A Princess Birthday Surprise at POR w/ Royal Room Included...TRex for Lunch

[Sue M]

Ack…I’ve gotten behind again!

Too funny about asking Ariel why she was sucking in her stomach! Can you imagine having to suck in your stomach all day at work? Maybe Stephen can use his stalker photography skills to be a private investigator…of course, that would probably not involve cute young girls. I like how he apparently pulled it off very nonchalantly.

I love the commentary about loud kids and bickering. I remember being on the opposite end and thinking “I’ll never be one of THOSE people when I have kids”…um, yeah you are. I just avoid eye contact with others at those moments! Even well behaved children bicker…especially when it comes to their siblings.

It’s funny, Addison wants to eat at BOG and the rest of us are just…eeh. We have a reservation for an early dinner in October but honestly, nothing there really excites me and I feel like the girls eat so little, that I would rather spend the money elsewhere. But then I want to see inside! Decisions!

Thanks for the review and the great pictures!

Christine

you are so right! I remember thinking I'd never be one if THOSE people either but there I was hauling out my kid with a full blown tantrum out of the supermarket

 

[hstrickland]

We walked around and chose a seat. Next time I want to try the dark room! Lol

It'a actually really cool, and a much different atmosphere than the other 2 rooms....give it a try

Ack…I’ve gotten behind again!

Too funny about asking Ariel why she was sucking in her stomach! Can you imagine having to suck in your stomach all day at work? Maybe Stephen can use his stalker photography skills to be a private investigator…of course, that would probably not involve cute young girls. I like how he apparently pulled it off very nonchalantly.

Could be a scary thing, huh?! Come to think of it, it would be very easy to do that at Disney with a camera....creepy

I love the commentary about loud kids and bickering. I remember being on the opposite end and thinking “I’ll never be one of THOSE people when I have kids”…um, yeah you are. I just avoid eye contact with others at those moments! Even well behaved children bicker…especially when it comes to their siblings.

Isn't it the truth!! I said it a million times before I had kids.... God has a funny sense of humor. Now Bill and I are THOSE parents with THOSE kids!

It’s funny, Addison wants to eat at BOG and the rest of us are just…eeh. We have a reservation for an early dinner in October but honestly, nothing there really excites me and I feel like the girls eat so little, that I would rather spend the money elsewhere. But then I want to see inside! Decisions!

Thanks for the review and the great pictures!

Christine

Ok....JMO ....but I think I would keep the ressie and check it out, or just do lunch. Then you can say you've been there and done that - curiosity is gonna kill ya And it really is a beautiful restaurant that y'all must see. If your girls aren't big eaters, then the lunch portions are enough to split. In fact, Stephen and I should have split one.

 

[hstrickland]

Day 2
A Magic Kingdom Afternoon




This is just a quick little update with nothing of major importance – just some more pictures of our trip


Don’t know if I mentioned it or not – so I’ll mention it now - all three of the kids are into the whole pin trading thing. Jesse finally got some for himself. He doesn’t understand the full concept, yet, but enjoys following along with Stephen and Faith. While waiting on me, Faith was trying to give Jesse some pin trading advice – which didn’t work







As long as I can remember, I’ve NEVER ever ever EVER had to wait in line for this ride … EVER!





Well – much to our surprise or should I say shock ….





We had to wait!! This isn’t Bill or Stephen’s favorite ride, so they continually give me a hard time about loving it so much. Then when we had to wait for 20+ minutes … I really got a lashing (but for heaven sakes, it’s classic Disney – don’t they know!)


Stephen was hot on the trail of more Hidden Mickey’s! (no shock there)






Thought I was all up on Disney news and knew so much – but apparently I missed something along the way. We didn’t know this was being built!






And what Disney vacation is complete without some of these! My all-time favorite snack at Disney!!!!







Remember me mentioning the pin trading? Well these two lovely ladies were more than helpful and extremely patient with the kids! I forget which shop we ventured into (there were so many) but they both took lots of time with the trading. Jesse wanted that pin – then he wanted this pin – then he decided that he wanted the other pin! Faith followed suit. Fortunately Stephen was decisive enough and got his exchange done quickly.






While shopping, the kids always like to try on crazy hats and get pictures … Bill and I love to see if we can secretly embarrass them Doesn’t work with Jesse – sometimes Faith – and now Stephen is at the age that we always embarrass him.







Stephen was getting more embarrassed by the minute, especially when Bill started acting like he was Justin Bieber – middle school students just don’t think that’s cool.







And right before dinner, we had to stop and get our picture made with Mickey! The wait was really short, too – great place for a character picture without the long lines.







Up next – Dinner at Tony’s Town Square!





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[FancyNancy]

My daughter got into pin trading last April. She can be shy with strangers so it was an interesting dynamic. I often had to help her and make the initial introduction to the CM and then she would trade

Great pics!

 

[farrahalex76]

Great update. I think I'm just as excited to see those Tangled bathrooms as I am to see New Fantasyland when we go back. I love the hat pictures. Me and the girls were trying on hats in Epcot and my DH was telling them that it was gross because someone else might have tried it on. My oldest then went and got a Grumpy hat and poked her lip out and said look I'm daddy. He lightened up after that.

 

[wiigirl]

Great update!

 

[WDWKOOK]

I really enjoyed the totally random update. It was like a behind the scenes view of what goes on when you aren't eating or riding something. Oh, and the embarrassment and eye rolling only increases when they enter high school

 

[hstrickland]

My daughter got into pin trading last April. She can be shy with strangers so it was an interesting dynamic. I often had to help her and make the initial introduction to the CM and then she would trade

Great pics!

I had no idea how involved the whole pin thing could get! There are 1000s of those suckers! Stephen has a pin book now that separates the parks, resorts, etc. He and Faith are into collecting the sets. I used to think it was so nerdy and pointless, but I've actually had a good time hunting and searching for the different pins. And of course it's something that the whole family enjoys doing together. Who knew!?!

Great update. I think I'm just as excited to see those Tangled bathrooms as I am to see New Fantasyland when we go back. I love the hat pictures. Me and the girls were trying on hats in Epcot and my DH was telling them that it was gross because someone else might have tried it on. My oldest then went and got a Grumpy hat and poked her lip out and said look I'm daddy. He lightened up after that.

Love it! And I've never thought about the gross factor!!! Thanks! It's kind of a tradition, silly as it may be, to get a crazy hat picture.

Great update!

I really enjoyed the totally random update. It was like a behind the scenes view of what goes on when you aren't eating or riding something. Oh, and the embarrassment and eye rolling only increases when they enter high school

Glad you enjoyed my randomness ....it happens from time to time. Never thought Stephen would be the one to get embarrassed...but guess the whole Justin Bieber impersonation did him in - of course Bill and I are still laughing about it!

 

[chattadisser]

Glad to see the kids enjoying the pin trading. My girls do it too and LOVE it. I used to think it was kinda creepy but then you discover there are certain sets of a character and then its kinda like a scavenger hunt.

Don't you just love doing whatever you can to embarass them? Sometimes it's just fun to egg the situation on....you gotta have fun with parenting wherever you can!

Christine

 

[Sue M]

Great update. I think I'm just as excited to see those Tangled bathrooms as I am to see New Fantasyland when we go back. I love the hat pictures. Me and the girls were trying on hats in Epcot and my DH was telling them that it was gross because someone else might have tried it on. My oldest then went and got a Grumpy hat and poked her lip out and said look I'm daddy. He lightened up after that.

I really enjoyed the totally random update. It was like a behind the scenes view of what goes on when you aren't eating or riding something. Oh, and the embarrassment and eye rolling only increases when they enter high school

You can even get em when they are in their 20's

Heather love the hat pics, we do that too,

 

[Wood Nymph]

You can even get em when they are in their 20's

They tend to cut you some slack when they become parents and realize what a great job you did after all.

 

[Sue M]

They tend to cut you some slack when they become parents and realize what a great job you did after all.

No grand babies on the horizon yet for me! But yes, I don't think they really appreciate you till they have their own!

 

[jlaalja]

I can't find a Royal Room that sleeps more than 4 people? Are they listed as sleeping 4 or 5?

 

[hstrickland]

Glad to see the kids enjoying the pin trading. My girls do it too and LOVE it. I used to think it was kinda creepy but then you discover there are certain sets of a character and then its kinda like a scavenger hunt.

You're right...it is like a scavenger hunt. Bill's cousin sent the kids a bag full of pins - the ones that you can definitely trade. We had a ball sitting at the kitchen table and looking at each one. Sounds crazy, doesn't it

Don't you just love doing whatever you can to embarass them? Sometimes it's just fun to egg the situation on....you gotta have fun with parenting wherever you can!

Christine

Bill loves to embarrass me at Wal-Mart. I'll be shopping a couple of rows over, and I'll hear him calling/yelling my name in some crazy voice....HEATHERRRRRR....where are you???? Or his best trick....if he's picking me up in the car, I'll open the door and before I can get in, he'll drive forward. Then I have to run to catch up...and he'll do it again. The kids think it's the funniest thing ever.

You can even get em when they are in their 20's

Heather love the hat pics, we do that too,

You're right...you sent me a picture with y'all in those hats

They tend to cut you some slack when they become parents and realize what a great job you did after all.

I'll keep that in mind and hope that my kids will one day feel that way!

I can't find a Royal Room that sleeps more than 4 people? Are they listed as sleeping 4 or 5?

Don't break your neck searching ...you won't find that listed anywhere. Royal Rooms have 2 queen beds, and most of the Alligator Bayou rooms have two queens plus the murphy bed (which is very small).

 

[RGirl]

Great updates, Heather!!! I really loved the BOG pics! We will be dining there for dinner VERY soon.....

Oh my heavens! Is that you, Roni??? You made it! I so get the busy factor. Heck....it took me an entire year to finish one TR

Ok...so refresh my memory. Where are y'all staying now? BWV again?

Isn't it the truth!? Kinda sad to see our kids get bigger. When Faith and Jesse told me that Mickey Mouse Clubhouse was for babies, I almost cried!

And no worries....this TR won't take an entire year. I MUST be finished before school starts back

Well, we were booked in a Royal Room at POR, but then the 30% discount came out, so we switched to the Boardwalk Inn (not villas) - it just makes sense with my crazed fear of being late and Willow's love for DHS. Being able to walk to Epcot and DHS reduces vacation stress A LOT. I am a little sad, however, not to try a new resort. But not THAT sad!

You are going to finish this before school starts??? You are nuts! And, um, don't go too fast - I don't want to fall totally behind. I am VERY into slow-moving TRs these days.

 

[hstrickland]

Great updates, Heather!!! I really loved the BOG pics! We will be dining there for dinner VERY soon.....

Willow will love it for sure!!! So much to see. I think dinner is the better choice, too.

Well, we were booked in a Royal Room at POR, but then the 30% discount came out, so we switched to the Boardwalk Inn (not villas) - it just makes sense with my crazed fear of being late and Willow's love for DHS. Being able to walk to Epcot and DHS reduces vacation stress A LOT. I am a little sad, however, not to try a new resort. But not THAT sad!

Well....you are kinda staying in a new resort/room BWI room vs. BWV room What type of room did you request? Don't blame you for switching. It is much more convenient to Willow's favorite park. I totally get your fear of being late! Remember....I'm the one who gets up at the crack of dawn and never misses Rope Drop

You are going to finish this before school starts??? You are nuts! And, um, don't go too fast - I don't want to fall totally behind. I am VERY into slow-moving TRs these days.

You're probably right! Wishful thinking...

 

[hstrickland]

Day 2
Tony’s Town Square for Dinner








Tony’s is always our “go-to” place for a table service restaurant. We usually do lunch at this restaurant, but for obvious reasons we had to try dinner. The central theme of the restaurant is based around the animated classic, Lady and the Tramp.




Shocking picture, right?? ….Jesse in front of the TV!







Tony’s has a great waiting area for families! There’s a TV viewing area, and a place for children to color – crayons and color sheets are readily available.



There are three dining areas inside the restaurant. The main indoor dining room has very comfortable seating and checkerboard floors. It kinda reminds me of a classic New York City, family-owned, Italian restaurant. The sunroom is very bright and cheery; you feel like you’re outside but have the convenience of air conditioning. And then there’s the outdoor patio. Many people try to grab a spot here during the parades!



We were seated in the sunroom…






Do you remember me saying “bright and cheery”??? Let me reiterate – very BRIGHT!!! Notice Stephen’s sunglasses. The sun was directly in his eyes - hence the word "Sunroom"! Fortunately, the sun set quickly and Stephen was able to shed the glasses.




This is a scene you don’t see often! Jesse sitting still and coloring – and notice the bright cheery sun beaming through on the right of the picture!







We were all excited to see the arrival of bread! Yep…hungry! Not sure why – it’s not like we haven’t eaten all day






Then it was appetizer time! We ordered the Zucchini Fries - breaded, seasoned with a creamy sun dried tomato dressing for dipping, and VERY tasty.








Main Course

Bill and Stephen decided to be adventurous and try the spaghetti …






Faith and I split the Cannelloni - filled with a mixture of ground beef and sausage, mozzarella and ricotta served with marinara and alfredo cream sauce. Very good, but super rich.







Jesse did one of the kid’s meals, but I forgot to get a picture. While we waited on dessert, Faith and I ventured around the restaurant looking for photo opportunites.











Another shot of our dining area. We enjoyed this spot because it was a first for us. Every time we've dined at Tony’s, we were seated in the main dining room - nice change.







Time for dessert, and surprise surprise – we ordered the Pistachio Crème Brulee!!! 3 of them!! And it’s some of the best at WDW for sure!







Tony’s didn't disappoint and our service was really good. However, I will say this – we enjoy the food, but it’s not the best at Disney. It’s definitely not a signature, but if you’re looking for a good place to sit down, relax, and get away from the crowds then this could be the place for you We’ll be back next year for lunch – not dinner.



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[Sue M]

Yippee, more updates!! We have never tried Tonys! That cannoli looks good! So does the rolls. Matter of fact we never ate any TS at MK. The lure of Kona, Ohana, and GF dining has been too great but we are trying Plaza this trip. Something new!

 

[Disney9.9.10]

I missed the start of so many great reports when my computer died!! I'm all caught up now. I always enjoy your reports and I agree that you can never have too many pictures Your review of BOG is almost identical to my own - we loved it there, but the food really didn't impress us. When we ate at Tony's on our honeymoon, we sat in the sunroom, and it was really cute and private since nobody else was in there, but the sun was in our eyes quite a bit as well. Looking forward to reading more!

 

[Wood Nymph]

Faith and I split the Cannelloni - filled with a mixture of ground beef and sausage, mozzarella and ricotta served with marinara and alfredo cream sauce. Very good, but super rich.

This looks delicious and definitely big enough to share. I love Cannelloni but haven't had it in years. It doesn't seem to be a popular entree here in the Chicago area. We might need to add Tony's to our huge list of restaurants to try some day.

ETA: I just made lunch reservations for our last day in WDW so I can have cannelloni before heading to the airport. Thanks for including it in your trip report.