A Tale of [family madness in] Two Cities - Final Thoughts & PTR Link!

[onelilspark]

I love Biergarten and I don't even like buffets! We did it in 2008 for Thanksgiving dinner. My Mom's side of the family is all PA Dutch/German, so it was fun since all the weird stuff we normally have at Thanksgiving was there!!

 

[praisehisname]

OMGoodness, so much to comment on!

Love the pics of Henry playing around in the firehouse! Sorry the Soarin' FP were gone, but at least you could use Child Swap.

That stroller parking is crazy! I'm glad we don't have to deal with that anymore.

Sorry you weren't able to do the Kim Possible mission--maybe in September?

DH and I shared one of those pretzels for the first time this past December and loved it! Are you going to buy another memory card for your camera for this trip or make sure you download every night?

So glad you got to see the Voices of Liberty--they are awesome!

Biergarten sounds so fun and delicious!

Hope you have an amazing time tonight seeing Mary Poppins!!!

 

[disneydusted]

I am so glad you gave Biergarten a positive review! Makes me super excited to go! I had to have a good laugh at the way spelled Biergarten in my last post! Not sure what I was spelling! That is what happens when I am posting and I am being talked to at the same time! I had no idea that the interior of the restaurant was so big! Can't wait! Looks like we will just miss being at Disney at the same time....

 

[brookelizabeth]

Sounds as if everyone enjoyed Biergarten. We've never eaten there--the interior of that place is beautiful. It's like a little mini-village in there.

We all really enjoyed it - anytime we talk about Disney with the family, Biergarten comes up. And we told KK she is going to have to make that cheesecake for every family gathering...no mind that it is really complicated and has to sit overnight, etc.!

Brook,

There are several places around WDW where you can get Joffrey's coffee.

http://allears.net/din/coffee.htm

Kathy

I had no idea! Love this! I didn't realize EoS in DTD had Kona. It will probably be too hot in September for a cup, but next time we go when it's cool out, I'm taking advantage!

Biergarten looks really good.

It was very, very tasty. I'm glad we tried it and were brave with some of the dishes that normally wouldn't pique our interest.

Glad you enjoyed your meal! I like the picture of Henry eating and the fact he had a little Mac N Cheese on the side of his face. LOL I love it when kids eat. You had some great pictures of Germany from before dinner.

On a side note....I can't remember do you have ADR's for Sept?

It's amazing how much they can get on their little faces, isn't it? Does ANYTHING make it inside?! He's actually gotten much, much neater over the last 6 months and rarely gets anything on his face unless it's a messy food.

Yep, we do have ADRs for September, based on what I can guess for our park schedule, but I haven't shared them yet - hopefully will on a PTR, or maybe something quickly tacked to the end of this TR. Currently we have 4, but only wanted 3 - I couldn't give one up...and it's the only one that is a repeat from a previous trip!

I have never wanted to try Biergarten, Marc is obsessed with it though and is always begging to go. He went as a kid and he just loved it. Maybe I'll have to relent and make an ADR there someday. I could just eat cheesecake, right?

That is pretty much how I was. Joe kept bringing it up, we even had an ADR for it on some trip, but I kept backing out. I would say go for it - the buffet is very large with a huge variety. Some stuff is a bit crazy, but there is some more normal things too. And yes, it's totally fine to just eat cheesecake! And pretzel bread.

I love Biergarten and I don't even like buffets! We did it in 2008 for Thanksgiving dinner. My Mom's side of the family is all PA Dutch/German, so it was fun since all the weird stuff we normally have at Thanksgiving was there!!

It would be a GREAT place for a Thanksgiving meal! And how perfect that it actually fit what your family normally eats at Thanksgiving. It was so, so good. Just thinking about it all makes my stomach growl.

OMGoodness, so much to comment on!

Love the pics of Henry playing around in the firehouse! Sorry the Soarin' FP were gone, but at least you could use Child Swap.

That stroller parking is crazy! I'm glad we don't have to deal with that anymore.

Sorry you weren't able to do the Kim Possible mission--maybe in September?

DH and I shared one of those pretzels for the first time this past December and loved it! Are you going to buy another memory card for your camera for this trip or make sure you download every night?

So glad you got to see the Voices of Liberty--they are awesome!

Biergarten sounds so fun and delicious!

Hope you have an amazing time tonight seeing Mary Poppins!!!

I hope to do Kim Possible in September, I think Henry would really enjoy watching the stuff happen, like the statues move and stuff. And he'd love holding the phone.

Aren't those pretzels awesome?! I wish they sold those everywhere in Disney!

We probably won't buy another card, we usually are very good about downloading the night before - I can't wait to look at the pictures.

I'm sooooo excited about Mary Poppins tonight! I think we will head down there after Joe gets home from work, grab something to eat then hit the show. We are going to shop for souvies for Mom after the show. She hasn't seen Times Square yet when it's all lit up, so that will be fun!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I am so glad you gave Biergarten a positive review! Makes me super excited to go! I had to have a good laugh at the way spelled Biergarten in my last post! Not sure what I was spelling! That is what happens when I am posting and I am being talked to at the same time! I had no idea that the interior of the restaurant was so big! Can't wait! Looks like we will just miss being at Disney at the same time....

I so understand! Often times Henry is talking to me, or trying to climb on my lap, etc. when I'm typing...so I'm sure I make a zillion typos and half finish sentences.

I hope you like Biergarten! I have nothing but good to say of it. It was a wonderful meal.

I didn't realize the interior was so big either until we entered - we were all amazed! It's very pretty inside, and the band is a lot of fun. I wanted to go dance, but NO ONE was...usually the kids at least go and I'd have an excuse with Henry.

Bummer about just missing each other! There is a possibility that Henry and I will be arriving a few days earlier than currently scheduled...but not 3 weeks early. I could only dream!!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Mom and I are hanging out in the neighborhood and at home today until Joe gets home, then we'll be off to get some dinner and Mary Poppins! So that means...I have time to update! I am loving it that I've been able to keep up with subscriptions lately AND update!!!

After our wonderful, magical and very filling meal at Biergarten

we noted that it was about time to get in line for the Candlelight Processional. We had the package, so we just had to find that line and we knew we would get into the theater.

We walked to the theater and then were pointed to the line...that stretched past Japan and into Morocco! And remember this was the line for those who had the package!

We thought we would end up in the back of the theater...but the line moved very quickly and we ended up with very nice seats toward the front. I didn't realize how big the theater was.

We had some time to kill before the show began, so we snapped some pictures

I thought of Great Biscuit when I saw all the lighting!

and I dug through my purse and our park bag in hopes of finding SOMETHING to entertain Henry while we waited.

Nope, nothing.



So, I got up and decided I would go find him something - like a coloring book or little toy to play with during the performance.

As I was leaving the theater one of the CMs who was manning the rope to block the theater off asked me why I was leaving. Thankfully she fully understood and gave a sly little smile and said "To get back in you need the password, it's snowflake." I laughed. What a funny CM!

So onward I went - I scanned the carts close to the theater selling random things, but nothing was catching my eye...then I remembered the kids menus from Biergarten were little coloring books - why I didn't grab one on the way out was beyond me...but I didn't. So back to Biergarten, explained my situation to the CM, they let me in, I grabbed the coloring book and hoofed it back to the theater. It was not an easy trek with crowds like that!

I got back to the theater and approached a CM to get me in. They looked me square in the eyes and said, "What's the password?" They were serious!!!! I thought that CM had been joking! Thankfully I remembered and was allowed in, but how funny!! Makes sense why they do that so people don't butt in line though.

Henry was very happy to see the coloring pages and went right to work.

Before long the orchestra came out to warm up and then the trumpeters.

The choir took their places and the show began.

Our narrators were Angela Bassett & Courtney B. Vance - they were AWESOME.

The trumpeters stood on a ledge on both sides of the audience - we weren't far from them, so it was VERY loud when they played, but still beautiful.

I loved the lighting effects.

The show was incredible! We were all moved to tears. The music, lighting and beautiful narration all made this a wonderful experience. We were all very glad we took the time to do it. The only thing I would do different next time would be to get a seat more toward the middle so we weren't so close to the trumpets - it was so loud I covered my ear closest to them and Joe and I both took a hand to cover Henry's ears.

During the show Henry often sat on our laps, enjoying the music, but couldn't sit still for too long. We tried to distract him with coloring....

This baby was COVERED in cars drawn both by me and Joe. I count 7, but I think between the front and back there was over 15!

Henry also found great entertainment in his film camera (which I just realized, I haven't shared the pictures here yet! I will at the end of the TR). And he had figured out how to turn the flash on, of course! So, when I wasn't watching and was wrapped up in the show, he several times managed to dig his camera out of the park bag, turn on the flash and take a random picture - like an extreme close up of my face, or a picture of the people sitting behind us, or next to us. We kept apologizing to those around us, but we were stifling our giggles - and so were our neighbors because every time Henry would take a picture he would let out a squeal of delight. And naturally several of these were during serious moments of the narration.

After the show there were a few people walking around in EPCOT.

Just a few.

We decided to head back to Futureworld to take advantage of those Soarin' FPs before Illuminations was to start.

Continued in next post

 

[brookelizabeth]

Continued from previous post

We stopped in the UK for a quick bathroom break and Henry needed to make a phone call.

For the past four days while touring the parks we had all taken our turn in pushing Poppa in the wheelchair.

Even Henry decided that night it was his turn!

We made our way over to Soarin' and I noted the wait times.

Nothing for Living with the Land, but almost 2 hours for Soarin'! Overall though, not too shabby-the crowds were starting to settle for Illuminations; however, we had VIP seating with the Candlelight Processional, so we didn't need to fight for a spot....or so I thought.

Due to a limited amount of time we had we decided that Poppa and Grammy would ride first with the FPs. We all went up and got the needed Baby Swap and Joe, KK, Henry and I waited in the area by the FP machines.

This one was for Birthday FPs only.

I love you FP!

And we waited, and waited, and waited. It was well over 30 minutes and I was starting to get nervous that we would get to Illuminations in time. So Joe once again took one for the team and told KK and I to ride on the Baby Swap. We argued back and forth for a few minutes until he convinced me that I should ride. He had missed in it September, but he actually prefers TT over Soarin' (I had no idea at the time!), and didn't feel like he was missing anything if he didn't ride. That way he, Grammy and Poppa could make their way to the VIP spot slowly without rushing too.

It was a wise decision, I gave him 20 kisses and KK and I were off!

The ride was excellent as always, KK loved it too!

As soon as we got off and I had cell service again my phone was ringing. It was a very frustrated Joe wondering where the VIP area was. I tried to explain, but he just didn't understand...well, turns out they were CLEAR on the other side the lagoon on the bridge by France.



The VIP area was in the start of the World Showcase.

He was highly, highly frustrated and refused to come back. Which made me very, very annoyed with my dear husband who just skipped Soarin' so his wife could ride.



It was not my finest moment.

With much annoyance I led KK and I over to the bridge. Grammy and Poppa were thrilled with their tree and light post obstructed view. They didn't care, Grammy found a step to sit on, we found a spot for Poppa - they were good. I should have been too, but I wasn't. I was irritated. I was tired. I was sick of being the "leader" of the group and the whole typical wife problem where you feel your husband never hears you despite telling him where the VIP seating was 83829292 times!!!!!

Whew.

After I found the family I breezed past Joe and decided to stand up close to the railing for the show. I was near tears, I didn't want to talk with him or argue about it and I was afraid I was gonna blow from all the built up exhaustion over the week.

The beautiful show started and I started with my picture taking.

After just a few minutes into it I softened. And realized the show was not half as enjoyable when you are upset and not sharing it with those you love most. So I retreated back to stand by Joe. I apologized. We spoke for a few brief moments and we both let it go. Where we were was not the best, but it was fine. Everyone was FINE. I needed to be too.

I stood with him and Henry-who was almost asleep-for a few minutes, but the railing drew me back. I asked Joe to join me, but he just wanted to stay where he was leaning against the wall.

Continued in next post

 

[brookelizabeth]

Continued from previous post

Each time I see that show I like it more. And with the Holiday ending my jaw dropped. Beautiful! I remember saying "Wow!" over and over again.

After the fireworks we all slowly headed back toward the front of the park. I asked Grammy what she thought of Soarin'. Her eyes lit up and got huge she LOVED it. To the point where she wanted to skip the fireworks and just go wait in line again! LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it! A girlfriend of hers goes to Disney at least once a year (her husband is big into it, her not so much, but she goes for him) and told Grammy that her favorite ride was Soarin'. So Grammy said the first thing she did when she got home was to call her friend and say, "Yep, you were right. Soarin' is incredible!"

As we were leaving the park, the fountain was going and they had "Goodnight" in many languages on SE, the family really liked that and we stopped and watched for a few minutes.

I love this fountain!!!

Must-squeeze-in-one-more-picture!

Okay-ONE more! Do we have to leave?

(and I just remembered, as we walked out I saw a grown woman sitting in a child's stroller. I immediately laughed to myself and thought "She must be really tired to sit in there!")

Returning the wheelchair we got a kick out of the masses of wheelchairs.

They go on for eternity it seems!

Back at the room this horrid thing was hanging on our door...

We knew our trip only had one more full day, New Year's Eve. I was very much looking forward to it, but also sad to say good-bye to Disney World. Our day and evening at EPCOT were full of great memories and experiences!

Videos:

• The beginning of Illuminations (3 minutes)
• The globe and water part of Illuminations, more fireworks the last minute of the video (4 minutes)
• Fireworks (2.5 minutes)
  
• The ending of the normal show and part of Holiday ending (4.5 minutes)
• Beginning of the Candlelight Processional (1 minute)
• Announcement of the narrators (1 minute 17 seconds)
• Silent Night (3 minutes)
• More Candlelight Processional (32 seconds)

 

[blessedby3]

More great updates
love all the pictures, and the ones of Illumintaions makes me want to actually see it for once. We never do too much in Epcot, and so we arent usually there in the evening. I need to make an effort to make sure we see this on our next trip. Thanks for the pictures.
Sorry about the stress of meeting up with Joe. I hate to be in Disney and stressed at the same time. Just puts everything in a bad state. Glad you were able to get past it and ENJOY

Oh yeah--have a MAGICAL time tonight at Mary Poppins! Hoping to hear lots on your blog and see lots of pictures too from your evening You lucky duck!

 

[PopArtGal]

I hate when this thing it hanging on the knob. It makes it all too real.

 

[Charleston Princess]

I have never ever wanted to try Biergarten, but now after your wonderful post about it, it is suddenly on my radar! It sounds like a fun and delicious meal!!!

The Candlelight Processional sounds just lovely -- I am glad Henry was able to stay entertained with his coloring book and the camera!

The Holiday Illuminations pictures are breathtaking!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I hope you are enjoying Mary Poppins. I am VERY jealous.

It's hard being the leader and I just lead Marc around Disney. I can't imagine leading such a large group like you were!! Sometimes you need moments like those so you can regain perspective. I'm glad you were able to enjoy Illuminations though.

Soarin is the best, Grammy knows what she is talking about!

 

[SoonerGirl]

I've never been tempted to try Biergarten, the menu just doesn't appeal to me, but I'd probably be able to make a meal out of that pretzel bread and cheesecake! I do love your pictures from the inside of the restaurant, it's very pretty

Thanks for the video from the Candlelight Processional, it took me right back to when we saw it - gave me chills again, it was so wonderful!

Sorry about the stress over the Illuminations viewing spot, if it makes you feel any better we checked the reserved area out when we went and it was an awfully small area to be able to hold people from 3 different showings of the CP - there is a good chance you wouldn't have gotten a decent spot anyway......

Can't wait to hear about Mary Poppins, I'm so jealous!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Quick update to say Mary Poppins was AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is the first Disney Broadway show I have seen and the magic of Disney translated to stage beautifully. I was in awe. Simply incredible. I couldn't even cheer at the end of the show because I was choked up with emotion over how great it was! It takes the top as my favorite show.

There were 3 people in front of us making commentary/talking to each other the ENTIRE show. E-N-T-I-R-E. And sometimes not very quietly. At some point during the 1st Act I bent down and asked them to quiet down, which they did somewhat. But the dude kept checking his phone which was totally distracting. I personally did not pay that much money to chat with my friends OR check my cell phone every other minute.

The young people next to me were perfectly fine until the 2nd Act when the girl started making loud commentary to her boyfriend and he would chuckle. Then he found it hilarious to clap really annoyingly loud and be the last person clapping after each scene. And during the end song he thought it was oh so funny to clap off beat. Seriously. Dude, how old are you?

BUT, despite all that Mom and I were still wrapped up in the magic of the show. We both loved every single second and were on our feet moments after the show ended in a standing ovation. It was awesome!

New Amsterdam Theater on 42nd and Broadway

The air was thinner in our seats.

I've never been inside this theater, it's beautiful!!

 

[All7OfUs]

Biergarten- how I await thee with the greatest of anticipatory dreams... Little spaeltzels come to me, and fill me with delight....


You lucky ducky getting to see Mary Poppins! I know you had a GREAT time!!

 

[PopArtGal]

Awe!! Thanks for the review. It is on my list of Broadway shows I want to see!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Oh goodness. The theater looks beautiful. I'd love to go see Mary Poppins in NY. Sigh. Someday.

 

[praisehisname]

So cool that you were able to get back in the CP theater by giving a password! The show looks absolutely incredible--I really wish we had made time to see in in December.

Glad Grammy loved Soarin'. Sorry about the misunderstanding about the Illuminations viewing spot, but it sounds like it worked out in the end.

I have no idea why, but I got choked up when you mentioned and showed pictures of the different good-by's on SE. All of a sudden I had a rush of memories about our adults only trip and seeing the same thing.

Mary Poppins sounds so awesome! I really, really want to see a Broadway show someday!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Ah, your pictures so made me want to head to NYC to see a Broadway show again!

That's a shame about the talkative people! Really, why do people go to a show if they aren't even going to pay attention???

 

[micandminforever]

The pictures of the CP and of Illuminations were wonderful, plus the videos. It makes me want to go to Disney all the more in December. Maybe I need a Birthday trip.