3 Generations! 2 Resorts! 10 Days! DxDp! 3000 Pictures! - Saying Good-Bye!

[hstrickland]

Innoventions at Epcot
Day 8​

After a delicious lunch, Pop and MaHopie decided to take the little ones back for a quick nap and then a swim….they needed rest if they were going to be ready for Mickey’s Backyard BBQ!

The 3 of us headed over to Soarin & Test Track…we had FPs and needed to use them...not gonna let them go to waste!

Can you tell I was tired?! Needed to catch my second wind….after all that food at Rose & Crown, I really needed a nap, but wanted to spend the afternoon with my boys

Would you believe that we had extra FPs for Soarin and tried to give them away….people were looking at us like we were crazy!!! I’m not kidding! Perhaps they thought it was a joke…we weren’t really sure. DH finally said…"whatever"…and we gave up. The extra FPs we had for Test Trac were easy to give away, and the man that we gave them to was very grateful. Soarin….not so much.


Stephen really wanted to try some of the activities in ….

This was a perfect time to experience some of these fun things since the 2 little ones were napping. Also, it gave us a little time with Stephen by himself...which he appreciates….the younger kiddos get on his nerves after a while.....kids!?

Outside of the entrance was this group….

They were really awesome!! After just a few minutes, there was quite the crowd. Too bad we couldn’t hear all of it…we were low on time.

This is one of the attractions that we didn’t get to do…the wait was too long. I wasn’t going to try it, but Stephen really wanted to….next time!

This next attraction was pretty cool….they did it last year, but I didn’t get a chance.

It was super cool…a 3-D type movie that explains hurricanes…and audience interactive, too.


Next up……

We stood in line about 10 minutes (not bad)…this was another game type adventure, but was also a learning tool for kids and adults.

You need to be able to read for this one….it teaches you about the recycling process while playing the game. We actually had to come up with a team name…The Trash Masters....not too original....oh well....

Then you push the recycle truck from station to station trying to get as much recycling done as possible. Bill and I are both very competitive…so it made for an interesting game.

I didn’t do so well on a couple of events….DH and DS were not happy with me….I cost the team some points!

The next event Stephen wanted to try was…..

An awesome little experience about making paper from recycling…

This was a very cool booth…since Stephen is very aware of recycling and the importance of recycling, he really got in to this!

I’ll be honest….at first I wasn’t too excited about spending a ton of time in Innoventions, but after our short adventure, I was soooooooo glad my boys talked me into it! Not really sure that my 4 & 5 year old would have been mesmerized by all the activities…so many of them require reading. But for Stephen who was 9 years old (now 10) it was PERFECT! We’ll be sure to take him back on our next trip without a doubt.



My request was the Disney Store, so that’s where we headed before leaving….but guess what….did I buy anything??......NO!! ……….I was too busy cracking up at my family members! Do I dare claim them??!!!

Silly as this may be….one of our traditions at Disney is to dawn funny hats, and then get some candid shots. DH and DS looked so ridiculous that I was having a hard time keeping the camera steady to get the picture….people were walking by snickering at us. DHs hat was 3 sizes too small!


We did not intend to stay so long at EP…wanted to get back to the CR before the BBQ, but …that didn’t happen. We were having so much fun, we lost track of time. We decided to jump on the bus and head straight to Fort Wilderness Campgrounds.


Up next….Mickey’s Backyard BBQ!

 

[mamaboogie]

Hiya!

I have spent a rainy afternoon here in England reading all the way through your trip report - and what fun I have had! I love finding a trip report you can really get into!

Don't apologise for all the photos - they are fantastic! You must have a good camera.

Your family is adorable - I feel like I've got to know them all now after spending the afternoon with them!

Can't wait to read more!

 

[amandaw]

Sounds like the 3 of y'all had a great afternoon at Innoventions. I'm with you that it probably wouldn't interest the little ones too much. Can't wait to hear how y'all liked the Backyard BBQ. We did that in December when we took Reid for his first trip. We really enjoyed it. That is up until the point Reid decided to run away from us.....through the sea of children....into the open bushes....in the pitch dark. Obviously, it ended well but we left right after that. Hope no one ran away from you!

 

[hstrickland]

Hiya!

I have spent a rainy afternoon here in England reading all the way through your trip report - and what fun I have had! I love finding a trip report you can really get into!

We would LOVE a rainy day here!!! So dry in South Georgia! And hot...and humid!...but at least I'm close to WDW one of the only perks.

Don't apologise for all the photos - they are fantastic! You must have a good camera.

Thanks! We have a Nikon D5000...it's a great camera that you can basically turn on AUTO and it still does a good job...I'm no professional by any stretch...that's why I need a decent camera...gives me a little advantage.

Your family is adorable - I feel like I've got to know them all now after spending the afternoon with them!

So glad you dropped by to meet us We all have lots of fun together

Can't wait to read more!

Thanks so much for the kind words

Sounds like the 3 of y'all had a great afternoon at Innoventions. I'm with you that it probably wouldn't interest the little ones too much. Can't wait to hear how y'all liked the Backyard BBQ. We did that in December when we took Reid for his first trip. We really enjoyed it. That is up until the point Reid decided to run away from us.....through the sea of children....into the open bushes....in the pitch dark. Obviously, it ended well but we left right after that. Hope no one ran away from you!

There are a couple of things in Innoventions that Reid might like, but the majority of the stuff was for older kids and adults...of course that's JMO...there were tons of little ones in there.

Nope...no run-aways at the BBQ...for us anyway. There were so many kids there that I'm sure at least one gets lost per evening I bet you wanted to pinch Reid when you got hold of him...and "sea of children" is a great way to describe the setting!

 

[amandaw]

Nope...no run-aways at the BBQ...for us anyway. There were so many kids there that I'm sure at least one gets lost per evening I bet you wanted to pinch Reid when you got hold of him...and "sea of children" is a great way to describe the setting!

I definitely believe that at least one child gets lost there every night! Let me tell you, we went on our very first night there. At the time, Reid was 3 months shy of being 3. I tried to explain that he had to hold a hand, etc. But, you know 2 year olds. Well, at one point, he was able to break his little hand free from Ed & he was G-O-N-E! I was behind Ed but kept an eye on Reid (as I'm running, trying not to knock down other kids) & saw him run out into the bushes into complete darkness. Heather, I have never felt so sick in all my life! My heart fell out of my body & I wanted to throw up. We ran into the bushes, screaming his name. A little boy, about 10, asked who I was looking for. I described Reid. He told me he had seen him run back inside. I ran back into the pavilion to go find a CM. Well, before I could get to a CM, who do I see? Mr. Reid sitting on a bench, by himself, be-bopping to the music with a huge smile on his face! I have never been so happy & so mad at the same time. I yanked him up, brought him outside & gave him a good fussing - all while tears were pouring down my face. I told him because he didn't listen & stay by us we had to leave & we did. Well, let me just say that for the rest of that trip, he never ran away!

Since that experience, I have wondered why Disney would leave that pavilion so open. Especially with all the kids that run around there and the fact that the BBQ is at night on a campgrounds near a lake. Seems like they're asking for something bad to happen.

 

[hstrickland]

I definitely believe that at least one child gets lost there every night! Let me tell you, we went on our very first night there. At the time, Reid was 3 months shy of being 3. I tried to explain that he had to hold a hand, etc. But, you know 2 year olds. Well, at one point, he was able to break his little hand free from Ed & he was G-O-N-E! I was behind Ed but kept an eye on Reid (as I'm running, trying not to knock down other kids) & saw him run out into the bushes into complete darkness. Heather, I have never felt so sick in all my life! My heart fell out of my body & I wanted to throw up. We ran into the bushes, screaming his name. A little boy, about 10, asked who I was looking for. I described Reid. He told me he had seen him run back inside. I ran back into the pavilion to go find a CM. Well, before I could get to a CM, who do I see? Mr. Reid sitting on a bench, by himself, be-bopping to the music with a huge smile on his face! I have never been so happy & so mad at the same time. I yanked him up, brought him outside & gave him a good fussing - all while tears were pouring down my face. I told him because he didn't listen & stay by us we had to leave & we did. Well, let me just say that for the rest of that trip, he never ran away!

Since that experience, I have wondered why Disney would leave that pavilion so open. Especially with all the kids that run around there and the fact that the BBQ is at night on a campgrounds near a lake. Seems like they're asking for something bad to happen.

Good grief!!! Ya know, I've never given much thought to the open pavilion or lake...especially when it's dark. Since we were there during the summer, it didn't get dark until later...thank goodness. Would y'all do the BBQ again?

 

[amandaw]

Good grief!!! Ya know, I've never given much thought to the open pavilion or lake...especially when it's dark. Since we were there during the summer, it didn't get dark until later...thank goodness. Would y'all do the BBQ again?

I think I would do it again. We enjoyed the food & Reid liked the dancing. And now, he listens better than he did in December. He also knows that Mommy will make him leave if he doesn't follow my rules! And that holds true to the parks as well. Although, thankfully, I've never had a problem with him in the parks.

 

[cdotla]

Love the photo of the three of you in front of Spaceship Earth! And that must be a new Photopass graphic - I like it. Subtle and understated - which 99% of them are not!

Sounds like an awesome time in Innoventions. I too am guilty of blowing by here, but you have convinced me to give it a try next time. The kids are just getting to the right age I think - 6 and 8.

Looking forward to your review of Mickey's Backyard BBQ.

 

[sjs314]

Heather great update! We always enjoyed Innovations but our last trip in 2009 we missed so much includeing going into Innovations. My DS and Ddil were more ride oriented then next thing we were in WS(my favorite part of Epcot) but we still missed so so much by not spending enough time in FW. Not sure how things will pan out this trip since it is just DH and myself and we want to hit up the F&W booths.
Love the pic of your DH and son with the hats on.

 

[hstrickland]

I think I would do it again. We enjoyed the food & Reid liked the dancing. And now, he listens better than he did in December. He also knows that Mommy will make him leave if he doesn't follow my rules! And that holds true to the parks as well. Although, thankfully, I've never had a problem with him in the parks.

Reid will be the perfect age for the BBQ on your next trip...he'll understand much more

Love the photo of the three of you in front of Spaceship Earth! And that must be a new Photopass graphic - I like it. Subtle and understated - which 99% of them are not!

Sounds like an awesome time in Innoventions. I too am guilty of blowing by here, but you have convinced me to give it a try next time. The kids are just getting to the right age I think - 6 and 8.

Looking forward to your review of Mickey's Backyard BBQ.

Your kids would have a great time...so many 'hands-on' activities for them to do. And that is a new graphic...they didn't have it last year, or at least last summer.

Looking forward to your PTR and TR...I'm super interested to see your pics of the DVC.

Heather great update! We always enjoyed Innovations but our last trip in 2009 we missed so much includeing going into Innovations. My DS and Ddil were more ride oriented then next thing we were in WS(my favorite part of Epcot) but we still missed so so much by not spending enough time in FW. Not sure how things will pan out this trip since it is just DH and myself and we want to hit up the F&W booths.
Love the pic of your DH and son with the hats on.

Would love to be doing the F&W again!!! Great food! Y'all are going to have a wonderful time...just the two of you! Enjoy!!!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Heather, cannot believe I didn't noticed the link to your TR sooner! Just read the last couple of pages - LOVE the pics and your family is SO cute!! You are so TINY!!! It's always neat to be able to see the folks we chat with here, especially since feels like we already know one another.

Going back to catch up - I can tell this is going to be a great TR!

 

[hstrickland]

Heather, cannot believe I didn't noticed the link to your TR sooner! Just read the last couple of pages - LOVE the pics and your family is SO cute!! You are so TINY!!! It's always neat to be able to see the folks we chat with here, especially since feels like we already know one another.

Going back to catch up - I can tell this is going to be a great TR!

Hey there!

Thanks for the compliments. DH and I were just talking about "putting names with faces" If you're like me, we chat with lots of people and develop an image in our heads of what that person looks like...kinda nice to see faces. I've often wondered while at WDW if I was standing next to someone that I talk with on the DisBoards Ya never know!

Glad to have you follow along!
Heather

 

[pas130]

Hi Heather! Happy to find an update. Innoventions is our nap spot. I sit on a bench with the sleeping babes in the stroller and DH takes the older kiddos to the games. Nice excuse for me to sit in the A/C. My DS loves it there!

 

[sheri18]

hi, just got caught up ...great report....your kids are adorable....your daughter the same name as me....dont find to many Faith's out there.....we are going with 3 generations too...Me, DH, DS#1(31), DIL#1, GD#1 (2 1/2), DS#2 (30), DIL#2, GS (1 1/2), DS#3 (29) + GF....all 10 of us ...cannot wait....my husband is NOT a disney fan...(gasp)...but will go for the rest of us........staying at the BC....first time in the park for me...

 

[hstrickland]

Notice there's no update yet Would y'all believe that we were out of power for 10 hours yesterday...no phone/internet either. Crazy bad strom! And it looks like tonight could possibly be the same way.

Hi Heather! Happy to find an update. Innoventions is our nap spot. I sit on a bench with the sleeping babes in the stroller and DH takes the older kiddos to the games. Nice excuse for me to sit in the A/C. My DS loves it there!

Hmmmm....that sounds like a plan!...me resting....husband with kids Have you started deciding what to pack, yet? Better get going! Times a wasting!

hi, just got caught up ...great report....your kids are adorable....your daughter the same name as me....dont find to many Faith's out there.....we are going with 3 generations too...Me, DH, DS#1(31), DIL#1, GD#1 (2 1/2), DS#2 (30), DIL#2, GS (1 1/2), DS#3 (29) + GF....all 10 of us ...cannot wait....my husband is NOT a disney fan...(gasp)...but will go for the rest of us........staying at the BC....first time in the park for me...

Thanks!! Y'all will have such an awesome time!!! The Beach Club is one of the resorts that I would like to try. What made you choose the BC?? Just curious You said this is your first time in the park?? Do you mean WDW? How exciting!!! Here's some for your upcoming trip! Wishing y'all all the best The little ones will have the time of their life.

Heather

 

[hstrickland]

Mickey’s Backyard BBQ – Part 1
Fort Wilderness Campgrounds
Day 8


Howdy, Y'all! It's time for the backyard BBQ with Mickey & Friends!​

Pop, Ma Hopie, Faith & Jesse took the short boat ride from the CR to FW.

Bill, Stephen and I ended up riding the bus from EP to WL, and then jumped on the boat…WL to FW. We really had no intention of staying so long at EP, but were having such a great time. We also thought that we would beat the others to FW….didn’t happen! Pop was on the dock flashing pictures as we pulled up!

We were very anxious to get to our destination….

After reading many reviews and articles about the BBQ, we decided that an early arrival was very necessary. The seats are first come first serve (for the most part).



The information in italics was taken from Allears.net

Mickey's Backyard BBQ Dinner Show is an all-you-care-to-eat Disney Character dance party with Mickey, Minnie and Friends at this neighborly outdoor picnic in the middle of the covered, open-air Pavilion at Fort Wilderness. With music from a country-western band, line dancing, rope tricks and kid-friendly fun.

DATES:
Thursdays and Saturdays
Seasonal

TIME:
6:30 to 8 p.m.

PLACE:
The Outdoor Pavilion at Fort Wilderness

PRICE:
$54.99 Guest ages 10 and up; $31.99 Guest ages 3-9

Full payment is required for Mickey's Backyard BBQ at the time of booking. As long as you cancel up to 48 hours in advance, you will receive a full refund.

All-You-Can-Eat Buffet:
Tossed Garden Salad
Fresh Herb Potato Salad
Creamy Cole Slaw
Cornbreads
Smoked BBQ Chicken
Barbeque Pork Ribs
Hot Dogs
Hamburgers
Cowboy Beans
Macaroni and Cheese
Corn on the Cob
Fixin's

Watermelon
Ice Cream Bars
Itzakadoozie Bars
Strawberry Bars

Lemonade, Ice Tea, Beer, and Wine

Reservations Available through (407) WDW-DINE, (407) 939-3463
Booked by seats, not tables. No seat assignments, guests are seated as they arrive.

Characters appear for dancing. They don't go to each table.



Yes, it was hot…however most of the area we waited in was shaded…and the cast members walked down the line offering cold lemonade.

When we arrived, several of the characters were there for autographs. Be warned though…they aren’t out there long, so you have to get there pretty early to get a picture with them. We opted to go ahead and get in the front of the line…wanted to get a table near the stage. While waiting, the kids played the bongo drums and basically entertained themselves with the rest of the children.

After looking at the very long line behind us, I was so very glad that we arrived 45 minutes early! Before getting to the BBQ, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect or how WDW would pull off an outdoor buffet. It really is a huge ‘outdoor’ pavilion with picnic tables….very, very casual!

I was already very aware that half the population at the BBQ was children! Not sure that this would be a place for let’s say…just the two of you…ya know what I mean I’m venturing to say that the majority of adults have children with them.

When they finally started letting us in, we basically ran for a seat close to the stage and dance area. The pavilion really is tremendous! There are several dance floors set up, but the main dance floor is right in front of the stage area….the closer to that, the better…JMO.

Believe it or not, it wasn’t mass chaos trying to get food…there more than enough lines for the buffet.

As we were eating, the fun began! There really isn’t one dull moment in the entire show. The band came out with Cyclone Sally to welcome everyone.

As you read above, it’s basic picnic food. I thought it was good…nothing that I couldn’t cook myself, but good….very kid friendly for sure….and what could be better than all the Mickey Ice Cream Bars you can eat!


I promise...we usually don't allow our kids to eat like pigs...however...

The band was really quite entertaining….as well as Cyclone Sally and her side kick (can’t remember his name)

And so the show begins.....

Up next….the fun continues … a little Boot Scootin’ Boogie with the characters!

 

[amandaw]

Sounds like y'all were off to a good start at the BBQ. I LOVE the picture of Jesse with the corn in his mouth! Too cute! When we went in December, Reid loved Cyclone Sally! He would go & kneel on the boxes right in front of the stage & just stare at her. She kept waving to him. I can't wait to see some boot scootin' pictures!

 

[onelilspark]

I don't think Ive actually seen pictures off the BBQ! I knew it existed, but we've never been.

 

[disneylovin24]

Ive never been to the BBQ so I had NO idea how it was run. I never would have imagined it like that, you can tell it is very casual. Im surprised by something that casual at WDW.

Can't wait to hear all about the show!

 

[mamaboogie]

I'd also heard about the BBQ but never seen any photos before. It looks like a lot of fun - especially for kids!