Day 1 in the Parks, Part 2: Epcot continued, Ohana, and MK
Sorry for the delay
things have been busy with school, sports, work, and life. Since my last update, Minnie has turned 15 and now has her learners permit. Watch out!
She had her first driving lesson last night (thanks to Papa since DH wasnt home) and did a good job.
My PhotoPass CD finally arrived this weekend so Ill be adding some of those pictures soon.
To pick up where we left off
it was now 12:45 and we decided to split up. We still had our 6 FPs for TT and Grandma most definitely did not want to ride it again. Her main goal was to get to WS and spend some time looking and shopping around the world. So the plan was for DH, Papa, and the girls to go ride TT and then meet up with us in WS. The Plan was generally ok with this, even though it had wanted to keep the family together as much as possible, because The Plan was fairly sure that Grandma wasn't going to want to ride any rides at all and the "menfolk" in the group didn't really want to do any shopping at all and prefer rides to walking around WS. As we were splitting up, Tinkerbell decided she would rather go with Grandma and me and so we ended up in two groups of three.
As we were heading in the direction of WS we saw one of the Kim Possible kiosks. Tinkerbell had been wanting to try KP so we got her signed up to do that. I think her scheduled time was 1:20 in Norway. By this time it was getting rather hot (although not nearly as hot as it would get later in the week). We decided to take the boat across the lagoon to WS since it would give us a few minutes off our feet. The boat ended up being full (I guess a lot of people had the same idea!). It was a nice little ride and we got off in Morocco and slowly made our way over to Norway, stopping to look in the shops along the way. We stopped in the Outpost (why is it called that?) for cold water and sodas and then arrived in Norway. Grandma was hot and wanted to rest so she sat on a bench with a lovely view of the lagoon while Tinkerbell and I ran around Norway doing the KP mission. While we were doing that, DH, Papa, and Minnie arrived after riding TT. They had a 20 minute wait in line with their FPs (it was probably the longest FP return line we had all week). Minnie joined in on the KP missions Tinkerbell was doing.
I have to admit that none of us really enjoyed the KP thing.
I dont know if its Tinkerbells age or the fact that it was hot and humid and it felt like we were just crisscrossing Norway non-stop, always ending up in the same few places, or what it was
but after doing several mission segments Tinkerbell decided she was done and went and turned in the Kimmunicator. I asked her if she would like to try again in another country and she said no. It just didnt interest her.
After turning in the Kimmunicator, DH, Minnie, and Papa rode Maelstrom (5 minute wait) while Grandma, Tinkerbell, and I looked around the stores. We then set off towards Japan. We had a mission Minnie wanted to do the Pick-a-Pearl (an early birthday gift). It sprinkled just a little bit while we were in Germany and Italy, but not enough to notice. Papa saw a sign for the Supremes show and wanted to see it but unfortunately they werent performing then (we did come back later in the week and saw part of the show and called Papa from my cell phone so he could hear it, LOL).
Some pictures as we made our way around the world (in no particular order):
Yes, Im actually in this picture!
DH, Minnie, and Tinkerbell:
Minnie and Me:
Grandma and Papa:
I just loved this light fixture in Morocco everyone thought I was crazy for taking pictures of a light but I really thought it was lovely:
Anyway
we arrived in Japan and went straight to the Pick-a-Pearl counter in Mitsukoshi. We were surprised that there really wasnt a crowd at all -- I was prepared for huge crowds but there weren't many people. There was only one person ahead of us. Minnie picked out the biggest, ugliest, hairiest oyster she could find and was very excited that it had a 7.5mm pinkish pearl in it. (I took pictures but they didnt turn out at all) The CM banged the drum and showed off the pearl and gushed over it so Minnie was very happy.
She looked at settings but wasnt sure yet what she wanted so we decided to look at DTD later in the week before deciding on a setting.
We found a PhotoPass photographer in Morocco and got our first magic shots Tinkerbell wings on both of the girls (will post those pictures soon since I just got the CD). The girls werent sure what the heck was going on when the photographer told them to stand sideways and hold their arms out. LOL Afterwards I told them what it was all about and they were really excited. We didnt see any other PhotoPass photographers in WS. As we continued our journey around WS, Papa heard British Invasion playing and got really excited because he is a HUGE Beatles fan, so we went back and watched part of their show. It was nice to sit down in some shade and relax for a little while. By now it was about 2:45. We refilled our water bottles, made a restroom stop in Canada (I have still never gotten to really tour Canada and Great Britain my family is always too worn out by the time we get there so next time I want to start my WS tour in those countries), and decided to go use our Soarin FPs as we left the park and headed towards our ADR at Ohana. BTW, the womens restroom in Canada was not very clean and it smelled terrible the only less-than-clean restroom Ive encountered in WDW.
Grandma wanted to do more sightseeing and shopping but we were all hot and tired by now. We had decided to stay at Epcot longer in lieu of taking a resort break this day since it was the only day Grandma and Papa had at the parks
and we were all feeling the heat, humidity, and miles of walking by this point in time. We had at least seen all of the countries except Mexico, so Grandma was fairly satisfied. And they were already planning a return trip with a full day devoted to Grandma seeing whatever she wanted in WS!
We got back to Soarin at 3:00 and had a 10 minute wait in the FP return line. This time I swore to myself that I would keep my eyes open for the entire ride and not hold on to the handlebars. (Im such a wuss!) This ride never disappoints its always wonderful. We were talking, though, about how neat it would be if they would come up with some other movies so it isnt always the same one
what about movies that would take us over the other countries were Disney parks are located? Or the various countries in the WS? It would be neat if they had several so that you never knew which one you were going to get (like the randomized drop sequences on TOT). Just a suggestion to WDW for how they could improve the ride
.but even if they never change it, well continue to ride it because we love it!
So after Soarin, no one wanted to do TT again except me
we still had 3 FPs for TT and I wanted to ride but no one else did, so we found some people to give the FPs to. It was nice to see the smiles on their faces! It always feels good to spread a little magic in WDW. As we headed out, everyone wanted to ride Spaceship Earth (it was closed on our last trip). The line looked really long but the sign said it was only a 5 minute wait and we had time so everyone but Tinkerbell and I went on SE. I didnt want to because Im really claustrophobic and I just wasnt sure how that would go. Tinkerbell said she didnt want me to be alone so she waited with me. We looked around at the little shop there (darn, what is the name of that shop?), took a few pictures, munched on some trail mix, and rested while we waited for everyone to get off the ride. They all enjoyed the ride and said it was corny but cute, especially picking their futures and seeing the pictures of themselves. Minnies picture was projected on the big screen inside so she thought that was neat. We gathered ourselves up and headed out of Epcot so we could make our way to our ADR at Ohana. We never did use our VIP FP from being family of the day since we had FPs for everything we wanted to do twice, so we decided to keep it and I'll include it in our trip scrapbook.
A few general thoughts on Epcot, before I move on we were amazed at how light the crowds were. Really, it was wonderful. The weather cooperated and although it was definitely hot and humid, it wasnt unbearable. The CMs were all very helpful and happy and the girls had a lot of fun trading pins. Grandma and Papa were very impressed with the entire experience and couldnt wait to come back and spend more time there. The Plan had worked beautifully and everyone was really happy. Everyone was in a good mood and had gotten to do what they wanted to do. The Plan was happy because we hadnt deviated too much and even when we did, we got back on track quickly and everything worked out well.
Papa was excited to ride the monorail and the ride was very relaxing. Our ADR at Ohana was for 5:20 and we arrived a 5:00. The waiting area was packed and we were all worried that it would be a long wait. Minnie and Tinkerbell were a bit worn out by now and started picking at each other. *Sigh* Fortunately, we only waited about five minutes until it was time to be seated. I wish we had been seated by the window, but we werent. (Thinking back, I should have asked to be moved since there were lots of tables available by the window.) Our server Cousin was very sweet and attentive and kept the food coming and our drinks filled. Papa and Minnie ordered virgin Pina Coladas and they were so yummy! The bread was fabulous, as was pretty much everything. I do miss the potatoes the noodles just arent the same. My favorite is the salad I could eat that salad all day (in fact, we make that same salad dressing at home yummy). Tinkerbell didnt like the shrimp because she doesnt like to peel them (cant say that I blame her). I didnt try the turkey but DH and Papa said it was really good. Grandma loved the Asian dumplings. We ALL loved dessert
oh my goodness, that bread pudding with the banana caramel sauce and real vanilla ice cream is SO good
wow
.just thinking about it makes my mouth water.
Weve made it at a home once or twice and its pretty good, but just not the same.
A picture
.
The entertainment was, as always, fun and lively. It was fun to watch all of the kids hula. Minnie talked Tinkerbell into going up to hula even though Tinkerbell didnt really want to (shes shy)
and then as soon as Minnie got her lei, she left Tinkerbell hanging and came back to the table. LOL We handed her the camera and told her to go take pictures for us.
After the dancing, Tinkerbell came back and wasnt too terribly upset with her sister for ditching her (LOL). We tried to get Grandma and Papa to go dance but they managed to get out of it.
After dinner, we decided to go to MK because Papa really wanted to ride BTMRR. We stopped for a few PhotoPass pictures in front of MK and then headed in. We decided to take the train back around rather than go through the crowds (and also saving Grandma some walking) so we just headed up the stairs and waited about 5 minutes for a train and hopped on board. I love riding the train in MK
I dont know why, but I do. There was one guy who kept putting his arms out on the train and the conductor kept reminding him to pull his arms back in
finally she told him she would stop the train if he wouldnt stop sticking his arms out the side. LOL
Now, is it just me or is the area around BTMRR and SM absolutely the most crowded spot in all of MK? Wow theres hardly any room to move in there!
Anyway, the posted wait time for BTMRR was 30 minutes so everyone decided to just ride standby while Grandma and I did a little looking around and shopping. (We knew there was no way she would ride BTMRR!) Grandma and I looked in a couple of little shops and then rode IASW (posted wait 5 minutes and thats about what it was). While were on IASW, I got a text message from Minnie that they were done with BTMRR even though the posted wait time was 30 minutes, it only took them 15 minutes to get through. I was surprised! We met up with them and decided to go see Mickeys PhilharMagic. The posted wait time was 10 minutes but it was really only 5. We all loved the show it was a lot of fun. I love the 3-D shows at WDW (other than HISTA
and Ive never tried ITTBAB because I HATE bugs).
After Mickeys PhilharMagic we decided to just wander around a bit. Everyone was tired and worn out
it had been a long day! I took a picture of the Randy Pausch plaque at the tea cups I read his book this summer and really enjoyed it, so I wanted to be sure to find the plaque:
We didnt ride anymore rides we were all worn out. The wait times really werent too bad, though. It was about 7:30 and the wait times were: Dumbo, 30 minutes; Peter Pan, 40 minutes; Snow White, 20 minutes; tea cups, 20 minutes; Tomorrowland Speedway, 20 minutes. Since no one really wanted to ride anything else, we decided to head back to the hotel and go swimming. I took this picture as we walked down Main Street
it looks really crowded and Main Street was crowded, but the crowds werent too bad back in the lands.
It was about 8 pm and there were still some really good parade spots left on Main Street, which surprised me!
We waited about 15 minutes for our bus and made our way back to the hotel. Once we got there, we all changed into swimming attire and headed to the pool. Grandma and I sat with our feet in the hot tub while everyone else swam. Our feet were tired and the hot tub felt so good! The hot tub was pretty crowded so after a little while we moved to some pool chairs. Grandma and I went in to OPR to do a little souvenir shopping and I bought our refillable mugs (I think the red lids/handles clash with the cups
but oh well
), and we all just relaxed and enjoyed a little time at the pool. It was a lovely way to end a very full, very fun day in the parks. Grandma and Papa were already planning a return trip and I was trying to figure out how I could convince DH that we needed to come back with them! (As you can tell from my signature, I found a way well be going back in October for
MNSSHP and to use more of our water park/Disney Quest ticket days). We were so excited that we had been able to introduce Grandma and Papa to WDW and that they loved it as much as us! In fact, Papa is talking about the possibility of a big family trip with more of the family in a couple of years
if we can get the entire immediate family to come, that will be one heck of a Grand Gathering since I have three married sisters who all have children, plus a brother!
Next Up: Day 2
we say goodbye to Grandma and Papa and The Girls have some mother/daughter bonding (shopping) time in DTD
I think it is so sweet that your parents could go and experience their first time with their granddaughters. 
What happy memories that will make for all of them. They seem like really good sports too! 
Now I have two pearls and not really sure what to do with them? 
The good news was that they had enjoyed themselves so much that they had already asked me to help them plan a few more weekend trips so they could use as many of their park ticket days as possible before they expired in December. Yea!! 
We headed up to the hotel room and tried to regroup and start on the rest of our day. This was our first non-park day and The Plan had us scheduled to tour other resorts, go take pictures of the place in Orlando I wanted to take pictures of, then go to DTD for lunch and look around there (we hadnt been there before), go swimming, rent paddleboats on the lagoon at CBR, and watch the Epcot fireworks from the beach. No one but me really wanted to go look around other resorts. I had planned for us to do a little sightseeing in Orlando (a specific place I wanted to go take pictures of), but no one else wanted to do that and I wasnt comfortable enough, even with GPS, to wander off and do it on my own. A big golf tournament was on TV (cant remember which one) and DH wanted to stay in the room and watch that (Im on vacation too and this is what I want to do for a while! sorry buddy, but The Plan doesn't include watching Tiger Woods play golf). The girls and I didnt really want to watch golf on TV and Im not the kind of person who can spend all day in a hotel room and be happy about it Im a get moving kind of girl. The Plan had scheduled a full day
and no one was really cooperating. *Sigh* 
) I had 4 full days solo back in December and had fun seeing AKL, SSR and a little bit of CBR. I stayed at BWV and finally ventured over to Beach & Yacht Club resorts - they were so pretty w/all the Christmas decorations.
) and I dont have access to my pictures. But Ill post lots from home to accompany this installment. 
We got checked in and met Tinkerbells Fairy Godmother in Training (FGIT) immediately. Tinkerbell had already decided which hairstyle she wanted and her worries about them not being able to match her red hair were for naught because they were able to match it perfectly! 
The FGIT got started on her hair and I was amazed at how much gel they put in her hair
but, at the same time, there were no stray hairs and her hair stayed in place all day so obviously the gel worked! The FGIT did her hair and teased up the bubble a lot more than I would have liked but thats life, and she did her makeup WAY too heavy and dark. 
so he said he wanted to go back to the hotel. The girls and I were really disappointed because we wanted to watch Wishes together, but I could tell DH wasnt feeling well, so we sent him back to the hotel. The girls and I stayed in our spots and waited for Wishes. We had fun watching the castle change colors and we took a lot of pictures of it (I think we got a picture of every single color variation/combination!). We were so excited when Wishes started
.it is such a wonderful show and we loved it. We were sad that DH wasnt with us, but since he really doesnt enjoy fireworks he wouldnt have felt the same way about it that we did. After the show, we made our way down Main Street and back to the bus. We were all tired from the long day and were ready to get some sleep! We only waited about 10 minutes for a bus and then were on our way back to CBR. We got back to the hotel and all fell asleep very quickly!
I'm very proud of you for your high score on Buzz, I never even try to score on that ride cause I'm too busy taking pics. DH and DS take that ride so seriously that I have to capture it and DD just likes to spin. I don't think she even knows there is a score. 
