2 weeks, 2 sets of BFF's, 1 incredibly lucky family! New PTR Link is up on last page!

[inkedupmomma]

I must be blind, because I do not see the Brie appetizer on the menu.
OK, I believe it is the second appetizer down..OR it was a special, because my steak wasn't on there either, but just looking at the butter you can see that it is citrus and there is nothing on the menu describing that either. Either way it was phenom!
Glad you guys thought (almost) everything was delicious! Hollywood Brown Derby seems to be a less talked about restaurant, but looks like it is a great place!

I went in with caution! Honestly it was all good, except that "famous" salad! BLECH!

Ha, so true! I could probably walk past my sister in the parks and not even notice unless she was jumping up and down in my face

So that 3 year thing.... ummmm yeah.... Brent and I are going back in February with one of the couples we hung out with this past trip We had so much fun we decided to do it again, couple's style!

amazing! congrats to you!

Great update at DHS. Looks like Jack was having a blast making his light saber.
He was in heaven! Best money spent while there hands down! He winded up making a few more later in the trip for friends and family!

I'm glad you enjoyed your meal at Brown Derby. We ate there in 2007 and were not fond of it (could have been a combination of the bad service, Mark hating the dessert, etc.). But your steak sure does look yummy.

I was surprised at how much we enjoyed it! def want to try it again some day!

 

[inkedupmomma]

With full belies and time to kill, we decided to use up the FP's that we had gotten earlier in the day! Sadly we had forgotten to give Michele's family their FP's for TSMMM before we parted ways and they were gone for the day..good news, we now had 2 sets! So off we went to TSMM!

Pretty sure I played against Kayla or Jack this time around! Let's say Jack and assume Kayla could get higher than that lol!

After two fantabulous rides on TSMM Kayla and I decided to do One Mans Dream while Bob and Jack did...wait for it....TOWER OF TERROR!!!

Yes, you read that correctly, he wanted to try TOT!! and guess what?? He LOVED it!

One Mans Dream as always takes my breath away and makes me cry. I truly have a deep love for Walt and the person he was!

my FAVORITE

CREEPY!

After One Mans Dream we met back up with Bob and Jack and headed over to a first for all of us!!

FANTASMIC!

I was SO excited for this! But I gotta say, it was SOOOOO hot that day, and I was feeling pretty grumpy too!

What I didn't mention earlier about HBD is that we had the F! dinner package.

Well thank god, we got there 45 mins early and it was PACKED! Here s a VERY blurry picture to prove it!

I tried taking most pics with my camera, but since I have not ever attempted to understand to use my fancy big camera, most came out blurry :/

I did get some cool shots with my iPhone though! The next bunch of pics will be a mix of both! Both totally out of sequence as I do not remember what happened when during the show lol!

 

[inkedupmomma]

SO, overall thoughts of of Fantasmic! LOVED it! Like super loved it and wish I hadn't waited so long to see it!

With that said, i did not love the seating for dinner package. We were to left of the stage and almost front row, but I would have preferred getting there 2 hours early and sitting closer in middle section.

With that said, we were going to eat at HBD either way and I am grateful to have assured seating!
The show was truly fantastic!

Once it let out it was a mad house though!

and silly us took the bus there that day. The wait wasn't awful though, but we decided the buses still aren't for us.

When we got back we all crashed out! Tomorrow we had one of my favorite breakfasts to go to!

 

[inkedupmomma]

Today we woke up bright and early at 7:45. Late for some of you Disers, but after a summer of no rules, this felt brutal after a while!

Today we were going to Epcot! I bet you can guess where we were eating as well :

Akershus!

I love love loveeeeeee this breakfast! The atmosphere, the beautiful Norwegian staff, the breakfast potatoes..oh those breakfast potatoes, and yes, the cold bar! I love the cold bar with salami!

But in all honesty, we have always had outstanding service and great princess interaction here!

According to my notes, we arrived at Epcot at abot 8:50, parked VERY close and were checked into Akershus by 9:25.... )just goes to show how long it takes to get from parking lot to World Showcase!!)

Our ADR was for 9:30, and we were called at 9:39. We got our pictures with Belle and were very pleasantly surprised! In years past the Belle has been the same exact one, and not a super friendly one at that!

This Belle however was VERY nice, and Jack was RED in the face for her! I took a video of them interacting, but I can't seem to find it! All I know is that it was a great start to our breakfast!

Once seated Ina our server came right over to us and explained everything great, and said we had time to go get some food. So we went up and did just that!

Cold buffet was amazing as always and Bob declared this as one of his favorites so far He said that a lot throughout the trip!!

First princess up was Aurora:

Next up was my favorite and who I was delighted to see, Snow White! She loved my shirt too

bob insisted we take a picture alone..cause he is adorable and knows how much I love her, and how I become 5 when I see her, even though I know she is just some college student trying to make her big debut!

After Snow White was Ariel, this picture makes her look creeptastic, but she was a very nice Ariel!

and last but not least was Cinderella, who also from pictures does not look like a great Cinderella. She was very nice though!

Breakfast was top notch and I can not say enough good things about our server Ina! Before we left she put water in to go cups for us with ice. I thought that was very nice of her, and smart because it was already a gazillion degrees!

Is it pricey? YES! But totally worth it in my opinion. You get a picture and a whole heck of a lot more time with each princess than you do at CRT which is even more than that! Def a must do on every vacation!

Next up: a blast from the past first and using our imaginationsssssss....

 

[KatMark]

Jenn, you got GREAT shots of Fantasmic. It is my second favorite show (after Wishes); we've not seen it since 2008 anbd it will be closed in January, but I am going to be sure to see it in September when we go.

I love the photos of all you guys with the princesses. We went there for lunch -- did not care for it, but I really want to try breakfast (but I think we'll wait until we have grandchildren to take).

You can see how "happy" you are with Snow White.

 

[shan23877]

Great update! We've never bothered with Fantasmic, but I'd like to soon.

We did Akershus for dinner last trip. The princesses were great, but my favorite part was the SALAMI! I'm so glad to know it's served at breakfast, we plan to do that next trip.

 

[tlenzendorf]

You sound like me with the camera and iPhone thing! I have a nice camera with no clue how to really use it and the iPhone can take way nice pics sometimes, lol.

We loved the Akershus breakfast, too. I think that one may be a repeat for the next family trip if the girls are still into princesses.

 

[Synndy]

I have almost this exact same pic! I'll have to see if I can find it and post it.

Loving the pics so far!

One Man's Dream always makes me cry too. I cant help it. Its over whelming and I love it.

I cant believe you've never seen Fantasmic! It's by far one of my favorite things to see at Disney.

You also make me wanna try Akershus. We looked into going there but I wasn't sure if we would like the food. I will need to put that on the list to try next trip.

 

[Disneybuckeye]

Wow! Somehow I missed quite a few updates. Glad to hear the trip is getting better and that you enjoyed the new Star Tours update. We are looking forward to that in December. Glad you saw Fantasmic. That is one or our favorite shows. I know the FDP seats are not front and center, but I think it is much better than sitting and waiting for two hours.

Can't wait for more!

 

[inkedupmomma]

Jenn, you got GREAT shots of Fantasmic. It is my second favorite show (after Wishes); we've not seen it since 2008 anbd it will be closed in January, but I am going to be sure to see it in September when we go.
Thank you Kat! I wanted to get pics of EVERYTHING! The show was amazing and I wanted to capture every little detail! Def catch it if you can next sept!
I love the photos of all you guys with the princesses. We went there for lunch -- did not care for it, but I really want to try breakfast (but I think we'll wait until we have grandchildren to take).
I ate dinner there in 2005, and did not like it, but my tastes have grown so much since then, so i want to try it again! it is hands down one of my fav breakfasts though and def think you should give it a try!
You can see how "happy" you are with Snow White.

i loves her

Great update! We've never bothered with Fantasmic, but I'd like to soon.
you have to! i had never seen it until this past trip and really wish I had! its beautiful!
We did Akershus for dinner last trip. The princesses were great, but my favorite part was the SALAMI! I'm so glad to know it's served at breakfast, we plan to do that next trip.

seriously, i love that breakfast! the bacon stinks though lol

You sound like me with the camera and iPhone thing! I have a nice camera with no clue how to really use it and the iPhone can take way nice pics sometimes, lol.
dude, that instagram app makes everyone look like a photographer! iwas really loving it this trip!

We loved the Akershus breakfast, too. I think that one may be a repeat for the next family trip if the girls are still into princesses.

even Kayla at 10 almost 11 loved the breakfast still! its a fun time!

I have almost this exact same pic! I'll have to see if I can find it and post it.
please do
Loving the pics so far!

One Man's Dream always makes me cry too. I cant help it. Its over whelming and I love it.
omg, i knwo right! i just cant help it!

I cant believe you've never seen Fantasmic! It's by far one of my favorite things to see at Disney.
i know..terrible disney lover! ill never not see it again though!

You also make me wanna try Akershus. We looked into going there but I wasn't sure if we would like the food. I will need to put that on the list to try next trip.

you have to ! I really do adore the food and service!

Wow! Somehow I missed quite a few updates. Glad to hear the trip is getting better and that you enjoyed the new Star Tours update. We are looking forward to that in December. Glad you saw Fantasmic. That is one or our favorite shows. I know the FDP seats are not front and center, but I think it is much better than sitting and waiting for two hours.

Can't wait for more!

I do agree there, I was grateful that I at least had a seat 30 mins prior to start of he show! I just couldn't help but be jealous of the middle section lol! I loved it none the less and as you can see form pics, the view wasn't awful

 

[Trentmom]

Hey Jenn.

Back from vacation and catching up on my threads

Glad Jack liked new Star Tours. Trent and all of us thought it as amazing!!! We must have went on it at least ten times. Trent was so excited when we got the snow scene. Love all the new touches

We saw Fantasmic too and I had not seen it since the 90s. Loved it!!!

Trent loved it as well as is first time. We sat in very front and got sprayed with water whole time and Trent got suck a kick out of it

Glad your meal was good for most part at Brown Derby

Cute Snow White shirt. She is my favorite too

Can't wait for more

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

This is the second TR this week that I commented on earlier, but didn't show up. Frustrating.

Anyway, what I said was that we loved the new Star Tours, too. I'm proud of Bob for speaking up! I have no problems mouthing off when I need to, but Brandon is really quiet and I know I'd be proud if he said something like that, too.
We had the same server and the same creeptastic Ariel at Akershus this time! Every picture we have of her looks odd!
Love the Snow White pics. I want your shirt. Or Kayla's shirt. Both are pretty awesome.

 

[Beka]

Belle was pretty! Snow White was cute too! I had no idea she was in college though! Who knew they had a school so deep in the woods?!

 

[inkedupmomma]

Hey Jenn.

Back from vacation and catching up on my threads

Glad Jack liked new Star Tours. Trent and all of us thought it as amazing!!! We must have went on it at least ten times. Trent was so excited when we got the snow scene. Love all the new touches

We saw Fantasmic too and I had not seen it since the 90s. Loved it!!!

Trent loved it as well as is first time. We sat in very front and got sprayed with water whole time and Trent got suck a kick out of it

Glad your meal was good for most part at Brown Derby

Cute Snow White shirt. She is my favorite too

Can't wait for more

so glad you guys had fun! I loved your pics on FB! I'm trying to do updates but any chance I have free time, I am exhausted! soon!

This is the second TR this week that I commented on earlier, but didn't show up. Frustrating.

Anyway, what I said was that we loved the new Star Tours, too. I'm proud of Bob for speaking up! I have no problems mouthing off when I need to, but Brandon is really quiet and I know I'd be proud if he said something like that, too.
We had the same server and the same creeptastic Ariel at Akershus this time! Every picture we have of her looks odd!
Love the Snow White pics. I want your shirt. Or Kayla's shirt. Both are pretty awesome.

I was proud too! I woulda flipped, so I was happy he said something before I could lose my cool!

Ariel is SO hit or MISS! you never know with her lol! Shirt is still available at Disney store

Belle was pretty! Snow White was cute too! I had no idea she was in college though! Who knew they had a school so deep in the woods?!

You kill me!

 

[inkedupmomma]

Uhm, hi, my name is Jenn and I am the WORST Diser ever.

Anyone still with me? I sincerely do not blame you if you are not! Clearly I haven't even been with me!

Life happened yall! A whole lot of life! Holidays, report card time, school functions, soccer ending, you name it, it happened! To be honest, I just haven't had the energy to sit at my actual computer desk and keep my eyes open long enough to even type!

BUT, I am here tonight and I am going to update gosh darnit!

In my personal life I have "found" out that I will be unemployed from the people I have been nannying for, for over 4 years come January..maybe.

It was mentioned in passing to me, and they still have not officially sat me down to tell me any details. Real nice after 4 years of me raising this child pretty much.

So, I have started helping my friend out with his pet walking/sitting company and started right before Thanksgiving! It's been nice to have the extra money for Christmas and Kayla's birthday!

Say a prayer that I get lot of jobs, otherwise we won't be seeing Disney next year as hoped!

OK.. moving on! Kat and others on my FB, please don't mention the job thing on my fb, as my boss is on there and I am still employed by them and want to keep it that way as long as possible thanks!

OH, I'd also like to mention that the pics of myself in Disney inspired myself and Bob to start a lifestyle change! We have cut our calories down, WAY down, and sticking to our proper calorie intake per week. We also joined the gym again and go 3-6 times a week! I am proud to say that I am down 10 lbs in 2 months and many inches, and Bob is down 17 lbs and many inches! We also have gained muscle! For me in places I didn't even know existed on my body LOLOL! It was hard at first, but getting a bit easier! If you have a smart phone and looking for a great dieting app, try my fitness pal! LOVE it! OK< now I am done!

So I last left you with full bellies and my heart happy from meeting my girl Snow White!

(Side note- anyone watching Once Upon a Time?? OMG I'M OBSESSED AND IN LOVE AND SOOOO HAPPY THAT THEY CHOSE GINNFER GOODWIN AS SNOW!!)

Picture from after breakfast and along the way:

It was still early at this point and World Showcase was not open yet, we thought for a minute and then decided to go straight to Captain EO! A first for me ( I think..not positive, I may have seen in when I was little and do not recall)

This was one of Bob's favorites when he was little and I was excited that it had been extended to be open while we were vacationing!

It was everything I hoped and dreamed it would be and so much more than that lol! The kids cracked up as well!

After EO we went on Figment! I have never super cared for Figment (put your pitchforks down!) but I really enjoyed it this time!

Both rides were walk on too!

After Figment we checked out the gift shops and I still regret not buying Bob a captain EO shirt

After that good timing was done, we heading over to the land!

We had potty breaks and got fast passes for Soarin! I didn't write it down, but the stand by time was ridiculous!

While we waited for the FP return time we hit up living with the land! idk why, but I love this ride! Bob and the kids really enjoyed it as well!

I love the nine pound lemons!

After living with the land we decided to watch circle of life! I enjoyed that as well!

After this it was time to use our FP's for soarin! We winded up waiting about 20 minutes because I wanted Bob to experience the front row! Did I mention he had never rode soarin!! This was also a first for jack, as he was not tall enough on our last trip!

They both were head over heels in love with it! It was just as amazing as I remembered

After leaving the land we headed over to... THE SEAS of course

First up was NEMO! Not dreadful, not super fun, but cute none the less and nice little break!

After Nemo we headed over to talk with Crush!

OMG, Bob fell in love with the attraction! He thought it was the coolest thing he had ever seen and proclaimed we would be back!

We decided to take the classic shark pic and study on them fellas while in that area

We were all ready for some snacks and drinks at this point, so we left the seas and stopped at the carts right outside for some ice cream and powerades!

While we ate and drank we discussed what we should do next. No one could seem to agree on much of anything!

Next up... where did we go and what did we learn?

 

[tlenzendorf]

I'm still here! Congrats on the weight loss and going to the gym! I can see why you don't have time to DIS, when I go to the gym regularly I hardly have time for anything else.

I have wanted to watch the show Once Upon a Time, but it's always on when I'm busy and then it's not on when I have time to watch it on Sunday nights. I will have to watch it/catch up online.

That really stinks about the job. January isn't that far away, it would be really nice if they told you for sure!

 

[annnewjerz]

Hooray! So glad to see an update, looks like you guys are having a much better time this morning that you were on previous trip days. Love the pictures of Bob on the shark, and I totally agree---I LOVE Living with the Land, we do it every trip. Have you ever taken the Behind the Seeds tour? I'm sure it's something you'd like if the ride is your thing.

I feel you on the lifestyle changes, I've been eating right and working out since September and am down around 25 pounds in three months. It's hard, but I feel so much better when I'm in better shape, getting enough sleep and eating what's good for me. It's so hard around the holidays though! It's good to give yourself a few times a month to "cheat" though, so make sure you enjoy at least a little bit of holiday yumminess!

Ann

 

[KatMark]

Jen, first, my lips are sealed on FB...and I'll be keeping my fingers and toes crossed on the job front.

Congratulations to you and Bob on the weight/inches! That is awesome. You guys rock.

What a great update. You got a lot done in a short amount of time. I skipped Captain EO (wasn't a fan the first time around). How can you not love my purple dinosaur friend, Figment?

We saw Crush for the first time this year and it was AWESOME!

 

[Trentmom]

That is great on yours and Bob Life Changes

that stinks about your job. It would be nice if she gave you some notice. Glad you have the dog walking at least just in case

Sounds like a great day. You all got a lot accomplished

We still have yet to do Turtle Talk with crush. We really need to try that

 

[AlohaPolynesian]

Ah! I love this so far. I have not been on the DIS in a while because I was too depressed to look at anything since I didn't have a trip planned or know when I'd be able to take one next. But I am BACK, and am so glad to hear that you are doing well

Can't wait for the rest!