Mexico.

A few more pictures as we headed out.




SSE was open at this point so stopped to ride.

Our day wasn’t a complete washout but it was definitely wet! We looked forward to seeing some sun the next day.

Up next: A change of plans ​

 

[DisMomAmy]

I knew I had some more pictures! I guess I had only uploaded some of my phone pictures into PB... so here are some more pictures from our wet day at Epcot.

Looking off the balcony, waiting for the rain to stop...


Dry arrival...


Meeting the gang...


The cutest little ducklings that we ran into in Canada.







They were adorable. They were following their mom, crossing over from the pond to the other side of the walkway. Mom went through the fence & the ducklings somehow went around the corner to a seating area. The mom was quacking trying to tell them where to go. They were quackling (or squeaking) and eventually they found their way around the corner through the railing. So cute! None of them seemed to be bothered by all the people.

Via Napoli... Zach just had to eat the lemon!






Our large pizza.


Some pictures inside Mexico.










We stopped at the photo center on the way out to get our Chase meet & greet picture and I saw these pins. I thought of you, MRYPPNS.


Spaceship Earth:










Our futures are becoming predictable. I think we'll pick our least favorite choices next time to mix it up.

Good night Epcot!
​

 

[MEK]

Via Napoli... Zach just had to eat the lemon!
​

Hmmm - I wonder what this lemon tastes like. Yikes - its so bitter.

​

Let me taste it again just to make sure!

​

Yup - still bitter!

Kids. They crack me UP! He looks like he is in extreme pain!

Our large pizza.


​

That is HUGE! Wow!

Those ducks are adorable. I love when I get lucky enough to see some real babies.

So the trick to Captain EO is an adult beverage? The question is how many?

Boy it sure looks wet out.

Nice resort day. Back to back outlet shopping doesn't really appeal to me either when I am on vacation. But I do feel like I should hit up those outlets one of this trip.

Yeah for a bonus school trip cancelation and an update!

 

[MRYPPNS]

I remember that rain storm....we were at AoA exploring and you could see the storm rolling in. Thankfully we got back to the car in time. We actually ate at Via Napoli the next week during a rain storm...got an adr like 2 hours before. I'm happy to hear Alex loved the pizza, Danica ate it up too. The eye candy in that restaurant............yum.

MEK: Captain EO has a two drink minimum

 

[ddluvsdisney]

We love via Napoli! That pizza is HUGE!!!

My boys LOVE spaceship earth but we've been so many times that futures kinda look the same too.

My boys love to make goofy faces.

What section of Sheraton vistana were you in?

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[MeMom]

Catching up on several groups of pictures. I am glad your experience at BOG was a good one. The castle is so nicely done. Our lunch food really wasn't anything to write home about, but I am glad I got to get pictures inside.

Splash, Big Thunder, and Space Mountains -

That is a huge pizza! We still need to go to Via Napoli.