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

[DisneyMom5]

On the other hand, we also missed the countries at night with all the lights.
A better plan (for those with older kids) would be to turn around after the UK and head back the "long" way.
That way, you can see all the countries at night as well.
And then you'd arrive back at FutureWorld around the time of Illuminations!
We'll have to try that one once the kids are a bit older...

That would be a great plan. Last time my SIL only got to see some of the countries at night, and it is VERY dark, and you miss out on a lot of the details. So I wouldn't recommend seeing it only at night, but a tour back through with the lights would be cool.

Great report!

 

[All7OfUs]

On the other hand, we also missed the countries at night with all the lights.
A better plan (for those with older kids) would be to turn around after the UK and head back the "long" way.
That way, you can see all the countries at night as well.
And then you'd arrive back at FutureWorld around the time of Illuminations!
We'll have to try that one once the kids are a bit older...

Ohhh, I like that idea too! Doing it TWICE, once in the day, (the other way around at night). Is that what you are saying?? Love it!

I wonder if there is another theme you could go with around the world besides fountains. We got a few shots with hats (sombreros in Mex., woven bamboo in China, etc...) that could be fun to try, but what about other ideas? Maybe CMs in their costumes?

 

[thecapells]

We arrived back in Japan around 5:00 or so.
Mom parked the stroller and went upstairs to check us in at Teppan Edo.
I took the kids and headed over through the majestic doors at the end of the pavilion.
I read that this was to be the entrance of a grand attraction at Japan (borrowed from Tokyo Disney) but never developed.
Instead they added a small table for Kidcot so the kids went to work and I finished sipping my champagne.
Kidcot here was fairly crowded (I noticed that they tend to fill up as the day wears on) and it was very hot inside.
Mom agreed once she showed up.
Luckily we didn’t have to wait long as our beeper went off shortly much to the dismay of our budding artists.
The charms from Japan are among the most interesting as they are actually origami.
The CM folds a cut-out piece of paper into an animal for the charm.
She made one for X and even wrote his name in Japanese on it. It looks odd flattened but it’s supposed to be a frog I believe:

DS decided it looks more like a frog if you do this to it (but never got a chance to finish coloring it):

While we were there, we made sure to get the passports stamped as well.
The CM wrote DS’ name in Japanese and even threw in a Hidden Mickey:

DD got the same with “Happy Birthday” in Japanese thrown in at the end.

Since it was her birthday, the CM also let her pick an orgami bow.
DD, of course, picked pink. The CM attached it (along with everything else) to her mask. More on that later…

We headed back up the large set of stairs into the restaurant area.
Both Tokyo Dining and Teppan Edo are in the same location – just different sides of the building.
The hostess led us to a room where there were 2 “stations” set up. One side was empty and the other had a family of 4 already seated.
We were seated next to the family and introduced ourselves.
Another host (for lack of a better name) came out and introduced himself as “Go.”
He apparently was in charge of our drinks and giving us the spiel about Teppan Edo.
A waitress appeared shortly thereafter and took our orders.
Drinks and appetizers were served first.
Mom and I each ordered the Assorted Tempura which was one piece of chicken, shrimp, and some vegetables all served in tempura.
The waitress even provided several dipping sauces and it was all very good.

About then, the kids meals were served.
Both kids ordered the Tempura Combo (one piece of shrimp and one of chicken) but we asked the CM to bring DS two chickens instead of a shrimp.
The meals were served in really cool Monorails with rice, vegetables, and a fruit cup:

I think both kids thought the little folding umbrellas were the best part of the meal.
DD enjoyed her dinner while DS wasn’t as excited but he’s the picky one in the family.
He ended up eating his rice and eating the chicken after he pulled it out of the tempura “shell.”
Finally, our chef came out for the cooking and the “show”.
Veggies were first and the chef constructed a volcano out of onion slices:

And then animated the volcano…


Then it was time to cook the adult entrees.
Mom ordered the Ueno Combination Dinner (chicken and shrimp) and thought it was good but not spectacular.
I ordered the filet mignon as I had heard good things about it.
It was really good – small tender exquisite pieces with dipping sauces to provide extra flavor.
It really was a nice meal and I don’t usually like Asian food.
Our cook was fun and did a nice job but was not as “entertaining” as the one at the table across from us.
She did perform the “shrimp tail in the hat” trick.
That is, as she cut off the shrimp tails during cooking, she would flip them up and catch them in the top of her chef’s hat.
After dinner, our cook departed and we headed to the restrooms.
Unfortunately I forgot to take a picture of her.

When we returned, a chef’s hat was waiting for DD with “Happy Birthday” written on it in English and Japanese.

She was a little surprised but lit up when she saw the candle in the dessert that had appeared.
We all had ordered bowls of soft-serve ice cream.

X seemed to be enjoying himself as well:

We left the restaurant in good spirits.

I wanted to explore a bit more of Japan but it was hard as it was getting dark.
Here’s my attempt at the pretty coi in the pond.

With the Far East now behind us, we headed off to complete our trek around the world.
We were so stuffed from dinner and ice cream that we decided to skip dessert at France on the way.
And with 10 countries down, only one stood in the way of completing our World Showcase Adventure! Stay tuned...

 

[thecapells]

Apparently everyone saw their shadow on Feb 2nd and disappeared for the remainder of the Trip Report.
Come on back everyone!
And let's hear from the lurkers as well while I finish up the last segment of the World Showcase!

 

[hcmommy]

Ok, your caught me...lurker here Coming out to say and I'm enjoying your report. Can't wait to read the rest.

 

[tanyabanana]

Ok, I am a lurker..but I spent a couple hours yesterday getting caught up to now. I am enjoying the TR! We are going without kids this year...but I want one of the passport books myself

 

[kimmylaj]

i'm still here loving the latest dining update, never thought of going there but between the monorail dish and the onion volcano my son is sold (ok me too)

 

[Lady Lallie]

The monorails the kids meals come in are really cute. I think they are a nice touch.

 

[jmskinner]

Apparently everyone saw their shadow on Feb 2nd and disappeared for the remainder of the Trip Report.
Come on back everyone!
And let's hear from the lurkers as well while I finish up the last segment of the World Showcase!

Sorry, been kind of crazy. I had my email reminder saved to come read your update when I had more time.

But hey, you got two lurkers to come out of hiding.

I have been thinking about trying Teppan Edo, maybe our September trip.

 

[thecapells]

Welcome back everyone!
It's good to know the TR wasn't abandoned (as we're just heating up).

And welcome aboard to those who just joined and are catching up.
I hope to get the next segment out today/tonite.

 

[smithpack]

I have been lurking and LOVING your TR. I have not done the WS with my kids, but am going to do it this year because you have given me so many ideas. I have had to take notes. I also loved your DS face when he drank beverly. I had to watch that clip over and over. Then I showed it to my kids over and over. Now when anyone comes over to my house we watch it. It is priceless. I am sooo glad I found this TR

 

[PrncessA]

I agree! I was a little worried about the WS w/ the kiddos but your kids look like they are having a blast!!

 

[thecapells]

I have been lurking and LOVING your TR. I have not done the WS with my kids, but am going to do it this year because you have given me so many ideas. I have had to take notes. I also loved your DS face when he drank beverly. I had to watch that clip over and over. Then I showed it to my kids over and over. Now when anyone comes over to my house we watch it. It is priceless. I am sooo glad I found this TR

I still can't believe DD actually liked it and asked for more!
But I'm glad to know the TR is helping others plan - that was my goal.
When I started researching, my information came from various sources.
My plan was to gather all that information in one place and present it with my trip report - one stop planning.
Sounds like it's working at least for some people.
Hang around - more World Showcase and a Kidcot wrap-up are on the way!

 

[thecapells]

I agree! I was a little worried about the WS w/ the kiddos but your kids look like they are having a blast!!

Well, to be honest - we skipped EPCOT the last time around.
That is, when we took DS for his 4th Birthday and DD was 1 1/2, we figured it wouldn't go over well.
This time, with DS at 6 1/2 and DD at 4, we thought it might work for them.
DD defintiely acts older and wants to do everything DS does.
The addition of the Kidcot mask and all the princesses helped her along as well.
I don't think DS would have appreciated it as much when he was 4 though.
X, on the other hand, was just ecstatic most of the time seeing all of this cool stuff.

So I guess the bottom line is that it depends on the kid...

 

[mom2meiko]

i'm still here and reading your TR. as wonderful as always! sorry it has taken me a while to get caught up but i'm looking forward to the next chapter!

 

[thecapells]

We past Morocco and headed over the “English Channel” bridge connecting France and the United Kingdom.
On the bridge was a Photopass photographer taking a group shot.
We quickly got in line and took some shots with the Eiffel Tower in the distance.
I don’t recall what the photographer said but she had ALL of us cracking up and we managed two amazing shots:

With that, we were in great spirits and headed to the United Kingdom.
The streets of the United Kingdom look very authentic (for those of you who have never been).
But the tourist highlight is always the old fashioned telephone booth.
DD ran in and wanted a pic:

Then a couple stopped by and asked if they could take all of us! Sure!
So we all piled in this one little phone booth laughing and giggling.
X was banging on the glass and you can barely see his hand in the first photo – I’m holding him with my right arm.

After we got out, we of course returned the favor and took the couple in the phone booth as well.
The other interesting fact about today was that November 5th is Guy Fawkes Day in the United Kingdom.
It’s a celebration of Guy Fawkes and the attempt to blow up Parliament (see “V for Vendetta” for a popular version of the story).
Epcot’s United Kingdom set up a “Penny for the Guy” in the main courtyard in honor of the holiday so I grabbed a quick pic.

Next was the Toy Solider – an all-in-one stop for my family: Toy Store, Character Spot, and Kidcot all rolled into one!
We headed straight to the back and immediately ran into Alice.
This was great because I know Alice and Mary Poppins both frequent this establishment but we already met Mary this trip and Alice was new.
The kids posed while Mom got into line for the bigger draw – Pooh and the gang.
After pics with Alice, the kids went straight to the Kidcot table.
I was a bit surprised by the lack of planning here.
Alice was standing next to the line for Pooh which was next to the Kidcot table – all squished into a very small section of the store.
It was very chaotic but I was able to snap a couple of cute pics with Alice while we waited on line.

As I mentioned before, it wasn’t until Japan and the UK that we found Kidcot crowded at all so this was definitely an aberration.
I’d suggest doing UK early in the morning and going counter-clockwise through the countries but then you’d miss more characters.
It seems that the characters don’t start when the World Showcase opens.
Our approach had us skipping Mulan and Mushu as well as “Three Caballeros” Donald because of just that reason.
It was calculated though as we already saw Mulan at the Princess Breakfast and we saw Donald several times so we wouldn’t be missing much.
Pooh Bear was a family favorite and I wasn’t sure if we’d catch Alice again at the Mad Tear Party in Magic Kingdom so this stop was a must.

Back to the Toy Solider - the theming is cute and since Mary Poppins is usually here as well, I found her story

as well as some well-placed blocks…

We were up next (it was a quick wait) so we had to gather the kids.
DD was disappointed as he didn’t get a chance to color his charm – a neat looking dragon:

but we did manage to get the passports stamped.
The message to DS included a nod to Robin Hood and Lil John which was cool:

While DD’s highlighted Alice:

But, more importantly, it was time to meet Pooh.
We’ve met Pooh several times this visit but this was the first time we had a chance to get the whole gang together.
And group shots are always more fun! Surprisingly the kids first ran over to Eeyore.

Once X backed in (Beep! Beep! Beep! ), everyone posed (DD’s was darling):

And then the ultimate Family shot – our family with Pooh Bear’s family.
I love how Photopass allows you to add each of the character’s signatures here as one border
(as opposed to Aladdin, Genie, and Jasmine being separate in Morocco)

After the pictures we headed to the front desk and presented them our fully-stamped passports and informed the CM we had completed our trip around the world!
DD and DS were each congratulated and then presented with a Magical Moment certificate.
The CM asked each child’s name for the certificate.
When he heard DS’s name – he asked DS if he knew that “Logan” is the real name of Wolverine (which we know as I’m a comic book geek).
The CM thought this was cool so he put both “Logan” and “Wolverine” on the certificate:

A note about the certificates – not all the countries issue these anymore.
I asked earlier in the day and was informed that only several countries do this and the United Kingdom was one of them
(something else to consider when planning your route).

Anyway, the kids were now busting and I had just the answer.
With a smirk on my face, we headed out of the store and towards the back of the pavilion.
There we found the Hedge Maze – a great place for the kids to go wild. And wild they went!
DS took off and starting winding through with DD close on his tail.
The maze stretches behind a small gazebo and comes out the other side.
DS finally made it out:

But DD did not. Instead she was crying that she couldn’t find her way. DS ran back in to find her.
Now before anyone gets worried, the hedges are small and you can easily see the children although the hedges are large enough that the children can’t see out it.
Basically, the best of both worlds. So DD wasn’t “lost” as I was looking right at her she just didn’t know the way out (and it was dark so that didn’t help).
DS headed back, grabbed her hand, and guided her out. He can be such a good big brother sometimes…

DD was definitely done with this “attraction” but DS took off several more times.
He tired himself out “dashing” through the maze - it was a good thing he was wearing his Dash shirt.

It was now getting late and X was tired and grumpy (and was mad we didn’t let him go exploring the hedge maze by himself).
I took one more picture of the “nightlife” at the UK and off we went:

With Off Kilter playing in the background, we made our way through the crowds past Canada and towards Future World.
Our World Showcase Adventure and our Kidcot Mission was now complete.
It was time for one last “Good-Bye” to EPCOT.
But that’s for next time…

 

[mom2meiko]

There we found the Hedge Maze – a great place for the kids to go wild. And wild they went!
DS took off and starting winding through with DD close on his tail.
The maze stretches behind a small gazebo and comes out the other side.
DS finally made it out:

But DD did not. Instead she was crying that she couldn’t find her way. DS ran back in to find her.
Now before anyone gets worried, the hedges are small and you can easily see the children although the hedges are large enough that the children can’t see out it.
Basically, the best of both worlds. So DD wasn’t “lost” as I was looking right at her she just didn’t know the way out (and it was dark so that didn’t help).
DS headed back, grabbed her hand, and guided her out. He can be such a good big brother sometimes…

Such a sweet big brother!!!

 

[KidGoofy]

My 3 year old little brother loved the hedges...it was raining and he still wanted to run through.

 

[littleboss]

I love the family pic with the Pooh Family, so the food at Teppan Edo was good?

 

[Ariel on Land]

Oh what GREAT family pictures!!!!! Those turned out so incredibly well! Poor DD though... I can imagine how scary that maze could be! And she looks so happy that her big brother found her- what a little hero!