4 Parks + 5 Staples in the Baby's Head = 9 Magical Days!! (9/17 The Last Hurrah!)

[thecapells]

Well, let me explain... hubby is out of town, so you know the saying, "While the cat's away, the mice will play." I've had extra time to surf these last two weeks, and it sure has been fun. But seriously, I can only "be involved" with a few reports at a time. I have 4 or so bookmarked that I read regularly, if I try to follow more than that I get confused and can't really keep them all straight. Yours was just great, because: 1) You put as much planning and thinking into your trip as I would 2) Your family seems to enjoy the same things ours does 3) I LOVE your pictures and 4) Your writing is very descriptive.

So, thanks for letting me share your last trip with you!

I'm glad you're enjoying it - it's fun to have "regulars."
And I understand about only following a couple of trip reports at a time.
So let me get you another segment to read...

 

[thecapells]

After breakfast we headed towards back to the Viking Ship (the restrooms are across from the ship and we needed another pitstop).
DD was okay with Cinderella and Ariel not being present since “Cinderella was in her castle and Ariel was in her grotto, Daddy.”
Of course they were! And now that the princesses were out of our system, we needed some manly Viking pics!

It’s a shame that the Viking Ship was torn down.
They should have fixed it up – it was a great display even if the kids couldn’t play in it anymore.
Anyway, we had time to kill before the World Showcase officially opened so we snuck into the Stave Church for the Viking display.
Surprisingly the doors of the church were unlocked and the exhibit was actually kinda cool (albeit very tiny).
Here’s the Viking raider Rognvald:

And Olaf II:

And don’t forget Eric the Red

DS was intrigued by the Viking ship model.

And what do manly men do after seeing Vikings?
Why, climb rocks of course!!

DD was a bit scared of falling off the rocks but got in one picture for us

Next up – the Maelstrom!

I was excited to take DS on this for his “special event” of the day and no princesses were allowed.
I figured it would be too scary for DD and that way DS could get something fun so he wouldn’t be too jealous of all the princesses.
However, after explaining the details of the ride to DS, he was too tentative and decided against it.
I didn’t want to go myself so we skipped it and headed to the Puffin’s Roost gift shop.
There was a rope inside that would not allow us entrance to the Kidcot station until 11.
As we waited, our dymaic duo dueled to the death!

Gotta love the different styles of their stances!
DD is being so dainty and DS is out for blood!

Promptly at 11, the rope dropped and we headed right to Kidcot where both DD and DS seated themselves and went to work coloring their charms.

DS even learned a bit as the friendly CM tested them on the Scandanavian flags.
DS even colored his Viking Ship charm accordingly:

DS had decided to pass on the mask but wanted to be creative with his charms.
For example, the day before, he turned the Canada charm his version of the Millenium Falcon:

And he created this out of the Mexican charm:

DD was content to have her charms added to her mask which she proceeded to wear on and off throughout the day (you’ll see in upcoming pictures).
As for X and I, we ventured off in search of trolls!!

We had to drag the kids from their seats as they were having a blast coloring.
We lured them away with the promise of more coloring and more Kidcot Stations throughout the day.
DS’ eyes lit up when I told him there were 8 more countries to go.
But those are for next time…

 

[All7OfUs]

Your regulars are still with you! Have no fear I was very sad to hear that they had taken the ship out. I read it on the other boards and it brought back great memories of my kids climbing all over that thing in Jan., 2000. Now it's gone.... Wow! So sad. But, at the same time, it's always fun to anticipate what Imagineers are cooking up to replace it with. Unfortunately, I fear another money sucking blackhole will replace it (ie. gift ship, er I mean shop).

Too bad, DS didn't decide to go on Maelstrom. I really like that ride! Next time, maybe he'll brave the Northern waters in search of trolls!

Isn't that cool that the CM's engaged the kids with real life educational tidbits?? How neat that he got to learn about Scand. flags- I'll bet he'll never forget what THAT flag looks like!

Another great report! Keep it up!

 

[littleboss]

Okay so I've been reading for a couple days now and I'm all caught up now. I've been going between yours and another report. I'm loving both TRs and let me tell you that we are going to Disney for the first time soon enough Grand Gathering!! BUT I have been planning for a little over a year now and feel like I know Disney well already but when I read different things in reports I start to feel like I'm gonna screw everything up for everyone. (you think I'm crazy?) What I mean is I'm a serious planner too, I have shirts made,I'm half packed already and planning my days (well trying to) but I really don't have a clue how to plan being as I've never been before!!! Any advise? Your pictures are all priceless and your kids are just dolls!! Great report so far.

 

[All7OfUs]

Wow! Littleboss! How exciting that you get to take your first trip!! I can send you the trip plans (all 10) I have for my next trip 2 years away...

I think the best way to go for the first time, is make a plan, but leave LOADS of time to just "discover". There will be so much to see, so many little details, so much atmosphere.

But, I'll let the Capells give their advice- don't want to steal their thunder...

by the way... where are Mrs. Capell's additions to the reports. I love hearing her comments too! Probably too busy with your 3 adorable kiddos, eh?

 

[thecapells]

Okay so I've been reading for a couple days now and I'm all caught up now. I've been going between yours and another report. I'm loving both TRs and let me tell you that we are going to Disney for the first time soon enough Grand Gathering!! BUT I have been planning for a little over a year now and feel like I know Disney well already but when I read different things in reports I start to feel like I'm gonna screw everything up for everyone. (you think I'm crazy?) What I mean is I'm a serious planner too, I have shirts made,I'm half packed already and planning my days (well trying to) but I really don't have a clue how to plan being as I've never been before!!! Any advise? Your pictures are all priceless and your kids are just dolls!! Great report so far.

The biggest thing is to be flexible.
I had an EXCEL spreadsheet with everything planned out to the minute or so including showtimes (thanks to Steve Soares) and our ADR's.
I tried to plan the direction we took in each park so that we'd end up at our ADR spots.
I found the research into everything stuck with me which comes in handy later.
That is, as you saw in the first couple of days - things weren't open, kids took naps, and the unexpected happens.
So, since I knew our schedule, when we'd be back this way (if we'd be back that way), I could juggle accordingly.
A good example is spending a full day in AK rather than the planned 1/2 day.
No big deal, just some rearranging later.
Smaller examples cropped up as well like when POTC broke down.
No biggie, take some pics, do the next couple of rides, and check back later.
My biggest trick was to hit the highlights during the week leaving the last couple of days for stuff I knew we could get on, repeats, and excursions.

The bottom line is if you are an anal planner like me, make sure you don't let it stress you out.
Things will NOT go according to schedule so expect there to be changes and rides that are skipped (ex. DS skipped Maelstrom and DD surprised me by wanting to do Soarin')
But the more you know, the more you can be prepared!

And if it's your first trip, definitely just make sure you HAVE FUN!
Does that help?

 

[thecapells]

Wow! Littleboss! How exciting that you get to take your first trip!! I can send you the trip plans (all 10) I have for my next trip 2 years away...

I think the best way to go for the first time, is make a plan, but leave LOADS of time to just "discover". There will be so much to see, so many little details, so much atmosphere.

But, I'll let the Capells give their advice- don't want to steal their thunder...

by the way... where are Mrs. Capell's additions to the reports. I love hearing her comments too! Probably too busy with your 3 adorable kiddos, eh?

I agree - discovery time is essential as well.
I tried to "build" in time for the kids to explore and play like at Kidcot and some of the other more "wandering" attractions.
We also planned to relax and explore the hotels and restaurants.
Catching all the Disney Magic is what the vacation is all about!

As for Mom, she's still reeling from the New Year as all the schedules for the littles ones have changed and we're still working themselves out.
New playdates, classes, appts, etc. She promises to jump on soon.

 

[littleboss]

Wow! Littleboss! How exciting that you get to take your first trip!! I can send you the trip plans (all 10) I have for my next trip 2 years away...

I think the best way to go for the first time, is make a plan, but leave LOADS of time to just "discover". There will be so much to see, so many little details, so much atmosphere.

But, I'll let the Capells give their advice- don't want to steal their thunder...

by the way... where are Mrs. Capell's additions to the reports. I love hearing her comments too! Probably too busy with your 3 adorable kiddos, eh?

Could you really send me your plans? I would really love a disney pros planning rough draft to help as far as which direction to go!!

 

[littleboss]

The biggest thing is to be flexible.
I had an EXCEL spreadsheet with everything planned out to the minute or so including showtimes (thanks to Steve Soares) and our ADR's.
I tried to plan the direction we took in each park so that we'd end up at our ADR spots.
I found the research into everything stuck with me which comes in handy later.
That is, as you saw in the first couple of days - things weren't open, kids took naps, and the unexpected happens.
So, since I knew our schedule, when we'd be back this way (if we'd be back that way), I could juggle accordingly.
A good example is spending a full day in AK rather than the planned 1/2 day.
No big deal, just some rearranging later.
Smaller examples cropped up as well like when POTC broke down.
No biggie, take some pics, do the next couple of rides, and check back later.
My biggest trick was to hit the highlights during the week leaving the last couple of days for stuff I knew we could get on, repeats, and excursions.

The bottom line is if you are an anal planner like me, make sure you don't let it stress you out.
Things will NOT go according to schedule so expect there to be changes and rides that are skipped (ex. DS skipped Maelstrom and DD surprised me by wanting to do Soarin')
But the more you know, the more you can be prepared!

And if it's your first trip, definitely just make sure you HAVE FUN!
Does that help?

Thank you for the great advise! I know to be sorta easy going but will be hard. I have planned for 3 days at magic kingdom so I shouldn't worry so much.

 

[thecapells]

Thank you for the great advise! I know to be sorta easy going but will be hard. I have planned for 3 days at magic kingdom so I shouldn't worry so much.

Could you really send me your plans? I would really love a disney pros planning rough draft to help as far as which direction to go!!

I had planned to clean up my spreadsheet with all the changes and post it later in the trip report.
I didn't want to ruin the surprise of what's coming next.
But since you're about to leave, PM me your email address and I'll send you an advance copy.
Be prepared though - I am clinically a Disney-addict and a chronic scheduler.

 

[The Disney Fanatic]

I just love all of your pictures! I don't know why we could not get any of those magic photo shots when we were there last year. Oh yeah, I love the picture of the Ribs from The Flaming Tree at Animal Kingdom. That picture brings back some GOOD memories!

 

[All7OfUs]

LittleBoss- Just pm'd you our plans and some more comments. So happy to help you out. Let me know if you have any questions. Main thing- know all you can, so that you can have viable alternatives to do without a lot of thought if things are closed, too far, lines too long, etc....

 

[Disneyfan71]

I've enjoyed reading the TR and sorry your little one had to endure the staples. But I'm glad you all had a good time.

I want to try T-Rex and have heard so much about it!!!

 

[kimmylaj]

late joining but i am all caught up, i love everything about your tr. 1st the fact that you and your wife both love disney, my hubby not so much. 2nd i love that you researched things like where to sit in pinocchios village haus, i do the same thing. i am way too obsessed , i love touring plans, tour guide mike, secret trails, random food facts, and everything disney, i like to print out little pocket size schedules. unfortunately my family is not so thrilled with my commando style, oh well they follow along anyway. next time i am going to laminate because they only thing i didnt plan for was tropical storm fay getting my stuff wet. i love that your wife had all the clothes. i learned about the custom clothes from the disboutiquers on here, and taught myself to sew so the kids could have a couple of customs. crazy i know. your dd is too cute with the princess. my ds who is 5 had a similar experience to yours as the only princess he took a pic with was mulan, we also met the same mulan and she was wonderful. your little guy is such a trooper with his stitches, and a cutie too boot, anyways thanks for sharing my next trip in not til nov and this gives me lots to think about til then.

 

[tch121]

Subbing

 

[castmemberb4]

Just discovered your TR this week and am all caught up.
What adorable kids you have ! Sorry about X having to have staples glad he's holding up well and dosen't seem to be too affected by it.
LOVE the sword fighting photo, your DD has got that Princess stance down!
Can't wait to read more, hope you guys got to do more F&W stuff.
Lynn

 

[thecapells]

Wow - lots of newcomers lately!
Welcome aboard everyone!
I hope to get the next segment up in the next day or so.
Stay tuned!

 

[thecapells]

I just love all of your pictures! I don't know why we could not get any of those magic photo shots when we were there last year. Oh yeah, I love the picture of the Ribs from The Flaming Tree at Animal Kingdom. That picture brings back some GOOD memories!

Keep in mind that while the picture makes you mouth water, the food was average at best.
We very unimpressed give the reports we've heard on the DIS.
In fact, I bet we'll hit Pizzafari next time (we'd rate that much higher) or try Yak & Yeti Counter Service (haven't tried that one yet).

 

[thecapells]

Sorry for the hiatus - I've been trying to finalize my pre-ordered Disney Photobook.
Where were we? Oh yeah - we finally left the shores of Norway and approached the gates of China.

It was still nice and early (around 11:30) so the World Showcase was empty – just the way we like it.
We headed straight to the three-tiered Temple of Heaven.
We explained to the kids about the guardian lions of the temple.
If you look closely, one has a sphere under its paw (the male) and one has a lion cub (the female).
Lions are an important of Chinese culture and there are many lions throughout the China Pavillion.
The kids immediately started searching for “Hidden Lions.”

We went into the temple next and, no, I didn’t think the kids could make it through “Reflections of China”.
I did, however, want them to try the trick I read about on AllEars.
I started positioning DS first and told him to say “Hello” out loud. No big deal.
The CM’s caught on to what I was doing and were impressed that I knew the trick so they helped me out.
Next, I had DS repeat “Hello” but standing in the center circle of the temple.
The kids were amazed that there was a massive echo when standing in the center circle and they could hear themselves talking!
DD went next (and even I gave it a shot – very cool acoustics).
It’s a fun little trick and shows the detail that went into the architecture of the temple.

By now the kids were dying to go to Kidcot but I detoured them to check out the Tomb Warriors.

There were not nearly as impressed as I would have hoped.
I thought at least DS would appreciate this tiny little army waiting to march into war.
We headed out and I made one more detour (to the “delight” of the kids).
I wanted them to explore the beautiful gardens a bit.
We saw some of the cool little lizards that dwell in the China pavilion and the area was very serene.
DD wanted a pretty picture and also wanted to show off her mask:

We rounded the path and I took a nice scenic shot of Mom:

And then we let the kids loose on Kidcot.
It’s around to the left down the path between the Temple and the Lotus Blossum Café.
At the end of the walkway is a covered area where a nice CM stamped our passports.
X got a charm to color with his name in Chinese on one side and his animal on the other (he was born in the Year of the Pig).

DS’ charm was a bit more colorful:

And DD continued to color her mask. While the kids colored, I wandered a bit.
X got a bit restless so I took him with me.
And I even found Buddha during my travels:

Finally, we once again had to drag the kids away from the coloring table so we can continue our trek across the globe.
We stopped at the restrooms and I chatted a bit with a CM from the Lotus Blossom Café when she noticed X just sitting there.
One of the best parts of EPCOT is talking to all the CM’s who are natives to their lands.

 

[thecapells]

PASSPORT INTERLUDE
I wanted to mention a bit about the EPCOT passports before continuing.
For $10 each, I bought both DS and DD a passport in Mexico.

Inside the little case is a passport, lots of stickers for each country, and a cool pin

You then fill out the passport with each child’s information and it starts off with a neat view of the World Showcase projected onto a map of the Earth:

Then, at each country, the kids get a stamp and message from the Kidcot CM’s.
When we got home, they completed them by adding all the stickers.
They came out adorable so I thought I’d add them to the TR.
But first, we need to catch up.
Here’s the first four countries in DS’ passport and you can see his Year of the Horse stamp from China:

DD’s is a little more fun as most of the CM’s mentioned her birthday in their native language.
You can also see her Year of the Monkey stamp from China.

I’ll add the other pages when we get to the appropriate countries.
Now, back to our regularly scheduled program!
And that takes us to an outpost in the far reaches of Africa.
Can you hear the drums?