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

[A.Mickey]

KK took this one - reminds me of Shanan!

My Pearl! Thanks for thinking of me!

All caught up!!

Yeah! You got your Corn dog nuggets! Great pics!!

Awesome that you found your own little corner of Mexico!

So glad you loved Biergarten, I love it too! And I would have danced with you .

Wow! That line for CP is nuts!! I have yet to do the CP.

Gosh I hate it when people at like that at any type of show! How annyoying. Glad you were able to get wrapped up in it! I loved it too!

That new Disney store sounds amazing, it will be nice to have some Disney magic that close to home . I know I love me some Doorway to Dreams!

 

[All7OfUs]

Magdelene- Thanks for the explanation of the coats of arms and picture that Brook took! I didn't want to quote the whole thing, but I think you know which one I'm talking about. Anway, interestingly, I just (2 days ago) put that on my screen as my wallpaper!! I thought it was appropriate as we'll be in Germany very soon, I LOVE the picture (I hope you don't mind, Brook!!), and we'll be eating there in Sept!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Ok, I think I need to comment on this event a bit more in depth!

It surprisingly just never appealed to me, even though my Mom used to make some German foods and she has always raved about how good the food was there and missed it. I think it never appealed to me because I didn't know what some of the things were, and I have to be a brave sort of mood to try it all. I'm so glad I did!

I am not sure I did notice this before, but do you see these coat of arms? They are the coat of arms of the German states (Länder as we call them) - Germany is a federal republic similar to the US. And the black bear on top is the Berlin Bear!

That is very cool! I had no idea what it was, but beautiful. I love these little real details in the World Showcase.

I think this is one of the best interior shots I have seen of Biergarten! It really looks lovely. It does not look so much like a real Biergarten (which is a garden - normally you sit under huge chestnut trees), but like a town beer festival. Nearly every town has this in the summer time. They put up these long tables and benches on the town square and have a band on a stand playing music.

Thank you! And that is exactly what it felt like, a town beer festival. The tables were long, so sometimes multiple groups were sat together, and the village was all around us. It was a great atmosphere!

And kind of off topic, but there is a Beer Garden about 10 blocks away from where I live now in Queens...I'm very curious as to what it looks like inside and I have heard they have some great food!

And the flags again are from the German states. The one in the second picture with the blue and white rhombus pattern is Bavaria.

Very cool! How many German states are there?

Those little dumplings/noodles to the right of the carrots in your picture are spätzle. And the meat indeed does look like roast pork loin.

I could have eaten a truckload of the spatzle. Delicious!!!

KK had a real potatoe dumpling! And the brown thing on the bottom right is a slice of rye bread. That type of bread is very common here, but it can be a bit dry. You really need some butter to go with it and we then put slices of sausages or ham on top! If you ever heard a German talking about missing German bread, that's the stuff they are talking about.

Those dumplings were AMAZING. We all ate our weight in them! I wonder how KK ate her bread...I bet she just put some butter on it like a true Minnesotan. Bread with sausage or ham sounds divine though!

And they are very authentic! In such a setting you would get soft drinks in beer glasses!

I love how you are confirming everything is authentic. Disney does such a good job - better than I know!

The cake on the left is Stollen, a typical Christmas cake. So I guess it was there for the season.

That name sounds familiar now that you say it.

The glass in the back of the plate with something dark inside must be Rote Grütze, a red fruit jelly which is one of my favourite deserts.

I wish I would have tried it!! I can't remember if KK enjoyed it or not.

I love the card which looks like a beer mug! I guess it is the beer menu?

Yep, I think it was. None of us had any, so I don't think we even looked at it much...except possibly Henry pulling it off the table!

Wonderful update! I think I need to eat lunch at Biergarten next time I am in Epcot.

And wonderful post from you! THANK YOU for all the info and sharing! I love it!!!

Biergarten was delicious...if the actual food in Germany is even close to that, when I get to visit (note I said WHEN! ), I'll come back 40 pounds heavier!

I think you would have a great time there, speaking to the servers and your report back on it would be very, very interesting. I am curious to know what you would think of it!

I also really enjoyed your other updates. I am sorry that you had such a bad start to Illuminations, but am glad that you got over it. I totally understand the stress of leading such a large group of first timers. There were times when I found it stressful to be with just one first timer. I guess the problem was that I just wanted it to be magical for my sister and therefore was thinking to little about me.

That's exactly it...I was more concerned about making sure they experienced the magic and had a good trip that I forgot about ME having a fun time too and let the stress get to me a bit much.

 

[brookelizabeth]

All caught up!

So many wonderful pictures!

I'm glad you liked Biergarten! We'll be headed there again in December! FIL LOVES it! I can't believe no one would dance with you! I totally would have!!!! My kiddos loved to dance there, I had a hard time getting them to sit and eat!

I'm glad everyone liked WS and Soarin so much! I'm really hoping DH will do Soarin with me in Oct!

I think we all have a few less then stellar moments from WDW trips that we could share! tired, crowded, long days will do that to a person! The good thing is that you got over it quickly and made up with Joe! Not letting it spoil the fun is important! I've been there, done that and not don't want to go back! I can actually think of two times I was in tears in WDW trips! Once was when I was pregnant with Ryan and all emotional, DH wanted to go in a different door at Hoop De Doo then they told us to. It caused and argument, I cried and MIL yelled at DH for making me cry! THe second was a the morning after I didn't get to go on Keys to the Kingdom because the boys were sick. DH felt it necessary to try to give me his own KTTK tour and I got really annoyed with him!!! UGH!

Anyway, I'll stop babbling now! Can't wait for more!

I think no one would dance with me because the entire time we were there, NO ONE was dancing at all! So, we would have been the only ones out there...but who knows, we might have started the party! Next time, I'm dancing. Even alone, I don't care!

The breakdowns do happen to all of us from time to time, don't they? I'm glad I got it out and over with! That is sweet of your DH to try to give you a KTTK tour since he knows you were upset that you missed it...but I can also imagine it being annoying! I can see the same thing happening here, with Joe trying and me just telling him to STOP!

Love the updates! The Candlelight Processional is amazing, isn't it? We stopped and watched most of it on our Dec. '08 trip and I loved it. Sadly my sister lost interest and we ended up going somewhere else. But I loved the music!

Aww, those pictures of SSE with the "goodnight" lighting on it kind of makes me sad. LOL. But the one of the ME envelope is even worse. I hate seeing those things. My only comfort is when I see them on other people's doors too.

Glad you enjoyed the Mary Poppins show! We saw that when we were in NYC last year (in fact our hotel was right across from the theater). Such a good show!

The music was incredible! They were so talented. I didn't know the Voices of Liberty joined the choirs as well, so that was an extra treat!

Mary Poppins was awesome! I think I recall your NYC trip and me being insanely jealous because I just wanted to be here! Now I want to go see the Lion King too!

Man that store from the blog looks amazing! I'll be waiting with bated breath to see what the NYC store looks like! Then I'll be wishing that their next stop for the next gen store is somewhere near me.

A girl can dream right?

I wonder where else they are going to put those stores? It does look and sound incredible though! I would love to get there opening day and take tons of video and pictures, but I wonder if it will be a complete madhouse!

Caught up now - you were in my old hood seeing Mary Poppins. I worked at 1515 Broadway when we loved in NY - right in the middle of everything. And in the time we were there, never saw a Disney show!

Your photos of all the decorations and CP really really make me want to go in early December to see everything...maybe one of these years I'll be able to talk Mark into it.

And don't worry about the frustration with Joe - I know I've had it with Mark a couple of times and usually it's due to just being tired. Like you guys, we are usually over it pretty quick and go forward with the fun. Perhaps it's because we are such good planners and they are not always good ones.

You worked for Mtv, right? How long did you live here? Joe almost worked in Times Square as well, but that office (part of his same company) wasn't hiring for his position. He's downtown now, and his office overlooks the bay. Lucky duck!

It's a LOVELY time to visit Disney! Why doesn't Mark want to go then? Early December means low crowds and value season for DVC...the weather is often quite nice too!

Wow-so many updates I'd missed!

I loved hearing about the rest of your evening at EP. We watched CP the night before(I think) on the 29th. Angela Bassett and Courtney Vance were the narrators too. I thought they did a great job--very theatrical, voices.

Mary Poppins sounds like a fun time. The theater is beautiful! So exciting, living in NYC- you have access to all that any time!

I've been updating like crazy! I need to get this baby DONE before our September trip!

I loved how they both got into the story, they were emotional about it, which just added to the show I thought. Beautifully done!

I can't believe we live here still. There is so much going on any given day. Tonight we plan to go see the New York Philharmonic in Central Park. Just saying that is totally surreal to me!

My Pearl! Thanks for thinking of me!

All caught up!!

Yeah! You got your Corn dog nuggets! Great pics!!

Awesome that you found your own little corner of Mexico!

So glad you loved Biergarten, I love it too! And I would have danced with you .

Wow! That line for CP is nuts!! I have yet to do the CP.

Gosh I hate it when people at like that at any type of show! How annyoying. Glad you were able to get wrapped up in it! I loved it too!

That new Disney store sounds amazing, it will be nice to have some Disney magic that close to home . I know I love me some Doorway to Dreams!

You guys are doing some days before/after PCC 2.0, right? Perfect time to squeeze in CP. Really, it's a beautiful show! I'm very glad we did it.

Biergarten was so stinkin' good. It was the perfect meal for that season, nice comfort food!

I love that you guys have Doorway to Dreams near you too, the mini-TRs about your visits there with other DISers are HILARIOUS! I laughed so hard at the "How many DISers can you fit in a shower?" bit! I wonder when they will update it with Aluani rooms?!?!

Magdelene- Thanks for the explanation of the coats of arms and picture that Brook took! I didn't want to quote the whole thing, but I think you know which one I'm talking about. Anway, interestingly, I just (2 days ago) put that on my screen as my wallpaper!! I thought it was appropriate as we'll be in Germany very soon, I LOVE the picture (I hope you don't mind, Brook!!), and we'll be eating there in Sept!!

I don't mind a bit! I can send you a larger size if you'd like for your wallpaper as well-just let me know.

I loved all her explanations and details! It truly shows how authentic the World Showcase is. It's not just a theme park's idea of each country, but it goes into details! LOVE THAT!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Well, it's New Years Eve. December 31, 2009. It's our last full day at Disney. Tomorrow we will be off to New Orleans to begin the second leg of our trip.

And let me tell you, New Years Eve at Disney World is interesting!

Through planning I decided long ago that today would be our "No Parks Day". I read stories of MK closing before lunchtime. 30 minute waits just to order quick service. Lines for every single thing.

No thank you!

While part of me wanted to be IN MK for the fireworks, I figured Grammy and Poppa would not enjoy that since they made it pretty clear that they were not into crowds. So, a DIS meet yay on the Poly Beach to watch the fireworks was made and that was our only plan for the day.

Oh-and a lovely breakfast at BOMA.



I love me some breakfast, and a Boma breakfast is an excellent way to end a trip and end a year!

We checked in and had a small wait

These butterflies were also on the Kidani tree - I think I commented on them during a previous update - but they actually moved! Opening and closing their wings. Very, very cool.

Before too long of a wait we were led to our table

Our waiter came by and without hesitation just asked, "You all want juice, right?" everyone, except me, kinda paused and weren't sure what to say, so I said it for them, "Yes! Juice for everyone!" I assured them it was some GOOD stuff.

West African Frunch - a combination of lemonade, pineapple juice, guava juice, orange juice, and papaya juice.

And they all agreed. That stuff is awesome.

I don't remember why I took this picture, but I just have to include it. Henry is in a high chair. We haven't used a high char in a very long time - and we've even stopped using boosters! My, how much he has grown up in just 7 months!

We all quickly made our rounds to the buffet

Fruit Loops (I RARELY let him have sugar cereal for breakfast!), yogurt and fruit.

Joe's first plate.

My first plate. I tried a few new things, I think that is Bobotie in there, but I wasn't a fan. Same with the tomato. I like tomatoes, but just didn't like how this was done. Had zero issues with the potatoes, pastries and Brioche though.

Quinoa with raisins and brown sugar. Yum!

KK's plate, much healthier than Joe and I. Perhaps that is why she is a size two!

Everyone loved Boma and agreed it was a great way to end the trip. I was very happy they enjoyed it because I had raved continuously about it for months on end! And looking back, and thinking about this makes me wistful that we don't have it booked for September. We have a breakfast, but it's something new...

Continued in next post

 

[brookelizabeth]

Continued from previous post

After we filled our bellies we took the time to explore the lodge and gift shop. We hadn't been over here yet during the trip, so it was the family's first glance at Jambo House.

Inside the bathroom, KK got a kick out of the little sink! Henry LOVES these, and so do I!

Into the gift shop

They have some great shirts at AKL

Want.

These are very cute and very affordable! I remember being surprised, I think they were under $10.

These awesome guys too, $10 I think. I wanted to buy one just because they are cute and such a good price, but I resisted. I literally have NO WHERE to put that kind of thing...especially now in our 490 square foot apartment!!

I took pictures of the 2010 stuff thinking to post it right away...well, you all have seen this by now-and many of you in person!

I liked that you could buy 2009 and 2010 stuff.

Continued in next post

 

[brookelizabeth]

Continued from previous post

And here is our (not so) Hidden Mickey for the trip! I realized in the gift shop we had forgotten to do it at Boma like I had meant to! (for those of you who are new to this report, or can't remember, we try to do a Hidden Mickey with plates once a trip, it started a couple trips ago in LeCellier). So, we attempted in the gift shop. Henry was not into it. I'm glad we at least tried though, because I was VERY bummed we didn't get to do our other tradition of Henry behind bars with Zurg on Buzz at MK. Thankfully we had just done it in September, so we had that.

I am not a pin collector, but should have bought this! I completely regret it!!!!!!!!

As I was wandering the gift shop I got more and more sucked into it - there are so many neat things in there! Then I realized Joe and Henry were not around anymore...I see that not only Joe and Henry were gone, but Poppa (this is his picture) and KK too. I guess Grammy and I were the shoppers! Poppa did some exploring.

I came briefly out of the gift shop to find Henry and Joe

I asked him if I could drop a good amount of cash in the gift shop. He agreed.

So I did.

I bought a DVC Member windbreaker. I had eyed it previously in the week at the Kidani gift shop, but didn't. I debated and debated and finally just bought it. I liked it and knew it could be useful. It turned out it was a very, very smart purchase. I wore it every.single.day in NOLA as you will soon see. It was freeeeeeeeezing there!

And then I went exploring myself while we waited for Grammy.

We were just about to leave when I realized we had ONE MORE THING to do. I was soooo very happy I remembered.

Continued in next post

 

[brookelizabeth]

Continued from previous post

We went to the elevator...

Went to the bottom floor...

Walked this way...

past the pool when it was still green... (like it should be! JMO...)

(side note: I love how there is a pair of sneakers pool side...it seems like someone just kicked them off and dove in!)

past all this lush greenery...

To purchase THESE

OH YAY BABY!

Back in 2006 Joe and I honeymooned at AKL and had a few Zebra Domes with our dinner at Boma. We both enjoyed them. I have meant to go back since then and buy some, and was back in 2008, but too sick to want any. This trip I was feelin' good and we had time to spare. They were MINE.

And of course, I shared with the family.

After purchasing the beauties we walked along

And enjoyed the Domes and the view of the savanna

I mean really. ZD's + the view?! It was a glorious moment. Plus it was WARM that day. The Domes started to melt. So that just made us eat them faster.

Even Henry enjoyed them!

It was an excellent way to spend our last morning in Disney World, relaxing and enjoyable and...no crowds!

 

[Flossbolna]

Hi Brook! I am glad you enjoyed my Biergarten comments! There are 16 states in Germany. West Germany used to have 11, so we got 5 additional ones with reunification. I guess I need to have a close look next time I am in Epcot to see wether they have all 16 coat of arms now since Epcot was built in 1982, so before reunification.

I hope you get to check out your local beergarden! lovealldisney posted some interesting links about German history in Milwaukee and one was about a brewery and how they started out with a beer garden and how much this was part of German way of life.

And I think I really have to make a point to visit Biergarten in Epcot next time - even though speaking to the German CMs there in German might feel a bit embarassing.

I loved your Jambo House update and agree on the pool... Boma is a wonderful breakfast, but trying new things is great as well! And since you still have your DVC, you know you will be back soon!!

 

[KristiMc]

On our AK day during our trip in February we decided to visit AKL to check it out and have lunch. I told DH that we had to try the Zebra Domes because I had heard so much about them on the DIS. We both loved them. I thought it was great that I was able to get them as my dessert on the dining plan.

 

[jenjolt]

Another wonderful update!! Hmmmm...Boma for breakfast sounds delightful! I love that juice, I think they serve it at Tusker House and I have like 8 glasses there SO GOOD!!!!

Loved the shopping pics...you are right those figurines are so cute, of course I don't have any place to put them right now either!! LOL!! Can't wait to see pics of the windbreaker!!

I have seen updated pics of Henry and you are right he is growing up so FAST!! He's becoming quite the little man!

 

[PopArtGal]

I love the "drawn to nature" shirt!!

Zebra domes look yummy

 

[SoonerGirl]

I think it was a very wise decision to avoid the parks on New Years Eve!

AKL was the one resort I wanted to check out at Christmas that I didn't get a chance too - the decorations look beautiful

Yum, zebra domes!

 

[MeMom]

We just ate there last week. Dinner, though. I had bobotie, too. It was okay. We also had falafel and couscous and frufru (or fufu?). Anyway, it was interesting to taste some different things. The ribs and the roast were both very good!

Isn't that a great gift shop? I have some of the same pictures you have.

Zebra domes and a walk around the resort was a nice peaceful way to spend the morning. You know it was crazy in the parks.

 

[Lovemy3babes]

What a perfect way to spend your last Disney day! I also definitely would not want to fight with NYE crowds, just to see Wishes. It's lovely of course but I bet it's also insane in MK!

I also want that red Mickey shirt with the peace signs. Adorable!!!

 

[TyRy]

You worked for Mtv, right? How long did you live here? Joe almost worked in Times Square as well, but that office (part of his same company) wasn't hiring for his position. He's downtown now, and his office overlooks the bay. Lucky duck!

I was only there just about 6 months - Mark lived out there for over a year. I was with MTV just a few months before transferring to Chicago. I really did not want to leave, but we had to..Mark's company was transferring him back to Chicago.

It's a LOVELY time to visit Disney! Why doesn't Mark want to go then? Early December means low crowds and value season for DVC...the weather is often quite nice too!

I agree with you...from him I get "it's too cold." That's why we went in Sept instead of December for my b-day.

past the pool when it was still green... (like it should be! JMO...)

(side note: I love how there is a pair of sneakers pool side...it seems like someone just kicked them off and dove in!)

I still cannot believe it's blue. I've seen the photos and have been disappointed and I bet I'll be even moreso when we see it in person. It should be green!

To purchase THESE

OH YAY BABY!

Back in 2006 Joe and I honeymooned at AKL and had a few Zebra Domes with our dinner at Boma. We both enjoyed them. I have meant to go back since then and buy some, and was back in 2008, but too sick to want any. This trip I was feelin' good and we had time to spare. They were MINE.

And of course, I shared with the family.

That was very nice of you to share...I think we have a few friends that might not!

 

[claryche]

Continued from previous post

And here is our (not so) Hidden Mickey for the trip! I realized in the gift shop we had forgotten to do it at Boma like I had meant to! (for those of you who are new to this report, or can't remember, we try to do a Hidden Mickey with plates once a trip, it started a couple trips ago in LeCellier). So, we attempted in the gift shop. Henry was not into it. I'm glad we at least tried though, because I was VERY bummed we didn't get to do our other tradition of Henry behind bars with Zurg on Buzz at MK. Thankfully we had just done it in September, so we had that.

I know that you said you were upset that you didn't do a plate hidden mickey, but as soon as I saw this picture, I saw a hidden Mickey.

Don't you agree?

 

[lovealldisney]

I hope you get to check out your local beergarden! lovealldisney posted some interesting links about German history in Milwaukee and one was about a brewery and how they started out with a beer garden and how much this was part of German way of life.

Hi Flossbolna,

Miller Brewery is the second largest brewery in the US. The Miller name is everywhere in Milwaukee. Even our baseball statium is is called Miller Park.

We are not only know for beer but also for sausages!! Bratwurst especially! If you are invited to someones house for a cookout in summer you most likely will have brats and burgers being grilled! Mmmmmm.... I think I need to go buy brats after work for dinner. I like to boil them in beer and onions before grilling. I am so anxious to get to Germany to try all the varieties there!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usinger's
http://www.usinger.com/

I have sent many a gift box of Usinger's sausages to people for Christmas. It's always a big hit!

http://www.klements.com/index.html

We even have racing sausages during the our baseball games here at home.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sausage_Race

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaUe8Jz2G_g

We have a great German restaurant as well. I haven't eaten there though but my daughter has gone on a trip with her German class from school.

http://www.madersrestaurant.com/

 

[Lady Lallie]

Boma looks so yummy!!!

I love Henry's Hidden Mickey picture, even if he didn't fully cooperate.

 

[Flossbolna]

Hi Flossbolna,

Miller Brewery is the second largest brewery in the US. The Miller name is everywhere in Milwaukee. Even our baseball statium is is called Miller Park.

We are not only know for beer but also for sausages!! Bratwurst especially! If you are invited to someones house for a cookout in summer you most likely will have brats and burgers being grilled! Mmmmmm.... I think I need to go buy brats after work for dinner. I like to boil them in beer and onions before grilling. I am so anxious to get to Germany to try all the varieties there!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usinger's
http://www.usinger.com/

I have sent many a gift box of Usinger's sausages to people for Christmas. It's always a big hit!

http://www.klements.com/index.html

We even have racing sausages during the our baseball games here at home.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sausage_Race

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaUe8Jz2G_g

We have a great German restaurant as well. I haven't eaten there though but my daughter has gone on a trip with her German class from school.

http://www.madersrestaurant.com/

Yes, it was Miller where I read about the beergarden and how popular they were.

More interesting links! I know that Brook loves brats, so I hope she will enjoy those as well! The Usinger sausages really look like what you can buy at a butcher here. However, sausage races aren't that common in Germany!

I am getting really interested in this, I am wondering wether I ought to make a trip to Milwaukee one day...