"Are you done with that?!" A photo heavy, gluttonous, Jan 2012 Trip Report! NEW PG32

[giantstoindy]

You're giving me so many good ideas about the WS!! I think our plan will definitely be to photograph each country, go to a store or two in each and try out any and all museums quickly, very close to what you did. Can't wait to hear about Chefs. We don't have an ADR there, but we plan to check into Boulangerie Patisserie. about the PP photographers.They just don't get those perfect shots-I like Savannah's better instead.

 

[exwdwcm]

Another great update. I love those photos of the girls in the fountain. What a special moment- see you are never too old for Disney! Good choice on moving to WP for dinner instead too!

So sorry you had a meltdown, but i think we are all allotted one per trip. You put all this pressure on yourself and your family was having a good time. Sometimes we just have to cry it out!

What a great day at Epcot. After seeing that line though, I am even more happy with our rope drop method! It looks like a fantastic and beautiful day to explore the WS!!! Those nachos look pretty good to me!

Can't wait to hear how Chefs went- I love it there!

 

[bkandreu]

I love your family! I have been reading your trip report all day and it's been so interesting and entertaining! I was so sad when I got to the last one and saw that there were no more!

Your daughter's hair is so pretty!
And I love the part where those people got in front of you during that parade.. There are always a few run ins with RUDE people at Disney! You've got to try to find your inner happy place! haha.

Anyway, lovely trip report.. Can't wait for more.

 

[MissPrice]

[ As I was driving up to the entrance, I told Rey to get out the camera and take the entrance picture for me. What I got was 100 pictures of this Ferrari? that was entering the park.

Hey Karen, I just started reading your trip report. My husband does the same thing!! I had about 50 pictures of various car on my camera when we got home. I'm loving the report so far, hopefully I have time to catch up. We have been back from our trip for about a month now, and I am already ready to go back. Look forward to reading more. -Amanda

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I love that little tiny Morocco museum! There's never anyone else in there when I'm there too!

I remember thinking it would be a great place to cool of and hide from crowds if you went in the summer!

I can't believe you guys were still in Epcot! And going strong! That's pretty impressive!

I don't know if we were going strong, but we were still there!

I love the pic Savannah took of you guys! So pretty!

Thank you!

You're giving me so many good ideas about the WS!! I think our plan will definitely be to photograph each country, go to a store or two in each and try out any and all museums quickly, very close to what you did. Can't wait to hear about Chefs. We don't have an ADR there, but we plan to check into Boulangerie Patisserie. about the PP photographers.They just don't get those perfect shots-I like Savannah's better instead.

Ooooh, we went tot the Patisserie after Chef's, so you'll hear a little about that too! Yep, I have no idea why, but the shot she took isn't even in the photopass pics, I can tell that they weren't taking the picture at the same time, but the angle Savannah was at was at least more flattering!

Another great update. I love those photos of the girls in the fountain. What a special moment- see you are never too old for Disney! Good choice on moving to WP for dinner instead too!
Yep, I'm glad we did it. We would have had leftover CS meals and had to pay OOP, so it just made sense. As it was, Dylan had an extra TS meal (he didn't feel good or eat at Boma) and an extra CS meal as well (didn't eat lunch the day we went to AK). I thought WP was a great CS meal, hope they don't change that ever!

So sorry you had a meltdown, but i think we are all allotted one per trip. You put all this pressure on yourself and your family was having a good time. Sometimes we just have to cry it out!

Yep, and I always feel so much better afterwards!

What a great day at Epcot. After seeing that line though, I am even more happy with our rope drop method! It looks like a fantastic and beautiful day to explore the WS!!! Those nachos look pretty good to me!

Can't wait to hear how Chefs went- I love it there!

It will take up a whole update with all the pics I took outside and then of food!

I love your family! I have been reading your trip report all day and it's been so interesting and entertaining! I was so sad when I got to the last one and saw that there were no more!

Thank you! I'm so glad you are enjoying it! There will be more tomorrow morning!

Your daughter's hair is so pretty! Thanks!

And I love the part where those people got in front of you during that parade.. There are always a few run ins with RUDE people at Disney! You've got to try to find your inner happy place! haha.

Anyway, lovely trip report.. Can't wait for more.

Hey Karen, I just started reading your trip report. My husband does the same thing!! I had about 50 pictures of various car on my camera when we got home. I'm loving the report so far, hopefully I have time to catch up. We have been back from our trip for about a month now, and I am already ready to go back. Look forward to reading more. -Amanda

Welcome! Men! It's funny, Rey is unlike most men in all other areas, but get him near any kind of foreign sports car and he goes crazy with the testosterone! I hope you catch up! It shouldn't be too hard, I'm going slower now that we are nearing the end!

 

[Tink-erin-belle]

Oh, Karen, I got all misty eyed from your description of Savannah and Leslee in the fountain! I'm at work though, so I can NOT cry! That seemed like a very special moment. Those donuts and the Blondie cupcakes looked delish! I loved Dylan's hat from Japan! It looked really cool! Back to the food - your veggie platter and Savannah's nachos both looked so yummy! You had me rolling with your comment about borrowing ten bucks from Leslee for the margarita! I would've done the exact same thing! It looked fantastic!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Oh, Karen, I got all misty eyed from your description of Savannah and Leslee in the fountain! I'm at work though, so I can NOT cry! That seemed like a very special moment. Those donuts and the Blondie cupcakes looked delish! I loved Dylan's hat from Japan! It looked really cool! Back to the food - your veggie platter and Savannah's nachos both looked so yummy! You had me rolling with your comment about borrowing ten bucks from Leslee for the margarita! I would've done the exact same thing! It looked fantastic!

It was too funny, when we got over to where Rey & Dallas were (I had already finished my Rita, NATURALLY!) Rey gave me a smile and laugh and said "SOOOOOOOOO, how was that Margarita?!?!?" and kind of snickered (b/c he had realized as well that he had all the money)...

so you should have seen his face when I said it was great and that Leslee gave me the money for it!

 

[katefl]

Anything with Disney food being featured I love! Very funny so far, loving it!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Anything with Disney food being featured I love! Very funny so far, loving it!

Thanks!!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Longest day at Epcot ever continued! (there's STILL 1 more update for Epcot after this one too!

After Rey & I had our picture taken we headed over to France.

You would think I would head to Chef's to see if we could check in early, but nope, I made a B-line for this beauty!

Ahhh, the Grey Goose Slushie...the thing I dislike about these? They are way too small, I suck them down pretty quick!

I took a couple pics outside in France and of Chef's before checking in.

Finally I checked in and we didn't have to wait long at all before being seated.

It seemed pretty busy in there, I was hoping to not sit right in the middle of everything! Table-pixie-dust yet again for us when they lead us to a window seat in a quieter corner! Score! The window was so close to my seat I could barely get a picture.

Let me first say that I have no idea what people are talking about with rude waiters. Our waitress was extremely friendly and wonderful! I tried to explain the DDP options for my family, but she did it better than me. We all ordered and it wasn't long before soups and salads came out.
Savannah, Leslee, & I had the salad, which I ate, but they did not like. It was REALLY vinegary, even the waitress smiled and said that they should have some ranch dressing or something as an option when she saw they hadn't eaten theirs.

Rey had the lobster bisque, which he enjoyed.

The boys didn't have any soup or salad b/c of their entree's.
and here those are: It was funny, this was the meal where they were all served and just sat there looking at me...then it dawned on me that they were waiting for me to grab the camera and take pics of all their food!

I had the veggie lasagna. It was good but I did find myself comparing to the Kouzinna dinner and it wasn't as good as that. I enjoyed it though!

Rey had the salmon, he liked it, especially that sauce.

Dallas had the duck, which he has never had before. It was really one of the reasons I came to Chef's this evening b/c they offered it and I wasn't sure where he would get duck and knew he wanted to try it. He gobbled it up! I didn't mention that I had read it was dry at Chef's b/c I didn't want to mar the experience, so I have no idea if it was, but he really enjoyed it!

Dylan had the chicken, which he said was more filling than he thought it would be.

The girls both had the mac-n-cheese, Savannah didn't like hers! I tried it (DUH!!) and it was great! She was just being picky, she still ate some of it.

Dessert was next, but I didn't get a pic of anything but mine! I had the strawberry cake/sorbet, it was good!

I know that Dallas got the creme bruelle and said it was WAY better than Wolfgang puck? I think the girls had something with chocolate?

We really enjoyed the meal and I was so glad I hadn't canceled this meal! Actually, I DID cancel it and then rebook it a few hours later at one point! It wasn't my favorite meal of the trip, but we were really wanting to have a variety of diverse meals, so having a french one was great!

After Chef's, we had time to explore France before Illuminations! I have no idea how Rey had room, but we went to the Patisserie right after dinner because he wanted to use a snack credit!

Per my advice, he got a Napoleon.

OHMYGOSH! This thing was to die for! I only had a couple bites, but there's a few of these with my name written all over them the next time we go to WDW! SO good!

We roamed around the stores, Savannah & Leslee bought Marie plushies and we talked about Kya, one of their BFF's who LOVES France.

We went into the cooking shop and Dallas found this little pot of French herbs and we bought that for him. That stuff is GOOD! I've put a pinch of it on my salad a few times and they are just really strong and tasty!

We were headed to Morocco but I had to stop again for an Grand Mariner Slushie beforehand...it wouldn't be fair to just get the GG Slushie, now would it?

when we got to Morocco, we stopped to watch Mo-Rockin. Rey said he would be back, he was headed to Germany for more of his favorite beer!

When they were finished, we decided to continue on to Japan and meet Rey there. I took one last shot of Morocco as we headed towards our Illuminations viewing!

Up next- Illuminations from Japan!

We may have an issue arise, I got an email from photobucket, saying I have almost exceeded my limit of uploading for the MONTH and that it restarts on the 15th??? (of March! eek!) I'm unsure if I'll be able to upload more, but I'm getting ready to upload the Illuminations pics and we will see how it goes! Edited: Got them uploaded!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

That sounds like my ideal evening in World Showcase...a Napoleon and the slushies! Glad you enjoyed them! The Napoleon is one of my favorites!!

Your meal at Chefs de France looks great! I have heard so many mixed reviews it does make me wary like you were, but I'm glad that you didn't cancel your meal!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

11 hour Epcot day concludes with Illuminations!

I'm going to post these today as well b/c they are mostly just pictures and not much trip reporting!

Rey met back up with us with two beers, one in each hand! AND, yet again, I didn't get a picture?!?! I really was off my game! I found a trash can in Japan to use as my tripod since I had decided not to bring mine on this trip. I found a unique view that I thought would be fun to take Illuminations shots that involved THIS:

We didn't have to wait long and we noticed that the crowds of the day were nearly ALL gone! This further backed up our theory that the nice weather was bringing out a ton of locals (that probably don't stay for Illuminations). It was beautiful, as always! Obviously at my vantage point, I missed the "Earth" but I wanted some unique shots.

When Illuminations was over, we all heaved a collective sign and took our time slowly exiting the park. Illuminations makes me feel like I've just meditated. Anyone else? It's just so calm. Sigh.

BUT, as we were headed out, Savannah remembered that we had FPs for TT and that she wanted to ride it in the dark. Uh-oh. I told her we had kind of messed up b/c the park was closed now and they weren't running it, and she shed a few tears but was over it by the time we got out of the park. Of course it took us a while b/c I think we were hobbling out at this point, at least I know I was!

took a couple shots of Spaceship Earth on the way out

and we made our way back to the car and finally our room! We were greeted by the plushies, they were all waiting for us thanks to our Mousekeeper!

What a long day! It was wonderful and I had no regrets, although my feet disagreed with me! We all crashed pretty hard, pretty fast...we had a date with Mickey, Pluto, Lilo, & Stitch for breakfast the next morning. Our LAST.DAY. *sob*

 

[giantstoindy]

I can't believe this report is almost over!! Those pictures of France are so beautiful. That's strange about Illuminations and the crowds!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I can't believe this report is almost over!! Those pictures of France are so beautiful. That's strange about Illuminations and the crowds!

I can't either! I don't want it to end, then it will REALLY feel like the trip is over! Luckily I took a lot of pics the last day, that should get us through a few more days here!

 

[ZehnJahren]

WOW, from your meal to Illuminations, your pictures really made me feel like I was there too! Everything looked delicious (I would eat that chicken meal right this very second - that's like my favorite meal all around), and your pics of Illuminations were very unique. I'm sad it's almost over too!

 

[Tink-erin-belle]

Why oh why did I read your posts before lunch? Now I'm starving! I wanted to grab that duck right out of the picture! Chefs is definitely on my list of restaurants for a future trip. I'm glad you guys liked it. You really did have a full day at EP! Your pictures of Illuminations were outstanding! Please, stretch out this TR for as long as you can!

 

[danimaroo]

YAY for France! It's so pretty there. I love that fountain shot you took.

YAY for Les Chefs de France! My next TR update for tomorrow is actually about our experience at Chefs... and WHAT an experience it was. I'm very excited to share it. And I agree with the whole "rude" thing.. Our waiter was so nice and attentive!

Your food looks delish! I want to be back in Disney right now.

Okay, that Napoleon is going on my snack list for next trip. It looks SO amazing! That was one of the few bakeries we didn't make it to, but I think we're going to have to pay it a visit next time!

I wanted to try a Grey Goose slushie, too, but when I saw the size of them I was a little sad. I prefer the huge frozen margarita for the price. But maybe next time!

Beautiful photos of Illuminations and SE. I can't believe your last day is tomorrow, ALREADY! Wah. It went by too fast!

 

[purplepixiedust]

Your photos of France are so pretty. I can't wait until I go to Disney again and can just enjoy the World Showcase. Our first trip we just tried to see so much that we didn't really take time to truly enjoy the atmosphere. That is my goal for our December trip.

I have enjoyed reading your dining reviews and looking at all the photos too. Looks like you had a really great time.

 

[jecskc]

Your Illuminations photos are AMAZING !! Thanks for sharing !!

 

[KatMark]

Okay...I'm back and mostly caught up (you go way too fast on your updates for me; I just started my first Park day on mine ). I skipped the chatter. But I have to say your photos are spectacular; I have never and I mean NEVER seen such great pictures of Illuminations.

We all have a meltdown here and there; I think it comes naturally after all the hard work we put into making our trips perfect.