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

[brookelizabeth]

Henry is down for his nap and Mom and I are just sitting in the apartment chillin' in the AC versus braving the 100 degree weather, so I have time to complete my update!

Okay, so I left off this morning as we were boarding Living with the Land...we haven't ridden this since 2006 when it still had a live person, and I have to say I like the live person much better. I couldn't hear the soundtrack as well and for some reason as we entered the fish area the soundtrack cut out and cut into the next part.

Love that!

It's amazing how they grow it all!

Everyone really enjoyed the ride. Poppa took a good amount of video of it:

• Living with the Land (5 minutes, 15 seconds)
  

Christmas tree in the Land.

How many pictures do you have of this? I have at least 20 from all the trips!

Next we headed over to the Seas...it was time to ride in a clamshell! On our way we were pleasantly surprised to find that it was a much warmer day than we had previously during our stay...coats were removed, sunglasses and sunscreen were applied!

We walked into the Nemo area and they quickly ushered us through a "back exit" sort of thing instead of through the winding queue because of Poppa's wheelchair - within minutes we were seated.

Poppa broke the rules and took a flash picture. Such a rebel!

I really like this shot!

KK behaved without a flash.

Everyone thought the ride was cute, but also mentioned they were very glad they didn't have to wait in the line - it wouldn't have been worth it. Henry was thrilled. He loves him some Nemo!

Next up was Turtle Talk! I love this show and I knew the family would too. We were sent into a small waiting room so we could enter before the crowds due to the wheelchair...Henry had a good time running around in there.

• Turtle Talk with Crush (5 minutes, 30 seconds)

Everyone did enjoy the show, Grammy kept commenting about how cute the kids were with their questions. I'm sure most of you know this by now, but Crush now has a Buzz Lightyear toy instead of a bikini top...which I personally like much better...it's totally product placement, but I think it's more kid friendly personally.

After we were leaving the little theater Henry was shouting "Cha Dude!" to everyone and the CM manning the microphone thought it was pretty cute, so he gave Henry the mic!

I missed the pic of him with it, it was literally 2 seconds, and since everyone left in there turned around and laughed he got a pretty big kick out of it and wouldn't stop saying it!

We attempted to get him to sit still outside...

But he just wanted to look at Nemo instead!

KK took this one - reminds me of Shanan!

And before we could get a decent shot the crowds descended upon Nemo.

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[brookelizabeth]

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So we moved on and went to pick up our stroller. When we got to Nemo there were quite a few strollers, but this was nuts! And where, oh where did the CM move ours to?!

Looks like Fantasyland parking, doesn't it?!?!

The strollers went from the Seas to the Land. NO JOKE.

We eventually found ours, it was no easy task though! and we moved on. Grammy had made sandwiches this morning in the villa and everyone was hungry, so we took a few minutes to just relax, eat, bathroom break, etc.

Our view during lunch. Not too shabby!

After our short little stop we decided to enter into the World Showcase.

Beautiful poinsettia trees!

We headed left into Mexico.

• Walking into Mexico (38 seconds) - gives you an idea of some of the crowds that day in EPCOT. While it was busy, it didn't feel as bad as yesterday in AK due to the size of EPCOT.

The band serenaded this girl and she just stood there with a slight smile on her face, arms crossed...I think she was a bit embarrassed! KK is fairly fluent in Spanish, so she could understand the song-which was about how incredibly beautiful she was.

We all really enjoyed watching these talented men!

• Mariachi Band (1 minute, 20 seconds)

Into the pavilion we went...

Everyone, especially KK since she has been to Mexico many times, really enjoyed exploring. It's such a beautiful building! We all kind split up and looked at whatever we wanted to - we chose not to ride the Mexican Small World.

"I came to Disney World and bought Tostitos!" REALLY?! Why are these even for sale, and how many people actually purchase them?!?! I guess if you have a craving...

KK said these are the real deal - these are everywhere in Mexico.

I wanted this since we don't have a tree topper...but didn't buy it. I think it was only $10.

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[brookelizabeth]

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I wanted them all!

KK really liked this map and attempted to find all the places she has been.

She found Chihuahua...where she has been many times - it's in the top middle of the map.

Eventually Joe and I stopped wandering due to the crowds in there, and dealing with it all and a stroller got to be a bit much. We just hung out in a corner where they had a ton of musical instruments for sale and had a good time!

We had a really great time! Henry was laughing and "singing", I was dancing to his drum beat - wonderful memories made in Mexico that day! Eventually everyone found us and we made our way out of Mexico.

 

[Lovemy3babes]

How adorable that Henry got to hold the microphone in Crush. I bet he thought that was pretty cool. I had to really giggle at the Tostitos. What in the world?! LOL!!!! Great update Brook. That sea of strollers is crazy!

 

[brookelizabeth]

When we left off we had just enjoyed some, and then made some, music in Mexico. Our next stop was to be Norway to check in for the Kim Possible mission...it was a madhouse in there with the Princess meal going on! Strollers and people galore. The family waited for me and I bravely entered the area trying to find the KP check-in.

I never found it.

The crowds were all too much in Norway, so we just decided to skip it and move on!

China! This is another one KK was excited about and wanted to take her time exploring.

I don't recall all the lighting here normally...there must have been a special performance?

While the family explored and shopped...

Henry and I hit up a Kidcot Station! Back in Mexico we had gotten a mask with one of the charms as we quickly exited the building, but he hadn't designed it yet. This was Henry's first real Kidcot.

Note the car on the mask's chin..."Mommy, car!" Let's see how many cars this mask ends up with.

Can you count them? 2 green, 1 black and 1 orange! That boy knows what he likes.

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[brookelizabeth]

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We joined the shoppers...

I almost bought these. I think it was Heidi (MRYPPPNS) who bought these for her kids...excellent size and excellent price at only $4!

I was tempted to buy something random.

Henry found the panda in a car.

So pretty!

KK was shopping and shopping, and Henry was getting antsy, antsy, so we took him outside and he and Joe went up and down the ramp.

It was a BEAUTIFUL day! The weather was perfect.

Poppa made a couple videos of China:

• One minute
• This one is as we are entering the area (42 seconds)
  

KK made it out after a while with several purchases for herself and some friends. She had a big smile on her face, she really enjoyed Mexico and China! I'm glad we were able to just let her take all the time she wanted to explore both areas.

Our crew continued onward to Germany where I decided I had to have a pretzel. I've been wanting one of these babies for years and I finally remembered and was hungry enough for one!

They are HUGE!

The view while I ate.

I shared with anyone who wanted some...which was mostly Henry. It was decided about this time that we were not going to take an a break before our dinner reservation, BUT, it was also this day that we hadn't downloaded the camera from the night before and both our photo cards were almost full. Joe decided to take one for the team and go back to the resort to empty the bigger card (I kept the smaller one for pictures while he was gone), and to grab water bottles for everyone. He didn't mind going, he kinda wanted the rest for his feet on the bus!

Joe took off and we continued to explore Germany.

The line for Sommerfest.

Because of this:

We didn't explore Germany too long. I don't even remember going into any of the shops. Instead we parked it by the water front and enjoyed the view.

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[brookelizabeth]

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At some point I decided to go get gelato...into Italy...

I asked at one stand where it was - they sent me to a line, so I waited only to find out it wasn't the stand with the gelato! So I was pointed in another direction. Eventually I found it.

When I got back Henry instantly spied the sweets! He was THRILLED.

Strawberry and pistachio.

All I have to say is YUM! We both highly, highly enjoyed it.

 

[jenjolt]

What a great way to spend the afternoon walking around the World Showcase with your family!!!

Love the pictures you took...so pretty!!!

Henry and his mask full of cars LOL!!!


Stay cool!!!

 

[KristiMc]

Great update Brook. I am also inside in the a/c today.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Everyone was pretty content with just sitting and waiting for Joe, but I was determined to catch the Voices of Liberty this trip. The family agreed and we moseyed onto America just in time for the show.

Because of Poppa's wheelchair we were sent to the upstairs viewing area.

It was decorated beautifully.

Very soon they came out all dressed like Dicken's characters.

And they started their magical show.

• It's the Most Wonderful time on the Year (54 seconds)
• Dreidel Song (1 minute, 24 seconds)
• Oh Come all Ye Faithful (2 minutes, 15 seconds)

Needless to say, we all LOVED it! Henry was clapping and asking for more, more, more - I was in tears it was so beautiful and moving. Phenomenal!

We decided to watch the American Adventure, I had not seen in since 2006, so it was time. KK, Henry and I headed toward the front while Grammy and Poppa were seated in the wheelchair area toward the top.

He was pretty pumped to get his own chair.

At some point during the show Henry head leaned onto my shoulder and his body got limp. KK adjusted once in her seat and then stopped moving.

After the show we found out Grammy and Poppa also fell asleep!



The CM manning the door overheard our conversation and laughed - she said it was a very popular napping location. Grammy and Poppa said the show was interesting, but the dark room just took over - and they are glad it did. It really pepped them up for the rest of the evening. To this day, when we talk about EPCOT, Grammy brings up this nap and how good it felt.

However, I was proud to say I STAYED AWAKE!

Poppa showin' off his skillz.

Joe had called during the Voices of Liberty and was almost to the park, so he met up with us outside of America and we adventured to Japan.

We didn't do much in Japan except explore the outside - and I stood in line for Disney's smallest bathroom. It had 2 stalls only! So the line stretched, but it actually moved fairly quickly. By the time I got out, the family was done exploring and I couldn't find them. I started to worry because I had left my purse - and cell phone- with Joe and asked him to stay RIGHT there. I walked around a bit then walked back toward the bathrooms to see if he had come back, and sure enough he was there. The family was ready to move on. I was a bit put out...I had wanted to explore Japan, but they already had...so all well...next trip, right?

It was nearing our ADR time (I think it was something like 4:15) for Biergarten, so we moved back toward Germany.

Beautiful Italy.

Time to EAT!

 

[MRYPPNS]

FYI for next trip...the Kim Possible location at Norway is outside at a little cart sort of by itself.

And yes it is me who buys the rice bowls and plates.....but I haven't let the kids use any yet

 

[pooh'smate]

I am loving all your updates. It is making me so excited for my trip. I love Henry's mask with all the cars. So cute. I really enjoyed the Voices of Liberty. Your videos gave me goosebumps. I am looking forward to your review of Biergarten as we are eating there on our trip.

 

[SoonerGirl]

Oh my gosh, you've been an updating fool Brook! I don't think I can even remember everything I wanted to comment on - guess I should have taken notes

I can't believe how fast they ran out of Soarin' FPs - that's crazy! It sounds like you guys are having a great day despite the crowds. I'm glad we came the week before and left when we did, I know I couldn't have handled that madness - I would have been one cranky lady!

I wish we would have caught the Voices of Liberty over Christmas, they are amazing anyway, but them singing the holiday music would have been great to hear

 

[luvfigment]

A great looking day in Epcot. Henry is too cute as he was leaving Turtle Talk and I see he found the "dut" (Donald Duck) in Mexico. I love seeing all the Christmas decorations.

 

[PopArtGal]

You didn't get the tree topper and it was only 10?

The Japan pavillion is so my fave! I buy so much stuff there hehe

 

[blessedby3]

Wow Brook, so many great updates My computer has been down for DAYS and I was surprised to get back on and see so many great pictures and updates! Looks like you all are having a great time despite the crazy crowds

 

[Charleston Princess]

I love it when you do a bunch of updates!

Henry is so cute! Those pictures of him playing on the firetruck and the story of him saying "Cha, Dude!" to everyone as they left are just adorable!

You found a Donald pinata just like the one on the Mexico ride!!!

Great pictures of the Christmas decorations all around World Showcase! Glad the crowds didn't get you too down, but it sure does look busy there!

 

[MaryAz]

Yay, I am loving all the updates! you are making me very excited to go to Kidani at Christmas. Except for the crowds Love all the pics-such a fun trip!

 

[IluvXU]

The updating queen!

I am amazed at all you did this day despite a late start and the crowds.

The VOL singers were amazing... I would love to hear them sing holiday tunes!

 

[All7OfUs]

You are going the same time as me (and LL), right? We should all do a meet together! I saw on LL's report that you two are meeting at AK...we might be able to make that work as well if you don't mind us crashing your DIS meet. Or perhaps a Corn Dog meet?

I just started hyperventilhating when I saw this!!!! I AM completely stoked this will work, and I mean it from the bottom of my heart, Brook!!!

YES!! We are meeting at 10:00 at the entrance to the Pangani Forest Trail for a stroll through and then???? I will be solo, so am completely open to whatever!!

I think I"m going to shoot for an ADR at Yand Y since Flame Tree won't be up and running. I think I'll try for one at 12:00.

I WANT A CORN DOG MEET!!!! I'm going to PM you!!! This is simply too good to be true!!